Pairi Daiza is taking measures against expected crowds: park open longer, more trains and useful tip for when you are inside

The combination of good weather and a public holiday meant that it was quite busy in (and around) Pairi Daiza on Thursday. Because the rest of the extended weekend promises to be sunny, the zoo in Brugelette has taken some measures to ensure that “everything is as pleasant as possible”.

There were some people on social media who complained that they had to wait a long time to reach the park and it was also mentioned in the traffic reports on the radio: it was busy in and around Pairi Daiza on Thursday. “We also expect a lot of people on Friday, the day on which we unveil a new ‘world’ in the park, and during the weekend,” says spokesperson Jens Van Herp. “But that is always the case when the weather is good, and that will be no different in other zoos and amusement parks in the Benelux. And in the meantime, we are doing everything we can to make everything go as smoothly and pleasantly as possible for everyone.”

READ ALSO. Suddenly there is baby fever in our zoos, but where does it come from? “Very happy moments for us”

Towards the park

This is what the next few days will be like more trains added towards Cambron-Casteau station, from where it is only a few minutes’ walk to the park entrance. “We advise those who come by car Don’t rely on Waze, because you can get stuck in the small farm roads in the hamlets around Pairi Daiza,” says Van Herp. “Instead, follow the orange/black signs that indicate the designated route towards the park.”

“We advise those who come by car not to rely on Waze, because you can get stuck in the small farm roads in the hamlets around Pairi Daiza.”

Jens Van Herp

Spokesperson Pairi Daiza

The next few days is the park is also open longer: on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. “It is usually busiest around opening time,” says Van Herp. “Due to the longer opening hours, you can choose to arrive a little later and still spend a lot of time in the park.” (Read more below the photo)

In the park

Measures are also being taken in the park itself to counter the crowds. Be like that all catering points – from the gastronomic restaurant to the candy and ice cream stalls – open all the time in the park, “so that everyone can easily get food and drinks”. “We also monitor the crowds in the souvenir shops and call it a day when it is a bit calmer there. Anyone who wants to buy something does not necessarily have to wait until they are at the exit.”

Pairi Daiza also has one maximum capacity in terms of number of visitors, although this is rarely if ever achieved. “If that is the case, we will intervene and no longer sell tickets.”

READ ALSO. What is the cheapest amusement park, how can you keep the price down elsewhere, and what is new? “With this tip you can do a double take”

Finally, a useful tip: “Most people choose to look at the pandas immediately after arrival,” says the spokesperson. “As a result, it can be very busy there, especially at the beginning of the day. However, Pairi Daiza is 75 hectares in size and, especially when it opens, there are points further in the park where no one is there yet. We advise to to start in such a remote corner and then make your way back towards the exit.”

READ ALSO. The special story of 10 years of pandas in Pairi Daiza: “The scandal was so big that I was convinced it was over”