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This new SA luxe glamping experience allows you to wake up with zebras

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

Monarto safari park zebra
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.

Monarto safari lodge tent interior
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.

Monarto safari lodge outdoor pool
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.

Monarto safari lodge private plunge pool
Dive right into a private plunge pool, with a view of the savannah.

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."

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Monarto Safari pool
Lounge by the pool while taking in the views.
Monarto Safari views
Delve into an immersive safari experience.
Safari Lodge
Inside the Safari Lodge.
Monarto Safari
Nestled in the heart of Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct.

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. 

Website: monartosafariresort.com/safari-lodge

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Kassia Byrnes
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.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley

    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.