Grant Hunt’s Anthology has opened Ikara, a new safari camp at Wilpena Pound Resort in South Australia.
Described by Hunt as “stylish glamping”, Ikara is the name used by the Adnyamathanha traditional owners for Wilpena Pound, meaning “meeting place”.
The Safari Camp will add to the current hotel-style accommodation and campground at Wilpena Pound Resort, which is located in the Flinders Ranges, just over 400 kilometers from Adelaide.
Offering 15 en-suited safari tents, the Camp is set in a secluded, tranquil area located at the furthest point away from the existing facilities and infrastructure at the property. It is set amongst spectacular river red gums and native pines and adjacent to the Pound.
Each tent is generous in size (4.2m x 6.0m) and made from insulated canvas with reverse air conditioning to cope with both the outback summers and the cooler months.
Guests can stay close to nature but with a few of life’s luxuries including king beds, quality linens and bedding, side tables and lamps, luggage storage, a mini bar, in-room safe and tea and coffee making facilities.
The fully tiled en-suite bathrooms include quality fittings, including a vanity and shower plus a toilet. Two tents have also been set up with extra beds to cater for families up to four people.
The tents offer amenities such as hair dryers, power outlets and reading lamps, but no televisions allowing guests to really switch off and relax. Daily room servicing is provided.
A deck at the front of the tents allows guests to enjoy views of the spectacular rock formations of the Flinders Ranges, while, depending on the season, guests will be offered the opportunity to enjoy outback BBQ dinners in a dedicated central facility at Ikara.
This central area comprises a small kitchen, bar, a lounge and a dining room for up to 30 people. Guests can gather for sundowners around the fire pit prior to their evening meals.
The completion of the Ikara Safari Camp, and the recent refurbishment of the long standing Poddy Dodger’s Bar at the Resort, represent the first major upgrades to the property since it was purchased by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) in 2012.
The project has been co-funded by the Australian Government through the Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund Grants Program, and the South Australian Government Tourism Development Support Scheme.
Prices for the Safari Tents start including accommodation, breakfast and dinner start from $340 per night (twin share) in low season (November to March) and $390 per night in high season (April to October).
Guests can also stay in the tents on a room-only basis, which costs from $180 per night (twin share) in low season and $230 per night (twin share) in high season.