You can now go on safari in South Australia

Reservations have opened for a new luxury accommodation offering at Monarto Safari Park, with its safari lodge set to welcome guests from April.

Located within the park’s Wild Africa precinct, Safari Lodge is designed as an all-inclusive, high-end retreat offering an immersive wildlife experience alongside luxury accommodation. The lodge features 20 safari tents positioned to overlook a central waterhole and surrounding grassland plains, allowing guests to observe animals roaming nearby.

Owner of the lodge and resort, Gerry Ryan, said the opening represents a new chapter for the destination.

“The opening of Safari Lodge signals the new level of luxury at Monarto Safari Resort,” Ryan said.

“It’s an opportunity to delve into an African wildlife experience, witness the beauty of diverse species, and indulge in the serenity of your surroundings. Guests will be able to view zebra, giraffe, barbary sheep, nyala, ostrich, eland and oryx as they gather around the waterhole and roam the grassland plains surrounding the Lodge.”

The lodge operates under the management of Journey Beyond, with guests enjoying all meals and beverages as part of their accommodation rates, along with an exclusive safari experience within Monarto Safari Park. Guests can explore the 550-hectare Wild Africa precinct on a guided safari in a custom-built, open-sided 4WD LandCruiser.

Journey Beyond chief executive Chris Tallent said he was pleased to welcome guests to the innovative new concept around a one-hour drive east of Adelaide.

“Safari Lodge further expands our offering of immersive and unique tourism experiences and complements our extensive eco-lodges across Australia,” Tallent said.

Each safari tent includes a private outdoor deck, lounge area, king or twin bedding, ensuite bathroom and dressing room, with two tents also designed for accessibility. Guests also have access to a central lodge with a private restaurant highlighting South Australian produce, as well as leisure facilities including a pool, gym, pickleball court and outdoor lounge areas.

As part of its sustainability focus, a portion of each stay will be donated to conservation initiatives run by Monarto Safari Park. Prices start from $2,920 per tent for a minimum two-night stay.

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison welcomed the addition of the lodge, describing it as another drawcard for the state.

“I invite you all to experience nature in its purest form, Safari Lodge adds another unique attraction to our state giving visitors more reasons to choose South Australia for their next holiday,” Minister Bettinson said.

“Since opening Monarto Safari Resort in May, the resort has welcomed 19,000 visitors from around Australia and the world. The addition of Safari Lodge is an outstanding addition to the park and our state.

Safari Lodge packages include a two-night stay in a safari tent, a sunset safari experience, two-day general admission to Monarto Safari Park, all meals, and all-day access to beverages.