The viewpoint is situated on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, a local nature reserve.
The location provides a clear line of sight to the Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat landmarks.
This site is part of a facility that was the first zoo in the world to house and breed penguins.
The viewpoint overlooks the enclosure for the zoo's chimpanzee colony, which includes a complex indoor-outdoor social environment.
The terrain of the zoo, including the hilltop area, was originally part of a 19th-century private estate named 'Corstorphine House'.
The Hilltop Viewpoint at Edinburgh Zoo is located at the park's highest elevation, offering expansive panoramic views across the city skyline and the Firth of Forth. It sits adjacent to the Budongo Trail, the zoo's flagship chimpanzee enclosure. The viewpoint provides a strategic vantage point to observe the zoo’s topography and the surrounding Pentland Hills. Accessible via a steep incline, this area serves as a primary orientation point for visitors traversing the hilly Corstorphine site. It is integrated into the wider zoo landscape which houses over 1,000 animals on a sloping 82-acre estate. The viewpoint is a designated rest stop for those completing the primary zoo circuit.
The bench area at the very top of the hill, facing east towards the city center.
Wear sturdy, supportive footwear as the path to the summit is significantly steep.
Bring binoculars to identify specific Edinburgh landmarks visible from the horizon.
Visit on a clear day, as visibility of the Firth of Forth can be heavily obscured by low cloud cover.
Do not attempt to walk up the steep incline if you have limited mobility; use the zoo's accessible routes instead.
Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing animal enclosures; maintain a quiet demeanor near the Budongo Trail.
