by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
If you are wanting to do something different for a special occasion book yourself a overnight stay in one of Jamala's 18 luxury rooms. Three types of accommodation are available, Ushaka Lodge Rooms, Jungle Bungalows the Giraffe Treehouses.
The Giraffe treehouses
All of the air conditioned rooms are beautifully appointed with king sized beds, Wi-Fi, Foxtel, bathrobes, quality toiletries and complimentary minibar. They are decorated with an African theme, animal prints and African artefacts galore.
The bathroom in our giraffe treehouse
You are welcomed to the main building Ushaka Lodge with afternoon tea and get to meet fellow zoo guests, the guides and some reptilian residents. An orientation walking tour of the zoo gives you the chance to get up close and personal with its residents. The guides are full of information about the animals and how they came to be at the zoo. Understandably there is emphasis on conservation and protection of wildlife.
One of the Zoo inhabitants
As we were staying in a Giraffe treehouse it was planned that we would feed carrots to the giraffe "Hummer" from our balcony. Hummer disliked the windchill and decided to stay in his shed. Saying that he did venture out in the early evening and looked disappointed that he had missed afternoon tea.
Where are my carrots?
We were taken to dinner in a bus as they did not want to lose any guests in the dark. Pre dinner drinks were served on the terrace overlooking the hyena enclosure. Inside the "Rainforest Cave" we feasted on a delicious dinner under the observation of a white lioness and the hyenas. Dinner conversation flowed as freely as the drinks and the guests swapped stories of their afternoon adventures.
Our beautiful dinner companion
We woke early to a chilly, below zero morning. A brisk walk led us to breakfast and a morning tour of off limits areas of the zoo. It was interesting to learn of the expansion plans for a free range safari area of the zoo.
Dawn breaking over the Molonglo River
After the morning tour, we met Hummer at his enclosure and got to feed him his anticipated carrots. Too soon it was time to check out but we were free to spend the rest of our day in the zoo with the general public.
Hummer gets his carrots!
It is hard to do justice to this wonderful experience and it is something we will be talking of for years to come. We are already planning a return trip when the Zoo opens its new attractions.
