Giza Zoo, Orman Garden to reopen in September 2025 after major revamp
Hadayieq Company, the entity overseeing the redevelopment, management, and operation of Giza Zoo and Orman Garden, showcased the final design of the revitalization project at ITB Berlin—the world's largest tourism exhibition—held from 4 to 6 March 2025. The company announced that the official reopening is scheduled for September 2025.
Hadayieq aims to reposition these historic attractions as premier global destinations for adventure and exploration, restoring their significance on the international tourism map. To achieve this, the company is collaborating with top international consultants and experts to ensure the highest standards in animal care, heritage conservation, and botanical garden maintenance.
Mohamed Kamel, Chairperson of Hadayieq, described the project as a transformative milestone in Egypt's entertainment and tourism industry. 'This redevelopment seamlessly blends innovation and modernity with a rich historical legacy. Our vision is to elevate Giza Zoo and Orman Garden into world-class attractions that offer an immersive experience combining entertainment, education, and environmental conservation,' he stated.
The renovation will modernize Giza Zoo while preserving its historic landmarks, connecting it to Orman Garden via an underground tunnel for seamless access. Redesigned enclosures and pathways will enhance the visitor experience, with new attractions including live sea lion, bird, and elephant shows, an underwater viewing area for hippos, a glass-domed meerkat exhibit, and an interactive ring-tailed lemur experience. Visitors can also participate in animal feeding sessions and guided tours.
For a unique stay, the newly introduced Giza Zoo Safari Glamping will offer luxury accommodations immersed in nature. The Zoo Antique Bazaar will feature handcrafted souvenirs, while new restaurants and cafés will provide diverse dining options to enrich the overall experience.
Giza Zoo, spanning 112 feddans, is home to approximately 3,000 historic trees, rare plant species, and 186 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Established during the reign of Khedive Ismail, it holds the distinction of being Africa's first zoo, the Middle East's oldest, and the third oldest worldwide.
The revamped Giza Zoo and Orman Garden promise to offer a dynamic fusion of history, nature, and entertainment, securing their place as must-visit destinations on the global tourism map.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Today
29-03-2025
- Egypt Today
In pics: Get to know Port Said's Ferial Historical Garden
Port Said's Ferial Historical Garden CAIRO - 29 March 2025: Ferial Garden is one of the oldest tourist and historical landmarks in Port Said Governorate. Its unique location at the northern entrance to the Suez Canal makes it a prime destination for locals and tourists alike. The garden has witnessed significant historical events, most notably the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal during the reign of Khedive Ismail, making it a symbol of Egyptian heritage. Located in the Sharq District, near the Canal Zone and Martyrs' Square, Ferial Garden directly overlooks the Suez Canal waterway, offering a captivating panoramic view of passing ships. It was established in 1869 by order of Khedive Ismail as part of the preparations for the Suez Canal opening ceremony. This particular location was chosen as a gathering point for guests and dignitaries invited to this global event, most notably Empress Eugenie, who was a prominent attendee at the legendary celebration. The park is part of Port Said's historical memory, as it is associated with various stages of the city's development and the history of the Suez Canal. During the British occupation (1882–1956), the park witnessed political transformations in Egypt, including the Tripartite Aggression of 1956, when Port Said was a center of resistance and witnessed some of the effects of bombing. National celebrations following the victory of the October 1973 War also took place, becoming a destination for celebrations and festivals. Ferial Park features a classic design that combines European and Egyptian styles. It includes: Large green spaces: The park provides comfortable places for walking and relaxation, with various types of trees and flowers planted, and seating areas overlooking the Suez Canal, designed to provide a clear view of passing ships. It features memorials and historical plaques that highlight the most important milestones in the history of Port Said and the Suez Canal. The park also features an open-air theater used for cultural and artistic events and national festivals, and a tourist promenade that provides an enjoyable experience for visitors who wish to enjoy the panoramic view of the waterway.
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-03-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
EXPLAINER: Souq El-Ataba — historic Cairene market gets modern makeover - Urban & Transport
Egypt's famous Ataba market, known for its congestion and historic value, will be revamped by the Ministry of Local Development, in cooperation with Cairo Governorate and UN-Habitat to make it safer, more organized, and visually appealing for merchants and visitors, per a ministry statement. Souq El-Ataba, or Ataba Market, emerged in 1869 when Khedive Ismail desired a stone marketplace similar to those in France and Turkey, per the Cairo Governorate website. Since then, Ataba has become Cairo's most famous open market, serving as a bustling commercial hub for well over a century. The market is a stone's throw away from the famous Ataba Square [transliterated to Threshold Square], which predates the market by decades. Due to its historical significance, the Ministry of Local Development, the Cairo Governorate, and UN-Habitat initiated a comprehensive redevelopment plan to enhance infrastructure, improve safety, and preserve the area's cultural heritage. The infrastructure improvement will focus on pedestrian flow to solve the congestion problem, while the safety measures will prioritize fire safety. The redevelopment will also provide a dignified working environment for vendors and a better shopping experience for visitors. Once complete, the new Ataba Market will serve as a model for revitalizing other traditional markets across Cairo. Phase One: Key Developments Cost: The initial phase will cost EGP 28 million and will be funded by the Ministry of Local Development. The initial phase will cost EGP 28 million and will be funded by the Ministry of Local Development. Infrastructure Upgrades: The project includes major improvements in water supply and drainage. The project includes major improvements in water supply and drainage. Relocation of Vendors: To facilitate renovations, street vendors from El-Aseeli, El-Gohary, and Youssef Naguib streets have been temporarily moved to Ataba Garage until the project is complete. To facilitate renovations, street vendors from El-Aseeli, El-Gohary, and Youssef Naguib streets have been temporarily moved to Ataba Garage until the project is complete. New Vendor Spaces: Instead of traditional ground displays, 473 structured vendor tables will be introduced to create an organized marketplace that benefits sellers and customers. The redevelopment will also ensure that permanent shopfronts, which were previously obstructed by street vendors, regain visibility and accessibility. Instead of traditional ground displays, 473 structured vendor tables will be introduced to create an organized marketplace that benefits sellers and customers. The redevelopment will also ensure that permanent shopfronts, which were previously obstructed by street vendors, regain visibility and accessibility. Building Facelift: Historic facades of buildings that have distinctive architectural styles will be restored and painted, and unsightly elements - such as exposed electrical wires - will be removed in coordination with the National Organization for Urban Harmony. Historic facades of buildings that have distinctive architectural styles will be restored and painted, and unsightly elements - such as exposed electrical wires - will be removed in coordination with the National Organization for Urban Harmony. Comprehensive Safety Measures: Upgraded civil protection and fire safety systems will be introduced to ensure public security. Upgraded civil protection and fire safety systems will be introduced to ensure public security. Pedestrian-Friendly Pathways: Safer and more accessible walkways will be developed to allow smooth movement for shoppers and traders alike. Broader Redevelopment Efforts in Ataba The Ministry of Local Development redevelopment project is an extension of several government efforts to redevelop the area since 2019, following multiple fires that caused significant losses. In 2024, the government launched an initiative to upgrade Ataba Square and the surrounding Moski area to highlight the urban aesthetic and improve infrastructure as part of the country's effort to develop Khedivial Cairo into a modern tourist and urban destination, restoring its status as 'Paris of the East.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
14-03-2025
- Egypt Independent
Photos: Giza Zoo and Orman Garden to reopen in 2025 with new designs, renewed tourism focus
Hadaiq Company has revealed when the iconic Orman Garden and Giza Zoo will unveil their dramatic transformation to the public The company, specializing in the management and operation of parks and recreational facilities and responsible for the development, management, and operation of Orman Garden and Giza Zoo, unveiled the final design of the development project during its participation in the Berlin International Tourism Fair. The development plan aims to restore Orman Garden and Giza Zoo to the recreational tourism map once again. The company said that the official opening of the parks to the public will come after the completion of the development operations, which will be in September 2025. It clarified that the development process aims to provide a unique recreational experience at the highest international levels through an alliance with a selection of international consultants and specialized experts to ensure the highest standards of animal care, preservation of heritage, and maintenance of botanical gardens, enabling visitors to enjoy a blend of entertainment and historical heritage. Mohamed Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hadaiq, which is in charge of developing the Giza Zoo and Orman Garden, said: 'This project represents a qualitative leap in the entertainment and tourism industry in Egypt, as it combines innovation and modernity with the preservation of a rich historical legacy.' Integrated entertainment experience Kamel added: 'We aim, through the development of Orman Garden and Giza Zoo, to provide an integrated experience that combines entertainment, education, and environmental preservation, which reflects our vision of making the park on the list of tourist destinations not only in the region but in the whole world.' He clarified that the work was done through cooperation with a selection of international consultants and experts to ensure the achievement of the highest standards of animal care and heritage preservation, and to provide an environment that combines modern attraction with the classic character that distinguishes the park. Abdel Fattah Fayzi, Managing Director of Hadaiq, stressed the need to support Egyptian tourism and enhance its position as a global attraction center for adventurers and tourists, and to attract more visitors from all over the world. He added that Egypt has won the bid to host the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) conference for the first time in the zoo, which is an important event that enhances Egypt's position as a leading destination in the field of animal care and wildlife conservation. Development plan The development plan is considered a qualitative leap for the zoo to become an integrated entertainment destination suitable for all ages and categories, and it relies mainly on open spaces, which will be the basis upon which the new design of the two parks will be based, after they are connected together through a tunnel. The animal enclosures have been redesigned and all walkways have been developed while preserving their historical character. The archaeological and heritage character of all 8 historical landmarks within the park has also been preserved, including the Eiffel Bridge, the Japanese Hall, the Royal Hall, Tea Island, the Giza Mountain, and the Animal Museum, enhancing the unique heritage value of the park. Live performances In addition to preserving the archaeological character, a number of attractive and modern activities have been introduced for adventure enthusiasts, including live shows with sea lions, birds, and elephants, the establishment of a glass dome for the meerkat, the ring-tailed lemur experience from Madagascar, and underwater viewing of hippos. Families and children can also enjoy interactive experiences like animal feeding and behind-the-scenes tours with the zoo's expert keepers.. The Giza Zoo is considered the largest zoo within a city, spanning an area of 112 acres, and contains approximately 3,000 historical trees, some rare plants, and an exceptional collection of 186 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It was opened during the era of Khedive Ismail to be the first zoo in Africa and the Middle East, and the third oldest zoo in the world.
