Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge inside the grounds of the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra is the ultimate overnight safari. Experience close encounters with some of the world’s most exotic and endangered animals.

Jamala offers five-star service and opulent African-inspired surroundings. It has three individually designed accommodation hubs: Giraffe Treehouses, Jungle Bungalows and uShaka Lodge. The cornerstone of Jamala Wildlife Lodge is uShaka Lodge, decorated with stylish and luxurious furniture and African artefacts and artworks. Enjoy the company of the curious Colobus Monkeys and the graceful inhabitants of the 200,000-litre shark tank at the Lodge.

In the Jungle Bungalows guests can bathe alongside Sun Bears, sleep next to a Lion, check out a Cheetah or admire a Tiger.

The six Giraffe Treehouse suites allow guests to mingle with the friendly animals. Guests can also soak in views of the Molonglo River from the balconies while meeting and hand-feeding the resident giraffe.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge has gourmet dining included in the price. Start your evening with pre-dinner drinks and canapes, where some special guests, including white lions or hyenas, may join you. Dine with other guests at large tables for a four-course African dinner coupled with a selection of fine wines. The menu changes regularly and depends on the availability of fresh food at the time.

Guests will encounter some of the zoo’s most popular residents, such as rhinos, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and meerkats on an included zoo tour. A stay at Jamala allows guests to experience the thrill of a wild African safari.

Due to the nature of the experiences offered at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, they are only able to welcome children 6 years and over. However, Family Nights happen once a month, where children 4 years and older are also welcome. During dinner, kids can go on an aquarium tour while you enjoy the main course. Family Nights are only available for stays in the Giraffe Treehouses or uShaka Lodge rooms.

Key features

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Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers guests luxurious accommodation with an unparalleled experience of the wildest kind. This immersive experience also treats guests an hands-on zoo tour. Guess will encounter some of the world’s rarest, largest and most dangerous inhabitants. Guests can also book additional encounters with other animals at a discounted rate.

Rooms

Three separate accommodation hubs located across the zoo grounds offer guests spectacular choices, including the unique opportunity to bathe alongside a sun bear, sleep next to a lion or check out a cheetah from the comfort of a private bungalow.

Giraffe Treehouses

Max occupancy: 2-4 (max 3 adults)

The Giraffe Treehouses are set among lush surroundings allowing guests to overlook and wander freely among a friendly herd of animals in a private enclosure. At the end of your afternoon tour, you will have the opportunity to feed one of our resident giraffes, ‘Hummer’, from either your balcony or in his enclosure (he decides where, but nearly always from your balcony!).

Minimum ages: 6 years old

Jungle Bungalows

Max occupancy: 2-4 (max 3 adults)

The Jungle Bungalows are luxurious individual suites adjoining a variety of enclosures throughout the property. A glass wall is all that will separate you from a pride of lions, cheetah, tigers or a Malayan sun bear! Regardless of whether you are relaxing in your lounge area, resting in bed or taking a leisurely bath, you will only be a heartbeat away from these amazing creatures.

Minimum ages:
Sun bear: 6 years old
Tiger: 14 years old and 1.5m tall
Cheetah: 14 years old and 1.5m tall
Lions: 18 and over

uShaka Lodge

Max occupancy: 6

A seven room lodge with a stunning lounge and dining area, pool, spa and tropical gardens. Your adventure starts in the living area, with a magnificent shark tank extending from one end to the other and with Colobus monkeys watching you from the other side! Every part of uShaka is decorated in a truly African lodge theme and features fine carvings, artworks and artefacts from throughout Africa. The indoor and outdoor entertaining areas are only metres from the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and have magnificent views across the lake to Black Mountain.

Minimum ages: 6 years old

Nearby

National Museum of Australia

Questacon

National Gallery of Australia

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

Australian War Memorial

Parliament House

Old Parliament House

National Library

Check-in time:

Between 1pm and 3pm

Checkout time:

11am

Dining at Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Start your evening with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace (weather permitting) where you will be joined by some special guests, which may include white lions or hyenas. To continue the African theme, you will join other guests at large tables for a delectable, fun African gourmet dinner party with some great wines. The menu can change regularly and will depend on fresh foods available at the time (any special dietary requirements can be considered). Dinner is served in the Rainforest Cave, or with maximum occupancy, guests staying in uShaka Lodge will dine upstairs alongside the sharks.

Where to find Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is inside the National Zoo & Aquarium at 999 Lady Denman Dr, Canberra ACT