Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting!

Pairi Daiza Belgium located in Brugelette in the province Hainaut, is the largest animal park in the country and offers well over 800 species and over 7000 animals to see and discover.

As it was voted “Best Animal Park in Europe” several years in a row, Pairi Daiza is a definite must-see when you are visiting Belgium!

The park opened its doors in 1993 as Paradisio, but rebranded to Pairi Daiza in 2006 and has been on a steep incline to success ever since. The Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium is becoming more and more popular every year!

We only visited it for the first time in June 2021 and we must say that it’s a gorgeous place to wander around in. And we definitely want to go back one day and spend the night in one of the lodges that offer a direct view of the animals!

Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium Vital Information

Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium Opening Hours

The animal park is open every day, except for a month in winter. In the morning, the park opens at 10 (unless you’re spending the night, then you can enter at 9!) and it usually closes at 6 PM. However, on special occasions, the park stays open later.

Pairi Daiza Address

📍 Domaine de Cambron, 7940 Brugelette

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Zoo Belgium Pairi Daiza: Some History

In 1148, the Abbot of Clairvaux invited twelve Cistercian monks to Cambron at the request of Anselm of Trazegnies, who offered them property on the banks of the Dender River.

The counts of Val de Beaulieu purchased the site and built a castle before selling it to the Domb family, who established the park.

Since its inception in 1982, the reserve has been completely protected. The park was founded as a bird aviary called Paradisio in 1993.

By 2000, the Oasis, a huge greenhouse where additional pets including meerkats, otters, and alligators lived, had opened.

In 2001, the zoo added the Nautilus (aquarium), Nosy Komba (lemurs), and Algoa Bay (brown fur seals) to its roster of attractions.

In 2002, it opened up two new exhibits: Algoa Bay (brown fur seals) and the Madidi Islands (squirrel monkeys).

In 2004, the zoo created a series of suspension bridges that let visitors see exhibitions from above.

The “Dream of Han Wu Di” opened in 2006 and is currently Europe’s largest Chinese garden.

In 2007, aviaries showcasing raptors also opened to the public.

In 2009, “Kingdom of Ganesha”, an Indonesian-themed garden of 4 acres opened at the zoo.

The park changed owners and was rebranded to Pairi Daiza which means “walled garden” or “orchard protected by walls”. This is one of the oldest names for paradise.

Zoo Belgium Pairi Daiza: Review

If you are staying in the hotel, use the entrance on your right. Everyone else should enter through the main gate.

When you enter through the main gate you will get a good feeling of what’s to come.

The first thing that will amaze you is the sheer size of the place! And secondly, how beautiful and well-kept everything is.

The main street (or what we like to call it: the spine) goes all the way through Pairi Daiza and will take you past most of the animal exhibits. In this review, we will start on our right and will take you around the whole park.

Edenya

The name is actually a play on the “Garden of Eden,” symbolizing a pristine wilderness where visitors are merely guests in a vibrant green world. Inside this giant greenhouse, the landscape transitions from a damp, misty rainforest with a powerful 17-meter waterfall to an arid “Dry Forest” filled with thousand-year-old cacti.

As you explore, you might see squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys leaping through the canopy above or head to the Butterfly Valley to walk among thousands of colorful wings.

Beneath the surface, the “Underwater Caves” are styled like a sunken Mayan temple, where you can come face-to-face with sharks, rays, and sea turtles through massive glass walls.

This world is a tribute to the landscapes and history of Latin America, blending a high-tech sustainable ecosystem with over 1,800 plant species and hundreds of authentic artifacts.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in this tropical world, you can enjoy a meal at The Abyss, an underwater restaurant where manatees and sharks swim past your table, or relax in the sunshine at the Sandy Beach self-service restaurant.

If you want to stay the night, there are several themed accommodations available or the dramatic Jaguar Falls and Shark Cove lodges for an unforgettable night right next to the park’s most iconic residents.

Islands of the Rising Sun

The Islands of the Rising Sun is the ninth world at Pairi Daiza, inaugurated to celebrate the park’s thirtieth anniversary. This area is dedicated to the Japanese archipelago, showcasing its unique civilization through a series of islands that highlight the country’s natural beauty, ancestral traditions, and fascinating gardens.

The Islands of the Rising Sun is the ninth world at Pairi Daiza, inaugurated to celebrate the park’s thirtieth anniversary. This area is dedicated to the Japanese archipelago, showcasing its unique civilization through a series of islands that highlight the country’s natural beauty, ancestral traditions, and fascinating gardens. It is designed to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of Japan, offering a peaceful exploration of four main areas inspired by the major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Visitors can encounter several iconic species native to the region or deeply rooted in its culture. One of the highlights is the Japanese Macaque, famous for being the northernmost non-human primate and its ability to withstand cold climates.

You can also see the graceful Sika Deer, the majestic Red-crowned Crane. Other residents include the agile Siamang gibbons, the elusive Raccoon Dog (Tanuki), and the powerful yet peaceful Water Buffalo.

It isn’t just a “Japanese garden” in the traditional sense, but a comprehensive representation of an entire archipelago’s ecosystem and heritage. The design focuses on the harmony between wildlife and the meticulous landscaping for which Japan is famous.

The Last Frontier

The region referred to as “North America” comprises the northern half of Canada and the United States.

It is a long, narrow area that stretches from British Columbia in western Canada all the way down to southern Alaska.

However, it was almost entirely unknown to white men 150 years ago.

Indigenous peoples (Amerindians) lived there, as well as other Indian tribes with intriguing names like the Kwakiutls, Nootkas, and Haida.

That is why they called it the Last Frontier.

🐺 The Alaskan wilderness is also home to magnificent wild animals on land including brown and black bears, timber wolves, moose, white-tailed deer, and pumas.

In the sea, some of its most notable representatives are the Steller sea lion, the great Canadian beaver and the osprey.

When you’re planning on spending the night in Pairi Daiza, this is one of the accommodation areas in the park. You’ll get unlimited access to this area (yes, at night too!) with your stay.

The Land of the Cold

If you go further on in the park, you will find the “Land of the Cold”: the regions of Scandinavia, Lapland, Russia, America, Siberia, or even the Arctic and Antarctica. 

The animals that live in these regions have adapted to survive the cold weather and lack of food.

For example, the arctic fox has a thick coat of fur that helps it keep warm, while the penguin has an insulating layer of feathers.

🐧 The animals in this part of the park include penguins, reindeer, raccoons, Siberian tiger, walrus, and polar bears.

In the Land of the Cold, you can also find an identical reconstruction of a train workplace in the 1920s.

The workshop is not just for show, in fact, it’s fully operational. It’s where the various restorations of the Pairi Daiza train were completed by Pairi Daiza’s enthusiastic staff.

If you are interested in aeroplanes, check out the Beech 18 Aeroplane that flew in from Vancouver. Currently, it is grounded in the hangar, but the plane is fully operational.

You can also book a stay in this part of the park. The rooms and cottages have amazing views over the Land of the Cold animals. Here too, you get unlimited access to this area included in your stay!

The first gastronomic restaurant of Pairi Daiza, le Mökki, can be found here. If you’re coming with kids be aware that the waiting time can be a bit long.

The kingdom of Ganesha

This part of Pairi Daiza will take you back to Eastern Asia.

From the Palace of Ani to the Pura Bunga, or Flower Temple, from the Temple of Angkor to the Artist’s House – it’s nearly impossible to tell you’re not in Indonesia for real.

You will be able to see 10 different kinds of species that roam this part of the world.

🦧 Admire the Sumatran Orangutan, Asian Elephant, Komodo Dragon, Crested Porcupine, White Tiger, Oriental Otter, and Visayan Warty Pig.

As you can imagine, some of these species are more popular to visit than others. So as not to upset any of the animals, we recommend visiting them all. Also, the White Tigers are getting a bit of a star attitude. Can’t have that, right?

In the Kingdom of Ganesha, you can also rediscover your contact with the Earth by taking a walk through the sensory garden.

This trail must be walked barefoot in a simple and quick manner to be massaged, according to reflexology.

The Land of Origins

Next, the Land of Origins will take you on a journey through Africa.

More specifically to The Tamberma village, located in northern Togo along the border with Benin.

The stilted lakeside village of Pairi Daiza was inspired by the famous lakeside village of Ganvié in Benin.

Both were created with the goal of demonstrating to the general public the riches and creativity of African architecture.

You’ll also get to learn more about African art as a whole, as well as its industry and textiles.

In the Country of Origins, there are also images that capture aspects of everyday life, such as a local grocery store, hairdressing styles, magic and voodoo.

Not only is the rich and beautiful history of the continent shown, but present day Africa is also represented in this part of the park.

🦜 You can find more than 30 different kinds of animals such as Wildebeest, ring-taled Lemur, Impala, Hyena, Parrot etc.

And of course the all-time favourites: Zebra, Hippotamus, African Lion, Gorilla, Giraffe, and African Elephant.

If you’re getting hungry, no problem. You can try out Au Bon Foufou, and taste some African specialities.

Or eat at Mersus Emergo, a former whaling ship. On the ship, you’ll have the opportunity to view reptiles and amphibians up-close that are cared for by Carapace.

There’s a lot to do and see in this part of the park, but we can’t wait to show you more!

Cape Austral

Let’s move to Oceania, where we’ll find Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, and the states of Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.

Let us look at the Maori artisans of New Zealand and commemorate the aboriginal culture of more than 60,000 years old!

Let the sound of the didgeridoo guide you through this part of Pairi Daiza.

Lots of birds can be found here such as the Kookaburra, Galah, Crested Pigeon, and Cockatiel.

🦘 When you think about Australia you immediately think of Kangaroos, Koalas and Wombats. Obviously, these cuties can be spotted in the park too.

The Middle Kingdom

The continent of China is just around the corner.

Wander around through the medicinal plant world, or explore the different sculptures and temples.

You’ll encounter the Temple of Delights, of the Earth, and of Compassion, but also the Pavilion of Spring Wisdom, the Four Moons, the Path that Turns, the Path of Contrasts and the Path of Healing.

The architecture of the temples and of the merchant of the tea house is stunning.

🐼 The most famous animal that you will encounter here will be the panda.

In 2014, two giant pandas named Hao Hao (which means “nicely”) and Xing Hui (“twinkling star”) arrived in Pairi Daiza.

Just two years later, Hao Hao gave birth to Tian Bao (“treasure of heaven”), an event that was a first for Pairi Daiza, Belgium and rare for Europe too!

If you’re an adventurer, don’t forget to try the hanging bridges high above the treetops. They’re over 300 meters long.

Don’t miss the Cabinet of Dr Yu. This small pavilion has 6 pools where you can immerge your feet and get your pedicure thanks to the thousands of Garra Rufa or pedicure fish.

A fish pedicure costs €6 (€5 in group) and will take about 15 minutes.

The Temple des Délices, Maison des Saveurs or the Orangerie are the main 3 restaurants in the Middle Kingdom if you are looking for something to eat.

Cambron-by-the sea

An old neoclassical château has been turned into an aquarium.

The bottom of the building, which was constructed in 1854 by Limburg, the architect who built the royal castle of Laeken, now holds large reservoirs and saltwater basins that are home to all sorts of marine creatures, aquatic plants and other organisms.

🌊 Pairi Daiza honours the ocean in the Cambron-by-the-Sea area, paying homage to it and attempting to raise awareness of the many issues that face the planet’s inhabitants today.

Not only many kinds of fish, but also seals and the African Penguin are found here.

The big outdoor playground gives your kids a place to unwind and where you can enjoy an ice cream.

If you prefer pancakes, go to the Phare only a few steps away from the African Penguins.

If you still have time, visit the explorer’s strange cabinet. It houses a one-of-a-kind collection of both horribly genuine and cleverly fraudulent items.

To give you an idea of what you will find here, check out the lamb foetus with 8 legs or the cat mummies.

Cambron Abbey

On the courtyard of the former farm of Cambron Abbey, you get to know farm animals and other not-so-exotic species.

This section will also introduce you to a variety of birds.

🦜 Pairi Daiza is the only zoo in Europe where visitors can see Spix’s macaws. This bright blue parrot is officially extinct in the wild, meaning every living individual exists only through conservation programs and breeding centers.

The zoo recently celebrated its first Spix’s macaw chick

You’ll encounter other species and families, such as mischievous meerkats who are always on guard, the Capybara, the Giant Anteater, the Angora Goat, and the Vulture.

Their names’ exoticism is only matched by their strange appearance.

The Lighthouse offers a variety of sweet and savory snacks, ranging from cocktails and chips to refreshing ice cream. You can also enjoy a custom Bubble Tea featuring strawberry, lychee, or mango pearls infused with garden-fresh tea.

Remember at the Land of the Cold where we talked about the workplace of the steam train?

Here is the station where you can take that train and make a trip around the world at a very charming speed of 7km/h. It takes about 20 minutes and you’ll be dropped off at the same location here at Cambron Abbey.

The price of the train ticket is not included in the admission to the park. A separate ticket costs €7 per person (or €6 if you are in a group). You can check the timetables at the station.

Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium Special Experiences

There are 4 additional tours you can book:

🐘 Preparing Elephant Food

The first one is all about preparing lunch for the elephants and hiding the food in their territory. This is great to do with kids (minimum age is 3 years old, otherwise, they must be accompanied by a paying adult). This tour costs €7,50.

🦭 Meeting the sea Lion

The second one you can have an exclusive meeting with stellar lions and see them from as close as 1 meter. This tour lasts 30 min and costs 65 euros (minimum age 12 years).

🐒 Visiting the squirrel monkeys

The third tour is a private visit to the Sqirrel Monkeys. You will learn a lot about these small monkeys up close and observe them while they have lunch. You are not allowed to feed them yourself.

Be aware this tour is only available in French. A ticket costs €8.5 and lasts 30 minutes (minimum age 3 years).

🦛 Mingling with the Tapirs

Thelast one is cuddling and scratching the tapirs. You have to be minimum 6 years old and understand the French language. A ticket costs €60 and the tour lasts 30 minutes.

✏️ These tours are not available every day, so check out the Pairi Daiza ticket site here.

Become a Zoo Keeper for a Day

We saved the most unique experience for last. Did you always dream about working at a zoo?

Follow this unique experience to be a zoo keeper for 1 day. The day starts at 8h30 and ends at 16h.

The minimum age is 14 years old and this whole day costs €295. If you stay at the resort you get a discount of €62.

Pairi Daiza: prices, tickets & promotions

If you’re all up for visiting Pairi Daiza, you’re probably wondering about the price.

At this moment, if you buy a ticket directly at the gate or online, you’ll pay €43 for a regular ticket.

🧒🏼 A child between age 3 and 11, pays €37.

👴🏻 🧑🏻‍🦽 Discounted tickets are available for seniors age 60+ (€41) and disabled guests (€38).

Because the park isn’t easily accessible by public transport, you are most likely visiting Pairi Daiza by car. So, you will need to buy a parking ticket. This will cost you €13 for the whole day.

A regular year pass for Pairi Daiza costs €132. Kids between 3 and 11 years old pay €122 for a pass.

Pairi Daiza Shops

Are you looking for souvenirs?

Many shops throughout the park offer different kinds of Pairi Daiza memorabilia such as crystals, bracelets, hats, cuddle bears etc.

List of shops:

• All Around the World
• Collector’s Cove
• The Treasures of the Earth
• The Wilderness Shop
• Delicious Shop
• Pairi Daiza Collection
• The Wacky Moose
• The Panda Shop
• La Maison de Thé

Pairi Daiza App

The Pairi Daiza App makes sure you make the most of your visit to the park by providing a map and access to tons of useful information, like where to eat and when the shops are open and when the animals are being fed.

📲 Every week you will have the chance to win a season pass! The app is available for Android and IPhone.

Visiting Pairi Daiza with kids

Visiting Pairi Daiza with kids can be a great experience for the whole family. There are plenty of things to do and see that will keep everyone entertained.

You can go and visit your kid(s) favourite animals first, take a ride on the steam train, play in the different playgrounds (there is even one indoor). There are also plenty of animals to see when it’s raining.

The downside to a day at Pairi Daiza is that literally you need a whole day to see everything. And with smaller kids to walk that long can be very tiring.

But with a buggy or baby carrier and snacks you can enjoy spending the whole day at Pairi Daiza.

If your budget allows, it’s definitely worth booking an overnight stay so you can do half of the park one day and the rest the other day.

Check out the prices of Paira Daiza resort here.

Where to stay at Pairi Daiza?

In Pairi Daiza, you can stay and spend the night in the park close to amazing animals. An immersion experience with half board!

The accommodations are located in the centre of the worlds Edenya, The Last Frontier and The Land of The Cold. These worlds are accessible to resort guests 24 hours a day.

Another plus for an overnight guest is that you have access to the park one hour earlier.

Every reservation includes:

• Access to the Park during your entire stay
• Access to select Worlds is available even after Pairi Daiza’s opening hours, through the designated access path.
• Parking spots reserved for hotel residents only
• American Buffet breakfast for your whole family
• Evening meal (drinks are not included) at restaurants l’Octopus or Izba
• Wellness access for 1 hour and 30 minutes during your stay, available by prior reservation and reserved exclusively for guests of The Last Frontier, The Farmhouse, and The Land of the Cold. (not available for residents of Edenya)
• Free entry to Edenya during Pairi Daiza’s opening hours with no time slot reservation required, plus extended access beyond opening hours.

There are 14 accommodations available for you to choose from.

Rockhaven

Located in Edenya where you can choose between family suites with canyon views or rooms overlooking exotic wildlife like tapirs and monkeys. Each space features a private terrace facing the river, blending refined comfort with the raw beauty of the natural world.

Each room accommodates up to 4 guests, with prices starting at around €228 per person (2 days/1 night).

Jaguar Falls

Jaguar Falls is set in Edenya, offering striking views of the jaguar habitat and cascading waterfalls. The Mayan-inspired architecture features soaring stone vaults across two floors, creating a warm, immersive sanctuary carved directly into the rock.

These rooms accommodate up to 4 guests, with prices starting from about €244 per person (2 days/1 night).

Emerald Retreat

This rainforest treehouse offers a family sanctuary suspended in the canopy, surrounded by natural wood and bathed in soft, green light. From the private terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of squirrel monkeys and exotic birds living within the vibrant Edenya jungle.

Rooms can host up to 4 guests, with prices starting at approximately €244 per person (2 days/1 night).

Shark Cove

Shark Cove sits beside Pairi Daiza’s impressive aquarium, with rooms offering views into the shark habitat. It’s one of the most unique stays in the park, letting guests watch sharks glide past the windows.

Each room accommodates up to 4 guests, with rates beginning at around €244 per person (2 days/1 night).

Riverside Haven – view of the Giant Otter Territory

Set within a stilted fishing village, these rooms blend thatched roofs and natural wood to create a warm, authentic retreat. Relax to the sound of the waterfall while watching giant otters play right before your eyes in a vibrant tropical landscape.

Each room accommodates up to 4 guests, with prices starting at around €228 per person (2 days/1 night).

Riverside Haven – View of the territory of the dwarf hippos and drills

These stilted, wood-framed rooms immerse you in an authentic fishing village atmosphere. Bathed in warm light, the space serves as a timeless refuge where the gentle murmur of the nearby waterfall dictates the pace of your stay.

Rooms sleep up to 4 guests, with prices starting at around €228 per person (2 days/1 night).

Full Moon Lodge

This exceptional lodge, which features a stunning perspective of bears and wolves, is located in The Last Frontier. Immerse yourself in the ultimate legendary experience within a setting inspired by the enchanting world of Anglo-Saxon tales.

Prices start from €281 for 6 adults, 1 child and 1 baby. (2 days/1 night)

white Bear House

Face to face with the largest land predator in the world, the polar bears. Polar Bear House is located in the Land of the Cold. You can choose between 3 types of rooms: Tête-à-tête, Limited view or Panoramic view (family rooms).

Prices start from €196 per person (2 days/1 night).

Native house

With a scenic view of bears and fallow deer in The Last Frontier, these houses made of wood can comfortably hold up to 6 adults, 2 children, and 1 baby.

Prices start from €214 per person (2 days/1 night).

Tiger House

Do you long for an up-close encounter with Siberian tigers, the world’s largest felines? Book your stay at the Tiger house, located in the Land of the Cold.

Prices start from €208 per person (2 days/1 night).

Paddling Bear hotel

The Paddling Bear Hotel is located in the heart of the Last Frontier in exceptional proximity of the Stellar Sea lions.

This hotel has 18 family rooms (which can accommodate up to 4 people and 1 baby) as well as 8 double rooms (able to fit 3 people and 1 baby).

Prices for double rooms start €189 (2 adults, 1 child, and 1 baby), and family rooms (4 adults + 1 baby) at €162.50 per person (2 days/1 night).

Walrus House

In the Land of the Cold you can also find the Walrus House. Thanks to the rooms with underwater view you will be able to be completely one with the walrus.

Prices start at €237 per person (2 days/1 night).

Paddling Bear Lodges

These 4 lodges in the Last Frontier are a mix of comfort and luxury. Each lodge has a living space, private sauna and large terrace with view on the Steller’s Sea Lions.

Prices start at €202 per person (2 days/1 night).

Penguin House

The Penguin House in the Land of the Cold, has 2 type of rooms: Family room with a view and Double room with panoramic view. In either room you will enjoy your view of these cute penguins.

Prices start at €251 per person (2 days/1 night).

Farmhouse Lodge

Guests enjoy exclusive 24-hour access to three park worlds, allowing for private encounters with polar bears, wolves, and tigers long after day visitors leave. This resident-only benefit transforms a stay into a series of unforgettable memories across 75 hectares of wildlife territory.

The lodge accommodates up to 6 guests, with prices starting at around €208 per person (2 days/1 night).

Where to stay near Pairi Daiza

If staying at the zoo doesn’t fit your budget, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options nearby, too. Take a look at this map to see the up-to-date info.

FAQ: Pairi Daiza Zoo Belgium

Please check their opening months before you go and visit Pairi Daiza, because the exact opening data change every year.

Most days the park is open from 10h until 18h. On weekends and summer until 19h, but on some days you can visit until 23h! You can easily check the opening hours here.

The full address: Pairi Daiza – Domaine de Cambron at B-7940 Brugelette (Belgium).

It is 57 km driving from Brussels (approx 1h), 100 km from Antwerp, and 63 km from Ghent.

There are no public transportation options between the train station and Pairi Daiza. SNCB provides combined “Train + Admission to Pairi Daiza” trips for those who wish to visit both places.

We recommend 2 days to visit the park, especially if you want to see everything and take your time.

You could also visit for 1 day but you will need to be strategic about what you want to see and do.

The total area is over 190 acres, like we said it is doable in one day but it will be a very busy one.

Paira Daiza isn’t your typical zoo, so there is a lot to discover.

Wrapping up this guide to Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is one of the best zoos which I have attended. The moment you walk through the gate, you feel as though you’ve been transported to another world of picturesque surroundings and magnificent buildings.

The zoo is impeccably maintained, and you can tell that the animals are well-cared for. Each walkway is designed beautifully with beautiful backgrounds.

You really feel like you are in another part of the world.

Basking in this lovely scenery is a unique and unforgettable experience that no other zoo can match!