Hope Botanical Garden and Zoo
Hope Botanical Garden and Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
A children's zoo and beautifully manicured gardens are highlights of this spot.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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130 within 5 kms
Attractions
36 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Nick P68 contributionsGood day out for the familyA little way out from Kingston, taken together these attractions provide the basis for a pleasant day out away from the noise and bustle of downtown. The gardens are divided into various sections with different attractions. The zoo is located beyond the gardens and has a separate entrance fee. As with all zoos, the animals are not always visible. It is developing and new attractions are being added. Both attractions are managed by passionate staff.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
- 332annett12 contributionsGreat Family Experience and Learning Environment.We always enjoyed going to the Hope Zoo since childhood. For our party of five, it was really good to revisit and see the improvements to the facilities and amenities, especially the paved walk ways which allowed for wheelchair access and ease of circulation to the various installations—also for seniors with mobility issues, baby strollers, etc. Well-kept landscaping was aesthetically pleasing and most encouraging was the interactive and educational encounters with the staff. Please consider a few recommendations to improve on the experience: Designate disabled parking in the front parking lot, reduce the gradient of some ramps that are too steep for wheelchair access to bathrooms and animal enclosures, extend paved wheelchair access to picnic tables, include healthier food options (only one outlet was open with fried foods and sugary drinks were available on the day of our visit).Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 3, 2024
- Antoinette J1 contributionPAYING TO USE THE RESTROOM? RIDICULOUSSo I went to see uncle Chris initially great historian on all things Jamaica he is responsible for the tour in the Chinese garden. Long story short he was not there and I needed to use the restroom they were charging to use a public restroom. I was so disgusted it ruined my whole experience. Please go for the beauty and splendor, but do not eat or drink unless you want to pay 50jmd to use the restroom.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten July 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
79 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
42
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Titanium
Jamaica35 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The zoo’s property is well kept, with a decent amount of staff and well cared for animals.
The snack counter - The Hungry Hut is strategically placed on the property, however, seemed limited in snack options especially because no outside food is allowed at the zoo.
The restrooms were clean; they were constantly monitored and cleaned by staff - this is a BIG PLUS!! keep it up.
The play area can however, use some upgrade - better equipment.
It was an ok visit.
The snack counter - The Hungry Hut is strategically placed on the property, however, seemed limited in snack options especially because no outside food is allowed at the zoo.
The restrooms were clean; they were constantly monitored and cleaned by staff - this is a BIG PLUS!! keep it up.
The play area can however, use some upgrade - better equipment.
It was an ok visit.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie H
London, UK13 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
If you love a nice day out and beautiful surroundings, this is well worth a visit. The staff were so knowledgeable and the tour through the Chinese garden was excellent. We were talked through a number of different plants, trees and wildlife, which was very interesting. The gardens are huge and there was a variety of events taking place - weddings, birthdays, kids entertainment, a curry festival in the zoo - to name a few. Well worth a visit and would definitely go again.
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antoinette J
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Solo
So I went to see uncle Chris initially great historian on all things Jamaica he is responsible for the tour in the Chinese garden. Long story short he was not there and I needed to use the restroom they were charging to use a public restroom. I was so disgusted it ruined my whole experience. Please go for the beauty and splendor, but do not eat or drink unless you want to pay 50jmd to use the restroom.
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
332annett
Kingston, Jamaica12 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We always enjoyed going to the Hope Zoo since childhood. For our party of five, it was really good to revisit and see the improvements to the facilities and amenities, especially the paved walk ways which allowed for wheelchair access and ease of circulation to the various installations—also for seniors with mobility issues, baby strollers, etc. Well-kept landscaping was aesthetically pleasing and most encouraging was the interactive and educational encounters with the staff. Please consider a few recommendations to improve on the experience: Designate disabled parking in the front parking lot, reduce the gradient of some ramps that are too steep for wheelchair access to bathrooms and animal enclosures, extend paved wheelchair access to picnic tables, include healthier food options (only one outlet was open with fried foods and sugary drinks were available on the day of our visit).
Written April 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
calidris1
Mount Holly, VT182 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
The Chinese Gardens are a real treat, especially if you walk with Christopher the guide. He has a wealth of knowledge of the magnificent trees, flowers, birds, and Chinese structures. You will want to give him a tip for his company. A great way to see nature. Also next to open park grounds available for walking and family picnics. Don't miss the farmers market on Saturdays.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guide27122
Kingston, JA1 contribution
I've went to the Hope Zoo when i was a little girl because i used to live very near to it in Hope Pastures. I went there recently and all though there arent as much animals as before (monkeys&lions) i was still impressed in that they have made some improvements (petting zoo, birds and snakes). The only problem i found was that the grass and trees needed some working on. I wont blame the zoo operators for that too much because the jamaican sun can get really hot. But for such a small country like jamaica i was really impressed, especially with the petting zoo.
Written March 12, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NovieW
Los Angeles, CA68 contributions
May 2014 • Family
The garden was not very exciting, more like a park, nice for a picnic. My husband went inside to the zoo with some family members, but they were disappointed that there were only a few monkeys, snakes, donkeys, some sleeping crocodiles, a lion, far away double fenced off, and way too many birds, with lots of missing descriptions. At $15 per person to enter the zoo, it was not worthy.
Written June 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miketexas1
Washington DC, DC1 contribution
Feb 2014
Thats is the worst place where you can go in kingston. we went their and parked our car in front of the tea tree restaurant. after less than a hour in the garden we came back we realised that our car was broken into and all our staff was gone. Parking was for a fee and it is still not safe.
Written February 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
W L
Blue Castle; Jamaica76 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Additional animal now on site making it a more powerful experience. I won't let the secrets out the bag. But you can visit their Facebook page for more information.
However Prices have gone thru the proverbial roof.
Adults 1500.00 Jamaica Dollars
Children 1000.00 Jamaican Dollars
A little disappointing... one would have though they would try to recoup over time instead on in an instant. Poor rating for the ZOO because of price increase...Large numbers of disappointed children over this summer school and family trips were cancelled to the ZOO
However Prices have gone thru the proverbial roof.
Adults 1500.00 Jamaica Dollars
Children 1000.00 Jamaican Dollars
A little disappointing... one would have though they would try to recoup over time instead on in an instant. Poor rating for the ZOO because of price increase...Large numbers of disappointed children over this summer school and family trips were cancelled to the ZOO
Written August 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
W L
Blue Castle; Jamaica76 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Facts First
Fee to visit the Hope Zoo 927-1085 Age 3-11 $300 Age 12-adult $500
Opening Hours 6am to 6pm daily
The Shell Bandstand Host a variety of free concerts on most Sundays (Check their Facebook page)
Mention the name Hope Gardens to Jamaicans and you will get; depending on their ages; a happy face lighted eager response or a drab shoulder shrugged response
This is so because in its hay day, The Royal Hope Botanical Gardens (Check wiki for the facts) was the place to be on Sundays after dinner for residents on Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine or the place busloads of out-of-towners took their Sunday Diner. Children are compulsory they make this expansive Gardens of expanse flora and fauna a rite of passage and a must visit for all Jamaicans.
Hurricanes and Storms have taken its toll over the years and the financial burden for the proper upkeep have kept visitors away. But not anymore.
A new and vibrant place visit anyone who needs a “time” out from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a picnic basket a good book or e-reader or don the head phone for a relaxing evening. Huge continuous laws sheltered by huge trees and endless flowers will ensure your open privacy. During the week days you have a run of the place with a few people Bird Watching, doing studies and wedding parties taking their pictures. This experience increases exponentially on Saturdays and especially on Sundays.
Now a Days a few and increasing tourist bus tours can be seen.
The Zoo now host an ever increasing variety of indigenous and imported animals. The Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation, an affiliate of a corporate entity, is partnering with the Government and other public and private stakeholders, to help bring the 60-acre property, which opened in 1961, back to the glory days.
Fee to visit the Hope Zoo 927-1085 Age 3-11 $300 Age 12-adult $500
Opening Hours 6am to 6pm daily
The Shell Bandstand Host a variety of free concerts on most Sundays (Check their Facebook page)
Mention the name Hope Gardens to Jamaicans and you will get; depending on their ages; a happy face lighted eager response or a drab shoulder shrugged response
This is so because in its hay day, The Royal Hope Botanical Gardens (Check wiki for the facts) was the place to be on Sundays after dinner for residents on Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine or the place busloads of out-of-towners took their Sunday Diner. Children are compulsory they make this expansive Gardens of expanse flora and fauna a rite of passage and a must visit for all Jamaicans.
Hurricanes and Storms have taken its toll over the years and the financial burden for the proper upkeep have kept visitors away. But not anymore.
A new and vibrant place visit anyone who needs a “time” out from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a picnic basket a good book or e-reader or don the head phone for a relaxing evening. Huge continuous laws sheltered by huge trees and endless flowers will ensure your open privacy. During the week days you have a run of the place with a few people Bird Watching, doing studies and wedding parties taking their pictures. This experience increases exponentially on Saturdays and especially on Sundays.
Now a Days a few and increasing tourist bus tours can be seen.
The Zoo now host an ever increasing variety of indigenous and imported animals. The Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation, an affiliate of a corporate entity, is partnering with the Government and other public and private stakeholders, to help bring the 60-acre property, which opened in 1961, back to the glory days.
Written April 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the zoo accessible for wheelchairs?
Written December 4, 2018
Are you able to have visitors do small wedding ceremony in the Botanical Gardens where they provide own food, chairs & tables? If so, what is the cost? I live in USA and would like a garden commitment ceremony possible any day from 12/30/15-01/02/16.
Written October 29, 2015
Does the zoo accept USD? How much is the entry fee?
Written February 5, 2015
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