Land of the Lemurs Experience & a Day at Monarto Safari Park

Travelers who love unique animal encounters will find the Land of the Lemurs Experience at Monarto Safari Park a refreshing change from standard zoo visits. This one-hour private tour offers an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s rarest and most endangered lemur species, along with a peaceful visit to the Tortoise Research Facility. With the chance to get close enough to see lemurs leap and run just feet away, this experience combines education with genuine fun.

What makes this tour stand out are three things: the personalized nature of a private group, the close-up interaction with the troop of ring-tailed lemurs, and the support it offers for conservation efforts. On the flip side, some visitors might find the one-hour duration a bit short if they’re eager to explore the entire park. Still, if you’re after an authentic, intimate animal encounter, this experience caters well to families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about conservation.

This tour is perfect for those wanting an up-close, educational animal experience without the crowds and fuss of larger group tours. It suits all ages—children, adults, and seniors alike—and offers a nice balance of fun and learning. Just remember to bring your camera, water, and comfortable shoes.

Good To Know

• Exclusive access to a large troop of ring-tailed lemurs in their habitat
• Behind-the-scenes visit offers an intimate experience not available in larger zoo tours
• Supports conservation efforts for endangered species
• Accessible and private—good for all ages and wheelchair users
• Includes general park admission, allowing extra exploration afterward
• Short but sweet: perfect for a quick, memorable animal encounter

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Land of the Lemurs Experience

What is the Land of the Lemurs Tour?

This is a private, one-hour guided experience at Monarto Safari Park, focused solely on the ring-tailed lemurs. Unlike the regular zoo experience, this tour offers exclusive access to the lemurs’ habitat, allowing visitors to get within a tail’s length of these striking animals. It’s a chance to observe their natural behaviors—running, leaping, grooming—and even see them pounce and play right at your feet.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The experience begins at the Visitors Centre, where check-in occurs at the Information Hut. From there, a live guide leads your private group into the lemur habitat. The guide, likely someone with a good knowledge of the species and conservation efforts, will share insights about the lemurs’ natural behaviors, the challenges they face in the wild, and what is being done to protect them.

You’ll spend time observing the troop, which is notable for its size—one of the largest in Australia. Reviewers mention they loved seeing the lemurs ‘zip from tree to tree’ and even ‘run between your feet,’ adding a fun, interactive element. During the tour, you’ll also visit the adjacent Tortoise Research Facility, where giant Aldabra and Radiated Tortoises lounge and slowly go about their day.

What Makes this Experience Unique?

The personalized tour setting allows you to ask questions and learn at your own pace, unlike larger group zoo visits. The close proximity to the animals is a major highlight—nothing beats watching a lemur leap just inches from your face! This kind of interaction is rare in typical zoo settings and makes the experience memorable.

The educational component is well integrated, with guides sharing detailed conservation stories. For example, the tour specifically supports Ring-tailed Lemurs, an endangered species threatened with extinction, which adds a meaningful dimension to your visit.

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The Habitat and Animal Behavior

As you stroll through the lemur habitat, you’ll notice the large, naturalistic enclosure designed to mimic their native environment. The lemurs are lively and curious, often pouncing or grooming one another, which makes for great photo opportunities. Reviewers highlighted how the guide’s storytelling made the animals’ behaviors more engaging and understandable.

Plus, the Tortoise Research Facility provides a calm, slow-paced contrast—giant tortoises lounging or ambling about. Observing these gentle giants gives insight into another endangered species and the ongoing research efforts.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

The tour lasts around 1 hour, and check-in is straightforward at the Information Hut. Since transport isn’t included, arriving by car is easiest—parking is available onsite. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the guide can accommodate special needs if advised when booking.

What to bring? A hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors in the Australian sun. The tour is suitable for all ages, with children under 16 required to be accompanied by an adult.

Value for Money

While the tour is relatively short, the personalized access and conservation focus make it valuable. Included in the price is a general admission ticket to the entire park, so you can spend additional time exploring other exhibits, such as the lions or giraffes, after your lemur encounter. Some reviewers said that the experience felt like a special behind-the-scenes peek, giving it a high-value feeling for a one-hour activity.

Additional Insights from Reviewers

One visitor noted, “Getting so close to the lemurs and watching them leap around was a highlight of our trip.” Another mentioned, “It’s perfect for animal lovers who want a more personal experience rather than crowded zoos.” Some pointed out that the guides were knowledgeable and engaging, making the encounter both fun and educational.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This experience suits families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an intimate animal encounter. It’s ideal for those interested in conservation, as the tour supports endangered species. If you enjoy wildlife photography, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to capture animals in their habitat with minimal disturbance.

Those with limited time in South Australia will find this a convenient, meaningful addition to their park visit. However, if you’re keen to see a larger variety of animals or explore other parts of Monarto, plan your day accordingly—since this tour only covers the lemurs and tortoises.

Final Thoughts

The Land of the Lemurs Experience offers a rare, genuine chance to connect with some of Australia’s most endangered primates in a personal, educational setting. Its small-group format, combined with behind-the-scenes access, makes for an engaging and meaningful visit. The opportunity to see lemurs leap and run so close, alongside the chance to support conservation, elevates this experience beyond a typical zoo visit.

It’s best suited for animal enthusiasts, families with children, and those passionate about wildlife preservation. While the hour-long tour might leave you craving more time, the overall quality and exclusivity provide excellent value. Pair it with a full day at Monarto Safari Park for a complete wildlife adventure.

FAQ

Is the Land of the Lemurs Experience suitable for children?
Yes, all ages can participate, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s engaging nature makes it a great family activity.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1 hour. You have the option to explore the rest of the park afterward with your included general admission ticket.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and closed-toe shoes. These are recommended for outdoor comfort and safety.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. Please advise when booking for specific needs; more accessibility details are available on the park’s website.

What animals will I see during the tour?
You’ll primarily see ring-tailed lemurs in their large, naturalistic habitat and learn about their behaviors. The Tortoise Research Facility is also included, where giant tortoises lounge peacefully.

Can I stay longer in the park after the tour?
Absolutely. The ticket includes general park admission, so you can explore other exhibits and animals at your leisure.

Is transport included?
No, transport is not included. Parking is available onsite, and the park is best accessed by car.

What is the conservation aspect of this tour?
The tour supports Ring-tailed Lemurs, an endangered species. The experience raises awareness and funds for ongoing conservation projects.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides are live, engaging, and share detailed insights about the animals and their conservation, making the experience educational and fun.

How do I book this experience?
You can book through the provided link or directly via the Monarto Safari Park website, selecting your preferred date and time.

In the end, if you’re after an authentic, close-up animal encounter in a scenic setting, the Land of the Lemurs Experience at Monarto Safari Park delivers. It offers a special glimpse into the world of primates and tortoises, all while supporting critical conservation efforts. Perfect for a brief but impactful wildlife adventure—don’t miss the chance to see these amazing animals in action.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby