Thanks to Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo in Canberra, it’s now an experience available to anyone seeking a unique wildlife adventure.
For those enchanted by the animal kingdom, Jamala Wildlife Lodge promises a blend of luxury, intimate animal encounters and exclusive behind-the-scenes zoo activities.
Upon arrival, guests are treated to a delightful afternoon tea at the uShaka Lodge, styled after an African safari lodge. A spread of sandwiches, mini burgers and decadent cakes awaited, setting the tone for the indulgent stay ahead.
Following tea, small groups embarked on guided zoo tours led by knowledgeable staff. Our guide, Cooper, went above and beyond, sharing fascinating anecdotes about the personalities of the animals.
The highlight? Meeting and stroking the rhinoceros. With just a call from Cooper, the rhino trotted over, leaned into the gate and happily indulged in a scratch – especially enjoying a rub in the fold of his back leg.
Our accommodation was the Wild Encounter Room located near the uShaka lodge. While the king-sized four-poster bed and safari-themed décor impressed, some aspects, like the tiled flooring and basic bathroom details, felt slightly out of sync with the luxury vibe. The room’s location near the kitchen, rather than an animal enclosure, was also a minor drawback.
However, other room options, such as the Jungle Bungalows or Giraffe Treehouses, offer closer proximity to the wildlife, making them more appealing for future stays.
Pre-dinner drinks were served on a balcony overlooking the hyenas and two majestic white lions, Jake and Mischka, were given a bone in an adjoining cage enabling guests to get up close to the lions. The lions later retreated to their sleeping quarters, sharing a glass wall with the dining room. The sibling 17 year olds have been living at the zoo since they were one. White lions are considered extinct in the wild.
Dinner itself was a feast: a high-quality, three-course meal with generous portions and wine poured freely. Communal dining fostered a sense of camaraderie among guests, although there was some private seating available upon request.
And this is just the starter…
Morning Encounters
The true magic of Jamala Wildlife Lodge lies in the intimate animal encounters. Meeting Solo the cheetah was an unforgettable experience. Raised at the zoo and accustomed to human interaction, Solo lounged on a bench, purring contentedly as we stroked him.
Another highlight was spending time with the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, a creature so endearing it seemed almost unreal. The kangaroo accepted treats and allowed us to pet it, its gentle demeanour captivating us all.
Possibly the cutest animal ever
The free-ranging lemurs added yet another layer of excitement. They eagerly approached for treats and even leaned into a scratch under their armpits – a quirky but delightful interaction.
There’s nothing like a good armpit scratch
Throughout our stay, the staff stood out for their friendliness and expertise. They used every encounter to highlight the zoo’s vital conservation efforts, explaining how proceeds from Jamala support wildlife conservation projects worldwide.
A night at Jamala Wildlife Lodge starts at $1,650, making it a significant investment. Despite the cost, the lodge remains hugely popular and is often fully booked. Many of our fellow guests were celebrating special occasions like birthdays.
For those who may not have the chance to experience a real African safari, Jamala delivers an interesting and luxurious alternative. While the accommodation and dining are excellent, the highlight for us was undoubtedly the animal encounters.
Whether you choose to stay the night or book an animal encounter on its own, Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers a unique experience.
It’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers and anyone looking to connect with some of the world’s most remarkable animals.
