Glamping plans move ahead at Monarto Safari Park
Zoos SA is seeking final approval to build 20 glamping tents and a visitor lodge as part of its Wild Africa expansion.
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The public has been given a first glimpse at the glamping facilities planned as part of Monarto Safari Park’s Wild Africa expansion.
Picture 20 luxurious tents on raised platforms, arranged in a circle around a waterhole.
Hippos, elephants and other African animals graze all around.
A nearby lodge would include a restaurant, swimming pools and other visitor facilities.
The first images of the development – shown above – were published recently as part of the approvals process.
Officially, the project will be undertaken by Safari Park Investments Pty Ltd.
The glamping experience will bring Zoos SA one step closer to achieving its long-term vision for Monarto Safari Park, already the biggest safari experience in the world outside of Africa.
The development will complement a nearby four-star hotel, now in the final stages of completion; its Lions 360 experience, opened in 2017; and its relatively new visitor centre.
- Have your say: Fill in the form at plan.sa.gov.au by 11.59pm this Friday, January 19.
- More information: Visit plan.sa.gov.au, call the Rural City of Murray Bridge on 8539 1100 or email planning@murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
Little lions named
Meanwhile, the safari park’s four newest lion cubs have been named following a public competition.
Bahati, meaning “lucky”, and his sisters Mshindi, Lela and Kadija – meaning “champion”, “dark beauty” and “respected and trustworthy” – are growing up fast, less than a month after making their first public appearance.
Keeper Alli Quinn said the four-month-old cubs’ new names reflected their emerging personalities.
“Husani’s four cubs are growing up fast and we’re thrilled to now have beautiful Swahili names connecting the cubs to their wild cousins in Africa,” she said.
“The little boy is very chill while the three sisters are feisty and have a lot of attitude.”
Monarto’s lion pride is now the largest in Australia, with 16 members.
In the wild, however, lions are vulnerable, with their population of 20,000 vulnerable to extinction.
Clarification: The glamping development is being planned by Safari Park Investments, not by Zoos SA.
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