I recently took a tour of Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium’s famed Jamala Wildlife Lodges, and from the moment I stepped into uShaka Lodge I was completely charmed.
Before the tour officially began, I wandered through uShaka, taking in the stunning African-inspired interior—rich in detail, with artefacts either ethically sourced from Africa or specially commissioned for Jamala. The vibe? Think Disneyland’s Adventureland meets The Lost City, with a healthy dose of high-end design flair.
Walking past a glowing firepit and two towering lion statues flanking a staircase, I half-expected to see Indiana Jones hunched over a weathered map, plotting something thrilling and wildly under-researched. (No photo, just my imagination.)
As we exited uShaka to begin the guided tour, I gave one last look at the wall that also houses the aquarium’s shark tank—which, impressively, managed to almost be upstaged by the ambiance of this African dreamscape.
We were whisked away in proper adventurer fashion (read: a comfy minibus), led by a guide with Indy-level charm and wit. Thankfully, she steered us clear of giant rolling boulders and snake pits. First stop: the Tiger Jungle Bungalow.
Epic moment—one of the tigers was snoozing on the balcony, his massive paws pressed against the floor-to-ceiling glass, stretching and yawning like an oversized housecat.
Next, we arrived at the Giraffe Treehouses, stopping at the gate to feed the wandering fallow deer with carrot and celery snacks. Once inside, the treehouses lived up to Jamala’s reputation for exquisite design—chic, immersive, and absolutely committed to its stylish animal print aesthetic. Outside, the giraffes were calmly munching on treetop treats.
The tour went for about an hour and was well worth the time. Great experience.
view of Jamala” tour - did a lil write-up.
On entry, I was immediately charmed by the uShaka Lodge (pic), on a tour of Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium’s famed Jamala Wildlife Lodges.
Prior to the tour, I poked around uShaka (pic), admiring the stunningly detailed African inspired interior design, with artefacts ethically sourced mainly from Africa, or commissioned for Jamala. It’s giving Disneyland’s Adventureland meets The Lost City meets extremely stylish design.
As I walked past the firepit and two giant artefact lions bookending a staircase, I could have sworn I saw Indiana Jones leaning over a desk with a giant map, plotting a terribly exciting but very inadequately considered plan (no pic, happened in my imagination).
On the way out of uShaka as our tour commenced, I glanced at the wall that our guide mentioned co-houses the aquarium’s shark tank, which, unusually, had to compete for my attention in this African dreamland.
We were shuttled in true Indiana Jones style (okay, minibus), and I noted our tour guide had Indy’s charm and wit, and I quietly entrusted she was not going to drive us into the path of giant rolling boulders or a hissing pit of pythons.
Our next lodge was the tiger Jungle Bungalow!
Epically, one of the tigers was snoozing on the balcony with its giant paws resting on the floor to ceiling window, stretching and yawning in classic cat mode (pic). Here I am with the sleepy striped one (pic). That’s probably his TV remote (pic).
We then headed to the third lodge on our tour, where we were greeted at the gate by and fed the roaming fallow deer healthy snacks of carrot and celery, and then we entered the Giraffe Treehouses (pic).
Again, the design and detail! Jamala are masters of extremely stylish animal print decor. The giraffes were outside, feasting on tree snacks.
