Monarto Safari Park: Lions At Bedtime

Monarto Safari Park: Lions At Bedtime

If you’re craving a chance to see African lions up close and personal, Monarto Safari Park’s Lions At Bedtime experience offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look that few visitors ever get. For $113 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and fifteen minutes immersed in the world of big cats and other fascinating African carnivores. It’s a chance to assist keepers in calling the lions into their night quarters, then witness them enjoying a hearty meat treat. Alongside this, you’ll come face-to-face with Spotted Hyenas, understanding these often-misunderstood animals better than you ever thought possible.

What really makes this tour stand out is the personal touch—you’re not just watching from a distance but actively involved in the lions’ evening routine. Plus, the opportunity to see hyenas being trained and enjoying enrichment is a rare, valuable insight into their complex social lives. We also appreciate that the experience includes general admission to the park, unlimited shuttle rides, and access to extensive walking tracks, making it a well-rounded day out for wildlife enthusiasts.

The potential drawback? The experience is not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility issues, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves some standing and walking. For families or individuals with a keen interest in predator animals and behind-the-scenes zoo work, this tour offers excellent value—especially if you’re prepared for the physical part and the minimal age restrictions.

If you’re someone who loves animals, enjoys learning alongside expert keepers, and isn’t shy about getting close to nature’s predators, you’ll find this experience well worth your while.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: Get the rare chance to see lion night quarters and participate in calling the lions.
• Close Encounter with Hyenas: Witness hyenas enjoying enrichment and observe their training, gaining insight into these misunderstood creatures.
• Inclusive Park Experience: With general admission, unlimited shuttle use, and extensive walking tracks, your day is flexible and full of exploration.
• Family-Friendly but Restricted: Suitable for ages 10 and up; not accessible for wheelchair users.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable keepers enhance the experience, making it educational as well as exciting.
• Value for Money: Combining a unique animal encounter with park access, this tour offers good value for wildlife lovers.

An In-Depth Look at Monarto Safari Park’s Lions At Bedtime

Setting the Scene: What Is This Tour All About?

The Lions At Bedtime tour takes you behind the scenes at Monarto Safari Park, a sprawling wildlife reserve in South Australia. For just over an hour, you’ll join a keeper in assisting with the evening routine for one of the park’s pride of African lions. This isn’t simply a casual viewing—it’s an active involvement, calling the lions into their quarters and then watching them enjoy a large meaty treat.

The experience begins with a straightforward check-in at the Visitor Centre’s Information Hut, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick overview. The tour then naturally shifts into a more interactive phase as you help signal the lions, which is both thrilling and a bit surreal when you realize you’re part of the lions’ nightly routine.

Why We Love This Experience: Authenticity and Intimacy

One of the best parts? You’re in the lion’s world—not just a spectator. Watching the keeper call the pride into their night pens is a moment that feels genuine and personal. It offers a rare, unfiltered look at animal husbandry and the daily life of these majestic predators.

We also appreciate the chance to see the hyena clan up close. Hyenas often have a bad rap, but here, you see their playful side as they enjoy enrichment activities. The opportunity to witness a training session helps dispel myths and reveals the complexity of these clever animals.

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The Practical Side: Logistics and Value

The tour is priced at $113 per person, which includes park admission, unlimited shuttle rides on the Zu-Loop, and access to over 15 kilometers of walking tracks. This makes it more than just a fleeting experience; it’s a full-day adventure with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The free daily keeper presentations add educational value, and free onsite parking makes logistics straightforward.

However, it’s worth noting that you should bring a camera, water, and wear closed-toe shoes—the latter for safety and comfort during walking. The tour’s duration is timed well for most visitors, especially those eager to combine animal encounters with a leisurely day exploring the park.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits animal lovers, families with older children, and anyone interested in behind-the-scenes zoo work. Because of the physical aspects involved, it’s best for those aged 10 and above. Keep in mind, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility challenges will need to consider other options at the park.

The Full Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point: A Smooth Check-In

Your adventure kicks off at the Visitor Centre, where you’ll meet your keeper guide and gather any final instructions. The group size typically remains manageable, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunities for questions.

The Call to the Lions: Active Engagement

The core of the experience involves calling the lions into their night quarters. This is done with the help of the keeper, who will coach you on the best calls and signals. The process is surprisingly straightforward but still feels like being part of a wild animal routine. You get to see the pride’s social dynamic up close as they respond to the calls.

Watching the Lions Dine: An Intimate Moment

Once the pride arrives, you’ll observe them enjoying a big meat treat. This isn’t a staged show but a natural-feeling feeding, giving insight into how lions hunt and eat in their environment. The keeper may share interesting facts about lion behavior, diet, and conservation efforts.

Face-to-Face with Hyenas: A Surprising Encounter

Following the lion routine, you’ll shift focus to the Spotted Hyenas. Watch these fascinating animals indulge in enrichment activities, which could include toys or food puzzles designed to stimulate their natural behaviors. The hyena training session offers a glimpse into how zookeepers foster trust and manage these often-misunderstood animals.

End of the Tour: Returning to the Park

The tour concludes back at the meeting point, but your day isn’t over. With unlimited shuttle access and extensive walking tracks, you can continue exploring the park’s other areas, including safaris, giraffes, or native Australian wildlife.

Why This Tour Delivers on Value

Compared to standard zoo visits, this experience offers an educational twist—a rare window into animal care routines. The personal involvement with calling lions and observing hyena behavior** makes it memorable and meaningful. For a little over $100, you’re not just watching animals—you’re seeing their nighttime routines and learning how zookeepers work to ensure their well-being.

The inclusion of general park admission and unlimited shuttle rides means you can make the most of your day at Monarto without extra costs. Plus, the accessibility of walking tracks lets you explore the park’s vast landscapes at your own pace, which is perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

In terms of value, the Lions At Bedtime tour strikes a good balance between intimacy and education. It’s particularly suited for animal enthusiasts, families with older children, and anyone eager to see the unfiltered routines of big cats and hyenas. The personal interaction and behind-the-scenes look provide a sense of connection that many zoo visits lack.

However, if you’re after a highly accessible experience or traveling with young children under 10, you might find this tour less suitable. Still, for those prepared for some walking and eager to learn from passionate keepers, it’s a rewarding, authentic glimpse into wildlife conservation in action.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 10 years old. All children under 16 need to be accompanied by a paying adult.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a camera, water, and wear closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort during the activity.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, unfortunately, this experience is not wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the Lions At Bedtime experience, general park admission, unlimited shuttle rides, access to walking tracks, and free keeper presentations.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy both the main activity and explore the rest of the park.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique evening experience, Monarto Safari Park’s Lions At Bedtime delivers a sincere glimpse into the lives of some of Africa’s most iconic animals. It’s a balanced, engaging outing that combines education, adventure, and the chance to form a real connection with the animal world.

You can check availability for your dates here: