Safari experience close to home

It’s mid-morning and you are hoping for a passing parade of giraffes, zebras and other African animals wandering to a water hole less than 100 metres from your luxury tent.

First you choose an observation spot – either a comfy couch or the day bed on the deck. Then keep the binoculars ready, thoughtfully provided for guests at the newly-opened Monarto Safari Lodge, situated in the Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa precinct in South Australia, about 70 kilometres west of Adelaide.

Sad to report that only a couple of ostriches came into view on this morning, but that afternoon’s sunset safari more than made up for it with some spectacular sightings.

Monarto Safari Lodge has 20 spacious tents fanning out from the main building which houses a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor swimming pool and some plunge pools. The lodge opened in May, following the launch of the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort in May 2025 situated a couple of kilometres away.

Both properties are operated by Journey Beyond and the 560-hectare Wild Africa savannah plains are only accessible to resort and lodge guests, while the 1500-hectare Monarta Safari Park, which includes an open range zoo with animals from Africa, America and Australia, is open to the public.