Who said you need to travel to Africa to go on safari? Especially now Monarto Safari Park just opened new, luxurious glamping options.
It only takes a one-hour drive from Adelaide to feel like you’re deep in the heart of an African savanna. Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct not only offers the oppourtunity to immerse in this world without leaving Australia, but now guests can sleep in it too, at Safari Lodge.
About Safari Lodge
African wildlife takes centre stage at this luxury stay.
Twenty 20 luxury safari tents are now open for bookings in Safari Lodge (owned by Journey Beyond), offering an intimate and secluded escape.
Each luxury safari tent offers an outdoor deck, a spacious lounge area and a king or twin bed, ensuite bathroom and private dressing room. Two accessibility tents are available.
“The opening of Safari Lodge signals the new level of luxury at Monarto Safari Resort," said Gerry Ryan OAM, owner of the luxury Lodge and Resort.
Wake up to views of the savannah.
Ryan continues that each tent is “…thoughtfully designed to immerse you in nature. 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 is all-inclusive, from meals and beverages, to an exclusive safari adventure with Monarto Safari Park in a custom-built open-sided 4WD Landcruiser across 550 hectares of the Wild Africa precinct.
Relax by the outdoor pool.
At the central lodge, guests can sit down an exclusive experience for guests, featuring a private restaurant showcasing South Australia’s local produce from breakfast to dinner.
Elsewhere on the property, dive into the onsite pool and private plunge pools, the gym, pickleball court and the outdoor lounge.
What’s more, for every stay at the Lodge a portion of the room rate will be donated to Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programs.
“Conservation is at the heart of Monarto Safari Park and Zoos SA’s mission,"said Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley. “By staying at the Lodge and Resort guests are not only enjoying a unique wildlife experience, but investing in the future of our natural environment."
Dive right into a private plunge pool, with a view of the savannah.
The details
Inclusions:
Safari Tent stay
Wild Africa Sunset Safari Experience in a custom-built, open-sided 4WD Landcruiser
Two Day general admission pass to Monarto Safari Park
All inclusive dining: breakfast, lunch, afternoon canapes and a bespoke three-course dinner
All day access to lodge beverages: coffee, tea, soft drinks, selection of spirits, cocktails, wine and beer.
Price: A two-night package to experience Wild Luxury at Safari Lodge is from $2920 per tent (minimum two-night stay required)
Bookings: Reservations are now open for stays starting on 2 April.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.
Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.
Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.
1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole
Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)
2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole
Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.
Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Tour the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!
Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).
Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)
4. Dine in Darwin
Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .
Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.
Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Up close with Uluṟu
The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.
There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.
Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)
6. Drive the Red Centre Way
From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.
Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.
Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)
7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa
Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).
Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.
Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)
8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .
Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)
