If you are planning a stay at the Monarto Safari Resort, one big decision you’ll face is which safari drive to book. While the resort offers both evening Sunset Safaris and morning drives, and you can definitely do both if you wish, we opted for the Exclusive Dawn Safari during our stay with our two young daughters (aged nearly 4 and nearly 2).
Being out on the savannah in the early morning sun—before the park opens to the public—offers an intimate, front-row seat to “Wild Africa” as the animals wake up.
Here is a full breakdown of what to expect on the Monarto Dawn Wildlife Safari, including key tour inclusions, pricing, timing, and practical tips for doing it with toddlers.
Dawn Safari at a Glance: Tour Overview & Details
The Dawn Safari gives resort guests exclusive access to the Wild Africa precinct before the main Monarto Safari Park gates open for the day. You travel across the open plains in a purpose-built, small-group accessible Safari Truck designed specifically for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
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FEATURE |
TOUR DETAIL |
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Departure Time: |
Departs the Resort at 7:00 am (returns at 9:00 am) |
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Duration: |
2 Hours |
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Price: |
Adult: from $140 | Child (4–14 yrs): from $105 | Infant (0–3 yrs): FREE |
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Operating Days: |
365 days a year (including Christmas & Public Holidays)* *Subject to extreme weather conditions for guest safety. |
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Inclusions: |
Guided tour, exclusive Wild Africa access, light refreshments, small group setting |
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Accessibility: |
Fully accessible Safari Truck (wheelchair lift available). Don’t bring a pram on board. Seatbelts are worn while driving around but we did not bring a carseat for our kids. The drive is very slow and the kids were happy on our lap. |
What Animals Will You See?
Because the tour traverses the massive Wild Africa precinct, you’ll get to observe free-roaming herds of African animals. Key species spotted during the morning drive include:
- Southern White Rhinos
- Giraffes (often getting close enough to sniff the truck windows!)
- Zebras grazing along the access tracks
- Hippopotamus moving in the early morning air
- Cheetahs, Eland, & Ostriches
The vehicle’s wide, openable windows make it incredible for taking photos without glass reflection or barrier obstruction.
The Savannah Mid-Tour Stop
Halfway through the 2-hour drive, the truck stops at an open-air enclosure in the middle of the savannah.
- Light Refreshments: The tour includes hot coffee, tea, and light refreshments served right on the plains.
- Stretch Your Legs: For families with young children, this break is a lifesaver. It allows toddlers to hop off the truck, use the restroom, run around safely, and burn off some early-morning energy.
- Meet the Keepers: It’s a great opportunity to ask your guide and keepers questions about the animals and Monarto’s active conservation programs.
Tips for Doing the Dawn Safari with Young Kids
While infants aged 0–3 are free of charge, taking toddlers on a 2-hour tour requires a little strategy.
💡 TOP PARENTING TIPS FOR THE DAWN SAFARI:
- Rug Up in Layers: The open-sided trucks can be very chilly at 7:00 am! Bring beanies, jackets, and blankets for the kids that you can peel off as the sun warms up.
- The “Lollipop & Toy” Trick: Young toddlers (like our 2-year-old) may get restless once they’ve seen a couple of animals. Pack a few lollipops, quiet fidget toys, or sticker books in your backpack to keep little hands occupied.
- Pre-Book Infant Tickets: Even though 0-3 year olds are free, you still need to register them when booking your resort experience due to truck seat capacity.
Post-Safari: Hot Breakfast at Kutjera Restaurant
One of the best parts of the 7:00 am – 9:00 am schedule is that you roll back up to the resort right as the hot buffet opens. Heading straight into Kutjera Restaurant & Bar for hot bacon, eggs, flaky croissants, and fresh barista coffee is the ultimate reward after an early morning in the wild!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! Unlike smaller Landcruisers used on some lodge routes, the resort’s 2-hour Dawn Safari Truck is fully accessible and includes a wheelchair lift. Be sure to notify staff of any mobility needs when booking. Although I do think a stroller would be cumbersome to bring with you. If you don’t need to bring it, I wouldn’t.
Both are fantastic, but the Dawn Safari (7:00 am) is often better for families with young children. Animals are very active during morning feeding hours, and the tour finishes just in time for breakfast, fitting smoothly into a toddler’s nap schedule.
The Safari Truck has openable weather-protected windows, but because you disembark mid-tour for refreshments in the open air, you should dress for the outdoor elements. In cases of extreme weather, the resort will notify you if tours need to be rescheduled for safety.
