Planning a day at Monarto Safari Park that combines wildlife up close with a broader safari adventure? For $85 per person, you can enjoy the Land of the Lemurs Experience, a focused one-hour tour that puts you right in the middle of one of Australia’s largest lemur troops. Paired with general park access, unlimited shuttle use, and free keeper presentations, this tour offers a unique chance to connect with some of nature’s most charismatic creatures—and it’s a fantastic option for families, animal enthusiasts, or anyone craving a memorable wildlife encounter.
What drew us in was the chance to be just a tails-length from the lemurs, watching them zip through their habitat, and the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts firsthand. Plus, the visit to the Tortoise Research Facility—home to giant tortoises—adds a slow-moving, charming contrast to the lively lemurs. Our only caveat? Since the tour is limited to the one-hour lemur experience, it’s best suited for those wanting a deep, focused wildlife encounter rather than an all-day zoo visit. If you’re comfortable with a bit of walking and want a personal, behind-the-scenes look at some of the park’s most endearing animals, this tour is a winner.
This experience suits animal lovers, families with children over 16 (who must be accompanied), and curious travelers eager for intimate interactions with exotic species. If you’re seeking a quick but meaningful wildlife fix embedded within a broader day at Monarto, this activity hits the mark.
Key Points
- Close encounters with one of Australia’s largest lemur troops in their naturalistic habitat.
- Behind-the-scenes access provides a more intimate view of the lemurs and their behaviors.
- Educational component highlights conservation efforts for endangered species.
- Includes general park entry, unlimited shuttle rides, and easy access to extensive walking tracks.
- Accessible for all ages, with wheelchair options available.
- Duration is just 1 hour, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Monarto Safari Park.
An In-Depth Look at the Land of the Lemurs Experience
When we think of wildlife encounters, we often imagine observing animals from a safe distance—perhaps through a chain-link fence or glass. Not here. The Land of the Lemurs Experience at Monarto Safari Park offers a rare chance to actually get within a tails-length of some of the most lively and playful lemurs you’ll ever see. This guided tour, typically run in the morning, is designed to be both fun and educational, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting a meaningful connection with animals.
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What’s Included and How It Works
For $85, your ticket includes the one-hour lemur experience, general park admission, and unlimited access to the park’s Zu-loop shuttle. This shuttle is handy for exploring the park’s 15 km of walking tracks—so you can extend your time exploring other parts of the park before or after your lemur adventure. Plus, you’ll be able to attend free daily keeper presentations, which add an extra layer of insight into the animals’ lives and conservation work.
Your check-in is straightforward—just head to the Information Hut in the Visitors Centre when you arrive. The tour is a private group, usually led by an English-speaking guide who knows the animals well and can answer your questions along the way. Accessibility is good, with wheelchair options available, and the experience is suitable for all ages, although children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The Experience Itself – What You’ll See and Do
Once the tour begins, you’ll step into the enclosed lemur habitat, which is designed to mimic their natural environment with trees, foliage, and plenty of space for zipping and leaping. We loved the way the guide explained how the troop of ring-tailed lemurs communicates, plays, and hunts—making it clear how vital these conservation efforts are since the species is endangered.
One of the highlights? Watching the lemurs run around your feet and leap through the trees—it’s a lively, interactive experience that makes you feel like part of their world. You might hear them purr, see them pounce, or catch them zipping from branch to branch. It’s a far cry from the typical static zoo exhibit, and it’s this up-close interaction that makes the tour memorable.
The behind-the-scenes access means fewer barriers between you and the animals—your guide will point out behaviors and adaptations that you might miss if just wandering through on your own. And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch some playful interactions among the troop, which are both amusing and insightful.
Conservation and Education
A key part of the tour is learning about the threats facing ring-tailed lemurs and what efforts are underway to protect them. The guide clearly communicates why conservation matters, especially since this species is threatened with extinction. We appreciated how the tour balanced fun with purpose, making it clear that these animals’ futures depend on our actions.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Tortoise Research Facility
After the lemur encounter, your visit continues at the Tortoise Research Facility, home to Aldabra Giant and Radiated Tortoises. They move slowly but exude personality—perfect for slowing down and appreciating the animal’s quiet charm. Watching these gentle giants lap up life is a calming counterpoint to the energetic lemurs.
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Practical Details and Tips for Your Visit
- Timing: The tour is usually available in the morning, which is often the best time to see animals active and alert.
- Duration: Just one hour, so plan to be flexible for a full day at the park if you want to explore everything else.
- What to Bring: Hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and closed-toe shoes (for safety and comfort).
- Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair accessible—be sure to advise when booking.
- Children: All ages are welcome, but children under 16 need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Value and Overall Impression
While $85 might seem like a tight budget for a one-hour tour, it’s important to weigh what you’re getting. The personal interaction with the lemurs, the behind-the-scenes access, and the chance to support conservation make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, general park entry and shuttle access are included, allowing you to make the most of your day at Monarto.
Keep in mind, this is a focused experience—if you’re after a full-day zoo adventure, you’ll want to combine this with other park attractions. But if your goal is a meaningful, intimate wildlife encounter with lemurs and tortoises, this tour delivers.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for animal enthusiasts who appreciate seeing animals in a more naturalistic setting and want to learn about conservation efforts firsthand. It’s particularly well-suited for families with children over 16, as well as solo travelers or couples seeking a special, behind-the-scenes look. If you prefer quick, close-up encounters over sprawling, multi-hour tours, this is a perfect pick.
Final Thoughts
The Land of the Lemurs Experience at Monarto Safari Park offers a rare opportunity to connect with some of nature’s most charming creatures in a way that feels personal and authentic. The chance to stand just a few feet from vibrant lemurs, watch them leap and play, and learn about their endangered status provides a meaningful, memorable addition to any park visit. The combination of guided insight, animal interaction, and easy access to the broader park makes this tour a good value for those looking for a focused wildlife experience.
If you’re an animal lover, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an hour, this tour will leave you with stories and memories that’ll make your trip to South Australia even more special.
FAQ
How long is the Land of the Lemurs Experience?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, usually offered in the morning.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes the lemur experience, general admission to Monarto Safari Park, unlimited shuttle rides, access to over 15 km of walking tracks, and daily keeper presentations.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children of all ages can participate, but those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Can I visit other parts of the park after the tour?
Absolutely. The ticket includes general park entry, so you can explore other animal exhibits and attractions before or after your scheduled tour.
Is wheelchair access available?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible. It’s recommended to advise when booking to ensure proper accommodations.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety during your walk. Open-toed shoes are not permitted for the tour.
In essence, this tour offers a focused, engaging way to see some of the most charismatic animals at Monarto Safari Park. It’s a true highlight for anyone wanting a close-up view of lemurs and tortoises, paired with meaningful insights into conservation. Whether you’re traveling with family or exploring solo, this experience makes your day at the park truly special.
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