Bali Safari Hotel Review 2025: Mara River Safari Lodge

Mara River Safari Lodge is the only on‑site hotel inside Bali Safari & Marine Park in Gianyar, offering an African‑themed stay where zebras, rhinos and ostriches roam just steps from your balcony. This review draws on official property data, aggregated guest scores and independent travel blogs to help you decide whether staying inside the park delivers the immersive wildlife experience it promises.

Last checked: 2026-07-05

Hotel Name: Mara River Safari Lodge · Location: Inside Bali Safari & Marine Park, Gianyar, Bali · Theme: African-themed safari lodge · Amenities: Outdoor pool, spa, free Wi-Fi

Can you stay at Bali Safari and Marine Park?

Yes, the only overnight accommodation inside the park is Mara River Safari Lodge, an African‑themed hotel that allows guests to experience the safari around the clock. The lodge is operated by the park itself, meaning your stay includes park admission and access to shows, animal encounters, and the night safari.

What is Mara River Safari Lodge?

Marketed as the first African‑themed hotel in Bali, the lodge comprises 45 rooms spread across two‑storey buildings that overlook the park’s open savannah exhibits. The official property site describes it as a “family‑friendly retreat” where animals such as zebras, rhinos, and ostriches wander freely outside the terraces. Breakfast is served in a glass‑fronted dining area that looks out onto lion, hippo, and meerkat enclosures.

Accommodation options at Bali Safari

Room categories include the spacious Tembo Family Suite (ideal for families of four) and the more compact Swallow Deluxe Room. Both types come with air conditioning, a private balcony, and modern bathrooms. A family vlog on YouTube documented that the Swallow Deluxe Room can accommodate an extra bed, making it a budget‑friendly alternative for families.

Location and Getting There

Bali Safari & Marine Park is located in Gianyar, about 45 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The lodge is situated within the park grounds, so once you arrive at the main gate, the hotel’s dedicated check‑in desk handles the rest. Guests can also park free of charge if arriving by rental car.

How much does Bali Safari cost?

Room rates at Mara River Safari Lodge vary by season, room type, and length of stay. A detailed cost breakdown from a family travel vlog illustrates the price range: a two‑night stay for four people in the Tembo Family Suite (including breakfast and park access) was quoted at 15,500,000 IDR (approximately US$931). Opting for a Swallow Deluxe Room with an extra bed reduced the cost to 10,450,000 IDR, saving about US$330 while still including the same inclusions.

For current rates, Booking.com lists nightly prices that fluctuate with demand. Park entry fees are included in the hotel rate, so day‑visitor ticket costs do not apply. A pepperoni pizza and soft drink at the on‑site restaurant runs about 150,000 IDR (US$8), which is mid‑range by Bali restaurant standards.

Is Bali Safari worth visiting?

Whether the stay is worth it depends on your travel group and expectations. Below we break down the experience, guest reviews, pros and cons, and the types of travellers who get the most value.

What to expect at the hotel

Guests consistently describe the main draw as the ability to watch zebras, rhinos, and ostriches from their balcony or the breakfast terrace. A review on My Curly Adventures notes that “the main charm was having a room overlooking the animals and admission included entrance to the park.” The lodge also offers a night safari, animal shows, and a water park, all included in the stay.

On TripAdvisor, multiple reviewers mention comfortable, well‑maintained rooms and the immersive animal‑viewing experience. However, some guests note that the property feels older than many newer Bali resorts, and the food quality – while good – does not match the standards of top‑tier island restaurants.

Guest reviews and experiences

Aggregated scores from more than 800 verified reviews on Booking.com give the lodge a value‑for‑money rating of 8.2/10. A detailed review on ShinyVisa rates the overall experience 8.0/10, calling it “a lot of fun and absolutely worth it for families,” while clarifying that it is not a luxury‑level hotel. Explore With Erin describes the property as “a themed interactive animal park resort” designed for families rather than a traditional Bali beach hotel.

“The safari lodge experience is not exactly luxury‑level, but it’s a lot of fun and absolutely worth it for families.”

— ShinyVisa travel blogger

On the other hand, discussions in Bali family travel groups note that some guests found the property “not as polished as newer Bali resorts,” which affects perceived value for non‑family travellers.

Pros and Cons

Best for Families and Wildlife Enthusiasts

The lodge is most strongly recommended for families with children and wildlife enthusiasts who prioritise immersive animal encounters over luxury amenities. The family vlog community consistently highlights spacious suites, unique animal activities, and the “breakfast with lions” as experiences that make the stay worthwhile for kids. Couples seeking a romantic or luxury escape may find better value at beachfront resorts in South Bali.

Our Pick: A Sample Itinerary for Your Stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Methodology

The information in this review was compiled from the following sources. All claims are attributed to the original publisher.

• Expedia hotel information – food quality assessment, general guest sentiment
• Facebook Bali travel group – community opinions on worthiness
• Agoda – hotels near park – comparison of off‑site alternatives