Luxury hotel at Monarto Safari Park put up for sale
The good news is it’s nearly finished. The unexpected news is it’s on the market.
One day, Simba, all this could be yours … and for only $50 million or so.
A one-of-a-kind luxury hotel at Monarto Safari Park, planned for a decade and under construction since 2021, has been put up for sale just as it nears completion.
The Monarto Safari Hotel is expected to open on schedule in the next few months.
The five-star property will feature:
- 78 rooms
- conference facilities
- a restaurant and bar
- two swimming pools and a day spa
Offered for sale along with it will be the recently completed Wild Africa Lodge, featuring 20 glamping tents and another conference room and restaurant.
There's worse places to be. Photos: Kyla Scarborough.
Both developments were originally announced by millionaire Gerry Ryan, owner of the Jayco caravan empire, on the day the former Monarto Zoo changed its name.
“Our aim has always been to offer guests an unparalleled experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural wonder of the land while raising awareness about the crucial conservation initiatives taking place,” Mr Ryan said.
“Monarto Safari Park offers a truly unique and captivating experience, and we are excited for the next visionary who will continue to share its wonders with the world.”
The sale process will be handled by international property brokers JLL, assisted by advisory firm Advise Transact.
Whoever the new owner might turn out to be, Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said she looked forward to welcoming the first guests to the hotel later this year.
“This has been a vision of ours for many years, and it is incredibly exciting that we are almost ready to open to accommodation guests,” she said.
Yep, it's a hard life. Photos: Kyla Scarborough.
The hotel development was valued at $40 million when it was announced in 2019, but reports by other media have suggested it may now fetch more than $50 million.
It is set on a freehold title of almost 66 hectares.
The hotel and glamping facilities are among the key drawcards in Monarto Safari Park’s new Wild Africa precinct, which offers the biggest safari experience anywhere in the world outside Africa to around 200,000 visitors each year.
- Express an interest in the hotel: Contact JLL’s Nick MacFie or Peter Harper.
- More information: www.zoossa.com.au/master-plan.
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