Introduction
Imagine the chance to be part of a true wildlife adventure—helping to call African lions into their night quarters and getting up close with some of Africa’s most captivating predators. That’s exactly what the Lions At Bedtime experience offers at Monarto Safari Park, a sprawling sanctuary in South Australia dedicated to conservation and authentic animal encounters.
What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the behind-the-scenes access that allows you to see where the lions sleep and learn about their nocturnal habits. Second, the personal interaction with the hyenas provides a fascinating look at misunderstood animals often cast in a negative light. Finally, with knowledgeable guides and a well-organized schedule, this tour combines education, fun, and a touch of adventure—all for just over a hundred dollars per person.
A possible downside? The experience is not suitable for children under 10 or for wheelchair users, which might limit some visitors. Nevertheless, if you’re comfortable with walking, and are eager to see majestic lions and clever hyenas up close, this tour fits well with those seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at big African predators, right here in Australia.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Close-up animal encounters with lions and hyenas
- Behind-the-scenes access to lion night quarters
- Educational and engaging keeper-led training and enrichment sessions
- Affordable price point considering the length and inclusions
- Ideal for animal lovers aged 10 and over
- Limited accessibility for wheelchair users
Looking for more options in Murray Bridge? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What is the Monarto Safari Park: Lions At Bedtime Experience?
The Lions At Bedtime experience at Monarto Safari Park is a guided, interactive tour lasting approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. It’s designed to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s lion pride as they prepare for sleep, plus the chance to meet a captivating Spotted Hyena. This isn’t just a walk-through; it’s a hands-on, engaging experience that invites you to assist the keeper in calling the lions back to their night-time enclosures and share some meaty treats with them.
Included in the tour is general park admission, so you can explore the vast 15 km of walking tracks, enjoy daily keeper presentations, and ride the Zu-Loop shuttle as much as you like. For those keen to deepen their understanding of African carnivores, the hyena encounter and the keeper-led training sessions are insightful highlights.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
Meeting and Starting the Experience
Your adventure begins at the Information Hut within the Visitors Centre. Here, you’ll check in and meet your guide, who has often been described as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, adding personal touches that make the tour memorable. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for plenty of questions and interaction.
More Great Tours NearbyHelping to Call the Lions
One of the most engaging parts of this experience is assisting the keeper in calling the lions into their night enclosures. Expect some light, fun commands—more like a team effort than a strict exercise. Guests often mention that the lions respond quite well, which gives a genuine feeling of being part of the animals’ routine.
Viewing the Lions’ Night Quarters
Once the lions are settled, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into their night quarters. This isn’t just about seeing the animals; it’s about understanding their habits and how park staff look after them. Reviewers highlight how “stunning the views are” from certain vantage points, making this part of the tour both informative and visually rewarding.
Encounter with the Spotted Hyena
No trip here would be complete without meeting the Spotted Hyena—a creature often misunderstood, but one that visitors find fascinating. You’ll observe the hyena clan enjoying their enrichment activities, which are designed to stimulate their natural behaviors. The training sessions with keepers reveal the hyenas’ intelligence and adaptability, offering insight into their complex social lives.
Why This Matters
Guests describe the hyena experience as “fascinating” and appreciate the truth behind these animals, often misjudged in popular media. This part of the tour provides a balanced view that enhances understanding and respect for these clever predators.
The Sum Up of the Tour
The experience wraps up back at the starting point, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of the park. It’s a compact yet comprehensive look at some of Africa’s top predators, delivered in a friendly, approachable manner.
The Value of the Experience
At $113, the Lions At Bedtime tour offers good value considering the personalized close-up encounters and behind-the-scenes access. Most reviewers agree that the opportunity to assist the keeper in calling the lions, combined with seeing their night quarters, makes this a unique offering. Plus, the inclusion of general park access means you can extend your visit at your own pace.
The tour’s length (about 75 minutes) is just enough to be immersive without feeling rushed. And with daily keeper presentations and free parking, it simplifies the logistics, making it easier for visitors to focus on the experience itself.
The Guides and Their Role
Guests often praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—they’re not just there to lead but to educate and entertain. Their insights help deepen understanding of animal behaviors, conservation efforts, and the park’s role in protecting these species.
The Experience for Animal Enthusiasts
This tour is especially suited for those who want more than just a zoo visit. If you’re curious about animal training, enrichment, and nocturnal behaviors, you’ll find this experience particularly rewarding. The face-to-face encounter with hyenas is a bonus that makes the tour stand out from standard zoo visits.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Bring your camera to capture the moments, especially since the views during the night quarters are quite stunning.
- Wear closed-toe shoes because you’ll be walking around the park and inside enclosures.
- Stay hydrated—the tour is outdoors, and South Australia can get warm.
- Arrive early to check in at the Visitors Centre and enjoy the park’s other attractions before or after the tour.
- Remember the minimum age is 10, and children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Accessibility and Considerations
It’s important to note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, which could be a barrier for some visitors. Also, it’s tailored for those comfortable with walking and outdoor environments.
If you have specific needs, contacting the park beforehand might be advisable to see if they can accommodate you or suggest alternative experiences.
Final Thoughts
Monarto Safari Park’s Lions At Bedtime experience offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at some of Africa’s most iconic predators, right here in Australia. When considering value, the opportunity to assist in calling the lions, combined with close encounters with hyenas and comprehensive park access, creates a memorable and educational outing.
This experience is perfect for wildlife lovers, aspiring conservationists, and visitors who want a more intimate connection with the animals. It combines fun, learning, and a touch of adventure, making it a standout choice for those seeking something a little different from traditional zoo visits.
In summary, if you’re after an authentic, well-organized, and engaging animal encounter that goes beyond the surface, the Lions At Bedtime tour is well worth considering.
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a paying adult if under 16.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera, water, and closed-toe shoes for walking around the park and enclosures.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Does the tour include park admission?
Yes, general admission into Monarto Safari Park is included, allowing access to over 15 km of walking tracks and other attractions.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.
Are there any additional costs?
Food and beverages are not included and must be purchased separately if desired. Transportation to the park is also not included.