‘I stayed in one of Australia’s most luxurious safari tents with a special and unique twist’

This place is special.

That’s the word that instantly springs to mind when I think of the Monarto Safari Resort hotel, lodge and spa, located approximately an hour from Adelaide.

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve jetted to Africa instead of South Australia as animals including zebras and giraffes greet you ahead of your stay.

I travelled to the newly-opened and exclusive Safari Lodge in Rocky Gully, a short distance from the Monarto Safari Resort of which it’s part of.

It features a collection of 20 oversized and luxurious safari tents, with unique views of animal enclosures, including the cheetahs.

The Monarto Safari Resort itself features 78 guest rooms and suites in comparison.

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One of the first things you notice when you check into your tent for the first time are two things.

Firstly, just how luxe and big the tent itself is (think a plush king bed, a large and chic stone ensuite bathroom, a cosy loungeroom and a separate dressing area).

And of course, your balcony actually backs onto the animal-filled plain and waterhole with incredible views.

There is a fence on the side of course, for safety purposes.

The King Safari tent spans over 71 square metres and has air conditioning, charging ports, and even its own hair straighteners and blow dryers in the luxury bathrooms.

Holidaymakers have the chance to spot the likes of Zebras, giraffes, blackbucks and ostrich from the tents and their balconies; with nine species in total viewable.

Yes, if a giraffe was to walk right in front of your tent, you would have one of the best seats in the house (don’t worry, the cheetahs are in their own enclosure well away from the tents, on the other side!).

There’s also a pair of binoculars handy for your leisure and viewing.

Staying at the Safari Lodge is limited to those age 15 years and above.

The staff at the lodge are incredibly warm and inviting and ready cater to your every whim, even giving you a lift in golf buggy’s to dinner and back.

Guests are treated to daily breakfast and a delicious multi-course dinner at the Lodge’s restaurant, which is kept warm with a rustling fire and features sweeping views of the plain.

Executive Chef, DeBuys Nortier was at the helm during my stay for the dinners, and I can’t praise the food enough.

You’re also treated to a lunch in your tent, with a decadent fruit and cheese plate delivered by staff.

For downtime at the lodge, you can enjoy a short walk to the pickleball court, or you can take a plunge in the lodge’s exclusive swimming pool or warm plunge pools.

I took a dip in the private plunge pool, and could see a rainbow and giraffes in the distance, it was an incredible experience.

Included in your stay is also a pass to the Monarto Safari Park to use at your leisure.

But one of the most incredible experiences offered to guests at the lodge is the Wild Africa Sunset Safari, which is included in your stay and comes with refreshments.

Guests meet at the central lodge, and are taken for an immersive experience through the enclosed “Wild Africa” precinct.

This is where I hopped into a green open-aired Toyota Landcruiser for an actual adventure.

I saw zebras, giraffes, hippos, ostriches, and even cheetahs up close, as the guide takes the group through the different sections and enclosures.

In a remarkable moment, one Zebra had only just given birth, and we saw the baby zebra in its first few hours of life, which was an very rare and special experience.

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And don’t be scared, the cheetahs were both cute, and completely unfazed by our presence!

The expert guide is full of knowledge, and also deep respect for the animals you get to see, and it’s one of the best experiences on offer.

Monarto Safari Park supports conservation efforts and has even helped the Scimitar-horned Oryx go from extinct to endangered.

The writer stayed as a guest of Journey Beyond.