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FIRST LOOK: SA welcomes new luxury Monarto Safari Resort, with wildlife encounters and conservation at its heart

Opening in May 2025, Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia blends luxury with unique wildlife experiences, overseen by Journey Beyond.

It’s been a long time coming for South Australia, with the state finally welcoming its newest luxury destination – Monarto Safari Resort. The multimillion-dollar project, developed by Journey Beyond, one of Australia’s leading experiential tourism groups, is set to open its doors in May.

The resort’s arrival comes at an exciting time for Monarto Safari Park, following the introduction of Asian elephants Burma and Permai this year, and Nile hippos Brindabella and Pansy in 2023. The new animals, alongside the Monarto Visitor Centre which opened in 2022, have already helped boost tourism and job growth in South Australia. Now, with the addition of the $40 million safari resort, even more visitors are expected to make their way to this one-of-a-kind destination.

The Monarto Safari Resort, owned by Gerry Ryan OAM, will add to the largest safari experience outside of Africa. The resort will feature 78 luxury rooms, a world-class spa, two swimming pools, conference spaces, and a luxury camp. 

“We’ve always wanted to offer guests an experience that connects them with the natural beauty and conservation efforts of the area,” Gerry Ryan OAM said. “I’m excited to see how Journey Beyond will bring this vision to life.”

The resort is located within Monarto Safari Park and the new Wild Africa precinct, showcasing stunning views of the Mallee Plains. Guests will get rare access to African wildlife, with the chance to see rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and hippos roaming the open plains and waterholes.

David Donald, Executive General Manager at Journey Beyond, invites guests to “stay wild” in this spectacular setting. “Here, you can connect with wild Africa, witness the beauty of diverse species, and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings, making your stay a truly unforgettable adventure,” Donald said.

The Monarto Safari Resort is perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers. The resort’s spacious rooms and suites offer comfort and luxury views of wildlife that you really can’t get anywhere else. Families can enjoy close animal encounters, while couples can relax in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. The resort is also suitable for business events, conferences, and weddings, all set in a beautiful natural environment.

Plus, guests will have access to exclusive Safari Tours through the Wild Africa precinct, including guided safaris on custom-made vehicles. These tours will take guests across 550 hectares of open plains, home to free-roaming African animals.

Conservation is at the heart of Monarto Safari Park and Zoos SA’s mission. A portion of every stay at the resort will go directly to support Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programs to ensure the preservation of the animals and important efforts to protect wildlife.

Bookings for Monarto Safari Resort will open on Monday February 3rd, so you can soon start planning your luxury wildlife getaway.

To book your stay or learn more, visit Monarto Safari Resort online.

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