In Canberra, Australia, at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, you can support animal conservation while staying in African safari-inspired rooms. It’s part of an ongoing effort by the Australian National Zoo that was built in 2014 to aid conservation efforts. 

The lodge sits on land that was originally a national aquarium back in 1990. In 1998, it was bought over by the Tindale family, who subsequently expanded its enclosures to 19 hectares to better accommodate the animals. 

Jamala and the zoo share 15 species, such as cheetahs, meerkats, and white lions. The Tindale family who owns and runs Jamala lodge has dedicated themselves to rescuing at-risk animals. The lodge gives a home to former circus animals, letting them roam free instead of being locked up for entertainment. The patriarch of the family, Richard Tindale, says that these animals, used to circus life, still pace around like they’re in their old cramped cages when first released in these enclosures.

The lodge hosts around 13,000 guests annually, letting them lounge in luxurious rooms with immersive views of ocean aquariums, close interactions with sun bears, and other rare breeds. Guests can choose three different room categories including Giraffe Treehouses, Jungle Bungalows, and Ushaka Rooms, which all come with two-way glass windows providing a unique view of animals’ lives. Included as part of the stay are tours and feeding sessions. Despite these interactions, the animals follow their own schedule, whether that is sunbathing or playtime.

Richard Tindale says, “Getting up close with a cheetah or staring down a tiger changes how guests see conservation.” He added, the experience of being next to a rare animal shifts your perspective in a way that signs and posters do not.

The Bigger Picture

For the Tindales, conservation is of utmost importance. While sleeping next to rare animals can be thrilling, it is also about waking people up to the reality that some species might no longer be around within the next two generations. 

Tigers especially are their biggest efforts here. With only 3,200 left in the wild, the species could be wiped out by 2030. Jamala aims to keep their genetic pool diverse to reintroduce them into the wild. Their jungle bungalows allow guests to observe these majestic beasts from all angles.

With 18 rooms hitting 90% occupancy annually, Jamala proves the wild experience is worth every dime. The establishment is not government-backed, so the Tindales fund everything, even the half-a-million-dollar white lion enclosures. Over the years, their staff has grown from 55 to 220, with many starting as zoo volunteers.

A stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge will set you back at least $1,800, but the rates change based on the room and day of the week. If you have always wanted to experience the African safari, this five star accommodation is your next best bet.

For more information, visit Jamala Wildlife Lodge’s website here.

Photos courtesy of Jamala Wildlife Lodge.