Safari from your balcony

How would you like to go on a safari — without leaving your room and in your pajamas?

You could do just that at Mara River Safari Lodge in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia. The African-themed resort provides a unique holiday experience with its safari-inspired ambiance and accommodations. 

Located within the grounds of the Taman Safari Bali, the resort has rooms that all feature an open-air terrace, giving guests the opportunity to feed and observe different animals at close range.

The 45 fully-equipped rooms and facilities reflect the rustic charm of the African safari. Swala Deluxe Room is a ground-level retreat enveloped by indigenous long grass and foliage to recreate the sensation of communing with nature. Since this room is located on the ground floor, it is overlooking at where the animals roam at ground level.

With a backdrop that exposes the raw beauty of wild animals in a rugged habitat, Twiga Suite Room is an inviting retreat that evokes serenity. Since it is located on the second floor (next to Tandala Suite), it comes with a balcony overlooking the animals that roam.

In addition to these, the resort has family rooms such as Tembo, which has a pool access. And yes, you could also do safari – see and feed animals – while swimming at the pool!

The resort offers free internet access, an outdoor pool, a spa and a restaurant. Every room has ethnic African touches, adding to the authentic safari feel. Private bathrooms have see-through roofs and walls that give these an alfresco feel and the vibe of bringing the beauty – and the sounds of the animals – of the outside in. 

Every morning, the rooms’ baskets are replenished with carrots for feeding giraffes and other animals as they walk freely and are being observed by those enjoying their safari by jeep. 

The resort is located near Mount Agung and within the Bali Safari & Marine Park, home to hundreds of animals from over 100 species, including endangered and rare ones.