New summer opening times!

With South Australia experiencing its hottest summer on record last year, we’re changing our opening times over the warm, summer period to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of our animals, visitors and staff.

From 1 December through to 29 February 2020, Monarto Safari Park will open half an hour earlier from 9am with gates closing at 4:30pm to take advantage of the cooler hours.

Last entry to the park during this period will be 2:30pm.

Monarto Safari Park will still be closed on days of catastrophic fire risk.

Some animal experiences and daily keeper talks will also shift to morning slots when it is generally cooler and fresher than the afternoon.

Animals and visitors will be kept cool with new mister systems, extra shade coverings and plenty of water to ensure a more comfortable experience.

In recent years any forecast temperatures of over 40C meant that the Safari Park closed. Now with the provision of more cooling systems we are better placed to help our animals and visitors beat the heat.

Stay up to date on our website and social pages for more information.

Increased shade

As well as the large shaded area of the verandah and decking area at the Visitor Centre and café, additional shade has been installed at all bus stops, picnic areas and the children’s playground.

Stratco Cooldek shelter panels have been installed at all bus stops and reduce heat from above to significantly increase comfort levels under the roof on hot days.

Misters

Outdoor misters have been placed around the park so that visitors can cool off and kids can have a play. These cooling systems have been placed at all bus stops, a range of viewing platforms, the Visitor Centre, café deck eating area and the children’s playground.

Water refill stations

Bring your own bottle! Any thirsty visitors can find SA Water fountains at the Visitor Centre and the rhino and carnivore bus stops. Make sure you stop off on your adventure for a top-up.

Air-conditioning

Jump on our Zu-loop bus and enjoy the benefits of venturing through the park on an air conditioned coach and, when you’re not onboard or exploring on foot, stop off at the cafe for a cooling ice-cream and cool drink.

Visitors can also stay cool in the air-conditioned comfort of our Visitor Centre and Zoo Shop.

Cooling animal enrichment

Our keepers are well used to keeping their animals cool, but will now be able to do so with visitors present! See our animals cool off with icy cold enrichments, misters and plenty of water play.

Animal welfare

As many of our animals come from Africa, they are used to warm temperatures and naturally tend to find shade under vegetation or in their habitats.

To keep cool, animals such as giraffes, meerkats and porcupines will enjoy additional shade cover to what is already in place with misters in place in animals’ sleeping habitats. Our bison will also enjoy extra water facilities with an additional wallow.

White Rhino

Accessibility and Fitness Levels

Basic: Basic terrain, suitable for all fitness levels*.

Intermediate: Walking upstairs, getting in and out of high vehicles and walking on uneven terrain; suitable for intermediate fitness levels.

Advanced: All day tour, which includes laborious work, getting in and out of high vehicles, walking upstairs and walking on uneven terrain; suitable for Advance Fitness levels.

* Not all basic Behind the Scenes are wheelchair friendly.

Keeper Hayley made this incredible Pygmy Blue-tongue cake for the #TSBakeoff, complete with the spider burrows thes… https://t.co/jTG6sWpSmS