Lions 360 Experience and a Day at Monarto Safari Park

If you’re craving a wildlife adventure that combines up-close animal encounters with the thrill of an expansive safari, the Lions 360 Experience at Monarto Safari Park might just be your next highlight. This tour offers a rare chance to get within clawing range of majestic lions while exploring one of Australia’s largest open-range parks. With general admission included, you’re free to wander and explore the park’s diverse landscapes at your own pace.

What immediately draws us in about this experience are three key points: the unique 360-degree lion encounter, the vastness of the safari park, and the opportunity to support conservation efforts. The experience is quite family-friendly, and the reviews highlight guides who are not only knowledgeable but also engaging. That said, one consideration is that this package doesn’t include the feeding experience, which might be a disappointment if you’re hoping to see the lions being fed up close.

This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone looking to experience a safari outside of Africa without leaving Australia. It balances thrill and education, providing authentic encounters with big cats in a setting designed for safety and awe.

Key Points

• Exclusive Lions 360 Experience: The only one of its kind in Australia, offering a 360-degree view of lions in a safe environment.
• Full-Day Park Access: Includes general admission to explore over 15 km of walking tracks and large open-range exhibits.
• Wildlife Diversity: Home to more than 500 animals, including rhinos, giraffes, meerkats, and chimpanzees, making it a true safari experience.
• Family-Friendly and Educational: Free daily keeper presentations enrich understanding, and guides are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge.
• Flexible & Convenient: Unlimited use of the shuttle bus and ample parking make the day easy to navigate.
• Cost & Value: At $85 per person, it combines a unique experience with extensive park exploration without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Lions 360 Experience

The Lions 360 experience lasts about an hour and starts at Monarto’s Visitor Center, the beating heart of the park’s operations. You’ll check in at the Information Hut roughly 30 minutes before the tour begins, making timing straightforward if you arrive early or plan to explore beforehand.

The Encounter: Closer Than You Think

What makes this tour stand out is the 360-degree view of the lion pride. Walk through a tunnel that leads you right into the heart of the lion enclosure, where lions are free to move above, around, and beneath you. Reviewers mention that guide-led commentary adds layers of insight about the lions’ behaviors, habitat, and conservation efforts. One visitor commented that seeing the male lions’ paws up close was a thrill, while another appreciated the safety measures that made the encounter both exciting and secure.

The experience guarantees an awe-inspiring view, especially when lions climb or rest just above or near the viewing platform. The proximity is carefully managed; you’re close enough to feel the power of these predators but still in a protected space.

Guides and Safety

The guides and keepers are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge. One review mentioned that the staff was happy to answer every question, making the encounter not just exciting but also highly educational. Their ability to communicate the lions’ stories, their habitat, and ongoing conservation work enhances the value of the experience.

The Park: More Than Just Lions

Following the lion encounter, your day at Monarto is filled with the chance to explore a vast, open safari landscape. The park covers over 150 square kilometers, with 12 km of walking trails and a shuttle bus service that loops around the park. This setup gives you a feeling of being on a true African safari, with animals roaming in large, naturalistic habitats.

Expect to see not only lions but also rhinos, giraffes, meerkats, and even chimps. The park’s design allows for natural viewing in expansive enclosures, which many reviews note is more authentic than traditional zoo settings. The Zu-loop shuttle provides a guided overview, with knowledgeable guides offering stories about the animals and their environment.

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Activities and Add-Ons

While the ticket includes free daily keeper presentations, you might want to plan for additional experiences—such as hand-feeding a giraffe or booking the feeding experience itself, which costs extra. Reviewers highlight the value of the keeper talks, describing them as engaging and full of interesting facts.

Practical Details

• Price: $85 per person, which covers the Lions 360 experience plus general park entry.
• Duration: The experience lasts about an hour, but you can stay at the park as long as you like.
• Transport & Parking: The tour does not include transport, but parking on-site is free and plentiful.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility is available with prior notice, and the experience is suitable for all ages, with no minimum age restrictions.
• Timing: Usually available in the morning and afternoon, making it flexible to fit your schedule.

Why the Value Is Solid

At $85, this tour offers a rare blend of close animal encounters and extensive park exploration. The fact that access to over 15 km of walking tracks and free keeper talks are included adds to its appeal, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Many reviewers felt the experience was worth every dollar, describing it as “fantastic,” “magical,” and “a day to remember.”

Although the experience does not include the feeding component, many say that witnessing lions being fed during other parts of the day still provides a thrilling display. If feeding is a must-do for you, it’s available separately for around $35, but even without it, the lions’ proximity makes this a memorable outing.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

Multiple reviews praise the guides and staff for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that the staff was very happy to answer all questions, making the experience more engaging. Another commented that the park’s facilities are excellent, and the chances to see animals like meerkats or giraffes in open enclosures are “fantastic.”

The park’s size and layout allow for a more natural viewing experience — you’ll feel like you’re on an African safari, especially when the animals are active in their large, open habitats. Visitors also appreciated the flexibility of the shuttle bus and the ease of parking, which simplifies planning a full day of exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a meaningful connection with wildlife without the cost or logistics of international safaris. It’s perfect for those interested in animal conservation, as part of the proceeds support Zoos South Australia’s conservation efforts. If you love big cats, or simply want to see lions in an environment that feels authentic and safe, this is a must-do.

It’s also a great option for first-time safaris or visitors to Adelaide looking for a full-day adventure that combines education, entertainment, and stunning scenery.

The Sum Up

The Lions 360 Experience at Monarto Safari Park offers a rare chance to get within claws’ reach of some of the world’s most majestic lions, paired with a full day of exploring one of Australia’s largest and most natural wildlife parks. With knowledgeable guides, extensive animal exhibits, and flexible options for exploration, this tour provides excellent value.

It’s best suited for those eager to see big cats up close, families wanting an engaging day out, or wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate authentic, open-range environments. While the experience doesn’t include feeding, the proximity to lions and the park’s naturalistic habitats make it a memorable highlight that often exceeds expectations.

For anyone wanting to combine adventure, conservation, and a genuine safari atmosphere, this tour hits the mark. It’s a fantastic way to support wildlife preservation while enjoying one of the most unique experiences outside Africa.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the ticket?
No, transportation is not included. However, onsite parking is free and ample, making it easy to drive in.

What is the duration of the Lions 360 experience?
The encounter itself lasts about one hour, but you are free to spend the whole day exploring the park.

Are there age restrictions for the Lions 360 experience?
No, there is no minimum age requirement for the standard experience, making it suitable for families with children.

Does the ticket include feeding the lions?
No, the ticket does not include the feeding experience. If you want to see lions being fed, it can be booked separately for around $35.

Are guides available during the experience?
Yes, guides are present and highly praised for their informative and friendly approach, answering questions and sharing insights about lions and conservation.

Can I visit other animals at Monarto after the experience?
Absolutely. The general admission allows unlimited time to explore the park’s 15 km of walking tracks and various animal exhibits.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair access is available with prior notice, and the experience is suitable for visitors of all mobility levels.

What should I wear for the experience?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, but open-toed shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

The Lions 360 Experience at Monarto Safari Park offers an authentic, close-up view of lions combined with a well-organized, expansive safari park visit. It’s a fantastic choice for wildlife lovers wanting an immersive day with big cats in South Australia.

You can check availability for your dates here: