Do you dream of going to Africa? We have a little Africa for you in Poland. In Wroclaw you can find an oceanarium straight from the Dark Continent. To see it, just go to the city zoo. Is it worth it? Watch our report and fall in love with its charming, exotic inhabitants. We are sure that they will convince you to visit their premises.
Are you looking for an idea to spend your free time? See the best attractions of Wroclaw!
Easy and pleasant trips with mPay
The post was created in cooperation with the mPay brand.
mPay application – what is it?
mPay is a user-friendly application that enables online shopping. Why is it great? Mainly because you have everything in one place. Not only does the application look very nice, it is also easy to use. You simply transfer any amount to your virtual wallet and spend it on selected services and entertainment. Take a look at the tiles in the screenshot below.
mPay – transport tickets
The mPay application is a great thing for people who are constantly on the move. Travelers can easily buy train and public transport tickets in dozens of Polish cities. We tested these functions during our trip to Wroclaw. Everything went smoothly, and we safely took the tram from the city center to the zoo.
mPay – tickets for tourist attractions
We didn’t even have to close the mPay application to purchase tickets to the zoo. A few clicks and the tickets instantly appeared on our phones. Thanks to this solution, we avoided unproductive standing in line at the checkout. We could devote the saved time to enjoying the attraction longer.
mPay – travel insurance
A trip to the Wroclaw Zoo was a taste of an exotic adventure for us. If you’ve seen Afrykarium, you know what we’re talking about. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you to always, without exception, buy travel insurance for your holidays abroad. mPay provides advice and assistance in this matter. In the application you can compare offers and easily buy travel insurance tailored to your needs.
Oceanarium in the Afrykarium in Wroclaw – photos
First, we dispel any doubts. The famous Afrykarium with a complex of swimming pools and an underwater tunnel is located in the Wroclaw zoo. It is an inseparable part of it, which means that a ticket to the zoo is also an entry to the oceanarium. We are confident that you will have no problem locating them. The modern building stands out strongly from the surrounding landscape. Just look at this courtyard!
Okay, but where does this exotic name Afrykarium come from? Rumor has it that its author was Radosław Ratajszczak, who served as the president of ZOO Wroclaw Sp. in 2007-2022. z o. o. He combined the words “Africa” and “aquarium”. And this is how the catchy term for this unique facility on a global scale was created. It was opened to visitors in 2014.
In the Afrykarium there are as many as seven large aquariums inhabited by various species of animals. We have a swimming pool here: the Red Sea, sharks, hippos, manatees, crocodiles, catfish and penguins. Their volume ranges from 260 to 3,600 cubic meters. In addition to representatives of fauna, in the water kingdom you can also admire fragments of coral reef and tropical vegetation.
The main attraction of Wroclaw’s Afrykarium is, of course, the tunnel where you can walk in the company of a group of swimming animals. Walking along the transparent corridor, we had the impression that we were moving on the bottom of the ocean. We were surrounded by glass (or rather: acrylic). Predatory sharks, powerful rays and other species of tropical fish swam above our heads. And the real gem of the oceanarium – the sea turtle.
In subsequent water bodies, we saw several mammals that feel (and literally behave) like fish in the water. It turned out that despite their enormous mass, Nile hippos can move quite agilely in the pool. We confused a gracefully diving African fur seal with a sea lion (honours!). We also met a (not very dynamic) Caribbean manatee that cannot go on land and spends its entire life in the water.
In addition to fish and mammals, reptiles and birds are also well represented in the Wroclaw Oceanarium. The Nile crocodile is terrifying even when it remains completely motionless. Cape penguins, on the other hand, put on quite a circus show. Aquariums with space jellyfish also caught our attention. Among the fish, the goliath itajara, moray eel and lionfish stood out the most.
I don’t know about you, but we often wonder about the technical aspects of how certain attractions work. Surrounded by water on all sides, we began to estimate how much of it was here. And we found such information on the website of the Wroclaw Zoo. It turns out that 1,500,000 liters of water circulate throughout the facility. It could successfully fill 6 Olympic swimming pools, and its total weight is 15,000 tons. The numbers are impressive, aren’t they?
It’s time to surface. This is us! Outside they are dry, but mentally they are completely immersed in the underwater world. A visit to the oceanarium made us think about the Dark Continent. We definitely recommend the Wroclaw Oceanarium. Apart from a simple walk, you can also eat a meal or drink aromatic coffee in the Laguna restaurant. And if you would like to organize a special event here – elegant conference rooms are available for rent.
Zoo Wroclaw – photos
Although the Wroclaw Oceanarium arouses the greatest interest among visitors, it is not just the swimming pools that make up the local zoo. Various land animals also live in the Afrykarium. In addition, the Wroclaw zoo includes, among others: a monkey house, an aviary, a terrarium, a savannah, an elephantarium and a ranch. Many species of animals from all over the world live on the ground and in the air. Now they have their 5 minutes on Travel-Mates. 🙂 Below, our private TOP 10 of the Wroclaw zoo.
- Zebras and giraffes (1st place ex aequo). According to Wiolczi and Patryk, these are the most characteristic symbols of every zoo. These two species effectively remind travelers of a hot savannah. And for cinema fans – the most touching scenes from Disney’s “The Lion King”.
- Turtles. Instead of dreaming about a trip to the Galapagos, go to Wroclaw. One of the largest tortoises (and more specifically: desert tortoises) looks like they come from another planet. Believe it or not, the above photo does not convey the gigantic size of these reptiles.
- Red pandas (also called little pandas). They look like a cross between a raccoon and a bear. These charming predatory mammals can easily climb to the tops of trees. They are not only agile, but also ultra-cute. And the Wroclaw “exhibits”… exceptionally large and fat.
- Bats. We had the opportunity to visit a cave full of bats, but the specimens there were much smaller. We didn’t manage to see any of them in flight, but take our word for it that the hanging, fluffy, black cocoons in the photo are actually really big. They look a little cute and a little creepy.
- Lion. The king of beasts (or in this case maybe more… sleeping beauty?) traditionally took a nap during our visit. Lions – regardless of age and gender – always have something majestic about them. And just a small note to the guardians: maybe it would be worth investing a little and changing the interior design of his enclosure?
- Słoń. What particularly caught our attention was the short distance between the tourist and the animal. The elephants will definitely not get out of the fenced area, but you better be careful that none of them accidentally sprinkles sand from its trunk on you during their ‘daily routine’. 😉
- Kangaroos. Do you remember all those videos of aggressive, muscular marsupials in action? Wroclaw’s kangaroos are nothing like the muscular, fighting boxers from the Internet. On the contrary. They relax carelessly in their enclosure, transporting visitors to the distant corners of wild Australia (unfortunately, only in their thoughts).
- Alpacas. Without a doubt, they deserve the title of the most “smiling” and carefree animal in the zoo. They always stay in groups, they are vegetarians, and they can easily adapt to new conditions. Their gentle nature is used in… alpaca therapy.
- Rhinos. Do you think they also look like they live in armored, multi-layer armor? Unfortunately, this is not the case, which is a pity, because maybe it would save them from attacks by ruthless poachers. Their most valuable treasure, and at the same time cursed, is a curved horn that can reach a length of up to 25 centimeters.
- Saber-horned oryx. Standing by his pen, we wondered how it is possible that these animals… don’t get tangled in each other’s horns? Seriously, did you know that oryxes can survive even several weeks without water? They are supposedly better at this than camels.
You have already completed a subjective review of the inhabitants of the Wroclaw Zoo. It’s time for you to go on an adventure on your own and find your favorites. Good luck!
Afrykarium and zoo in Wroclaw – tickets
Ticket prices to the Wroclaw Zoo (including the Afrykarium) are as follows:
- Normal ticket – PLN 70.
- Reduced ticket – PLN 60.
- Student ticket – PLN 65.
- Family ticket (2+3) – PLN 230.
- Children under 3 years of age and seniors over 75 years of age they enter for free.
- Normal group ticket – PLN 60.
- Reduced group ticket – PLN 50.
- Zoo enthusiasts can purchase an annual card, which allows them unlimited access to the zoo 365 days a year.
- A normal card costs PLN 120, and a reduced one – PLN 80.
Zoo Wroclaw – opening hours
The Wroclaw Zoo is open 365 days a year (and even 366 in leap years).
Opening hours vary depending on the month.
November – February
- Zoo area and Afrykarium
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-16:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-17:00
- 25/12 and 26/12: 09:00-17:00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 09:00-14:00
- New Year’s Day: 11:00-17:00
- Pavilions
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-16:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-16:00
- 25/12 and 26/12: 09:00-16:00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 09:00-14:00
- New Year’s Day: 11:00-16:00
- Cash registers, vending machines, POKs
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-15:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-16:00
- 25/12 and 26/12: 09:00-16:00
- 24/12 and 31/12: 09:00-13:00
- New Year’s Day: 11:00-16:00
April – September
- Zoo area and Afrykarium
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-18:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-19:00
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in April): 11:00-19:00
- Pavilions
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-17:45
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-18:45
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in April): 11:00-18:45
- Cash registers, vending machines, POKs
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-17:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-18:00
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in April): 11:00-18:00
March and October
- Zoo area and Afrykarium
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-17:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-18:00
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in March): 11:00-18:00
- Pavilions
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-17:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-17:00
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in March): 11:00-17:00
- Cash registers, vending machines, POKs
- Monday – Thursday: 09:00-16:00
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 09:00-17:00
- Easter Sunday (if it falls in March): 11:00-17:00
Afrykarium and zoo in Wroclaw – visiting time
- The estimated time to visit the Afrykarium itself is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. During this time, you will definitely be able to see all its inhabitants.
- A leisurely walk around the rest of the Wroclaw Zoo will take you about 2.5 – 3 hours.
- If you want to grab a bite to eat or plan to come with children who will probably want to take advantage of additional attractions, spend a total of about 5-6 hours visiting the Wroclaw ZOO.
Zoo Wroclaw – how to get?
Zoo Wroclaw can be found at: Zygmunta Wróblewskiego 1-5. You can easily get here by any means of transport.
- Traditionally, we encourage ecological walking and cycling trips – the zoo is located about 3 kilometers from the center of Wroclaw (45 minutes on foot or less than 15 minutes by bike).
- Bus. There is a Hala Stulecia bus stop nearby.
- Tram. The closest stops will be Hala Stulecia or ZOO.
- Car. Although the Wroclaw Zoo does not have its own parking spaces for guests, you can use the paid parking lot at the Centennial Hall (entrance from Kopernika Street). You will pay PLN 10 for an hour of parking for a passenger car, and PLN 20 for a bus. The parking lot is a few minutes’ walk from the zoo.
Afrykarium and zoo in Wroclaw – interesting facts and tips
- The zoo in Wroclaw is the oldest zoo in Poland. It was opened on July 10, 1865.
- There are over 10,000 animals living in the Wroclaw Zoo. They are representatives of over 1,100 species.
- The zoo area covers as much as 33 hectares. It’s a huge area. There is quite a lot of greenery inside. Walking around the zoo, you will feel like you are in a huge park.
- Parents beware! The Wroclaw Zoo has attractions for children that can significantly extend your family visit. Mini-zoo, feeding demonstrations, rope park, VR cinema and, of course, the opportunity to buy lovely souvenirs.
- The good news is that if you run out of energy, you can take advantage of the relatively rich gastronomic offer. You can choose from a restaurant, a cafe and inns.
Zoo Wroclaw – reviews
- Patrix – 7/10. Afrykarium is great! Huge aquariums in which you can even see hippos taking a bath look epic. Watching penguins while swimming, being able to look at a sea turtle (it looks like something out of a fairy tale!), or coming face to face with a shark are incredibly pleasant feelings. Unfortunately, the rest of the Wroclaw zoo is not as good as the Afrykarium. The zoo is dirty, there are few animals in the enclosures and in the case of smaller species it is difficult to find them (we were not able to locate even the otters). Instead of toys, many animals have an old car tire thrown around. The modern, beautiful Arykarium contrasts strongly with the rest of the facility.
- Wiolczix – 8/10. (Afrykarium: 10/10. Zoo: 6/10.) I will start the assessment of the Wroclaw zoo with its undoubtedly most beautiful part, the Afrykarium. Even from the outside, the building makes an impressive impression and looks really modern. The interior looks similar. Of course, the biggest attraction is the acrylic tunnel through which you can walk, admiring exotic aquatic animals from below (the sea turtle is the coolest, it’s worth waiting for it to swim). The number of specimens in the entire Afrykarium is so large that it is sometimes even a bit overwhelming. (If anything, it’s a compliment.) You’ll definitely like it here. The rest of the garden looks much worse. In many places it is simply dirty, animals have food and toys scattered around, and the enclosures look neglected. Of course, I don’t know anything about running a zoo, but it would be enough to clean it up a bit to make the facility’s permanent residents more comfortable to live in. And even if they don’t care, at least their “human guests” would have a better opinion of what they saw here.
Afrykarium and zoo in Wroclaw – FAQ
How much does a ticket to the Afrykarium and Zoo in Wroclaw cost?
A regular ticket to the Wroclaw Zoo costs PLN 70, a reduced ticket – PLN 60, a family ticket – PLN 230, and a group ticket – PLN 50/60 (concession/normal). Children under 3 and seniors over 75 enter for free. The zoo also offers annual cards and gift vouchers.
Is there one ticket to the zoo and Afrykarium?
Yes. An entrance ticket to the Wroclaw Zoo also entitles you to enter the Afrykarium.
How much time does it take to walk through ZOO Wroclaw?
Visiting the entire zoo in Wroclaw will take you about 5 hours. Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for a leisurely walk through the Afrykarium, the most popular attraction among tourists. The rest of the zoo – with all the additional attractions – takes an additional 3 hours of walking.
Are the Afrykarium and the Oceanarium in Wroclaw the same?
Yes. The Afrykarium in Wroclaw is an oceanarium where you can admire the aquatic and land ecosystems of Africa. There are huge swimming pools, aquariums and animal enclosures. There is no other competitive oceanarium in Wroclaw.
What is the oldest zoo in Poland?
The oldest zoo in Poland is located in Wroclaw. It was opened to visitors in July 1865.
Zoo Wroclaw – map
Zoo Wroclaw is located on the so-called Wielka Wyspa, near the Centennial Hall, in the Śródmieście district.
