Wake up to the wild
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Murraylands, the new Monarto Safari Resort offers guests a place to relax, reconnect with nature and get up close to Africa’s wild animals.
Words: Emma Harrington
The first glimmer of sunlight emerges on the horizon as we set off with a sense of anticipation for what the morning will hold. We’re embarking on a dawn safari, led by our knowledgeable guide John.
“At the start of these experiences, I always see the environment like a blank canvas,” John explains as we pass through gates into the 550ha Wild Africa precinct at Monarto Safari Park.
“It may seem like still grassland but it’s full of details and the more time you spend here, the more you notice.”
It’s not long before we spot the crowns of two hippos submerged in a waterhole, birds darting above their heads and feasting on a breakfast of insects. Further afield, oryx and blackbucks graze, giraffes move majestically over the land, and a dazzle of zebras roam in the dawn glow.
After waiting patiently for a stubborn ostrich to move out of our path, we make our way to the cheetah enclosure. John explains the cheetahs are well camouflaged in their habitat and can be difficult to spot, but within minutes we have located five large cats.
A cheetah strides along the dusty track towards our bus and nonchalantly passes behind the vehicle, emerging a mere metre from where I’m sitting. It gives no hint of its power or speed as it casually makes its way over the grassland.
It’s not every day you have a close encounter with Africa’s most endangered big cat before breakfast, but it’s a thrill you get to experience as a guest of the newly opened Monarto Safari Resort. The 78-room resort is a new way to appreciate the park, which is the largest safari experience outside of Africa.
Entering the resort, it’s clear great care has been taken to ensure it respects and reflects its surrounding environment. A blend of natural materials like stone and timber give the space warmth, and expansive windows provide breathtaking views across the plains. The setting is serene and evokes a sense of casual luxury.
I’ve been in awe of how close the animals are since I checked into my well-appointed waterhole suite, which as its name suggests overlooks a large waterhole and the Wild Africa plains. The spacious balcony is the perfect vantage point to enjoy a drink while watching the herds that call the park home.
And while animal encounters are a highlight of the stay, the resort offers plenty of amenities and creature comforts. The on-site restaurant and bar Kutjera, which means bush tomato in local language, showcases South Australian produce and native ingredients grown in the organic bush gardens of Monarto. The menu offers contemporary Australia cuisine, complemented by a predominately South Australian wine list.
A sanctuary of serenity, Marula Day Spa offers guests treatments to nourish the body and mind using South Australian-produced products from Jurlique. The spa’s Soak House features a traditional sauna, thermal pool, cold plunge pool and relaxation lounge. There are also two outdoor swimming pools and a viewing deck to watch the animals congregate at the waterhole.
Guests can choose to stay in either a room or suite, with interconnecting rooms available and ideal for families. Additionally, 20 Luxury Safari Tents and a Lodge are set to open in early 2026.
The resort, managed by Journey Beyond, supports Monarto Safari Park’s important conservation efforts, with a portion of each guest’s stay donated to programs that help to protect and preserve the animals and environment. Dawn and sunset wildlife safaris are exclusive to resort guests at an additional cost.
IMAGES: Frankie the Creative, Fuller, Monarto Safari Resort, Mushroom Creative.
