The African Lodge, the first completed building of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s (OmahaZoo.com) African Grasslands exhibit, opened to the public on May 22. Modeled after lodges found in the African savanna, the facility—located at the southeast portion of the Zoo—is situated at the center of the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit and serves as a convenient waystation for visitors.
The African Lodge includes Tusker Grill, a concession area that serves food with an African flare and has indoor and outdoor seating for up to 300 visitors overlooking the yet-to-be-completed, four-acre elephant exhibit and wading pool. The lodge is available to rent for private functions, such as weddings and corporate events. It will also be used to host overnight campouts.
Visitors can inquire about renting the facility by contacting the Events Department at (402) 738-2088 or events@omahazoo.com. Overnight campout inquiries should be directed to the Education Department at (402) 738-2058 or camps@omahazoo.com.
Nearby, visitors can board the Omaha Zoo Railroad at a newly themed train station, which currently takes passengers through part of the African Grasslands construction site. The train station features an India-inspired rusted roof and a ticket booth. Other exhibits and buildings will open as they are completed this summer and fall.
For more information about the The African Lodge visit OmahaZoo.com.