Zoo Lake, Public lake in Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa

Zoo Lake is a public lake in Parkview, Johannesburg, comprised of two connected dams within Hermann Eckstein Park. Walking paths and green spaces surround the water, creating a natural setting in the heart of the city.

The land was part of Braamfontein farm, bought by banker and mining magnate Hermann Eckstein hoping to exploit minerals. When that failed, he laid out a timber plantation named Sachsenwald after Otto von Bismarck's German estate; planting began in 1891 with about three million trees. After Eckstein's death, his partners Wernher Beit & Co and Max Michaelis offered 200 acres to the Johannesburg Town Council in August 1903 for a zoo and Hermann Eckstein Park, on condition the grounds stay open to all races. An artificial lake followed in 1908.

The location brings together people from different communities who gather to attend art exhibitions and music festivals held near the water. These regular events create a meeting place where the city comes together.

Visitors can rent boats for outings, enjoy meals at restaurants, or use the sports facilities at Zoo Lake Sports Club year-round. The location works well for walking, especially if you want to explore the different paths and observe the plants and wildlife.

The Coronation Fountain is a musical fountain built in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and it is a Johannesburg heritage symbol. In 1956 Margot Fonteyn danced Swan Lake on the lake as part of the city's 70th birthday celebrations.