In the large theme park business, attractions come and go. Changing trends often dictate these decisions—just look at how ‘immersive experiences’ have evolved from walking through a physical space to groundbreaking virtual reality adventures. As visitor expectations grow, even once-thrilling rides eventually need to make way for the next generation of mega attractions that can capture guests’ imagination.
In the case of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, the park dramatically reimagined its popular Wild Safari attraction by transforming the traditional drive-through experience into something entirely new. The 350-acre wildlife preserve maintained its impressive collection of exotic animal species while creating a more immersive adventure, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from custom-designed off-road vehicles guided by trained safari experts.
In late 2023, a team at the park led by Dr. William “Doc” Rives, Six Flags Safari Director and lead veterinarian, brainstormed this section of the park’s use into something new. This was an ambitious vision to provide a one-of-a-kind experience that combined the beauty of nature with the comforts of luxury, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars in a park that was home to over 1,200 animals from around the world.
Having spent years working with Six Flags on mega coasters and park enhancements, Colliers Engineering & Design Regional Discipline Leader for Bridges and Structures Richard Maloney embraced Doc’s challenge—turning the park’s existing animal exhibit camp into a five-star glamping resort and spa with 20 luxury tents, all within just nine months.
“This wasn’t just another project—it was a race against time that we didn’t think was possible,” Maloney recalls. “They said it could be done. Turns out they were right!”
Dubbed the Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa, the project aimed to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience rivaling a safari trip to Africa. The tents, sourced from Bushtec Safari Tents in South Africa, were the centerpiece of the vision. These were no ordinary camping setups. Each authentic safari tent featured air conditioning, high-definition TVs, double-sink bathrooms, and roll-in showers, all set atop elevated decks with sweeping views of the safari plains. The roofs feature an ingenious multi-layered canvas design that allowed wind to flow between the layers without compromising stability, while also providing natural temperature regulation – keeping the interiors warm during cool weather and cool during summer heat.
When Six Flags approached the architectural team, they presented an intriguing challenge: how to securely install 20 Bushtec tents on the property grounds. The solution came in the form of an innovative custom pile-supported timber deck system designed specifically to lock the tents in place. Each tent post was strategically attached to the deck framing with a custom-designed fixed base support, creating a stable foundation for these luxury accommodations.
These unique features came with challenges. New Jersey building codes weren’t designed for luxury safari tents, requiring Colliers Engineering & Design and Six Flags to work closely with Bushtec and local, county, and state agencies to address safety requirements. From customized canvas tents to hurricane-resistant structures, the team had to innovate every step of the way.
A Multi-Disciplinary Effort
The accelerated timeline demanded relentless teamwork. Colliers Engineering & Design tapped expertise from nine internal disciplines, including structural, architecture, landscape architecture, ecological, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and survey teams. Survey crews were in constant motion, staking out construction elements daily as designs were finalized. Among the unique challenges was the complex utility infrastructure, particularly the wastewater system. The team had to devise a solution using specialized pumps to ensure all wastewater could be efficiently channeled to a single central location.
Sustainability was another priority. The design reused much of the original camp infrastructure and incorporated permeable decks, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural pathways to enhance the site’s environmental footprint. The decking was crafted from real hardwood to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, creating a warm and organic aesthetic. The pathways, constructed using Kafka Granite—a blend of granite, marble, and quartzite sourced from quarries across the U.S. and Canada—were designed with an eco-friendly binder. This not only ensured a durable, hard finish but also maintained ADA compliance while preserving the look of a natural Savannah trail. Built to full depth like a roadway, these paths were engineered to support maintenance and emergency vehicles without compromising the guest experience.
“Every discipline came through with creative thinking, hard work, and cooperation,” Maloney says. “From designing ADA-compliant bathrooms in tents to ensuring giraffes couldn’t reach over the railings, the team handled it all.”
A Unique Experience
The resort’s location within the Wild Safari brought an unparalleled element to the project. Doc Rives has nurtured the park’s animals for over 30 years. For him, the resort was about sharing the magic of the safari with guests.
“I’ve spent years sleeping in the park during storms to care for these animals,” Doc shared. “When I’m out there, it feels like you’re in a completely different world, especially at night. There’s something special about hearing the lions in the distance at 5 a.m., and we wanted to give others that same feeling.”
The resort’s design reflects Doc’s passion. Each tent’s deck is positioned to highlight the safari’s natural beauty, offering views of either breathtaking sunsets or animals’ morning routines. Guests enjoy giraffe feedings, VIP animal encounters, and fireside chats accompanied by the distant roars of tigers.
The landscaping design further enhanced the immersive experience by matching plant selections to the different animal zones, reinforcing the feeling of being in a true safari setting. Near the resort entrance, evergreen plantings served as a natural screen, concealing the more utilitarian aspects of the site and maintaining the resort’s sense of seclusion and adventure. Similarly, the landscaping around the spa area was carefully curated with soft materials, perennials, and pollinator-friendly species such as salvia and verbenas to attract butterflies. The plantings were chosen to provide sensory smells that echoed the relaxation and rejuvenation experience inside the spa itself.
“It’s all about giving guests the same experience I’d want to share with my own family,” Doc explained. “An exotic African safari feel right here in New Jersey.”
Overcoming the Impossible
The project’s accelerated timeline added a layer of urgency. Weekly design meetings with Colliers Engineering & Design, Six Flags, Bushtec, and contractors kept progress on track. With the unique South African safari tents, the teams addressed challenges including structural reinforcements for hurricane-force winds.
“We were literally designing elements in the morning, and by that afternoon, survey crews were staking them out,” Maloney says. “It was a constant race against the clock.”
The resort also set an example for sustainability. Adaptive reuse repurposed much of the existing infrastructure, while permeable decks, rainwater harvesting, and wood pathways minimized the environmental impact.
In the theme park business, attractions indeed come and go. But sometimes, they don’t just go—they evolve into something extraordinary. The Savannah Sunset Resort proves that with enough vision, expertise, and perhaps a dash of wild optimism, even the impossible becomes possible. As the sun sets over the safari plains and the distant roar of lions’ echoes across the New Jersey night, it’s clear that this isn’t just another theme park attraction—it’s that rare moment when that “completely different world” stops being a metaphor and becomes your next night’s stay.