Imagine drifting off to sleep with sharks and rays gliding gracefully overhead. Now add the gentle blue glow of the Mozambican Tunnel, the silence of the ocean depths, and the unexpected morning call of a hippo. Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium) isn’t just a night at the zoo—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, equal parts magical and wild. This autumn and winter, the event is back, with 12 exclusive dates. Tickets sell fast, so here’s everything you need to know before packing your sleeping bag.

Wrocław Zoo: A Place of Discovery

Founded in 1865, Zoo Wrocław is the oldest zoological garden in Poland and ranks among the most species-rich in the world. Spread over 33 hectares, it houses more than 12,000 animals representing around 1,100 species. Beyond being a popular attraction, the zoo is deeply involved in conservation, breeding endangered species, and educating visitors about the importance of protecting biodiversity.

The standout feature is the Afrykarium—a vast oceanarium and ecological showcase that transports visitors straight into Africa’s aquatic and jungle habitats.

Africa in the Heart of Wrocław

Opened in 2014, Afrykarium is the only oceanarium in the world dedicated entirely to African ecosystems. Visitors journey through diverse landscapes, including:

• The Red Sea, with its coral reefs and colorful fish.
• East Africa’s Great Lakes, featuring endemic cichlids.
• The Congo jungle, home to crocodiles, manatees, and freshwater fish.
• Penguin Beach, where African penguins zip through the water.
• And the Mozambican Channel, where sharks, rays, and the beloved sea turtle Stefania reside.

At its heart lies the Mozambican Tunnel—a 180-degree acrylic corridor where guests can stand, and during sleepovers, lie beneath the ocean world as it glides silently above.

The Sleepover Experience

Back by popular demand, Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium) invites brave guests to spend a night in the Mozambican Tunnel. From October 2025 to March 2026, twelve overnight sessions will be held, each limited to just 32 participants.

What’s included:

• Overnight stay under sharks, rays, and Stefania the turtle.
• Night tour of Afrykarium with an educator, revealing animals’ nighttime behaviors.
• Behind-the-scenes access to areas usually closed to visitors.
• Breakfast in the Laguna restaurant.
• Zoo entry the next day, included in the ticket price.

The program of the Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium) runs from 19:00 to 09:00. Tickets cost 450 zł per person and are available online only.

Voices from the Tunnel

When the last visitors leave the zoo, the Mozambican Tunnel transforms into something extraordinary for the Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium). Sharks circle continuously, rays glide like silent wings, and Stefania the turtle settles into her resting spot near the glass. Guests unroll their sleeping bags, gaze upward, and realize they are sharing their “bedroom” with ocean giants.

One participant described waking to find Stefania floating directly overhead, “as if she was keeping watch.” The moment felt dreamlike, a reminder that this was no ordinary night.

The social atmosphere adds another dimension. Strangers arrive and quietly arrange their mats side by side, but by morning, many leave as friends. 

The tunnel sometimes feels like summer camp. People who’ve never met before share this once-in-a-lifetime night, and by breakfast, new friendships have already formed.

says zoo educator Piotr Pater.

What to Bring & Rules to Know

The zoo makes it clear: Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium) isn’t a hotel experience, it’s an adventure. Participants need to bring a sleeping bag, mat or inflatable mattress, toiletries, a power bank, and an evening snack. Earplugs are highly recommended for those who prefer not to be woken by the early-morning roar of hippos.

Key guidelines:

• Age limit: 16+ (minors only with a guardian).
• Lights out at 22:00—followed by silence.
• No alcohol, smoking, or unsupervised wandering.
• Facilities are basic: toilets only, no showers.

A Night You Won’t Forget

Nocowanie w Afrykarium (Sleepover at the Afrykarium) is more than just a quirky event—it’s an immersive journey into another world. Guests fall asleep beneath sharks and rays, wake to the calls of hippos, and share the experience with people who often start the evening as strangers but leave as companions. Between the surreal underwater tunnel, the unique insights from educators, and the morning breakfast surrounded by wildlife, this adventure leaves a mark that lasts long after sunrise.