Australian Geographic Arkaba - Wild Bush Luxury Safari and *Flight Adventure Expedition

Travel with Australian Geographic for extraordinary 
experiences from a different perspective!

This exclusive Australian Geographic Travel expedition takes you deep into the Ikara-Flinders Ranges.

Arkaba Conservancy

Just ten guests at a time share this remote 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and birds. Mobs of kangaroos, emus and other abundant wildlife will delight you on safaris through spectacular ancient landscapes, where expert field guides will immerse you in the story of the bush.

*Indicative Itinerary

We take great pride in crafting and delivering immersive experiences at Arkaba in South Australia’s time-honoured Ikara Flinders Ranges. While we do not publish touring schedules ahead of your arrival we have prepared this experience program to serve as a good guide on what to expect from your wild bush luxury experience at Arkaba. This comes to you in good faith but times, safari style and location on Arkaba’s 60,000 acres are subject to our recommendation and local conditions for wildlife viewing and enjoyment on the day.

*We will consult with you and explain why we are doing certain activities which may or may not be mentioned in this indicative itinerary or correspond with the timings listed.

Self Drive From Adelaide (transfers are not included)

Take a journey through a genuinely wondrous landscape!

By road, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges offer one of the most accessible outback destinations in Australia, self-driving is perfect for those looking to spend more time exploring all South Australia has to offer. At just 4.5 hours’ drive from Adelaide or 4 hours’ drive from the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa and Clare Valley wine regions. Arkaba is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound and the Ikara - Flinders Ranges National Park and is a 20 minute drive from the nearest town, Hawker. For self-drivers, directions are provided on confirmation with tips on scenic spots to stop along the journey.

Day 1 - Arrival

14.00PM

Arrive Arkaba after lunch, enjoy a wild bush luxury welcome and orientation of the Arkaba Homestead.

15.00PM

Your afternoon guided safari is capped off with a sundowner drink on top of the ranges with the scale and grandeur of outback South Australia laid out for miles around.

19.30PM

Enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by one of Arkaba’s field guides. The atmosphere is more akin to staying with friends in the country, or a private safari lodge than a typical luxury hotel.

After Dinner

Take in the night sky with some star gazing and a night cap.

Overnight

Homestead Guestroom Arkaba Homestead, member of Luxury Lodges of Australia

Day 2 - AM

8.00AM

Breakfast at the Homestead.

9.00AM

Discover wildlife from Arkaba’s new hide. Not only a place to see, but to watch wildlife and all the fascinating interactions that occur between species on Arkaba. On your guided experience this morning we know you’ll remember the beauty and scale of the outback Australian landscape and the knowledge and passion of Arkaba’s field guides who will immerse you in the stories that lie behind the landscape. This is what really makes the wild bush luxury experience at Arkaba so special.

Lunch

Lunch and time at leisure to plunge into the pool overlooking Arkaba Creek and the ranges behind in summer or recline by the stone fireplace in winter.

Day 2 - PM

A completely different 4WD safari this afternoon will take you deep into the Arkaba’s conservancy. You’ll explore high ranges, rolling hill country, gorges and valleys revealing a huge variety of habitat providing the opportunity to immerse yourself in the story of the bush - its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to get ‘hands on’ with active conservation programs on the property. How can guests at Arkaba actively participate in the conservation projects? *Every guest is directly contributing just by coming to stay at Arkaba but if there is an interest to get a bit more hands-on then guests can join us in setting camera traps. This is how we monitor species movements at specific spots on the property. Or you can join Arkaba’s guides to go out with the radio telemetry tracking equipment to download the latest data on the feral cats that they have been radio collared and are helping them learn about the habits and behaviour of these versatile predators.

*2% of every tour booked at Arkaba goes back into conservation projects. The Conservation Levy does not increase the price of your experience. It is simply a guarantee that a minimum amount from your experience goes towards initiatives that contribute directly to protecting Australia’s biodiversity.

19.30PM

Hosted three course dinner with matching South Australian wine on the Arkaba Terrace overlooking the ranges.

Overnight

Homestead Guestroom Arkaba Homestead, member of Luxury Lodges of Australia.

Day 3 - AM

Wake as the fiery orange sun hits the ranges, with a hot drink warming your hands you can watch the colours of the rock change before your eyes.

08.00AM

Breakfast

09.00AM

This morning your experience program may see you taking a guided walk through Arkaba’s ancient landscape into creek beds lined with seemingly immortal river red gums. Walking safaris are tailored to your interests and cover some of the best bushwalking territory in Australia.

OR

*Participate in one of our annual vegetation surveys and learn about how we monitor the regeneration from sheep station to wildlife conservancy. On annual rotation are vegetation, water springs and red gum health transect surveys.

*TBC - new conservation activities may be in place as additional options at the time of travel.

Lunch

Lunch and time at leisure to plunge into the pool overlooking Arkaba Creek and the ranges behind in summer or recline by the stone fireplace in winter.  

Day 3 - PM

This afternoon you’ll leave the civilisation of Arkaba Homestead behind for one of Arkaba’s signature bush camps. Enjoy a magical evening dining and sleeping out under outback starry skies

19.30PM

Dine outside to the sounds of nature.

Overnight

Arkaba’s private bush camp - tonight you’ll sleep under a canopy of stars on one of Arkaba’s signature swag beds.

Day 4 - AM

06.00AM

White-winged Fairy-wrens wake you as day breaks and wildlife stirs. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise as the light turns the Elder Range a brilliant orange.

08.00AM

Breakfast

09.00AM

You’ll be returned to Arkaba Homestead on a safari drive. You can expect to see large numbers of kangaroos (western greys and common wallaroos, or euros as they are locally known, which are both more common species, but also red kangaroos), emus, maybe an echidna, different reptile species including shingleback lizards, bearded dragons, goannas, and a huge variety of birdlife, galahs, parrots, various raptors including wedge-tailed and little eagles. Also a variety of smaller species – elegant parrots, mulga parrots, and a variety of wrens, babblers & honeyeaters.

Lunch

Lunch and time at leisure to plunge into the pool overlooking Arkaba Creek and the ranges behind in summer or recline by the stone fireplace in winter.

Day 4 - PM

15.00PM

Depart Arkaba Homestead for an *optional 30-minute scenic flight over Arkaba's 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy, allowing you to take in the raw natural appeal of Australia's outback. Soaring over the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, the 1060m high peak of Mount Aleck and the Elder Range beside and below you.

*additional cost

The light will begin to change as you land after enjoying a birds eye view of the surrounding ranges. After being met by a guide you will set off on a safari drive to a different ridge top to watch as the last light sinks behind the ancient ramparts the Ikara-Flinders ranges.

19.30PM

Hosted 3 course dinner with matching South Australian wine on the Arkaba Terrace overlooking the ranges.

Overnight

Homestead Guestroom Arkaba Homestead, member of Luxury Lodges of Australia

Day 5 - Departure

08.00AM

Breakfast

09.00AM

Short guided morning activity

11.00AM

The Wild Bush Luxury team will bid farewell as you depart Arkaba and the Flinders Ranges for the scenic drive to Adelaide via South Australia’s Clare Valley wine country or transfer to Hawker airstrip for private charter flights to Adelaide or Kangaroo Island. 

What's Included

Three nights Homestead Guestroom accommodation

One-night under the stars in deluxe swag bedding at Arkaba's bush camp (with a back up room at the lodge if weather is inclement

Daily guided safari experiences

All meals

Unlimited beverages - beer, wine and spirits included

2% conservation levy

What's Not Included

Transfers to and from Arkaba (can be arranged at additional cost)

Scenic flight or any other optional tours

Any international or domestic flights or any other costs pre / post experience