By Jenny Page
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Monarto Safari Lodge, but I soon discovered how special this experience would be. Watching the sky turn pink during our sunset safari was magical, while seeing lions at close range was genuinely thrilling. As part of my journey through South Australia, I found myself captivated by the wildlife, open landscapes, and unexpected moments. It reminded me that some of the most rewarding travel experiences are those that surprise us.
Discovering Adelaide
Our journey began in Adelaide, a beautiful city with plenty of character and charm. I particularly enjoyed its architecture, attractive streets, and well-maintained riverfront. The green spaces surrounding the river felt especially inviting.
I started with a brief city tour before visiting Coopers Brewery for a more in-depth experience. The three-hour tour provided insights into the brewing process, the company’s history, and its famous beers. However, as someone who isn’t particularly interested in beer, I found three hours a little long. The experience concluded with a tasting, which rounded off the visit nicely.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a scenic drive towards Monarto, stopping at Lake Breeze Winery for lunch. It was a pleasant opportunity to relax before continuing our journey.
Soon, we arrived at Monarto Safari Lodge, ready to settle in and explore this unique wildlife destination.
A Relaxing Stay at Monarto Safari Lodge
Monarto Safari Lodge offers a comfortable retreat beside one of South Australia’s major wildlife attractions. The property features 78 rooms, with views of the neighbouring waterhole or the surrounding landscape at sunset. My room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with tea and coffee facilities and a minibar. Although the bathroom was relatively small, it included a convenient walk-in shower.
Two heated outdoor swimming pools provide somewhere to unwind between safari activities. Although we had plenty planned, I could see the appeal of spending more time enjoying the lodge itself.
Our first major activity, however, was already approaching.
An Unforgettable Sunset Safari
After checking in, we headed downstairs for our sunset safari drive. Lasting approximately two and a half hours, the trip passed surprisingly quickly. The enclosed safari vehicle accommodates up to 24 passengers, providing views across the reserve.
As we ventured into the landscape, I was struck by the sheer sense of space. The animals roam across extensive habitats, creating a different experience from visiting a conventional zoo. We encountered several species, including zebras, giraffes, oryx and southern white rhinos. Watching them across the open landscape was fascinating, particularly as the afternoon light began to change.
Halfway through the safari, we stopped for sunset drinks. The weather was perfect, and the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink. I found myself wishing we could stay longer, simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It was one of those travel moments that photographs can capture but never quite reproduce.
We continued our drive, spotting more wildlife before eventually encountering the cheetahs. Seeing these magnificent animals provided an exciting end to our safari.
Back at the lodge, we enjoyed a three-course dinner in the restaurant. The adjoining bar offered a relaxed setting for an evening drink before we retired for the night.
Getting Closer to the Lions
The following morning began with breakfast at the lodge. The buffet was relatively small, but there was enough choice for either a hot or cold meal. We then headed back through the reserve for the Lion 360 encounter. Of all the activities during our stay, this was the one I had particularly looked forward to.
The experience begins with a walk down some steps and through a short tunnel into a secure viewing enclosure. At the far end, a specially designed cage allows the lions to climb up and over the structure. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the lions at remarkably close range while remaining safely behind protective barriers.
The knowledgeable zookeepers explained the lions’ behaviour, care requirements and breeding programme. I appreciated learning more about the work involved in looking after these powerful animals. Next came the feeding demonstration. Using long tongs, the keepers offered the lions pieces of meat. The lions responded by rising up and placing their enormous paws against the cage. Seeing those paws so close was quite something. Hearing the sounds the lions made added another dimension to the encounter. Although we remained safely separated, I felt remarkably close to them. It was thrilling to watch their movements and hear them making sounds just metres away.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For me, the Lion 360 encounter was the standout moment of our stay.
Discovering Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park covers more than 1,500 hectares and offers an expansive wildlife experience. Its open landscapes provide space for animals while supporting conservation, animal care and breeding programmes. The scale of the park is impressive, and the safari drives allow visitors to observe animals across a much larger environment than a traditional zoo.
Monarto Safari Lodge was developed through a multimillion-dollar project led by Jayco founder Gerry Ryan. Journey Beyond manages the lodge in close collaboration with Zoos SA.
One advantage of staying at the lodge is access to exclusive dawn and sunset safaris. These experiences are available to lodge guests for an additional charge, although they were included in our itinerary. Having these activities incorporated into our stay made it easy to enjoy the park without organising separate excursions.
How Long Should You Stay?
I would recommend spending two nights at Monarto Safari Lodge, although one night is possible if time is limited. An overnight stay allows visitors to enjoy a sunset safari, dinner and a morning activity. However, an additional night provides more time to appreciate the lodge and its surroundings.
Guests could relax beside the heated pools or watch the waterhole from the viewing platforms. These quieter moments would complement the excitement of the safari drives. Personally, I would have enjoyed having more time to take things slowly rather than fitting everything into a short visit.
My Final Thoughts
My visit to Monarto combined wildlife encounters, comfortable accommodation, and some memorable moments in South Australia.
The sunset safari offered wonderful opportunities to see animals across the reserve. However, the Lion 360 encounter was the experience that stayed with me most. Watching the lions approach the cage, hearing their sounds and learning about their care gave me a new appreciation for these remarkable animals.
Monarto Safari Lodge is worth considering for anyone exploring South Australia who wants something beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary. It combines open-range safaris with the convenience of staying close to the action.
My recommendation is to allow two nights, this gives you time to enjoy the wildlife activities, explore the lodge facilities and appreciate the surroundings without feeling rushed.
Enjoy a 5-night stay at Monarto Safari Resort & Kangaroo Island on our Kings 2027 escorted tour.