Australia’s Canberra National Zoo & Aquarium is about to launch a unique new hotel offering, allowing guests the opportunity to reside alongside sharks, bears, lions and an array of other wildlife in its new range of luxury suites.

The Jamala Wildlife Lodge is an all-inclusive African-themed luxury experience, which offers guests accommodation, dining, exclusive behind the scenes tours and, most importantly, the opportunity to get up close and personal with a number of animals from the comfort of their own hotel room.

Adventurous guests can opt for a room with bears if they desire

The first of the new offerings is the uShaka Lodge, a seven suite residence situated within the aquarium building that features a shark tank in the lounge and monkeys on the terrace. Also included among tropical gardens is a private pool and spa pool.

The new Giraffe Treehouses, feature six suites and sit high above the ground where guests can feed the animals from their private balcony. For the most adventurous, five individual Jungle Bungalows will put guests within inches of either a pride of lions, pack of cheetahs or brown bears, with only a glass wall separating the predator from its prey.

The all-inclusive package includes dining with the lions

Accommodation starts at AU$400 (US$329, €263, £209) and ranges up to AU$850 (US$698, €559, £444) per person. The 20 luxury room facility – a new development by zoo owners Richard and Maureen Tindale – opens on 19 December.