Taking a trip to South Australia isn’t complete without visiting Monarto Safari Park, and the Land of the Lemurs Experience offers a rare chance to get right amongst one of Australia’s largest lemur troops. This tour combines a unique, up-close wildlife encounter with the broader adventure of exploring one of Australia’s most expansive safari parks.
We’re here to share the details of this experience — from what makes it special to what you should consider before booking. If you’re curious about seeing lemurs in their habitat, learning about conservation, or simply looking for a family-friendly wildlife adventure, this review lays it all out with honesty and practicality.
Three things we love about this experience: the intimacy of being close to the lemurs, the chance to go behind the scenes at the Tortoise Research Facility, and the fact that your visit supports endangered species conservation.
One possible consideration: the tour lasts only about an hour, so if you’re after a long, in-depth experience, you might want to combine it with additional exploration around the park.
This tour is perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting a meaningful, interactive encounter with animals in a naturalistic setting — especially if they’re interested in supporting conservation efforts.
Key Points
- Close Up Interactions: Get within a tails-length of a large troop of ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore the Tortoise Research Facility, home to giant tortoises, and learn about conservation efforts.
- Included Park Entry: Your ticket also grants access to the full Monarto Safari Park, with over 15km of walking tracks.
- Flexible & Convenient: Unlimited use of the shuttle and free parking make this a hassle-free experience.
- Educational & Supportive: Free keeper presentations and the chance to learn about endangered species add value.
- Exclusive Opportunity: As the Zu-loop bus doesn’t venture past the lemurs, this is your unique chance to mingle closely with the troop.
An Honest Look at the Land of the Lemurs Experience
Looking for more options in Murray Bridge? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Setting the Scene: The Land of the Lemurs
Our visit to Land of the Lemurs begins at the Visitors Centre, where check-in is straightforward — just head to the Information Hut. The experience itself is about an hour long, which strikes us as just right for a focused, manageable wildlife encounter. The highlight? The chance to stand mere inches from a troop of ring-tailed lemurs, Australia’s largest troop of this species.
What sets this apart from a typical zoo visit is the depth of interaction. Unlike viewing animals behind glass, you’re on foot in their habitat, feeling the grass under your feet and hearing the sounds of the lemurs as they chatter, purr, leap, and play. Multiple reviews describe the sheer joy of watching lemurs run around your feet or zip through the trees — a real thrill for kids and adults alike.
The Lemur Encounter: What to Expect
The guided tour takes you through the lemurs’ expansive environment, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors in a setting designed for their comfort and safety. The guides, employed by Zoos South Australia, are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing insights into the lemurs’ habits and the threats they face in the wild, particularly their endangered status.
Guests mention the up-close closeness as a major highlight. One reviewer noted, “It was surreal to see them pounce and leap just a few feet from me — I could almost reach out and touch them, but of course I didn’t!” The lemurs are energetic and curious, often curiously approaching visitors or zipping past, which makes for fantastic photo opportunities.
Behind the Scenes & Conservation Focus
Beyond just observing, you’ll visit the Tortoise Research Facility, home to giant Aldabra and Radiated Tortoises. This part of the experience emphasizes conservation, as the guides explain how these slow-moving giants are protected and studied. The emphasis on conservation efforts adds depth to the visit, making it more than just a cute animal encounter.
Guests have appreciated this educational aspect. One review states, “Learning about the endangered ring-tailed lemurs and the tortoises made me feel like I was contributing to something meaningful.”
More Great Tours NearbyThe Broader Park Experience
Your ticket isn’t just for the lemur encounter — it grants full admission to Monarto Safari Park, a sprawling open-range park with over 15km of walking tracks. You can explore at your own pace, seeing other animals like lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and more. The free daily keeper presentations are an added bonus, offering insights into animal care and park conservation.
The Zu-loop shuttle adds convenience, letting you hop between different park sections without wearing yourself out. Reviewers point out that the shuttle service is very useful, especially if your legs tire or you prefer a relaxed day.
Practicalities & Tips
At $85 per person, the cost for the Land of the Lemurs Experience is quite reasonable considering it includes the guided tour, park entry, shuttle access, and educational content. For families or wildlife enthusiasts, it offers excellent value.
Remember to bring essentials: a hat, sunscreen, water, closed-toe shoes, and a camera. The experience is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to advise when booking so that arrangements can be made.
While transportation isn’t included, parking is free, which cuts down on extra costs. The tour usually runs in the mornings, allowing you to enjoy cooler weather and less crowded conditions.
What You Should Know Before Booking
- The tour lasts approximately one hour, so plan for additional time to explore other parts of the park.
- It’s suitable for all ages, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- You’ll be in an outdoor environment, so dress appropriately and be prepared for weather changes.
- The experience isn’t just about the lemurs — it’s an opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation firsthand.
- No food or beverages are included, so consider bringing snacks or eating before or after your tour.
- The tour is private, so groups will have a personalized experience without large crowds.
- To ensure accessibility, advise when booking if wheelchair access is needed.
Comparing Similar Experiences
If the idea of seeing animals up close appeals to you, Monarto Safari Park offers several other experiences, such as lion safaris, cheetah encounters, or giraffe feeding. These options, listed on GetYourGuide, can complement your visit or be booked separately if you want a more in-depth wildlife adventure.
Final Thoughts: Is the Land of the Lemurs Experience Worth It?
This tour offers a rare chance to get intimately close to lemurs in a naturalistic environment while supporting important conservation work. It’s perfect for those who value educational, interactive encounters and want a family-friendly outing that combines fun with meaningful learning.
The price reflects good value, especially since it includes park entry and shuttle access. While it’s a quick, one-hour tour, the experience’s quality makes it worthwhile for animal lovers and curious travelers.
For anyone keen to see endangered species in action, learn about conservation, and enjoy a flexible day exploring a large safari park, this experience hits the mark. It’s a well-rounded offering that balances intimacy, education, and adventure — ideal for a memorable day in South Australia.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, all ages can participate, but children under 16 need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Does the tour include transportation?
Transport to the park is not included, but onsite parking is free and the shuttle inside the park is unlimited.
How long is the tour?
The Land of the Lemurs Experience lasts approximately 1 hour.
Can I explore the park after the tour?
Absolutely. Your ticket grants general admission, so you can stay as long as you like before or after the tour.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Please advise when booking for tailored arrangements.
What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, camera, and closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Are food and drinks included?
No, you need to bring your own or plan to eat before/after the experience.
What conservation efforts does this support?
It helps fund the protection of ring-tailed lemurs and other endangered species housed at the park.
When does the tour usually run?
Typically in the mornings, but check with the park for specific times.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
This experience offers a fantastic blend of close animal encounters, conservation education, and the freedom to explore one of Australia’s premier safari parks. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or alone, it’s a highly rewarding way to connect with wildlife in a genuine, meaningful way.
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