Imagine standing just a few feet from Australia’s largest giraffe herd, feeding these gentle giants carrots, and learning about their wild struggles—all within a sprawling, well-maintained reserve. For $85 per person, this 50-minute Giraffe Safari at Monarto Safari Park offers a rare chance to connect with the world’s tallest mammals in a setting that balances intimate encounters with conservation education.
What we love most about this experience is the personal touch of hand-feeding the giraffes—it’s not just looking from a distance, but actually engaging with these majestic creatures. Plus, the opportunity to go behind the scenes to see where the giraffes are cared for adds an extra layer of exclusivity. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this is a shorter experience—you’ll want to plan to spend extra time exploring the park’s extensive walking tracks and other exhibits.
This tour is best suited for families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about wildlife conservation. If you’re after a meaningful, interactive animal encounter in South Australia, this experience hits the mark.
Key Points
- Close-up Giraffe Encounters: Hand-feed Australia’s largest herd of giraffes, including impressive males.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Enjoy exclusive access to a special area where you can see how the giraffes are cared for.
- Educational Focus: Learn about giraffe species and the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
- Value-Added Benefits: Includes general admission, unlimited shuttle use, walking tracks, and daily keeper presentations.
- Support Conservation: Your ticket helps fund breeding programs and protection efforts for giraffes.
- Ideal for: Animal enthusiasts, families, and those seeking authentic wildlife experiences in South Australia.
Discovering Monarto Safari Park and the Giraffe Safari
If you’re heading to South Australia and want a blend of safari-style animal encounters and extensive park exploration, Monarto Safari Park should be high on your list. Spread over a vast 1500 hectares, it’s home to more than 50 species and offers over 15km of walking tracks—enough to keep you busy for hours. The Giraffe Safari is a beautifully curated addition, focusing on one of the park’s most iconic residents: the giraffe.
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The Experience Itself
Starting at the Information Hut in the Visitor Centre, you’ll check in for your 50-minute tour. The experience is priced at $85 per person, which, considering the personal interaction and behind-the-scenes access, offers good value. While it doesn’t include transportation or food, you’re free to explore the rest of the park at your own pace afterward, with unlimited shuttle rides around the extensive grounds.
Once out in the giraffe enclosure, you’ll be led to a beautiful, rarely-seen area where the giraffes are usually out of sight from the general public. Here, you’ll meet magnificent male giraffes, marvel at their towering height, and enjoy the thrill of hand-feeding them carrots—one of their favorite treats. The feeling of handing a carrot to an animal that can be over 5 meters tall is genuinely unforgettable.
The Behind-the-Scenes Access
What makes this tour stand out is the exclusive behind-the-scenes access. It’s an opportunity to see how the park’s dedicated staff care for these animals and maintain their health and well-being. This behind-the-scenes element offers a more intimate understanding of giraffe conservation efforts, giving your visit a purpose beyond mere sightseeing.
Learning About Giraffes and Conservation
Throughout the encounter, guides and staff share insights about giraffe species diversity, their natural habitats, and the threats they face in the wild—particularly poaching and habitat loss. This educational component helps deepen your appreciation for these magnificent animals and the importance of conservation initiatives funded by ticket sales.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Included and What’s Not
Included in your ticket are the hand-feed giraffes, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and a learning experience about giraffes and conservation efforts. Plus, you get general admission into the park, unlimited shuttle rides, access to walking tracks, and daily keeper presentations—all of which add significant value.
However, transportation to Monarto Safari Park isn’t included, so you should plan accordingly. Also, food and drinks are on your own, so consider bringing snacks or grabbing something at the park’s food outlets.
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The Park and Additional Attractions
The park offers an impressive array of exhibits and experiences beyond the giraffe encounter. Visitors can explore a wide network of walking tracks, making it easy to spend a whole day discovering other animal exhibits like lions, cheetahs, and lemurs. The daily keeper presentations are free and provide further insight into the animals’ care and behaviors, making for a well-rounded visit.
The Giraffe Herd and Conservation
Monarto boasts the largest giraffe herd in Australia and has been highly successful in breeding these animals, welcoming 48 calves. Supporting this tour helps fund ongoing efforts to prevent extinction and promote healthy, sustainable populations. This makes it more than just a fun activity—it’s contributing to real conservation work.
Authentic Feedback from Visitors
One traveler from Australia summed up their experience as “Wonderful. Going to do it again,” highlighting the tour’s memorable quality. Many appreciate the personal interaction and the stunning views of the giraffes, noting that the ability to hand-feed makes it more than just looking at animals from afar.
Some mention that the short duration means you’ll want to set aside extra time for exploring the rest of the park, which is vast and full of other attractions. The exclusive behind-the-scenes adds a special touch that makes this stand out among typical zoo visits.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour suits families with children, animal lovers, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. The interactive nature makes it ideal for those who want more than just a quick glance at animals—it’s about forming a connection. If you enjoy stunning views of the giraffes and are keen to learn about their plight, this experience will resonate deeply.
Final Thoughts
The Giraffe Safari at Monarto delivers a unique, accessible opportunity to get up close with one of the most loved animal species while supporting crucial conservation efforts. The exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the chance to hand-feed the tallest mammals in the world make this a memorable highlight for any trip to South Australia.
While the duration is brief, the experience’s quality and educational value compensate well. Pair it with a day exploring the vast walking tracks and other exhibits, and you’ll leave with a richer understanding of wildlife and the importance of protecting these gentle giants.
Overall, it’s a well-priced, meaningful encounter for those craving a personal, hands-on animal experience amid the scenic beauty of Monarto Safari Park.
FAQs
How long is the Giraffe Safari experience?
It lasts approximately 50 minutes, including the behind-the-scenes and feeding.
What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes hand-feeding the giraffes, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, general park admission, unlimited shuttle rides, access to walking tracks, and free keeper presentations.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes—bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and wear closed-toe shoes, as the experience involves walking and outdoor exposure.
Is transportation to Monarto Safari Park included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to the park.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Food and beverages are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy them at the park.
Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 2 days before the experience.
Are there daily keeper presentations?
Yes, these are included in the ticket price and provide additional insights into the animals and conservation.
Is the experience available in languages other than English?
No, the tour is conducted in English.
What age is this experience suitable for?
It’s best suited for older children and adults, as it involves walking and outdoor activity; very young children should be supervised carefully.
This tour offers a thoughtful blend of animal interaction, education, and conservation support. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking a meaningful wildlife encounter, it’s a chance to see giraffes in their majestic glory while learning about their future.
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