Ever wanted to take a bath centimetres away from a sun bear or feed a giraffe from your bedroom balcony? At Jamala Wildlife Lodge, a luxurious five-star resort in the heart of a Canberra zoo, you can. As the first Australian experience of its kind, this lodge also offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dine with white lions and hyenas and wake up to a view of rare African animals.
Children and adults alike will marvel at the chance to observe and interact with these magnificent creatures in breathtaking surroundings.
Get up close and personal with the animals in style, in one of the resort’s three plush accommodation hubs surrounded by private animal enclosures. Guests can choose between a Giraffe Treehouse (where you can hand-feed a giraffe from the balcony), Jungle Bungalow (for close encounters with lions, cheetahs, tigers or sun bears) or the exclusive 7-room uShaka Lodge (equipped with a shark tank and lemur rooms). Merely a pane of glass stands between you and the animals, offering a thrilling face-to-face meeting.
The themed rooms are tastefully decorated with animal motifs, African artwork, and artefacts and offer access to amenities such as an infinity pool, spa, and terrace. The resort has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years for its deluxe accommodation and unique experiences.
Enjoy a rejuvenating stay surrounded by nature. Jamala Wildlife Lodge is set beside the banks of the beautiful Molonglo River, which feeds into Lake Burley-Griffin, offering stunning views of Black Mountain. Exclusive tours allow guests to explore the property and befriend its furry inhabitants.
Situated on the outskirts of Canberra, the lodge offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a peek into the alluring mystique of the wilderness.
Attend gourmet dinners with four-footed visitors, where diners indulge in pre-dinner drinks and an African dinner party of gourmet food. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are paired with delectable wines in the Rainforest Cave with its leafy, rock-hewn interiors.
Best of all, guests can stay with peace of mind knowing they are supporting wildlife conservation. The lodge is run by the non-profit National Zoo and Aquarium (NZACT), which aims to spread the message of doing everything possible to preserve these unique animals in the wild.
Proceeds go towards supporting the zoo’s efforts to fight animal extinction and funding its breeding and educational programs. Managed since 1998 by the animal-loving Tindale family, this world-class facility adheres to the gold standard in zoo keeping, with larger-than-average enclosures and best-practice animal husbandry and welfare procedures.
Embark on a one-of-a-kind Australian safari with an African twist and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the nation’s capital.
——————————————————————————-
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
National Zoo & Aquarium
999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT 2611
T: +61 2 6287 8444
By Jennifer Luu