Hey there, fellow adventure seekers & wanderlust warriors! Ever dreamed of an African safari but hated the idea of 20-hour flights, jet lag, and that awkward “is that a mosquito or a flying elephant?” moment? Well, grab your binoculars and leave the passport at home – Monarto Safari Resort is here to deliver pure wildlife magic right in South Australia’s Murraylands.
Just a breezy 60-minute drive from Adelaide, Monarto Safari Resort sits right next to the largest open-range safari park outside Africa. We’re talking 1,500+ hectares of sprawling plains where giraffes stretch their necks, zebras do their fashion-show strut, and rhinos casually hang out like they own the place (spoiler: they kind of do).
Whether you’re a couple chasing romance under the stars, a family looking for “wow” moments the kids will brag about for years, or just someone who wants to sip a sundowner while watching animals gather at a waterhole – Monarto Safari Resort has got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know so you can pack your bags and go wild!
Where Exactly Is Monarto Safari Resort? Location Lowdown 📍
Monarto Safari Resort is located at 63 Monarto Road, Monarto SA 5254. The luxury Safari Lodge sits nearby at 525 Monarto Road, Rocky Gully SA 5254.
It’s about 70 km east of Adelaide CBD – roughly one hour by car via the South Eastern Freeway. Free parking is available for resort guests, and the drive is scenic enough that even the “are we there yet?” crew will chill out once the plains open up.
Closest airport? Adelaide Airport (about 50-60 minutes). No need for a 4WD adventure to get here – sealed roads all the way. Perfect for a spontaneous weekend escape or a longer wild holiday.
Accommodation Options at Monarto Safari Resort: Rooms, Suites & Luxury Safari Tents 🛏️
Monarto Safari Resort opened its doors in May 2025 and quickly became the talk of the Australian travel scene. It offers two distinct vibes under one wild umbrella:
The Main Resort – 78 Premium Rooms & Suites
Think contemporary African-inspired design with earthy tones, spacious balconies, and views that make you pinch yourself. Options include:
- Savannah View rooms
- Waterhole View rooms (highly recommended – animals often stroll by)
- Interconnecting family suites
- Accessible rooms
Many rooms feature king or twin beds, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, mini-fridges, large TVs, and private bathrooms. Some overlook the two outdoor swimming pools or the Wild Africa plains where giraffes and hippos make regular appearances.
Prices :- Rooms typically start from around $315–$400 per night (depending on season and view), with higher rates for suites. Always check the official site for current deals – prices can vary.
Ratings & Reviews :- Guests consistently rate Monarto Safari Resort highly. On Booking.com it sits around 9.0/10 (“Wonderful”) from hundreds of reviews. Google shows approximately 4.5 stars. Reviewers rave about the views (“giraffes at breakfast – unreal!”), friendly staff, and the peaceful setting. Common praise: clean rooms, great location for wildlife watching, and that magical “I’m not in Australia anymore” feeling. A few notes about it being a newer property still settling in, but overall feedback is glowing.
Official website for bookings :- https://monartosafariresort.com/
Safari Lodge – 20 Luxury Safari Tents (The Glamping Glow-Up) ⛺
Opened in April 2026, this is Australia’s first true all-inclusive luxury safari lodge experience. Nestled in the Wild Africa precinct, these spacious tents (around 71 m² for the King options) feature:
- King or twin beds
- Ensuite bathrooms with rain showers
- Separate dressing rooms
- Lounge areas
- Private outdoor decks overlooking a waterhole
- Daily restocked mini-bars with South Australian goodies
Two accessible tents are available. The central lodge has a restaurant, swimming & plunge pools, gym, pickleball court, outdoor lounge, and firepit for sundowners.
Prices :- All-inclusive packages start from approximately $1,646–$1,910 per night for two guests (minimum two-night stay). Two-night packages often begin around $2,850–$2,920. Inclusions typically cover accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon canapés, three-course dinner), select beverages (including wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks), mini-bar, a sunset safari through Wild Africa, and multi-day general admission to Monarto Safari Park.
Ratings & Reviews :- Early guests call it transformative – “like being in Botswana without the long-haul flight.” The privacy, wildlife right on your doorstep, and seamless all-inclusive service earn high praise. Perfect for couples or adults-only escapes (children must be 15+ at the Lodge).
Both options at Monarto Safari Resort contribute a portion of every booking to the Zoos SA Conservation Fund – so your stay helps protect these amazing animals.
Dining at Monarto Safari Resort: Eat Like a King (or Giraffe) 🍽️
Head to Kutjera Restaurant & Bar for contemporary Australian cuisine using local South Australian produce. Open for breakfast, all-day dining, and dinner – available to both guests and the public. Expect generous, flavourful dishes that match the wild setting.
At Safari Lodge, everything is included: hearty breakfasts, lunch, canapés, and multi-course dinners. Think elevated bush tucker vibes with a view of the plains. Pro tip: sundowners by the firepit while animals gather at the waterhole is pure magic (and highly Instagrammable).
Marula Day Spa :- Pamper Yourself While Giraffes Watch 💆♀️
Named after the healing African Marula tree, this spa is a sanctuary for resort guests and day visitors. Enjoy massages, facials, body rituals, the vitality pool, cold plunge, sauna, and Soak House. Treatment rooms overlook the plains – yes, you might spot wildlife mid-massage. Packages start around the $495 mark for couples’ experiences (check current menus). Pure bliss after a dusty safari day.
Unforgettable Experiences at Monarto Safari Resort & Park 🚙
Monarto Safari Resort guests get exclusive access to premium safaris across the Wild Africa precinct:
- Dawn Wildlife Safari :- 2 hours from 7:00am – Adult $140 | Child (4–14) $105 | Infant free
- Sunset Wildlife Safari :- 2.5 hours starting 2 hours before sunset – Adult $170 | Child $115 | Infant free
- Back Roads Tour :- 2–2.5 hours from 10:00am – Adult $180 (15+ only)
These open-sided LandCruiser drives take you up close to giraffes, zebras, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, eland, ostriches, and more.
The adjacent Monarto Safari Park (operated by Zoos SA) is the largest open-range zoo outside Africa – over 500 animals across 50+ species on 1,500 hectares. Explore via the Zu-Loop bus, walking trails, or special experiences like Lions 360.
Park tickets (approx.) :- Adult from $49–$57 | Child (4–14) from $27–$32 | Infants free. Family passes available. Pre-booking recommended. Official park site: https://www.monartosafari.com.au. Zoos SA members get free entry.
A stay at Monarto Safari Resort (especially the Lodge) often includes multi-day park passes – huge value!
Why Monarto Safari Resort Stands Out – Real Guest Vibes & Reviews
Guests describe waking to lion roars (or giraffe silhouettes at sunrise) as life-changing. Families love the interconnecting rooms and kid-friendly park experiences. Couples rave about the romantic Lodge tents and spa. Conservation-minded travellers appreciate that every stay supports Zoos SA programs.
Common highlights: the sheer scale of the open plains, excellent staff, and that rare feeling of true immersion without leaving Australia. Minor notes sometimes mention seasonal wind or the need to book popular safaris early – but the overwhelming consensus is five-star wild luxury.
Practical Info for Your Monarto Safari Resort Stay
- Check-in :- 3pm | Check-out :- 11am
- Reception :- 7am–11pm (night manager available)
- Accessibility :- Accessible rooms, tents, pool hoist, parking, and bathrooms
- Getting there :- Easy drive from Adelaide; complimentary shuttle between Resort, Lodge, and Park for guests without cars
- Conservation :- Portion of every booking supports Zoos SA – learn more at https://www.zoossa.com.au/conservation/
Book directly via the official site for the best rates and packages: https://monartosafariresort.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Monarto Safari Resort (Everything You Might Wonder!)
Q :- What is the difference between Monarto Safari Resort and Monarto Safari Park?
Ans :- Monarto Safari Resort is the accommodation (hotel + Safari Lodge). Monarto Safari Park is the open-range zoo next door, operated by Zoos SA.
Q :- How far is Monarto Safari Resort from Adelaide?
Ans :- Approximately 60 minutes (70 km) east of Adelaide CBD via the South Eastern Freeway.
Q :- How far is Monarto Safari Resort from Adelaide Airport?
Ans :- About 50–70 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Q :- What time is check-in and check-out at Monarto Safari Resort?
Ans :- Check-in is from 3:00 pm. Check-out is by 11:00 am.
Q :- Is there a minimum stay at Monarto Safari Resort?
Ans :- The hotel often requires a 2-night minimum over Saturday nights. Safari Lodge has a strict 2-night minimum stay.
Q :- Are children allowed at Monarto Safari Resort?
Ans :- Yes in the main hotel (all ages). At Safari Lodge, children must be 15 years or older.
Q :- What is included in a stay at Safari Lodge?
Ans :- Luxury tent, all meals (breakfast, lunch*, dinner, canapés), select drinks, mini-bar, sunset safari, multi-day park entry, and lodge facilities. (*Lunch not on arrival/departure days.)
Q :- Are meals included in the hotel room rates?
Ans :- Buffet breakfast is usually included. Lunch, dinner and activities are extra unless you choose a package.
Q :- Can non-guests visit the restaurant or spa?
Ans :- Yes. Kutjera Restaurant & Bar and Marula Day Spa are open to the public.
Q :- Can non-guests book the exclusive wildlife safaris?
Ans :- No. Dawn, Sunset and Back Roads safaris are exclusive to overnight guests of Monarto Safari Resort.
Q :- Is entry to Monarto Safari Park included with my stay?
Ans :- Discounted entry is available for hotel guests. Safari Lodge stays include multi-day general admission.
Q :- Is there free parking at Monarto Safari Resort?
Ans :- Yes, complimentary parking is available for all resort and lodge guests.
Q :- Is there a shuttle between the Resort, Lodge and Park?
Ans :- Yes, complimentary shuttles operate for guests without their own vehicle.
Q :- Do the Safari Lodge tents have air conditioning?
Ans :- Yes. Every tent has a split-system air conditioner and ceiling fan.
Q :- Are there TVs in the Safari Lodge tents?
Ans :- No. Tents are designed for immersion in nature (binoculars provided instead).
Q :- Is there Wi-Fi and mobile reception?
Ans :- Yes, both Wi-Fi and mobile reception are available at the resort and lodge.
Q :- Are pets allowed at Monarto Safari Resort?
Ans :- No, pets are not permitted.
Q :- Are there accessible rooms and tents?
Ans :- Yes. The hotel has accessible rooms and the Lodge has two fully accessible tents located close to the main lodge.
Q :- What animals can I see from the rooms or tents?
Ans :- Giraffe, zebra, eland, ostrich, nyala, oryx, blackbuck, barbary sheep and others often gather at the waterhole.
Q :- How much do the exclusive safaris cost?
Ans :- Dawn Safari: Adult from $140 / Child $105. Sunset Safari: Adult from $170 / Child $115. Back Roads Tour: Adult from $180 (15+ only).
Q :- What time do the Dawn and Sunset safaris run?
Ans :- Dawn starts at 7:00 am (2 hours). Sunset begins 2 hours before sunset (2.5 hours).
Q :- Is there a gym or fitness facilities?
Ans :- Yes at Safari Lodge (gym + pickleball court). The main resort focuses more on spa and pools.
Q :- Does Monarto Safari Resort have swimming pools?
Ans :- Yes – two outdoor pools at the main resort and swimming + plunge pools at the Lodge.
Q :- What are the spa opening hours?
Ans :- Marula Day Spa is generally open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily (outside hours by appointment).
Q :- Can I book a portacot or extra bed?
Ans :- Yes, through the reservations team. Extra beds usually incur a nightly charge (around $60).
Q :- Is Monarto Safari Resort suitable for events or conferences?
Ans :- Yes, the resort has dedicated event and conference spaces.
Q :- Do room rates include activities?
Ans :- No. Safaris and park entry are additional (or included only in certain packages/Lodge stays).
Q :- How many luxury safari tents are there?
Ans :- There are 20 luxury safari tents at Safari Lodge.
Q :- Can I stay at Safari Lodge if I’m not a guest of the main resort?
Ans :- Safari Lodge is a separate, exclusive property – you book it directly.
Q :- Is there EV charging available?
Ans :- Yes, electric vehicle charging is available at the nearby Monarto Safari Park visitor centre.
Q :- What is the best room type for families?
Ans :- Interconnecting rooms or 2-bedroom suites at the main resort.
Q :- Does a portion of my booking support conservation?
Ans :- Yes. A portion of every stay at Monarto Safari Resort goes to the Zoos SA Conservation Fund.
Q :- Can I visit Safari Lodge if I’m not staying there?
Ans :- No. It is exclusively for overnight guests only.
Q :- Are dietary requirements and allergies catered for?
Ans :- Yes. Advise the team in advance and they can accommodate most needs.
Q :- Is there a private dining option at the Lodge?
Ans :- Yes, a private dining room is available for groups of around 20 people.
Q :- How do I get from my Safari Lodge tent to the main lodge?
Ans :- You can walk or use the complimentary on-demand shuttle (some tents are a fair distance).
Conclusion :- Why You Need to Experience Monarto Safari Resort ASAP
Monarto Safari Resort isn’t just another hotel – it’s a game-changer for Australian travel. In one convenient, luxurious package you get the thrill of an African-style safari, five-star comforts, world-class spa time, and the knowledge that your visit helps conserve incredible animals.
From watching zebras at dawn from your balcony at Monarto Safari Resort, to sipping cocktails as the sun sets over the plains, to exploring the massive open-range park next door – this place delivers memories that stick. No long flights, no complicated logistics, just pure wild joy an hour from Adelaide.
Ready to answer the call of the wild? Head to the official website https://monartosafariresort.com/ and book your stay at Monarto Safari Resort today. Your future self (and the giraffes) will thank you. See you on the savannah! 🦓🌅
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