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Mar/Apr 2015
curtains and sit watching the animals
go about their morning activities from
the comfort of our bed. All of which was
possible thanks to our stay at the Mara
River Safari Lodge, the Safari Park’s
African style accommodation situated
around the area in which Chapman’s
zebras, oryxes, wildebeest and white
rhinos roam around.
Our first floor Tandala Suite Room had
a wonderful view over the park from
the bed and the small balcony, and it
was a privilege to have that ‘private’
experience with the animals. The rooms
are simply, stylishly designed thatched
dwellings with atmospheric showers and
the centrally situated bed perfect for
watching the animal world go by. The
hotel also boasts a spa with great value
treatments and the aforementioned
pool area is a relaxing place to hang
out. Where the hotel does provide all the
basics you’d expect in terms of minibar
and toiletries, it also supplies one thing
you won’t get anywhere else – carrots to
feed the animals with.
You might be thinking by now that
there’s no limit to the way in which this
7
place provides you the opportunity to
interact with the animals. Well there has
to be a limit, but we haven’t reached it
yet. The Tsavo Lion restaurant is attached
to the Mara River Safari Lodge and offers
a highly unusual opportunity to eat your
dinner while watching the kings of the
jungle eat theirs. The circular restaurant
is designed like a large African style
hut with huge windows allowing you
to watch lions as they watch you. We
preferred our steak to the meat they
were getting – it was certainly better
cooked. There’s also an outside bar
area that looks over the safari park and
has some nice patrons in the form of
porcupines and the ever engaging and
absorbing meerkats.
We feel like we’re forgetting the Komodo
dragons, the aquarium that currently
makes up the ‘marine’ part of the park
and various weird and wonderful birds,
which all goes to show just how much
is on show. We spent one and a half
days here and only just managed to fit
everything in so plan your trip well. And
whether you ride, stroke, feed, hold or
merely observe, you’re sure to have a
totally wild time.
DO IT OUR WAY
Bali Safari & Marine Park is a great
safari experience in Bali at the home
of hundreds of amazing animals from
over 60 species, including some rare
and endangered ones such as the
Komodo, orangutan and Bali Mynah.
We spent one night at Mara River Safari
Lodge that includes entry to Bali Safari
& Marine Park. Rates vary depending
on room type, starting at US$179.
There are a number of packages
available for entry to the park without
an overnight stay. Full day packages
start with the Jungle Hopper that
includes safari journey, aquarium,
animal show, elephant show, Bali
Agung Show, waterpark and fun zone.
The US$139 Rhino packages (US$109
children) also includes Elephant Back
Safari, lunch / dinner at Tsavo Lion
Restaurant and added extras such
as souvenirs, express lines and VIP
seating. See website for full details of
all packages. Free shuttle buses run to
the park from major tourist areas.
www.balisafarimarinepark.com
+62 (0) 361 950000
[email protected]
7. Rooms with a view:
Animals for neighbours at
Mara River Safari Lodge
www.essential-bali.com