Monarto Safari Lodge: Experience African-Style Glamping on South Australian Plains
For decades, South Australians have known Monarto as an expansive open-range zoo, a place where exotic animals roam freely beneath the iconic Australian gum trees. Located just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, this wildlife destination is now taking a significant leap forward in offering an immersive safari experience with the recent opening of its new luxury tented lodge.
The Safari Lodge at Monarto Safari Resort introduces an intimate glamping option, designed to bring guests closer to the wild than ever before. Nestled within the park’s dedicated Wild Africa precinct, the lodge boasts 20 exquisitely appointed safari tents. Each tent is strategically positioned to offer breathtaking views across open plains and a vital watering hole, a natural spectacle where guests can observe zebras, giraffes, Barbary sheep, nyalas, ostriches, elands, and oryx in their element.
Beyond the comfort of their tents, guests are granted access to exclusive safari drives. These guided expeditions traverse the park’s vast 550-hectare habitat in specially designed open-air vehicles, providing an unparalleled vantage point to witness the diverse wildlife.
This new lodge marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of Monarto Safari Park. What began as a wildlife park in the 1980s has evolved into one of the largest open-range safari experiences outside of Africa, now spanning over 1500 hectares. It is a thriving sanctuary, home to more than 500 animals representing over 50 different species.
The park’s evolution into a major tourism drawcard has been a gradual but impactful process. The eagerly anticipated Monarto Safari Resort, adjacent to the park, opened its doors in May 2025. This integrated resort features a 78-room hotel, a luxurious spa, a fine-dining restaurant, and further wildlife-viewing opportunities, significantly enhancing the tourism appeal of South Australia’s Murraylands region. The resort has already proven to be a resounding success, welcoming thousands of visitors and earning accolades, including being named the best new tourism business at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards.
The Safari Lodge is the latest initiative designed to elevate the guest experience, offering a stay that more closely mirrors the authentic tented camps found in Africa’s renowned national parks, rather than a conventional hotel.
What to Expect at the Safari Lodge:
- Luxury Tented Accommodation: Each of the 20 safari tents is furnished with a comfortable lounge area, your choice of king or twin bedding, and a private deck that overlooks the sprawling plains and the active wildlife below.
- All-Inclusive Stays: Your booking at the Safari Lodge typically covers all meals and drinks, ensuring a seamless and indulgent experience.
- Guided Safari Experiences: Stays include expertly guided safari drives, allowing you to explore the park’s diverse habitats and encounter its inhabitants with knowledgeable guides.
The stunning natural setting is undoubtedly a core element of Monarto’s allure. The park has been meticulously designed as a vast, open landscape, allowing animals to roam freely across expansive habitats. These areas are interconnected by a network of safari tracks and walking trails, facilitating exploration. Visitors can choose from various ways to experience the park, including the convenient Zu-Loop bus tours, private safari excursions, or by traversing more than 12 kilometres of dedicated walking routes.
Beyond its role as a premier tourist destination, Monarto Safari Park plays a crucial part in vital conservation efforts. The park actively participates in breeding and recovery programs for a range of endangered species. These include iconic animals such as the Tasmanian devil, the scimitar-horned oryx, and the southern white rhinoceros. Furthermore, Monarto supports reintroduction initiatives aimed at helping threatened Australian wildlife species thrive in their natural environments.
More recently, Monarto has become a cornerstone of one of the region’s most ambitious elephant conservation projects. A number of Asian elephants have been relocated from various zoos across Australia and New Zealand to a newly constructed, state-of-the-art habitat within the park.
The new lodge is also set to become a hub for special events that celebrate South Australia’s renowned food and wine culture. One of the inaugural events, scheduled during the prestigious Tasting Australia festival, is “Sip, Savour, Safari.” This unique overnight experience will combine a guided safari adventure with:
- Welcome drinks upon arrival.
- A sophisticated degustation dinner, showcasing the best of regional produce and wines.
- An overnight stay in the luxurious new safari tents.
The Monarto Safari Lodge and the adjacent resort are under the ownership of prominent Australian businessman, sports enthusiast, philanthropist, and travel industry figure, Gerry Ryan. Mr. Ryan is widely recognised as the founder of the successful caravan and RV manufacturing company, Jayco, established in 1975.
While the lodge and resort are managed by Journey Beyond, the broader Monarto Safari Park itself is owned and operated by Zoos South Australia, underscoring a dual commitment to both tourism and conservation.
A significant and commendable aspect of the lodge and resort’s operation is that a portion of every booking is directly donated to support the ongoing conservation efforts at the safari park. This commitment provides a feel-good factor for visitors, who can enjoy an extraordinary wildlife experience while contributing to the preservation of animals and their habitats. For Australian visitors especially, it offers a genuine taste of safari life without the need for arduous international travel.
For more information and bookings, visit monartosafariresort.com.
