A bath with a bear? A scenic view with a giraffe? Dinner with a lion? Canberra's newest luxury accommodation provides it all with the added benefit of every creature comfort. What's better is that it's only 10 minutes from the heart of the city.
The Jamala Wildlife Lodge recently opened in the National Zoo & Aquarium, offering guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of the zoo's furrier residents with all-inclusive overnight packages. Specially designed to integrate with the exhibits, this luxury lodge hopes to raise animal awareness while providing an unforgettable African safari experience.
As if you needed any more evidence to check it out, here are three reasons why the Jamala Wildlife Lodge is worth a stay.
Up close with the Canberra Zoo bears.
Premium Accommodation
The lodge is split into three accommodation precincts with a total of 18 rooms across the zoo. Animal experiences aside, all feature luxury finishes bolstered by authentic, handpicked African artefacts.
uShaka Lodge – seven suites
The largest of the precincts, this African lodge offers a number of rooms with configurations to accommodate everyone from couples to families. Aptly named after the Zulu word for 'shark', it features a shark tank in the lounge and the chance to check out the cheeky monkeys from the terrace. Guests staying in the lodge can also enjoy a dip in the infinity edge pool.
Sharks swim past the uShaka lounge.
Giraffe Treehouses – six suites
Positioned within a private enclosure, these stand alone rooms provide the chance to mingle with a number of friendly, free roaming animals. And should the mood strike, pop out to the balcony to hand feed 'Hummer' the neighbourhood giraffe while you enjoy the views of the Molongo River.
Luxury finishes and neighbouring giraffes.
Jungle Bungalows – five suites
Located at different positions around the zoo, these private individual bungalows provide a number of different animal experiences with only a glass wall separating you from a few fierce friends. These include lions, bears and cheetahs. Be warned though, roaring lions through the night are a distinct possibility.
Relax with the bears in a Jungle Bungalow.
Exclusive Dining Experiences
This all-inclusive package comes complete with exclusive dining experiences. From afternoon tea in the uShaka Lodge to pre-dinner drinks, you can take advantage of unique viewing vantage points that allow you to check out sharks, hyenas and white lions. You'll even have the chance to meet the zoo's snow leopards before sitting down to dinner in the Cave Dining Room.
Guests will also be treated to a three-course dinner party-style meal prepared by the lodge chefs. The 'animal in residence' is sure to join, providing ample opportunity to satiate any appetite for food and adventure.
Not your typical restaurant table.
Private Zoo Tours
Guests of the Jamala Wildlife Lodge can also take part in private tours of the zoo to meet such animals as lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears, otters, meerkats, monkeys, lemurs, rhinos and more. Developed to ensure you have enough time to rest and relax in your room as well as learn more about the zoo and its animals, you will have the opportunity to take part in two distinct experiences.
Afternoon Tour
Set off through the zoo, escorted by an expert keeper to meet some of the animals and learn interesting animal facts.
Early Morning Expedition
Providing a behind the scenes glimpse, you will learn about morning preparations at the zoo. There's also the chance to see some of the animals 'in action'.
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.
