Livingstone Lodge Overnight Safari Experience

Ashford, kent.

Whatsapp

Livingstone Lodge is the UK’s first authentic overnight safari experience which has consistently wowed guests with a magical night under the stars in luxury tented accommodation.

This delightful glamping retreat overlooks 100 acres of Kentish savannah – alive with African animals. and guests are welcomed with an arrival drink and meet their experienced ranger who has been trained and qualified on safari in Africa. Staying in a lodge is a completely unique and unrivalled glamping experience, with wooden bedside tables, heaters, carpets, electric lighting and verandas which overlook the African Experience. The lodge offers a delicious five course African buffet prepared by the chefs and guests enjoy a full cooked, hearty breakfast.

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016: Tourism Experience - GOLD WINNER

  • Find out more about the Livingstone Lodge Overnight Safari Experience and plan your visit
  • Find more rural breaks in Kent

Refine your search:

Dinner cooked on a firepit at Livingstone Lodge

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

Giraffe Lodge – The UK’s Only Overnight Safari Lodge

The 100 acres “Africa Experience” safari park in Kent, England, is a place where many African species are free to roam as if they were at home… except they don’t have to worry about fighting for meager water holes here.

When you arrive, you will get a glass of champagne and meet your enthusiastic guide. You are then taken on a safari experience to rival that of Africa, as all the animals are easily locatable in the vicinity of the lodge.

You then stop at your luxury tented camp, complete with a bar and restaurant. There is an elevated platform, so you can enjoy looking at the animals as you relax.

The open kitchen cooks a five-course African banquet for you and the other explorers, and the day is finished with story-telling and information about the important conservation work owners, The Aspinall Foundation, do in Africa.

The following day features another round of safari adventuring before returning you back to England, where you collect your bags.

Giraffe Lodge was formerly called Livingstone Lodge, and it's in the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on the eastern bank of the United Kingdom.

Livingstone Lodges hotel

The accommodation is in glamping style, in luxurious tents overlooking the 600 acres of the national park.

Livingstone Lodges safari hotel in UK

The experience is pretty much like an African escape, except for the mosquitoes. No bites, and definitely no malaria is present here.

Laapa at night at Livingstone Lodge

The African-themed restaurant serves locally produced food.

Livingstone Lodge interior

The Cheetah Tent has a stylish four-post bed, where you can stretch and relax after a long day of safari.

Cheetah tent room at Livingstone Lodge

Black rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, ostrich, and many other species are roaming freely in front of your porch.

Veranda view on the safari

And, of course, you will see giraffes too on your safari trips.

Livingstone Lodge safari

  • West Europe
  • East Europe
  • North America
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Middle East
  • Southeast Asia
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Traditional
  • Underground

Safari Lodges At West Midlands Safari Park

overnight safari lodge uk

View prices for your travel dates

overnight safari lodge uk

  • Excellent 450
  • Very Good 72
  • Terrible 18
  • All languages ( 575 )
  • English ( 575 )

overnight safari lodge uk

" Parking is easy in the dedicated area for lodges. Lions are active at night and can be vocal. A truly unique experience. "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Expensive lodges to stay in, but well worth it for the experience of being close to the animals. Would definitely visit & stay again. "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Would recommend visiting at this time of the year as it was quite quiet. "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Book it!!!! "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Book in to your lodge as soon as possible so you can enjoy all the other things at the park "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

SAFARI LODGES AT WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK - Updated 2024 Hotel Reviews (Bewdley, Worcestershire)

Sarah Riches | 04 May 2021

5 of the uk’s best safari lodges.

If you had your hopes pinned on a safari this year you needn’t miss out – as you can still get up close to elephants, cheetahs and lions in wildlife lodges across the UK

1. West Midland Safari Park

Cheetahs at West Midland Safari Park (West Midland Safari Park)

Cheetahs at West Midland Safari Park (West Midland Safari Park)

Tanzania might not be an option this year but you can still drive 6.5km through West Midland Safari Park near Birmingham, which is home to zebras, Congo buffalo, Indian rhino and critically endangered Bactrian camels.

To see some of the animals at night – after most visitors have left for the day – you can now stay over in one of the park’s eight new safari lodges.

As well as the lodges, the animals’ habitats have also been renovated, so the park’s three African elephants now have access to an outdoor paddock and drinking pool 24 hours a day. Six of the lodges have large windows and an outdoor deck overlooking the pool, so you can observe Latabe, Five and Sutton as they drink. The two-storey lodges blend in with the paddock as they feature thatched roofs, wooden floors, woven rugs and straw lampshades. The two other lodges overlook the cheetahs’ lair, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms providing a perfect view of cheetahs Azrael and Bappe. A Red Panda Cottage is also due to open in spring 2021.

For more information visit West Midland Safari Park .

2. Longleat

A white rhino (Shutterstock)

A white rhino (Shutterstock)

Once the grounds of a 16th century manor house, Longleat opened as a safari park in 1966. Sandwiched between Bath and Salisbury, the reserve is four times the size of London’s Richmond Park, and home to game more at home on the plains of Zimbabwe.

Visitors can drive in their own vehicle or hop on a safari bus to see tigers, white rhinos and lions. Alternatively, you can join a walking safari to see lemurs, African tortoises and the black-headed Somali sheep.

For a close up of the zebras and giraffes, however, book a night in a cottage. There are three to choose from: East Lodge, which includes a guided tour of the grounds, and Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage, both of which include a guided safari tour in a 4x4.

For more information visit Longleat .

3. Port Lympne Safari Park

Friendly giraffes (Shutterstock)

Friendly giraffes (Shutterstock)

Swap Kenya for Kent on a safari at Port Lympne Safari Park on the edge of the Kent Downs. Covid rules permitting, you can choose one of three ranger-led safaris, during which you will see black rhino, wildebeest, ostriches and critically endangered Rothschild giraffes.

For a more intimate experience, stay overnight and see the animals once most guests have gone home. The 243-hectare estate is home to wigwams, shepherds’ huts, a treehouse hotel and an igloo-style ‘bubble’ designed for stargazers. Depending on the accommodation you choose, you might be able to observe Amur leopards from Leopard Creek or watch TV side by side with Adras, Oudrika and their offspring on the other side of an enormous window in Lion Lodge.

For more information visit Port Lympne Safari Park .

4. Camp Baboon

Okapi (Shutterstock)

Okapi (Shutterstock)

Set within the Wild Place Project, this camp on the outskirts of Bristol is home to lemurs, pygmy goats, eland and okapi, which is endemic to the Congo.

The site has 10 wishbone-shaped cabins for overnight guests, who can help feed some of the animals on a morning tour before the site opens to the public. You can also join an evening tour and rangers’ workshops to learn bush craft skills under a canopy in the woods and around a firepit. As well as entry to Wild Place Project, overnight guests can visit Bristol Zoo Gardens for free, too.

For more information visit Camp Baboon . 

5. ZSL London Zoo

An Asiatic lion (Shutterstock)

An Asiatic lion (Shutterstock)

There are only 520 Asiatic lions left in Gir National Park in Gujarati in the north west of India. While you may not be able to travel there at the moment, you can see a pride of the endangered animals in Land of the Lions, a breeding centre inside ZSL London Zoo.

The London enclosure is modelled after the national park, complete with railway tracks, a corrugated roof, train station ticket hall and a crumbling temple. Visitors stroll on raised boardwalks over the lions to a viewing area. You can also spend the night in one of nine cabins in Gir Lion Lodge. A stay includes three tours that take place once the zoo is closed to the public.

For more information visit ZSL London Zoo . 

Read more about safaris: 

First-time travel: safari with kids, how to stay safe and healthy on safari, what to pack when you're... going on safari, 20 top tips for going on safari by wanderlust readers, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust  by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

overnight safari lodge uk

Giraffe Lodge

overnight safari lodge uk

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

  • Excellent 295
  • Very Good 33
  • All languages ( 340 )
  • English ( 340 )

overnight safari lodge uk

" Advise a stay slightly earlier in the season. "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Ask for Buffalo tent. Views of the park and Southern Kent are amazing and it's opposite the water hole "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Take drinks and nibbles to enjoy in your tent during the gap between your safari ending and the evening meal. Take some binoculars too. "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Take food and drink for lunch in a cool box. The grounds are beautiful and it’s alsonice to have a drink whilst sitting on your private deck "

overnight safari lodge uk

" Take water and food . You can’t really get back to the main area of the park . Don’t go in winter - the giraffes are away in their houses "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

GIRAFFE LODGE - Reviews, Photos (Lympne) - Tripadvisor

11 Exciting UK Zoos with Overnight Stay

Photo of author

August 24, 2023

If you want to visit a zoo in the UK and stay overnight there, then you’ve come to right place.

The UK is famous for a whole load of things , including hiking , hills , beaches , road trips , terrible food, and even-more-terrible accents .

But here’s something you might not know us for: we’re also home to some excellent and innovative zoos.

And lots of them offer exciting experiences, including immersive overnight stays inside the zoos .

So in this guide… and you can probably see where this is going… I’ve brought you 11 UK zoos where you can spend the night .

Slip into your safari gear, bash out your binoculars, and come join the beast-based excitement!

Uk Zoos with Overnight Stay

1. Whipsnade Zoo

2. london zoo, 3. longleat safari park, 4. drayton manor, 5. flamingo land, 6. port lympne safari park, 7. chessington zoo, 8. national marine aquarium, 9. west midlands safari park, 10. yorkshire wildlife park, 11. jersey zoo, before you go.

Outskirts-of-London Whipsnade Zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals, of almost 250 different species. But to experience the best of the place, get yourself on one of their semi-rudimentary overnight stays.

These sleepy experiences are based in the on-site Lookout Lodges , which are right beside where the reindeer and white rhinos roam. So you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some of those guys from your lodge… and you might also see and hear a whole bunch of other beasts.

Although the shacks look pretty basic from the outside, they’re relatively comfortable and well-equipped. Each one offers cozy beds, a private veranda, and nearby showers and toilets. And included as part of your overnight fee, you also get a tasty breakfast and a two-course dinner.

If you stay in the cabins, you also get three special tours of the zoo. One takes place during and after sunset, another is a torch-lit after-dark affair, and the third is an early-morning tour. During all three, you have free rein to privately roam the zoo, and crowd-free access to all the animals.

During these special private tours, you also get facts and insights from the staff, and some juicy behind-the-scenes gossip.

  • Prices: A lodge for 2 people currently starts at £298 per night
  • Book your overnight stay tickets here
  • Book your regular full-day ticket here

Because canalside London Zoo is right in the heart of the city, it’s a brilliant option for any capital-city visitors short on time.

But although it’s super central, it’s surprisingly huge, and surprisingly diverse. Sitting inside its sprawling confines, you get more than 20,000 animals, and over 750 different species.

Because both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo are managed and operated by the same team (that’s the Zoological Society of London, in case you’re curious) , the overnight experiences here are pretty similar to the overnight experiences at Whipsnade (and they come with similar perks) .

Again, you stay in basic-but-comfortable wooden lodges. These lodges are inside the Land of the Lions exhibit, right beside where the zoo’s Asiatic lions prowl about.

And as part of your overnight-stay package, you get loads more sweet little perks. You get three private tours (one at sunset, one after dark, and one in the morning) , a two course dinner, a buffet breakfast, free entry to London Zoo, and additional free access to Whipsnade Zoo. You also get some handy discounts on other London Zoo experiences.

If you’re looking to do something different while you’re exploring London , these overnight stays are exciting, adventurous and convenient.

  • Prices: Starting at £385 per lodge per night
  • Book your regular full-day tickets here

The first safari-style place on our list, Longleat Safari Park is way more than just a standard zoo.

It was the first outside-of-Africa venue to host safaris… and they still offer multi-faceted safari-style experiences today. As part of the tours here, you can sail, drive, and ride a railway, spotting up to 500 animals as you explore.

If you want to see creatures and critters wandering around in a close-to-wild way, Longleat is one of the best options on our list. Included among the bulky beasts given rein to roam here, you’ll find monkeys, tigers, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, an elephant, and more.

In addition to all that fun, Longleat offers a large number of varied overnight stays . Some are in the park, while others are on the wooded outskirts.

Depending on which accommodation you choose, potential perks include personal guided tours, free entrance to the park, free entrance to on-site Longleat House, drool-inducing locally-sourced food, and more.

I recommend choosing one of the options that come with a personal guided tour. Because the safari park is so huge, spotting animals can sometimes be hard… but the guides know exactly where to look, and exactly where to find the particular animals you’re searching for.

  • Prices: Starting at £500 per room per night 
  • Longleat Safari Park Overnight Stay Tickets

Drayton Manor isn’t just a zoo. Instead, it’s a whole bunch of different things, and it’s brilliant for families.

Crammed inside the confines of the place, you’ll also find a theme park (featuring more than 100 rides and attractions) , a so-called ‘Thomas Land’ (a Thomas The Tank funfest for young kids) , and lots more themed zones and areas.

The zoo is a little smaller than some of the others we’ve featured, but it has more than 500 animals, and stretches for 15 acres. Some of the most impressive creatures include lynxes, red pandas, spider monkeys, white-faced saki monkeys, tamarins, gibbons, and macaques.

Staying at the place is a pretty luxurious experience—you’ll overnight in a modern and clean 5-star hotel. As part of your stay, you get a buffet breakfast, and a choice between four different types of rooms: standard, luxury, Thomas The Tank-themed rooms, and Viking-themed rooms.

No matter which you choose, you’re close to all the action… and if you book a Stay & Play package, you can explore both the zoo and the theme park as part of your overnight fee.

If you have both young kids and teens, Drayton Manor is perfect—it’s varied and fun, and it’ll keep everyone happy.

  • Prices: Prices for the most basic rooms start at around £65 per night 
  • Overnight stay ticket
  • Regular ticket with zoo access

In lots of ways, Flamingo Land is pretty similar to Drayton Manor.

Although it’s home to a zoo, it’s also most famous for being a theme park—and it’s one of the best theme parks in the UK. It has rides for both older kids and younger kids, including some massively-impressive roller coasters.

The zoo is currently home to around 70 different species, including lemurs, red pandas, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, kangaroos, and hippos. It also offers immersive experiences with giraffes, meerkats and penguins (but not all at the same time, obviously. That would be chaos) .

There are loads of options for overnighting here, for a whole range of different prices. You get lodges, cottages, holiday homes, luxury stays, basic lodgings, and plenty more.

And get this: because Flamingo Land also offers on-site camping and caravanning, it’s a great budget-friendly option.

All of the overnight options come with some nice perks. They include access to a small waterpark, live entertainment, and even an on-site golf course.

If you want lots of adrenaline-fuelled fun with a side-serving of creatures and critters, this is the zoo for you. It’s impossible to get bored here, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages.

  • Prices: A camping pitch starts from £25 per tent per night, while some of the most luxurious accomodations can cost up to £4,959 per night.
  • Book your stay in Flamingo Land here

Our second safari park, Port Lympne is massive, and the place is more like a sanctuary than a zoo.

Stretching over a hefty 600 acres of land, it’s home to more than 900 animals of over 75 species.

The team at Port Lympne Safari Park place a massive emphasis on education and conservation—and endangered animals are often brought here to breed before being re-released into the wild. If you want to learn about conservation and animal welfare, you’ll absolutely love this place; it’s clear the team are hugely passionate.

Some of the most impressive animals here include gorillas, rhinos, bears, giraffes, wildebeests, lions, camels, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, baboons, and more. On-site, there’s also a dinosaur forest, with hordes of models and facts related to prehistoric life.

If you overnight here, you get the option of a big fat slice of luxury . The on-site 4-star hotel sits inside 15 acres of landscaped gardens, and has great terrace views.

If you want something a little more exciting, you have many other choices: a wood-crafted Forest Hideaway tucked secretly among some trees, or the different lodges dotted in and around some of the park’s enclosures (options include cabins and cottages beside wolves, bears, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, leopards and deer) .

  • Prices: Ranging from around £219 to £1,350 per night per room, depending on which accommodation you choose
  • Book your overnight stay at Port Lympne Safari Park here

If you’re looking for endless forms of kid-friendly fun, Chessington Zoo is the best UK zoo for spending the night.

Just like both Flamingo Land and Drayton Manor, the place is home to both a zoo and a theme park.

But on top of all that fun, Chessington also houses an excellent aquarium. In total, you’ll meet more than 1,000 animals on a visit here, including gorillas, lions, tigers, penguins, armadillos, giraffes, sea lions, stingrays, sharks and seahorses.

For sheer variety, this place is incredible. And if you’re traveling with little ones who need endless engaging entertainment (or if you’re an adult who needs endless engaging entertainment, like me) , this is a perfect pick.

For overnighting at Chessington Zoo, you have several options. If you’re looking for budget-friendly, the venue offers comfy and cozy glamping pods. But for something a little more luxurious, they have a resort hotel, offering both themed rooms and standard rooms. Themed rooms include a Tiger Room, a Monkey Temple Room, and a Gruffalo Room.

If you overnight here, you get access to the on-site waterpark… while other Chessington overnight experiences include festive sleepovers, Halloween-themed sleepovers, and chances to visit Santa’s grotto.

  • Prices: Usually between £230 and £400 per room per night, depending on which option you choose
  • Book your accommodation at Chessington Zoo here
  • Regular Full-Day Ticket here

Okay, this is a little different to most other places on our list… and we know it’s not really what you asked for (please forgive us), but we promise you’ll love it.

Every October, Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium offers a so-called ‘Sleeping with Sharks Spooky Sleepover’ experience.

You don’t need a degree in animal biology to work out what these experiences entail. You spend the night in front of a big glass-fronted tank, filled with crabs, eels, lobsters, and (the main event!) sharks. As part of the package, you also get an after-dark tour, a big-screen movie, lots more activities and events, a small breakfast, and some late-night snacks.

Tickets pretty much always sell out, so you should absolutely book in advance.

For mixing education with eeriness, overnight stays don’t get much more terrifyingly toothy than this. For unique and unusual, I massively recommend it.

  • Prices: Usually £30 per night for adults and £40 per night for children
  • Booking information here

West Midlands Safari Park isn’t the most well-known venue in the UK.

But you’re here for overnight stays… and the overnight stays here are genuinely unique and immersive . For special experiences with a wide range of interesting options, you won’t find much better than this.

Each of the 6 overnight options comes in the form of a different ‘Safari Lodge.’ Those options are… a Rhino Lodge, a Red Panda Cottage, an Elephant Lodge, a Giraffe Lodge, a Cheetah Lodge, and a Tiger Lodge.

All are integrated into the zoo, giving you up-close views of whichever animal you’ve chosen. The wood-paneled lodges are clean and luxurious, and super beautiful—and some even have hot tubs. All overnight stays come with a tasty evening meal.

Like some of the other zoos we’ve already featured, this place is a safari-style venue rather than a traditional zoo… and it has plenty of big beasts. As part of their safari-esque offerings, you get walking trails, drive-through experiences, a theme park, an ice age exhibition, and loads more themed stuff.

  • Prices: Typically from between £490 and £790 per lodge per night, depending on which animal-themed offering you choose
  • Lodges booking here

Yorkshire Wildlife Park sits halfway between Sheffield and Scunthorpe, and is home to approximately 500 animals of 100 different species.

One more walk-through adventure, it’s yet another safari-style place… but it offers unique and unusual themed zones.

These themed areas include Amazonian lowlands, lemur woods, African plains, a baboon reserve, an Ethiopian experience, and plenty more. All areas are recreated with detail and attention.

Along with themed zones, Yorkshire Wildlife Park specializes in experiential events—some of the most popular include a primates of Africa tour, a South America-themed tour, a carnivore experience, a polar bear experience, tapir-feeding, and meetings with various animals (including bush dogs, maned wolves, giraffes, and more) .

For overnighting here, you have three options. There’s the comfort and class of the lovely Hex Hotel (which even offers upmarket suites!) , the no-frills summer campsite, and some luxury yurt-style glamping pods.

Of all three options, I recommend camping—the campsite offers a unique way to see the zoo, but with some decent conveniences. The showers and toilets are clean, and the pitches are nice and spacious.

  • Prices: The Hex Hotel starts from around £80 per room per night, while camping spots are typically £50 per pitch per night. Next year’s glamping prices are not yet announced
  • Short breaks information at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Okay, our last entry isn’t actually in the UK—but it’s very close-by, and it still sits inside the British Isles (yeah, all that stuff is quite confusing, but we’ve helped clear it up with our handy UK regions guide ) .

Residing on the little island of Jersey, Jersey Zoo (formerly known as Durrell Wildlife Park) places a pretty big focus on rare and endangered species. And no matter where it is, you’ll love it.

Jersey Zoo has 100 different types of animals… and some of the highlights include deadly poison frogs, western lowland gorillas, nocturnal aye-ayes, and Sunda wrinkled hornbills.

Because it’s super close to the UK mainland, Jersey Zoo is a great option if you’re on the hunt for something unique and lesser-known. It’s also worth visiting if you’re interested in education and conservation, and not just pointing and laughing at cute little animals.

And as a nice bonus, the venue specialises in strange species, with lots of animals you might have never seen before .

If you want to stay here, you have two overnight options : luxury glamping, or a bed in the on-site hostel. Both are well-equipped and comfortable. The yurt-style pods are a better experience, but they’re a little more pricey.

  • Prices: Glamping pods start at £570 (for a three-night stay), while rooms at the hostel start from £50 per night
  • Jersey Zoo Website and overnight stay booking information

There they are—the 11 best UK zoos where you can spend the night.

For more information on beastly retreats, check out our guide to all the best zoos in the UK … and for further animal-spotting adventures, here’s our list of the 15 best aquariums in the UK .

Thanks for reading, thanks for visiting Travelness, and thanks in advance for coming back again in the future.

About the author

Photo of author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

Latest Posts

Toon2turkey

Father and Son Embark on 5,500 Kilometer Charity Bike Ride from Newcastle to Istanbul

Read more →

Jacobite Steam Train Suspended

Harry Potter Jacobite Steam Train Suspended with Immediate Effect

Best Hostels in Glasgow

12 Best Hostels in Glasgow for a Cool Stay

Travel Guides You Can Trust

About Travelness

Brand Assets

Recent Posts

Tours & Activities

Tours in Europe

Digital Security

© 2024 Travelness. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use - Privacy policy

10 Awesome Safari Park & Zoo Stays In The UK

Sleep in a zoo! Spend the night surrounded by wild animals and make the most of your trip to the zoo or safari park.

There are plenty of accommodation options, from hotels to luxury lodges or glamping, which will suit all budgets.

On this page I have handpicked 10 of the wildest and wonderful UK safari park and zoo stays.

Table of Contents

Stay At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

overnight safari lodge uk

At Longleat Safari Park you can relax on the beach, take a Jungle Cruise or even ride the Longleat railway.

After a fun-packed day you can retreat to one of seven beautifully renovated self-catering cottages.

The cottages can accommodate couples or families of up to 6 people.

  • Continental breakfast each morning
  • A selection of locally sourced and Estate food and drink
  • Entrance to Longleat for each day of your stay on open dates
  • A 10% discount on retail, food and beverage purchases across the Park throughout your stay

Alternatively book a stay at The Bath Arms , which is family friendly and has very good 8.3/10 ratings based on 1,189 guest reviews . Only 4.3 miles from Longleat Safari Park.

Available from : Longleat

Stay At Flamingo Land

overnight safari lodge uk

Flamingo Land in Yorkshire comprises of a theme park, award winning zoo and holiday park so there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

There are lots of accommodation options here from lodges to riverside cottages and there is also the option for camping or caravan stays.

The holiday park facilities are great and you can visit the splash zone swimming pool with slides, the club and golf course.

Alternatively book a stay at Barker Stakes Farm lodge set in 16 acres, which has exceptional 9.5/10 ratings based on 513 guest review s. Only 1.2 miles from Flamingo Land.

Available from : Flamingo Land

Stay At Drayton Manor Resort

overnight safari lodge uk

At Drayton Manor there are over 100 theme park rides and attractions including Thomas Land for the little ones, a 15-acre zoo and plenty more! There is also a 4* hotel onsite and camping and caravanning .

Check out the Drayton Manor Resort website for all of its latest stay and play offers where you can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay plus a delicious English breakfast and theme park tickets.

Alternatively book a stay at OYO Tamworth Arms Boutique Pub & Hotel , which has fabulous 8.8/10 ratings based on 212 guest reviews . Only a ten minute drive from Drayton Manor Resort.

Stay At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

overnight safari lodge uk

Stay at the Lookout Lodges at Whipsnade Safari Park, which is situated in beautiful surroundings overlooking the Chiltern Downs.

Stay close to a herd of white rhinos and reindeer and be awoken to the sound of penguins, flamingos or roaring tigers!

Each lodge comes with either double or twin beds and has a private veranda.

  • Overnight stay in a private lodge
  • Free entry into ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo for day two of your evening stay
  • Free car entry to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

It is also possible to book Nature Night Camping on the main lawn where you can pitch up your own tent on selected Saturday’s.

Alternatively book a stay at Old Hunters Lodge , which is family friendly and has fabulous 8.9/10 ratings based on 318 guest reviews . ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is just 0.2 miles away.

Available from : ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Stay At Yorkshire Wildlife Park

overnight safari lodge uk

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the UK’s No.1 walk-through wildlife experience.

You can enjoy an overnight stay on a budget at Camp Lion family-friendly campsite, choose glamping or even take your motorhome or caravan and stay in the heart of nature. Wake up in the morning to the roar of African Lions!

All campers can benefit from visiting Evolution Restaurant and Wilds Café-Bistro in the evening at Hex Hotel at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Stay at Hex Hotel at Yorkshire Wildlife Park , which has fabulous 8.7/10 ratings based on 304 guest reviews .

Available from : Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Let’s Find Your Next Quirky Break In The UK

  • 34 Beautiful Treehouses
  • 8 Planes & Helicopters
  • 21 Magical Hobbit Houses
  • 23 Quirky Romantic Getaways
  • 4 Thatched Cottages
  • 11 Quirky UK Hotels
  • 7 Converted Pubs To Hire
  • 23 Castle Hotels in Italy
  • 5 Luxury Log Cabins UK
  • 8 Brilliant Boathouse Holidays
  • 6 Railway Carriage Holidays
  • 5 Awesome Safari Park & Zoo Stays
  • 100 Best Glamping Experiences In The World
  • 14 Fun Coaches & Buses
  • 43 Dreamy Castle Hotels
  • 11 Unusual Hotels
  • 14 Shepherd’s Hut Holidays
  • 11 Alpaca Holidays
  • 10 Harry Potter Themed Breaks
  • 25 Chateaus in France
  • Stay in a Windmill
  • 6 Lighthouse Holidays
  • 6 Houseboat Holidays

Get the lowdown on cool and quirky properties?

Sign up to become a free member and we’ll send you inspiration straight to your inbox

Photo of author

Nicola Horgan

overnight safari lodge uk

Short Breaks at Port Lympne

Book your stay now

overnight safari lodge uk

Dream safaris right here in Kent!

Port Lympne’s award winning short breaks range from our luxurious 4* boutique hotel stays to a romantic night under the stars in our 180 degree, panoramic bubble pod. What’s more, you can enjoy your stay knowing that you are directly helping to protect wildlife, with profits from the parks and short breaks supporting our animal conservation charity work that takes place around the world.

Valentine's at Port Lympne

Join us at Port Lympne to celebrate your love this February. We offer the perfect venue for romantic dates, unforgettable safari staycations and even dramatic proposals or elopements!

overnight safari lodge uk

Immerse yourself in the lives of the lion pride at Lion Lodge and explore the rest of the Reserve on your private golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Leopard Creek

Leopard Creek offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of our expertly-designed Amur leopard enclosure.

overnight safari lodge uk

Forest Hideaway

Exclusive hidden forest dens, for the ultimate romantic retreat. Includes a golf buggy to explore the reserve at your leisure.

overnight safari lodge uk

Mansion Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at our 4* boutique hotel.

overnight safari lodge uk

Port Lympne Gift Vouchers

A range of Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve gift vouchers are now available to purchase. Choose from unforgettable short breaks, fun family day drips or decadent dining experiences in the Kent countryside.

overnight safari lodge uk

Enjoy a unique getaway with all the little luxuries you would expect. Explore our stunning reserve in your personal golf buggy, eat and drink at a variety of restaurants, book additional experiences or simply enjoy nature.

New The Lookout Bubble

Immerse yourself in a luxury romantic retreat, with a spectacular view of the stars. Includes your own personal golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Tiger Lodge

Wake up in a tiger’s world, then head out in your own personal golf buggy to meet the rest of the animals in the 600 acre reserve.

overnight safari lodge uk

Rhino Lodge

Make friends with your wild neighbours and explore the reserve in your own personal golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

The Treetop Bubble

Immerse yourself in a luxury romantic retreat amongst the treetops, with 180 degree panoramic views. Includes your own personal golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Enjoy stunning views from your award winning self-catering treehouse suite and explore the 600 acre reserve on your own personal golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Be part of the pack and watch our wolves from your private viewing window. Then discover over 700 animals as you explore the reserve on your golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Hog Deer Creek

Stay in the wilds of Kent in your cosy shepherd’s hut. Explore the 600 acre reserve on your own private golf buggy.

overnight safari lodge uk

Enjoy glamping at its best with family and friends or treat your loved one to a romantic African-style night under the stars!

Put the fun back into camping without the need to pitch a tent at Pinewood, where you can sleep within roaring distance of lions!

overnight safari lodge uk

Unforgettable glamping getaway overlooking the spectacled bear habitat. Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience.

overnight safari lodge uk

Giraffe Lodge

Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience - right here in Kent!

overnight safari lodge uk

Pinewood - Shepherds Hut

Camp in style and comfort at Pinewood's Shepherd's Hut and fall asleep to the sound of the roaring lions!

overnight safari lodge uk

How your stay helps

Simply by enjoying a short break with us, you are directly contributing to the care of the animals in our parks here in the UK and supporting the trailblazing overseas work of our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation (charity number 326567). Thanks to the generosity of guests like you, The Aspinall Foundation has released more than 75 gorillas, 41 Javan gibbons, 14 Javan grizzled langurs, 125 Javan ebony langurs, 12 European bison, 8 black rhinos and many more animals back to the wild!

Your next adventure awaits

Book a stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for your next short break and you could find yourselves looking for pirates, setting sail for faraway places, saying hello to all the animals or even discovering lost tribes!

Terms and conditions

Please ensure you have familiarised yourself with our short break terms and conditions.

Share this page

The Aspinall Foundation

  • Port Lympne

Holidayfox

Sleeping Wild: Glamping and luxurious lodge stays in Safari Parks and Farms across the UK

Kate Green

As much as I would love to dash off to the Kruger National Park, I'm feeling much more comfy right now back in the good old UK. But I do love seeing wild animals in large safari parks where they have room to roam and, as much as possible, in a natural habitat. Most safari and wildlife parks in the UK are truly wonderful institutions - not least for all the amazing conservation work they do and the programmes they run to rehabilitate endangered species. By visiting these places, you are contributing to this process and you get to see these wonderful animals up close. And safari parks in the UK are are levelling up big style. Yes of course lots of us have done the excellent drive ourselves around a big safari park, head into the monkey enclosure, gibbon shows bottom and snaps off car aerial, all die laughing and drive home. But stop right there. Literally stop. Because get this: the safari park will let you actually stay the night . This revelation has caused me a certain amount of hysteria and quite rightly so let me tell you. Because these places have made glamping out with the wild animals the stuff of dreams (unless you have an irrational fear of sleeping in a safari park, then it's the stuff of nightmares). I don't want to spoil the surprise too much, but you can go glamping in one of these stupendous safari parks and wake up in the morning, open the curtains and see giraffes roaming nearby , red pandas gurning in through the window or leopards yawning in a tree right outside. The glamping accommodation and lodges in these safari parks are beyond gorgeous and please don't be nervous, they don't leave you in the lion enclosure with a sleeping bag and a tin of Whiskers - you are staying in places of unrivalled luxury . Treehouses, glamping pods, glass-walled lodges , safari tents with hot tubs , you name it. For something really special - and without a flight to the Serengeti - check out these and book yourself a real treat...right here in the UK.

Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park

Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park

West Midlands Safari Park Lodges provide a quite extraordinary and truly immersive overnight wildlife adventure , where you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped through an elephant shaped portal into the outer reaches of the Masai Mari. Nope, in actual fact you are just off the A456 near Kidderminster. What is wonderful about this whole experience is that, while not a budget option (it's in the treat category this one) most of us would not be able to afford to pack our khakis and head off to Africa - let alone stay in a lodge overlooking elephant watering holes when we get there. Enter West Midlands Safari Park lodges, where, not only can you visit a beautiful, award-winning safari park and see everything from lions to rhinos, you can sleep the night in one of their gorgeous (and I mean that with a capital G) lodges and wake up with elephants coming down for a drink right outside your window. The park itself is a vast, drive-around safari that takes you through areas such as Carnivores, the African plains, Wild Asia and the Borderlands. If you don't want to drive yourself there are minibus tours with experienced guides to tell you all you need to know. But it's night time where things get really interesting. Stay in one of their jaw dropping lodges and get a ringside view into the enclosures of elephants, red panda or cheetah depending on which lodge you choose. The divine lodges are furnished very tastefully, very luxuriously and completely in keeping with the safari theme. A really fantastic and very wild treat.

picture credit: Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park

Link: https://www.safari-lodges.co.uk/, port lympne safari park.

Port Lympne Safari Park

Port Lympne , a hugely well known safari park and - ultimately - a brilliant conservation project under the Aspinall foundation, has been looking after endangered species for years and years; releasing black rhino, gorillas and many other animals back into the wilds of their natural countries. The stuff they are doing is nothing short of marvellous. A chunk of all profits raised from visitors goes straight back into saving these wonderful creatures, so with all this in mind, you don't need any more reason to book a safari in this wonderful place. But things get even better: Port Lympne Safari Park offers a myriad of accommodation from cosy glamping to downright push the boat out luxury, and it is well worth the extra to have an overnight stay. The accommodation includes treehouses with birds eye views across the park, safari tents overlooking the bear habitat, cottages in the giraffe enclosure, transparent geodomes in the forest, hideaway huts, glamping pods and shepherds huts.....all the way up to the magnificent timber clad Lion Lodges sitting within the lions huge enclosure . The lodges have vast picture windows to view these big cats up close and are a completely unique blend of safari chic and urban Manhattan living. It is safe to say you will never stay anywhere else quite like this. All the accommodation at Port Lympne is done with care and thoughtfulness so that the animals remain undisturbed in their spacious habitats. Wonderful stuff.

picture credit: aspinalfoundation.org

Link: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks/, longleat safari park.

Longleat Safari Park

A family favourite and one of the best known wildlife parks in the UK is Longleat Safari Park. Tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside and housing the lavish stately home of the Marquess of Bath, Longleat has long been popular with all the family; you can drive yourself through huge enclosures of big game, lions, tigers, cheetahs and pretty much every wild animal you could wish to imagine. They've got Annie the elephant - rescued from a circus and fully enjoying retirement, wolf packs and of course - the monkey enclosure where you can drive through and collect curious monkeys on your roof on the way. There are some beautiful self catering cottages to hire on the estate of Longleat itself, but if you want to camp nearby, have a look at the camping and glamping available at Botany Camping https://botanycamping.com/ This campsite is just a few minutes drive from Longleat Safari park and offers glamping in a plethora of pretty multicoloured bell tents with heaters - hurrah! - and futon beds. If you have your own campervan or tent then they have plenty of touring pitches too and the kids will love this family friendly site. Just check you aren't one monkey too many when you leave Longleat and return back to your tent.....

picture credit: Longleat safari park

Link: https://www.longleat.co.uk/accommodation, knepp safaris.

Knepp Safaris

A very different kind of wild here at Knepp Safaris ....in 3,500 acres of lovely Sussex countryside you can safari across the plains to encounter herds of wild ponies, deer, cattle and pigs as well as birds, mammals and reptiles. The tours can be taken in their own safari vehicle or you can go on a guided walking tour in a setting that - while chillier - can give the African bush a run for its money. It is a wonderful place to stay, either in their Wildlife campsite if you have your own gear, or glamping in a treehouse , shepherds hut or yurt . Wherever you lay your head you will be fully immersed in the sounds and sights of nature. Good to note here that it is for adults and older children (12+) to ensure the quiet observation of wildlife. So you can be sure of a fairly peaceful experience too. A team of highly experience naturalists lead different expeditions in animal tracking , early morning nature walks, dusk safaris (using echo-locators to find bats), bird watching and a myriad of other wild and wonderful adventures that make for a safari with a difference. The vast array of things to see and do will make you see wildlife in the UK in a totally different light. You can of course just come along for a safari, but here at Knepp they have some really beautiful accommodation so its worth staying a night or two for the full immersive experience. A rare treat.

picture credit: Knepp safaris

Link: https://www.kneppsafaris.co.uk/stay/, roar and snore camping at the yorkshire wildlife park.

Roar and Snore Camping at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Roar and Snore - the campsite located in the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a great place to go for a family adventure with a difference. As the name suggests, you can see wild animals by day and at night, bed down near another pack of wild animals - snoring campers. It is tents only at this fab little site, with great facilities including large pitches, hot showers, very clean toilets and of course, ringside access to a whole host of wild animals at the Wildlife park including polar bears, lions, tigers and seals - in fact around 475 animals in total. Campers are allowed to go in and out of the wildlife park as often as they wish - it is a ten minute walk away so while you aren't camping right alongside them you are pretty close - and once in you will be treated to a host of shows and ranger talks to find out even more about the animals they have in the park. A great family friendly and excellent value safari break.

picture credit: Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Link: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/things-to-do/roar-snore-camping/.

And for anyone who doesn't want the size and scale of a huge wildlife or safari park then there are also a number of other awesome options where you can go camping and glamping alongside some slightly less wild animals. Many farms across the UK are home to some slightly tamer varieties for those who don't want to wake up peering into the jaws of a big cat. Although frankly that's all down to the individual. I for one find goats terrifying. Anyway, for a more homegrown experience, there are some excellent places for close up animal encounters (homegrown style), and you can sleep alongside them too.....

Featherdown Farm Stays

Featherdown Farm Stays

Down on the farm something rather marvellous is happening. A true, back to nature, old fashioned experience here, where you can wake up, collect fresh eggs and cook them on the campfire before walking round the farm and feeding the animals which roam the fields. It is a simpler way of life ; get up close and personal to the animals, go on a farm tour , see how a working farm is run and best of all, teach those kids where food comes from - field to fork. Too much? Well, a recent study showed that one in five primary school children don't know where milk comes from, so it can be an educational journey too. Featherdown run a whole host of farm stays all over the UK (and beyond actually) and the one familiar feature of each is the level of luxury you will be staying in while here. There is no bedding down in the hay barn at Featherdown; it is a luxurious glamping experience, with large safari tents, comfy beds, private bathrooms and wood stoves. However, they are off grid and rural ....and this is the magic of the place. It is a real one-off adventure holiday; leave the screens behind, marvel over the stars in the darkest of dark skies, forget the urban world and explore some breathtaking countryside - more than 80% of the farms are either in or close to a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The best bit is, there are so many farms to choose - from Northumberland to Penzance, so wherever you live you can access a slice of this farm magic. Plus, you are boosting the income of the farmers and their families and you come away with a much better appreciation of how the countryside works. A farm stay with a real difference.

picture credit: Featherdown farm stays

Link: https://www.featherdown.co.uk/animals-at-feather-down/, cotswold farm park.

Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park is something of an institution, having been founded in 1971 by Joe Henson and now run by his son Adam. At the heart of the whole thing is a passion for British farming and sustainability - initially created to protect rare breeds and now home to hundreds of different animals. Down on the farm you can see newborn piglets, calves and foals in the Animal Barn or get up close and personal with smaller animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, chicks and goat kids in the Discovery barn. There are of course, several rare breeds on on the farm too and lovely wildlife trails to go on to spot birdlife and butterflies. To let off some steam, run wild in one of the many awesome play areas - indoor and outdoor in case of rain - or climb over decommissioned tractors and combine harvesters. You can bring your own horse and enjoy the gorgeous private estate in the Cotswolds including a jumps course and trails through the woodland and across rivers. Cotswold Farm Park also has a lot of accommodation available that should suit pretty much every budget and whim; wooden camping pods , bell tents , lodges, safari tents ...and for those who don't want to go glamping on the farm, there are excellent touring pitches. Entrance to the park is included in the price for as long as your stay, so that's all the activites taken care of too!

Picture credit: Cotswold Farm Park

Link: https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/stay/glamping/, elmley nature reserve.

Elmley Nature Reserve

This vast 3,300 acre nature reserve on the Isle of Sheppey just off the north coast of Kent, is the only family owned and managed nature reserve in the UK, and the only one where you can stay overnight. It is magnificent. A wild wilderness of marshland teaming with wildlife, it is a wonderful place to come and reconnect with nature, take some time out away from the stresses of life. The family who run Elmley are ardent conservationists with a vision to restore nature and the natural habitats of the flora and fauna living within it. What they have created is a magical and tranquil place - soul stirring in a way that would have left Emily Bronte lost for words. And if you decide to stay overnight - which heavens, why wouldn't you? - they have created a number of beautiful places to stay. Aside from the main house and larger cottages, there are some wonderful glamping options too; shepherds huts, bell tents and cabins , with spectacular views across the marsh. During the day, take a nature trail with a difference on one of their huge safari trucks, where you will be guided around the reserves winding waterways looking for birdlife and roaming cattle. Or take part in a walking tour, led by an experienced guide who will tailor the route of the walk depending on the time of day - so you have the best chance possible to see the wildlife whether you are walking at dawn or dusk. A piece of magic right here in Kent.

picture credit: Elmley Nature Reserve

Link: https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/stay, humblebee farm.

Humblebee Farm

Humblebee Farm - nestled into the countryside between the North York Moors National Park and the rugged Yorkshire coastline - is a working farm where you can come and stay and get involved with all the aspects of farming life. Whether it is feeding the pigs , collecting fresh eggs, wildlife spotting from a bird hide or visiting some of the farm animals on the Humblebee Farm interactive Nature Trail , you won't be short of things to do. It is really lovely here, a quiet and rural spot surrounded by wild flowers and it is a paradise for children and adults alike, providing a simple and very welcome break from everyday life. The glamping though is far from simple at this award winning site. Luxury cottages, cabins with hot tubs, yurts and bells tents make up a veritable bevvy of wonderful accommodation options, and there is also an excellent camping and caravan touring site complete with firepits and fabulous sunsets.

Picture credit: Humblebee Farm

Link: https://humblebeefarm.co.uk/, catgill farm, yorkshire dales.

Catgill Farm, Yorkshire Dales

Bolton Abbey in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is quite simply idyllic; rolling green countryside, narrow lanes, stone walls and slow pace of life makes you feel you have been transported into a begone era. Catgill Farm, set in this gorgeous location and with spectacular views across the Wharf Valley , offers happy campers the chance to sleep out surrounded by all this loveliness down on their family run farm . They offer luxury glamping in the form of t imber pods and bell tents , all - may I add - with their own wood fired hot tub and glorious views across the fields. The beautifully manicured touring campsite - for those with their own tent or campervan - has plenty of space, a small stream winding through and more of the same breathtaking views. It is a truly lovely place. Hang out on this farm or head to another. 100 metres down the road is Hesketh Farm park - a working farm with over 1000 livestock - a veritable treat for those who love farm animals, tractors and all that goes with it. You can meet the residents, have a go at feeding and petting some of the animals and get lost in the straw maze, it's all good old fashioned fun. Stroll back to Catgill Farm for an evening of relaxation and campfire cooking or head out to the popular Devonshire Arms pub down the road. This campsite location takes a lot of beating.

picture credit: Catgill Farm

Link: https://www.catgillfarm.co.uk/, featured in:, kent, south east england, uk, north yorkshire, uk, scarborough, yorkshire, north england, uk, wiltshire, south west england, uk, west sussex, south east england, uk, experiences:, safari parks, national parks.

Find great places to stay

Best safari park lodges in the UK including rooms with views of animals

Best safari park lodges and hotels in the UK where you can see the likes of elephants, cheetahs and giraffes right from your room

Cheetahs peer into a lodge through a window at the new West Midlands Safari Park accommodation

  • 14:35, 16 Jun 2021

A safari holiday is one of those trips that's on everyone's bucket list - and there are some pretty incredible safari lodges to dream about.

However, safaris can be seriously expensive trips, not to mention that holidays abroad aren't exactly on the cards for Brits right now.

The good news is that there are some brilliant UK safari parks where you can actually spend the night, and enjoy views of the like sof elephants, cheetahs and giraffes right from your room!

Then there are the lodges themselves with glamorous interiors, and extra perks such as exclusive tours of parks and zoos.

We take a look at some of the UK's best safari lodges and hotels to have on your radar for a memorable trip...

West Midlands Safari Park

West Midlands Safari Park has opened eight luxurious new lodges, all of which offer direct views over animal habitats.

Six of the lodges look out to the elephants, who often come to the nearby pond for a drink, while two overlook the cheetahs' habitat.

You can watch the animals from your bedroom, or opt to take in the views from the open plan living room and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows so you don't miss anything. (You can take a sneak peek inside the lodges here ).

Prices will start from £171 per adult and £147 per child for a night's stay. You can find out more on safari-lodges.co.uk .

Port Lympne, Kent

Port Lympne offers up some luxurious lodges complete with a master bedroom and open plan living area, which offer direct views across animal habitats. Those staying in the Lion or Tiger Lodges can enjoy huge floor-to-ceiling windows so you can get up close to the animals without leaving the sofa, while the adults-only Giraffe Lodge comes with a private deck from which you can watch the giraffes.

Other perks include exclusive out-of-hours access to the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, access to the safari parks and a safari experience included as part of the package.

There are also treehouse stays and glamping pods available.

Prices vary depending on lodge of choice. You can find out more on aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne .

Longleat has opened some luxury cottages in the heart of its safari park, from which you can watch animals such as giraffes as they wander around the grounds.

There are also perks such as a guided safari tour of the park, park tickets for your stay, and breakfast being included.

As reported by SomersetLive , prices for the Keeper’s Cottage prices start at £500 per night, and £750 for Keeper’s House (which includes an exclusive 4x4 tour of the Safari Park).

You can find out more at longleat.co.uk .

ZSL London Zoo

London Zoo's lodges don't offer direct views of animals, but they are located right by the lion enclosure so you can listen out for sounds from the creatures.

There are plenty of perks for budding zoologists such as exclusive tours of the zoo, a chance to feed animals their breakfast, discounts on meet-the-animals experiences, and more.

You can find out more on zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo .

Chessington Safari Hotel

Chessington Safari Hotel's rooms offer views across the resort's Wanyama Reserve where plenty of animals reside from zebras to meerkats.

The hotel offers both standard and themed rooms, the latter including Tiger, Giraffe, Zebra and even Penguin themes, and even rooms inspired by The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. (It's actually in our top picks of the UK's best themed hotels for families too!).

Perks for guests include entry to the theme park, zoo and SEA LIFE centre, breakfast, and early access to rides before they open to the public.

You can find out more on chessingtonholidays.co.uk .

Looking for more ideas?

If you're trying to plan fun breaks with the kids for the summer, then you may want to check out our sister site 2Chill where holidaymakers and locals alike are sharing their recommendations on everything from the best attractions in an area, to the bars and restaurants you won't want to miss. You can also share your own recommendations if you're feeling inspired!

You may also want to check out our UK holidays page which we regularly update with the latest deals and sales we think you'll love, accommodation ideas and plenty more inspiration for your next British break.

What do you think of the safari lodges? Let us know in the comments below.

MORE ON 2Chill UK holidays Staycation Zoos

Fancy an escape sign up to the chill newsletter for weekly inspiration and advice on uk holidays.

  • PLAN YOUR STAY
  • SAFARI PARK

Safari Lodges

Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1LF, United Kingdom

1" class="widget-room-label"> {{ roomName | capitalize }} {{ roomIndex }}

overnight safari lodge uk

West Midland Safari Park is an award-winning visitor attraction, located in the heart of England. It is home to a variety of all-weather attractions, including four miles of drive-through safari, the largest animatronic dinosaur exhibit in the UK and over 20 rides in the Theme Park.

Around 140 different species call the Park home, including cheetah, lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos, to name but a few.

[email protected]

HOTEL FEATURES

  • Luxury overnight Lodges and premium Cottages
  • Safari Drive-through
  • Adventure Theme Park with dozens of rides to choose from (Summer season only. Height restrictions apply.)
  • Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age exhibits
  • Walk-through Discovery Trail and African Village to see smaller animals 
  • Daily talks and shows, included in your admission ticket

Terms & Conditions

Really Wildlife

  • South Africa
  • The Ultimate Safari Planning Guide
  • Safari Packing List
  • Safari Luggage
  • Safari Budget Guide
  • Safari Reading List
  • First-Timer’s Tips
  • A Typical Day on Safari

Europe , UK

The best safari parks in the uk.

Meerkat in Longleat safari park, UK

Though nothing can beat seeing animals in their natural habitat, safari parks can be a great substitute when time, money and other circumstances get in the way of your dream trip. Visiting a safari park in the UK can also be a good introduction to safaris for children and other first-timers, as well as a more ethical choice of day out for animal lovers than the zoo.

In this post, we explore the UK’s best safari parks to help you support conservation from the comfort of home. 

The UK’s Best Safari Parks

Longleat safari park.

Set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, Longleat Safari Park is a really family-friendly day out. In the main park, you can walk past enclosures housing everything from creepy crawlies to wild cats and primates. 

At certain times of the day, you can join a jungle cruise out onto the estate’s huge lake where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a pair of hippos in the shallows and the silverback lowland gorilla and his family on the island in the centre. Keep your eyes peeled! As part of the trip, you’ll also have the chance to feed the resident sea lions who splash and swim alongside the boat in hopes of gobbling down some fish. 

Of course, the highlight of any trip to Longleat is the self-drive safari. Yes, Wiltshire’s plains are home to 3 of the big 5: lions, rhino and Anne the elephant, as well as cheetah, wolves, tigers and deer. As long as you drive safely and keep your windows closed, the animals are well accustomed to vehicles and can treat you to some incredible encounters. 

Other experiences available at Longleat include giraffe feeding, a lemur walk-through and monkey mayhem, where the rhesus macaques are free to clamber all over your vehicle and remove whatever takes their fancy! You might decide to take the safari bus for this exact reason… 

Longleat giraffe

Longleat is committed to conservation right across the world. From breeding programmes to help restore populations of wild dogs and black rhinos in Tanzania to funding the conservation work of the Red Panda Network in Nepal, Longleat relies on donations and purchases from its visitors to support this critical work. By visiting, you’ll be doing a world of good!

Port Lympne

My personal favourite safari park in the UK is Port Lympne in Kent. This game reserve is the closest you’ll get to Africa in the UK, thanks to its safari drives and various lodge-style accommodation to stay overnight in for the ultimate experience. 

There are enclosures in the main park, housing beautiful animals like lynxes, gorillas and brown bears, as well as lions, tigers and cheetahs in larger pens. You can visit each of these areas on foot, and I recommend timing your visits alongside the programme of ranger talks. These give you the opportunity to hear more about the incredible animals and ask any questions you can think of!

Like Longleat, there are wide open plains that are home to giraffes, zebra and antelope, but the only way to see them is by joining one of the tours, where an experienced guide takes you and a group of others out into the wild on a safari canter. You’ll be lucky enough to see these animals roaming free (or as free as is possible in the Kent countryside), as well as rhinos, elephants, wild dogs and other rare species behind fences.

Port Lympne safari park silver back gorilla

What makes this place really special is the Aspinall Foundation’s link to conservation efforts in Africa and beyond. Port Lympne has a hugely successful breeding programme that has returned various animals to the wild, including five eastern black rhinos, two cheetahs and over 60 gorillas.

At each enclosure, you’ll be able to read whether the animals inside are candidates for reintroduction, and there are dedicated teams at the park who will be more than willing to tell you more when you visit.

Woburn Safari Park

Over 80 rare and endangered species call Bedfordshire home, and you’ll be able to see them all at Woburn Safari Park. 

Much like other UK safari parks, your visit may begin with a drive-through safari that will take you on a journey across the globe. From the comfort of your own car, you will drive across plains and through grassland to see rare horses, bison, wildebeest, camels, southern white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, monkeys and zebra. 

Of course, my favourite area at Woburn Safari Park is the Kingdom of the Carnivores. Here, you could see Amur tigers, timberwolves, black bears and lions, each species separated into their own enclosures large enough that you’d still need to be lucky to spot them.

Taking a photo of a rhino at Woburn safari park in car

Once you have completed your 60-minute loop of the self-drive, your visit will be far from over, as your foot safari treats you to sightings of the smaller animals. Think parrots, meerkats, wallabies, otters, lemurs, sea lions, penguins, squirrel monkeys, red pandas and far too many more to mention.

By purchasing a ticket to Woburn Safari Park, you’ll be helping the team to sustain the population of animals kept onsite, as well as funding the critical conservation work they help to fund around the world. Various projects they support include the International Elephant Foundation, the Wildcats Conservation Alliance and Helping Rhinos. All very worthy causes, I’m sure you’ll agree! 

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park near Prescot in Merseyside boasts the UK’s longest safari drive over 550 acres. 

Here you’ll have close encounters with African lions, white rhinos and bison from the comfort of your own car. Though if you’re nervous about damage to your vehicle in the baboon enclosure, book a spot on the baboon bus, which is kitted out with climbing ropes and ladders for the baboons to roam free on. You can’t get much closer than that! 

African lion at Knowsley Safari Park

There’s even more to see on the foot safari, including Amur tigers, giraffes, meerkats, bush dogs, birds of prey, sea lions and tapir too. What a treat! There are animal talks and shows scheduled throughout the day, so make sure you plan in advance to see everything you want to.

Knowsley has a dedicated conservation team tasked with educating visitors and the wider public about their critical projects. They also work on the ground with endangered species, including monitoring, anti-poaching activities and fixing fences to reduce human conflict in their natural habitats. 

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

This safari park in the heart of the Midlands makes a great day out or a holiday in and of itself. A stay in any of the luxury safari lodges promises an incredible encounter with animals including tigers, rhinos and elephants; but with a drive-through safari and village walk also on offer, you’ll have just as good a time without the expensive short break.

The safari drive can be done in your own car or as part of a guided minibus tour, where you’ll see African lions, giraffes, zebra, wild dogs, cheetahs and antelope. There’s also a Wild Asia area housing Indian rhino, swamp deer and blackbucks too.

Lemurs at West Midland Safari Park

There is arguably more to see here once you’re out of your car, including lemurs, ostriches, red pandas, hippos, meerkats, penguins, sea lions and… dinosaurs. Yes, really! Animatronic replicas of T-rexes, velociraptors and more growl and roar through the bushes in the Land of the Living Dinosaurs. There really is plenty to see and do here!

You’ll notice ‘Leisure Park’ has been appended to the name, meaning there’s more here than the animals. Virtual reality experiences, rollercoasters, log flumes and more can be found in the Adventure Theme Park, where rides are available for an additional fee. 

As perhaps the most theme park-like safari park in the UK, you’d be forgiven for believing this makes conservation less of a priority for West Midland. But that’s far from the truth. From research projects to breeding programmes, your entrance fee and other purchases will be supporting endangered species and biodiversity across the world. 

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Located just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is easily one of the best safari parks in the UK, let alone in Scotland! 

As well as the famous safari animals like lions and rhinos in the drive-through area, Blair Drummond is also home to a huge variety of rare and fascinating species. Over 300 animals including Highland cattle, red ruffed lemur and llamas can be found on foot, making for a packed and wild day out. 

Highland cow at Blair Drummond Safari Park

Conservation is an important aspect of Blair Drummond’s work. Since 2014, the park has given over £192k worth of funding to conservation projects, with that money contributing to the salaries of anti-poaching teams, their equipment and fighting deforestation. 

So there you have it: The UK’s best safari parks from every corner of the county. Which one will you discover first?

'  data-srcset=

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

Skip to Content

logo-planstay-650px

Create magical memories during your stay

A stay at safari lodges… .

…includes access to West Midlands Safari Park’s four-mile Drive-through, the walk-through exhibits and Adventure Theme Park*.

Take a look at our example itinerary below to help plan your visit.

*Summer season only. Generally from mid-February to end of October. Please see wmsp.co.uk for exact dates.

cheetah

Example Arrival Day Itinerary

10.00am – Arrive at the Safari Park and head to the Lodges Reception to collect your Safari Drive-through entry ticket and Ride Wristbands* and be advised of your check-in time.

You can either visit our walk-through areas first, or head straight out on the four-mile Safari Drive-through. Please ensure you check the last entry to the Safari Drive-through here , as on some off-peak days it closes at 12.30pm.

Afternoon  – If you have finished using your vehicle for the day, park your car in our designated Lodges parking area . Your exact check-in time to your Lodge will be allocated when you are at the Park and is usually around 2.00pm. You can check into your Lod ge as soon as it’s ready or enjoy the rest of the walk-through areas and Theme Park Rides* at your leisure.

You can view the Lodges map here .

Evening – Your evening meal will already be ready for you in separate jars in your Lodge fridge, for you to heat and enjoy at a time that suits you.

overnight safari lodge uk

Example Departure Day

Watch our wildlife wake up right outside your window as you enjoy an in-lodge dining breakfast.

10.00am – Check out of your Lodge and we invite you to join us at our special training preview show with our sea lions at 10:15am. You are then free to enjoy the Park at your leisure for a second day! Use your multi-ride wristbands in our Adventure Theme Park* and check out our walk-through animal exhibits such as Tiger Tropics, Hippo Lakes, Lion Ridge or Lemur Woods!

If you didn’t get a chance to do the Safari Drive-through on your arrival day, you are welcome to do this, or do it again if you enjoyed it the first time!

* Theme Park rides are open during the summer season only . Generally from mid-February to end of October. Please see wmsp.co.uk for exact dates.

BOOK NOW TO RESERVE YOUR STAY

overnight safari lodge uk

Enjoy breath-taking views of our cheetahs

An overnight stay which cannot be experienced anywhere else in the UK.

The two exquisite, one-storey lodges are authentically themed and can sleep up to six guests.

Panoramic views of the cheetahs’ new habitat can be witnessed through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the lodge.

In the bedroom, you will find a king-sized bed with twin single bunkbeds above, perfect for young adults or children.

overnight safari lodge uk

REGISTER FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND BOOKING EXCLUSIVES

Be the first to know all the latest details & availability!

  • Conservation
  • Accessibility
  • Keep in Touch
  • Privacy Policy

Join the herd...

IMAGES

  1. You Can Now Stay Overnight In These Amazing Lodges At West Midland

    overnight safari lodge uk

  2. West Midland Safari Park launches animal-viewing lodges for overnight

    overnight safari lodge uk

  3. You Can Now Stay Overnight In These Amazing Lodges At West Midland

    overnight safari lodge uk

  4. West Midland Safari park overnight lodges open for bookings

    overnight safari lodge uk

  5. First look at UK’s new safari lodges where you can see elephants from

    overnight safari lodge uk

  6. You Can Now Stay Overnight In These Amazing Lodges At West Midland

    overnight safari lodge uk

COMMENTS

  1. Safari Lodges

    Introducing the award-winning Safari Lodges at West Midland Safari Park. A mixture of luxury lodges and premium cottages, designed to give you an up-close and immersive overnight wildlife experience like no other. Safari Lodges short breaks include dinner and breakfast, spectacular views of the animals, admission to the Park during the day and ...

  2. Safari Lodges in the UK & Overnight Stays at Safari Parks

    The Giraffe Lodge at West Midlands Safari Park overlooks the park's African Plains, where guests can enjoy stunning views of the resident giraffe herd grazing peacefully below. The lodges feature spacious and comfortable accommodation with modern amenities, including an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities.

  3. Livingstone Lodge Overnight Safari Experience

    Ashford, Kent. Livingstone Lodge is the UK's first authentic overnight safari experience which has consistently wowed guests with a magical night under the stars in luxury tented accommodation. This delightful glamping retreat overlooks 100 acres of Kentish savannah - alive with African animals. and guests are welcomed with an arrival drink ...

  4. Giraffe Lodge

    BOOK ONLINE. Giraffe Lodge was formerly called Livingstone Lodge, and it's in the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on the eastern bank of the United Kingdom. The accommodation is in glamping style, in luxurious tents overlooking the 600 acres of the national park. The experience is pretty much like an African escape, except for the mosquitoes.

  5. Port Lympne Safari Park, Wild Animal Reserve & Hotel

    A truly incredible safari experience. Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah. There's never been a better time to visit Port Lympne. Bring your family to meet our family! View all tickets and season passes.

  6. Safari Lodges

    Four brand-new, luxurious lodges offer an amazing overnight stay amongst our incredible Sumatran tigers. Two types of lodges will be available: with a hot tub and without a hot tub. Lodges with a hot tub are detached, single-storey spaces, sleeping up to five people. These lodges feature an open-plan living and dining area and two bedrooms, all ...

  7. Safari Lodges At West Midland Safari Park

    Each lodge is integrated into the newly-updated reserves, with spectacular views overlooking the elephant, cheetah, red panda, rhino, giraffe, tiger and lion habitats. Safari Lodges short breaks include exclusive views of the animals, admission to the Safari Park during the day & Theme Park wristbands (summer season only).

  8. Safari Lodges At West Midland Safari Park

    Safari Lodges short breaks include exclusive views of the animals, admission to the Safari Park during the day & Theme Park wristbands (summer season only). In Summer 2024, 8 new Lodges will open with 4 overlooking African Wild Dog and the other 4, Hippos. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing.

  9. 5 of the UK's best safari lodges

    There are three to choose from: East Lodge, which includes a guided tour of the grounds, and Keeper's House and Keeper's Cottage, both of which include a guided safari tour in a 4x4. For more information visit Longleat. 3. Port Lympne Safari Park. Friendly giraffes (Shutterstock)

  10. GIRAFFE LODGE

    Voted the UK's best tourism experience in 2012, Giraffe Lodge Safari Experience at Port Lympne, Kent, is the UK's only overnight safari lodge perfect for a romantic break, engagement, celebrations and Hen Parties and has to be the answer to those who would love to visit the wilds of Africa on safari. Enjoy a multi award winning safari ...

  11. 11 Exciting UK Zoos with Overnight Stay (in 2024)

    For special experiences with a wide range of interesting options, you won't find much better than this. Each of the 6 overnight options comes in the form of a different 'Safari Lodge.'. Those options are… a Rhino Lodge, a Red Panda Cottage, an Elephant Lodge, a Giraffe Lodge, a Cheetah Lodge, and a Tiger Lodge.

  12. 10 Awesome Safari Park & Zoo Stays In The UK

    Overnight stay in a private lodge (double or twin bed) with an en-suite bathroom and complimentary toiletries. Dinner and breakfast. Free entry into ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for two days during your evening stay. Free car parking. Exclusive 15% discount on Meet the Animals experiences.

  13. Safari Lodges

    The four authentically themed two-storey lodges each sleep up to five people. Come eye-to-eye with our charismatic tower of giraffes from the balcony on the first floor, where the open-plan living room, kitchenette and dining room are also situated. Here you will also find a suspended cosy nest to lounge in.

  14. Giraffe Lodge Short Breaks

    For more information or to enquire about gift vouchers for our short breaks, you can call 01303 234112 Monday to Sunday between 9am to 5pm, or fill in our simple online form and one of our team will be in touch. Book a double Giraffe Lodge Book a twin Giraffe Lodge. Unforgettable glamping getaway overlooking the verdant slopes of the African ...

  15. Short Breaks In The UK, Kent

    Port Lympne's award winning short breaks range from our luxurious 4* boutique hotel stays to a romantic night under the stars in our 180 degree, panoramic bubble pod. What's more, you can enjoy your stay knowing that you are directly helping to protect wildlife, with profits from the parks and short breaks supporting our animal conservation ...

  16. Sleeping Wild: Glamping and luxurious lodge stays in Safari Parks and

    West Midlands Safari Park Lodges provide a quite extraordinary and truly immersive overnight wildlife adventure, where you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped through an elephant shaped portal into the outer reaches of the Masai Mari.Nope, in actual fact you are just off the A456 near Kidderminster. What is wonderful about this whole experience is that, while not a budget option (it's in ...

  17. Safari Lodges

    The four two-storey lodges sleep six people and are the only overnight experience with white rhinos in the UK. The ground floor provides an open-plan living space with a secluded chill out nest that doubles up as a cosy double bed, as well as a kitchenette and balcony offering ground-level views of the rhinos. A spiral staircase leads up to two ...

  18. Best safari park lodges in the UK including rooms with views of animals

    Chessington Safari Hotel. Chessington Safari Hotel's rooms offer views across the resort's Wanyama Reserve where plenty of animals reside from zebras to meerkats. The hotel offers both standard ...

  19. Safari Lodges

    Safari Lodges West Midland Safari Park is an award-winning visitor attraction, located in the heart of England. It is home to a variety of all-weather attractions, including four miles of drive-through safari, the largest animatronic dinosaur exhibit in the UK and over 20 rides in the Theme Park.

  20. Safari Lodges

    What's Included. • Exclusive use of an Elephant Lodge for up to 5 or 6 people (depending on Lodge chosen) • Two-day Admission Ticket to West Midlands Safari Park and all attractions. • Two-day Ride Wristbands to use in the Adventure Theme Park*. • Breakfast and dinner (provided in jars to reheat in your Lodge)

  21. The Best Safari Parks in the UK

    This game reserve is the closest you'll get to Africa in the UK, thanks to its safari drives and various lodge-style accommodation to stay overnight in for the ultimate experience. There are enclosures in the main park, housing beautiful animals like lynxes, gorillas and brown bears, as well as lions, tigers and cheetahs in larger pens.

  22. Safari Lodges

    10.00am - Arrive at the Safari Park and head to the Lodges Reception to collect your Safari Drive-through entry ticket and Ride Wristbands* and be advised of your check-in time.. You can either visit our walk-through areas first, or head straight out on the four-mile Safari Drive-through. Please ensure you check the last entry to the Safari Drive-through here, as on some off-peak days it ...