Lions 360 Experience and a Day at Monarto Safari Park

Imagine standing just a few meters from some of the largest lions in Australia, feeling their power as they climb and roar around you. For $85, you can spend a day exploring Monarto Safari Park, South Australia’s sprawling open-range zoo, and enjoy their exclusive Lions 360 experience, the only one of its kind in the country. The tour lasts about a day and is packed with opportunities to see a wide variety of animals, learn about conservation efforts, and get up close to these majestic predators.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the unique 360-degree lion encounter—a safe, guided walk that takes you underneath and around the lion’s habitat, giving you a prey’s-eye view of their world. Plus, the park’s expansive open plains make you feel like you’ve temporarily escaped to the African savannah, with an array of wildlife and stunning landscapes.

A couple of small caveats are worth considering. The experience includes general admission, so you might find yourself exploring the park before or after your lion encounter, which is great but can be confusing if you’re not clear on what’s included. Also, while the park is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages, open-toed shoes are not allowed—a reminder that safety is prioritized.

This tour suits travelers who crave close-up wildlife encounters, appreciate guided insights, and want a full day of immersive nature. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a memorable adventure outside city limits will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Exclusive 360-Degree Encounter: The lion experience remains the only one of its kind in Australia, offering unforgettable views.
• Inclusive Park Admission: Your ticket covers full access to Monarto Safari Park, allowing flexible exploration.
• Educational and Conservation Focus: Guides and keepers provide engaging insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts.
• Flexible Day Out: With unlimited shuttle use and walking tracks, you can tailor your visit to your interests.
• Safety and Accessibility: The experience is safe for all, with options for wheelchair users but a restriction on open-toed shoes.
• Authentic Safari Feel: Large open-range exhibits and guided tours create an authentic safari atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Lions 360 Experience and Monarto Safari Park

When we first heard about the Lions 360 experience, the promise of a 360-degree view of lions within a safe environment immediately caught our attention. This isn’t your typical zoo encounter—it’s a carefully curated adventure that blurs the line between observation and being in the lions’ world.

The Itinerary and How It’s Structured

The experience begins at the Information Hut within the park’s Visitor Center, typically in the morning or afternoon, depending on your booking. After check-in, you’re led through a secure tunnel, which acts as a kind of wildlife barrier but feels more like stepping into a different realm. The highlight is the walk within clawing range of a lion pride, where you’ll see these magnificent animals climb, stretch, and sometimes yawn just meters from you. The guide, often a knowledgeable keeper, will share fascinating facts—such as how male lions can have paws as large as dinner plates, or how the pride dynamics work.

Most reviews highlight how safe and controlled the encounter is, despite the thrill of being so close. Sandra from Australia mentioned, “Did not realize that feeding was not included, but the experience of seeing the lions so close was worth it.” That brings up a good point—while the lion encounter is a spectacular highlight, it doesn’t include the feeding part, which is available separately if you’re eager for that additional interactive element.

The Park’s Other Highlights

Your general admission ticket grants access to over 15 km of walking tracks and the Zu-loop shuttle, which makes exploring this vast open-range sanctuary both easy and enjoyable. Imagine feeling as if you’re on an African safari, with large plains dotted with giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, and chimpanzees. The landscapes are well designed to mimic natural habitats, and the guides are enthusiastic about sharing insights into each species’ lives and conservation.

What to See and Do

If you want to maximize your visit, we suggest taking advantage of the daily keeper presentations—they’re free and packed with interesting details. These talks often feature animals like meerkats or giraffes and give you a deeper understanding of efforts to protect these species. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, there are opportunities to hand-feed giraffes or mingle with meerkats—though these come at an extra cost.

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Authentic Encounters and Reviews

Multiple visitors praised the guides for their knowledgeable and friendly demeanor. Hassan from Australia said, “The guides and keepers gave us a lot of information regarding the lions and helped us understand more about their habitat.” This personal touch enhances the overall value, turning a sightseeing day into an educational adventure.

What to Keep in Mind

While the park’s expansive layout offers great views and plenty of wildlife, it’s a significant outdoor day. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water. The park’s open setting and large enclosures mean that animals are in large, naturalistic habitats, which is fantastic for their well-being but might mean some viewing distances—though the lion experience is designed to bring you close.

Parking is free, which is a plus, but transportation to the park isn’t included in your ticket. The park opens from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily, which means you can easily plan a full day. The park’s flexible schedule lets you explore at your own pace, making it ideal for those who prefer a leisurely or immersive visit.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently emphasize the quality of the guides and the stunning views. Brenda called her experience “just wonderful,” and Karen shared that her grandson was “thrilled to see the lions climbing above us.” The consensus is that this experience leaves lasting memories, especially for families or animal lovers.

Some feedback points out that not all experiences are included in the ticket, like the feeding, which costs extra. So, if you’re looking for a completely interactive day, consider whether to budget for those add-ons. Others noted that the park is large and well-organized, though a couple of reviewers suggested some enclosures—like for hyenas—could be larger to better mimic natural behaviors.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

The Lions 360 experience is a standout because of its close-up perspective of lions that is safe and expertly managed. It’s an opportunity to see these animals in a setting that mimics their natural habitat, with the added benefit of conservation education. The included general park entry makes it a flexible day, allowing you to explore the other animals and exhibits at your own pace.

The cost of $85 is reasonable considering the unique, up-close encounter, the park’s size, and the variety of animals. If you’re coming from Adelaide or nearby, it’s a full and rewarding day trip that combines adventure, education, and wildlife conservation.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with children, as the encounters are safe and captivating for all ages. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the expert guides and naturalistic habitats, which go beyond typical zoo visits. It’s a great choice for adventure seekers eager to get close to lions without the risks of a traditional safari. And if you’re someone who values education and conservation, this experience offers meaningful insights alongside your wildlife encounter.

FAQ

Is the Lions 360 experience suitable for children?
Yes, there’s no minimum age for the Lions 360 experience, making it accessible for families with kids of all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult, ensuring safety and supervision.

Does the ticket include park entry?
Yes, your ticket covers general admission to Monarto Safari Park, allowing you to explore the park before or after your lion encounter. Just note that if you want to participate in activities like feeding, those are extra.

How long does the Lions 360 experience last?
The encounter itself lasts about an hour, set within a full day of park exploration. You can spend as much time as you like exploring the park’s trails and exhibits.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to the park is not included, but parking is free on-site. The park is easily accessible from nearby areas, making drive-up visits straightforward.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible. If specific assistance is needed, it’s best to advise when booking to ensure accommodations.

What should I wear?
Since open-toed shoes are not allowed, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking. Bring sun protection and water, especially during warmer months.

Can I do this experience on my own schedule?
Yes, the park’s opening hours and the flexible scheduling of the experience allow you to plan your visit on your own terms. You just need to check availability and book in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Lions 360 experience at Monarto Safari Park offers a rare chance to see Australia’s only 360-degree lion encounter, set within a truly vast open-range environment. It combines the thrill of getting close to majestic big cats with the educational value of a well-managed conservation park. The inclusion of general admission means you can tailor your day—whether to linger with the animals, enjoy the landscapes, or catch additional keeper talks.

This tour is best suited for families, wildlife lovers, and adventurous travelers who want an authentic and memorable wildlife encounter. It’s especially appealing if you’ve always wanted to see lions in a setting that feels more like an African safari than a zoo.

Overall, Monarto Safari Park’s Lions 360 experience is a well-organized, immersive adventure that balances thrill, education, and conservation. It’s a unique opportunity to witness lions in a naturalistic habitat and learn about their importance in our world—making it an excellent day-trip choice in South Australia.

You can check availability for your dates here: