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Monarto Safari Park is located about 60 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, and is an unforgettable adventure into the wild from the safety of a bus!
Monarto is the largest open-range zoo in the world, offering a safari experience like no other, right in the heart of South Australia. Imagine being just a few metres away from lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, roaming free in vast landscapes that mirror their natural habitats but are still conveniently close to a cafe!
Whether you’re walking along the boardwalks using the power of your own human legs, or taking a thrilling guided tour on the zoo bus network – every moment at Monarto brings you closer to the wonders of the animal kingdom in a way that’s both exhilarating and deeply educational. But in a fun way!
It’s recommended that you set aside 4 to 5 hours to fully see the Monarto Safari Park. There’s a free Zu-loop bus that you can hop-on and hop-off at will that’s included in your entry price and will take you around the Park.
On our visit we were coming out of a heatwave and were glad that we could walk around and see the viewing platforms, but then grab the air-conditioned bus to take us to the next animal adventure! The buses go every 15 minutes or so, and the staff give a running commentary and help point out animals you may not have otherwise spotted.
We got off at Stop 2 first, which was a good chance to see the chimps and meerkats. We walked through to the rhino which was an easy 20 minute meander through the scrubland.
The Waterhole was our favourite! So amazing seeing the giraffes and ostrich up close, having a feed and a dirt bath. Taking the bus through the Waterhole area lets you get much closer to the animals than you would just from the platform.
In the carnivore enclosure, we got to see a puddle of lions and their cubs having a rest right near the road and sneakily watching the gate for a chance to escape!
The Monarto Zoo is definitely worth a visit, and a great animal adventure for all ages and levels of fitness! Let’s take a look at some of the characters you’ll meet!
You’ve seen them on TV, now catch these tiny terrors in action! Their synchronised digging might put your gardening skills to shame, but don’t worry—they won’t judge your weeds, and can be easily distracted by a well-placed meat cube.
These armoured giants might look tough, but deep down, they’re just big, horned marshmallows. Don’t tell them we said that. Having honed their mud-wallowing skincare routine to a fine art – these modern dinosaurs will inspire you to strut your stuff!
Ever wonder what your distant relatives have been up to? Well call them, your family loves you and wants you to check in. Meanwhile, visit awhile with these chimps and pick up some new skills.
With necks long enough to see into next week, giraffes are the original skyscrapers of the savannah. And if you think you have food cravings, wait until you see them go to town on a 20-foot-tall salad bar! I mean, no-one actually craves that, but good for them!
Want to meet the original speed demon? These birds can outrun a cheetah on a good day and have the attitude to match. Plus, their feather boas are always in style and they can tap dance like nobody’s business.
Lions, tigers, and cheetahs—oh my! No-one can ever tell who’s who! These feline royalty have mastered the art of napping, pouncing, and posing for the perfect photo. Just remember, they’re not as cuddly as they look, but they sure are photogenic! Also, don’t let them onto the bus.
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