Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Jamala Wildlife Lodge: luxury accommodation in the heart of the National Zoo & Aquarium

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is a five-star accommodation located inside the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra, Australia. The complex, owned by a local family with five generations born in Canberra, opened its doors in 2014 as an extension of the zoo. Its stated goal is to inspire and contribute to the conservation of the natural world through innovative educational experiences.

The offering combines luxury and adventure: guests stay in African-inspired suites located inside the zoo, with close encounters with some of the world's most dangerous and endangered species. The experience includes gourmet dining and five-star hospitality service.

Three accommodation areas with their own identity

Jamala Wildlife Lodge offers three distinct accommodation areas, each with a particular design:

• uShaka Lodge: a safari lodge with seven individual rooms and suites, featuring its own shark tank, a lounge and dining area, pool, spa and tropical gardens.
• Giraffe Treehouses: six rooms within a private enclosure overlooking the Molonglo River. Giraffes peer into one side of the lounge, while on the other side guests can walk among deer and alpacas.
• Jungle Bungalows: five luxurious individual suites adjoining various animal enclosures throughout the property.

In addition, the site mentions other room categories: Lion Pride Bungalow, Lemur Rooms, Shark Grand Suite, Meerkat Room, Meerkat Suite, Wild Encounter Room and Reef Room.

Dining experiences and animal encounters

The offering includes an exclusive dining experience, usually accompanied by hyenas and lions. The itinerary is designed for stays of one, two or three nights or more, and includes close encounters with animals. The page also details accessibility options and a seclusion package for those seeking almost total privacy, as well as discounts of up to 20% for groups.

The lodge has been recognised with the GOLD award for Best National Unique Accommodation Australia in 2022. In addition, culinary content creators Nick DiGiovanni and Bayashi visited the accommodation to film a video that has now been viewed over 50 million times, in which they highlighted the quality of the food and the experience of staying alongside the animals.

Conservation and connection with the zoo

The National Zoo & Aquarium, to which Jamala belongs, actively participates in numerous breeding programs to help save species from extinction. Staff raise funds through the National Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT) to donate to local and international conservation initiatives. Revenue generated from animal encounters and from Jamala Wildlife Lodge goes towards supporting these programs, as well as direct donations, national and international breeding programs and educational activities for adults and children.

The zoo's history dates back to 1998, when Richard and Maureen Tindale acquired an aquarium and a small native wildlife park that had gone into liquidation for the second time. From then on, they built a zoo with larger enclosures than usual in urban environments and with care and welfare practices aimed at the most demanding standards. Their first goal was to take in animals that had spent their lives in circuses or inadequate private collections, offering them a peaceful retirement home. Over time, the zoo grew in size and reputation to become a leading facility in Australia, with breeding and education programs. The Tindale family has expanded with two sons, four daughters, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters, many of whom still work there. Most of the staff are locals who started as volunteers and were trained by experienced employees.

Services and options for guests

The website allows you to purchase gift vouchers, check package rates and view special offers. It also offers the possibility to book a call with Jamala's experts to plan your stay, as well as subscribe to a newsletter with news and offers. The contact page includes a form and a waitlist.

Location and contact

999 Lady Denman Drive, Canberra ACT 2611, Australia · Phone: +61 2 6287 8444