One of Pakistan's oldest zoos, opened in the 19th century, with gardens, an aquarium section and a long-running collection of native and exotic wildlife.
Karachi Zoo occupies a large green plot on Nishtar Road in Garden East, one of Pakistan's oldest zoos, tracing its origins to the late 19th century. Shaded walking paths wind through enclosures holding native and exotic species, including big cats, elephants, primates and a range of birds, alongside a small aquarium building. The grounds function as much as a public garden as a zoo, with mature trees offering relief from Karachi's heat and open lawns used by families for picnics. Enclosure standards vary across the site, with some older sections showing their age, so expectations should be set for a traditional municipal zoo rather than a modern wildlife park. A full walk through the grounds and aquarium takes about 1.5-2 hours. Wednesdays are reserved for women and children only, which changes the visitor mix on that day; early morning or early evening visits avoid both the midday heat and the largest weekend crowds.
| Admission | Adult PKR 30 (approx $0.11) · Child Reduced children's rate, typically under PKR 20 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8:00AM-8:00PM; Wednesdays reserved for women and children only |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or early evening, avoiding midday heat |
| Getting there | Garden East neighborhood in central Karachi; reachable by taxi or rickshaw |
| Address | Nishtar Rd, Garden East, Karachi, Sindh 74400, Pakistan |
Weather through the year in Sindh
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sindh.
Location
Nishtar Rd, Garden East, Karachi, Sindh 74400, Pakistan
24.8762, 67.0286 View on map
Highlights
- Historic zoo grounds dating to the 19th century
- Native and exotic wildlife including big cats and elephants
- Small on-site aquarium building
- Shaded walking paths and picnic lawns
- Women-and-children-only visiting day on Wednesdays
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning or early evening to avoid midday heat
- Wednesdays are reserved for women and children, so plan a different day for mixed-group visits
- Entry is inexpensive at PKR 30, with no need to book ahead
- Bring water, as shaded rest areas are limited in some sections
- Set expectations for older-style enclosures rather than a modern zoo layout
When to visit
Early morning or early evening, avoiding midday heat.
Accessibility
The zoo's paths are mostly flat and walkable, though some older enclosure areas have uneven surfaces that may be difficult for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Karachi Zoo take?
Walking the full grounds and aquarium typically takes 1.5-2 hours.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes, the zoo is a popular family outing, though Wednesdays are restricted to women and children only.
Is photography allowed at Karachi Zoo?
Photography is generally permitted throughout the grounds and enclosures.