There are hotel stays that blend into your Instagram grid and then there are experiences like Jamala Wildlife Lodge. A place so unique that luxury isn’t promised, it prowls.
Set within the majestic grounds of the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra, Jamala takes the typical hotel conventions and throws them out the window. Part safari, private zoo encounter and a culinary immersion all rolled into one plush, impossibly unique escape. The lodge doesn’t just tip its hat to Arican heritage, it encourages guests to taste, breathe and live it.
From the outside Jamala’s accommodation styles, the like of Jungle Bungalows, Giraffe Treehouses and uShaka Lodge, could each hold their own as luxurious boutique offerings. Step inside, however and the game changes. Literally.
The Jungle Bungalows are pressed up against glass walls that separate you from some of the world’s most majestic and endangered species. Imagine drawing a bath while a lion yawns on the other side of the glass. Or sipping your morning espresso with the eye of a cheetah tracking your movement (out of sheer feline curiosity, we promise).
This experience isn’t about theatrics. The accommodation is plush and incredibly well appointed. We’re talking custom African decor, hand-carved furnishings and deep soaking tubs that could convince you never to check out. You could easily wake up here and be sure you’re in a luxurious safari lodge on the Okavango Delta.
Take to the trees of the Giraffe Treehouses where elegant, long-necked neighbours like Skye and Khamisi can pay you polite window-side visits. Elevated about the savannah-like paddocks, these private suites are a nod to the classic safari style. Canopy beds, private decks and the occasional curious hoofed guest. Did we mention you can feed the resident giraffe pair right off your balcony while you take in the vistas overlooking the Molonglo River and towards Scrivener Dam? It’s a must.
uShaka Lodge, the owner’s former residence, is a stunning safari lodge complete with 7 individual rooms and suites, a stunning lounge, dining area, pool, spa, tropical gardens and you guessed it, it’s own shark tank. Step into a whole other world with a floor to ceiling shark tank on one side and Colobus monkeys on the other. Blending social style and luxury, think grand communal dinners beneath high ceilings, indoor and outdoor entertaining areas with stunning views and deep sense of heritage with artefacts from across the African continent. Rooms include; Lemur Rooms, Shark Grand Suite, Meerkat Room, Meerkat Suite, Wild Encounter Room and the Reef Room. Pick your style and let the team curate your experience.
The accommodation may be wild, but the kitchen doesn’t hold back. The culinary team work in concert to curate a delectable experience of African inspired fare. With menus inspired by the spice-laced coastlines of Zanzibar to the earthy heart of Ethiopia, the dishes are vibrant and layered.
Pre-dinner drinks begin on the Jamala terrace with an informative talk about the resident hyenas and a photo op with the rare white lions. If that wasn’t enough excitement, the main event begins.
Dinner. Where the menu is ever evolving with the changing of seasons. Fresh produce and bold flavours take the lead here, while the culinary team bring innovative combinations and techniques of some of Australia’s most awarded venues. The wine list excels alongside the menu, paired beautifully with each course.
Dine with lions in the distance, African beats floating through the air and a meal so divine it transcends a culinary experience to a truly cultural one.
This isn’t theme dining – it’s an homage.
Beyond the luxurious accommodation and wildlife access that would make Sir David Attenborough giddy, Jamala brings an incredible sense of intimacy. This is a place designed not just to awe, but to connect.
Guests are encouraged to learn. Ask questions. Engage with the keepers who know every creature by name and their backstory. You leave here not only well-rested, but fundamentally changed. Conservation isn’t tacked on as an afterthought – but is stitched into the very DNA of the experience.
For those craving an adventure without the long-haul jetlag, Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers a distinctly African experience set against the calm backdrop of the nation’s capital. It’s not just about sleeping next to lions or sipping Pinotage under the stars while giraffes doze – though those moments are unforgettable – it’s about redefining what luxury can be.
Taste, like travel, has the power to transport. No passport required. So if your idea of indulgence is equal parts adrenaline and authenticity, this is your ticket.
What you need to know:
Location: Canberra
Best for: Romantic escapes, milestone celebrations, or anyone who’s ever dreamt
of Africa.
Bookings essential: Jamala Wildlife Lodge
