Festive entertainment for the whole family at Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo
By CityLife Arts Writer
If you drove past Zoo Lake and you notice some amazing lights lighting up the skies, do not be in a panic thinking that the Zoo is on fire. Well it is actually on fire of a different kind, as whole programme of entertainment is currently taking place there till January next year. This is the season of the popular annual Festival of Fire.
The lights are aglow once more, and the Festival of Lights Joburg Festival of Lights is underway with the Joburg Zoo criss-cross walkways lit by an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters. This past week it was the ever-popular Bongi Mthombeni bringing his voice and high energy to the Festival of Lights stage.
Open from 7pm – 10pm daily except on Mondays, visitors can enjoy Mthombeni’s charismatic charm and an array of Christmas carols until 4 December. From 6 -11 December the Art of Dance and Voice SA star Yahto Kraft will perform on Centenary Lawns under the Tree of Light.
Sassy, fashion-forward and richly talented Yahto Kraft’s performance will delight all and ensure an extra special visit to this year’s Festival of Lights. The Art of Dance studio complements the programme with their upbeat performances and energy.
The Festival of Lights is a unique opportunity to explore the zoo after dark, when many nocturnal animals are most active. The lights used for the festival displays are LEDs so as not to be disruptive to animals and certain areas of the zoo will remain off-limits during the evening to ensure those animals who usually sleep are not disturbed. A selection of animal enclosures are open during the evening, specifically those around the illuminated walkways.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics (strictly no alcohol) and camp chairs. There are a selection of food stalls including Sausage Saloon, Chip n dip, Curry corner and Chic Inn, Fabulous foods with pregos, waffles and gourmet hot dogs and House of Chefs. STAGES Restaurant at the
Main entrance, opposite Tree of lights offers sit down options.
Ticket prices are R165 for adults, R90 for pensioners and R85 for children 3-12 years. Children under 3 years of age enter for free. Tickets can be purchased from www.joburgtheatre.com or
www.webtickets.co.za.