Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Where You Can Sleep Next to a Tiger in Our Nation’s Capital
While an African Safari is not on the cards anytime soon, splurging on an Australian Safari to sleep where the wild things are at Jamala Wildlife Lodge most definitely is!
At Jamala Wildlife Lodge in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), families can combine luxury and adventure with the experience of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals … right from your five-star accommodation.
Sleep next to a tiger, go eye to eye with a lion, feed giraffes from your balcony or watch the cute meerkats at play from your room.
Photo – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
But first, a bit of background on Jamala Wildlife Lodge …
The funds from Jamala Wildlife Lodge assist the zoo and lodge to continue to grow and support animal conservation, breeding, and educational programs.
We Bought a Zoo!
Richard and Maureen Tindale purchased in 1998 what was then, just a small native wildlife park and aquarium. Their first goal was to take on a number of animals that had spent their lives in circuses or private collections, giving them a better chance at life. The zoo has since grown in size and while contributing to important breeding programs, helps educate our next generation to take better care of our wildlife than previous generations.
OMG … The Rooms!
There are three distinct accommodation precincts: uShaka Lodge, Giraffe Treehouses and the Jungle Bungalows. The room rates include accommodation, all food and dinner beverages, and an exclusive tour.
The Giraffe Treehouse
The Giraffe Treehouses are popular with families and feature six suites within a private enclosure that overlooks the Molonglo River. There are Giraffes on one side and you are free to wander amongst the friendly deer and alpaca on the other. Feed Hummer the giraffe or his girlfriend Skye. Although they decide where they want to be fed, they nearly always choose to be fed from your balcony! (maximum – 4 guests)
Photo – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Jungle Bungalows
The Jungle Bungalows take you further into the wild with nothing but a glass wall separating you from a pride of lions, a cheetah, tigers or a pair of Malayan sun bears. There are five luxurious individual suites, each adjoining an enclosure within the zoo. Take a bath next to a lion, or watch a cheetah as you relax in the den.
(maximum – 4 guests)
uShaka Lodge
uShaka Lodge is a stunning seven-room lodge with an “Oh My God” lounge and dining area. This is the owner’s former residence and it even has its own shark tank! Popular with families, The Shark Grand Suite features a flight of stairs up to your own private floor to meet and feed one of the sharks. You will also have the exclusive opportunity to feed one of the hyenas. (maximum – 6 guests)
The Meerkat Suite is also a hit with families, featuring a split-level suite that includes two bedrooms and looks onto the play area for the lively Meerkat brothers, Saku, Sudi, Surabi and Semush. This room also has a spa bath! (maximum – 6 guests)
Other rooms at uShaka lodge include The Reef Room, which features a 5-metre deep aquarium on one side and a hyena enclosure on the other, The Capuchin Room, where you can watch the Capuchin Monkeys play through a viewing window, The Meerkat Room and the Wild Encounter Room.
Photo – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Eat Where The Wild Things Are
The dining experience at Jamala Lodge is just as unforgettable as the rooms themselves. Your four-course gourmet dinner begins with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace or in the Rainforest Cave, where you may be joined by white lions or hyenas! Children are welcome to dine with their parents and if they wish, can enjoy a guided tour of the aquarium so that parents can enjoy their main course without being interrupted.
Need to Know
Due to the nature of the experiences, Jamala Wildlife Lodge can only welcome children 6 years and older. However, children 4 years and older can visit on special “Family Nights” that are held on select dates once a month. Many animals react differently to children, therefore the following age limits also apply:
- Lions – No children are allowed.
- Sun bear – Minimum 6 years.
- Tiger – Minimum 14 years and a minimum height of 1.5m for children.
- Cheetah – Minimum 14 years and a minimum height of 1.5m for children.
Check out the official website for Jamala Wildlife Lodge for more information and how to book.
Photo – Jamala Wildlife Lodge
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