your safari uk

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Your party, your requirements, your budget. after all its your safari,  self drive & guide​d safari holidays.

 Self Drive & Guide​d Safari Holidays

You are all individuals with a safari experience in mind.  We work with you to create a self drive & guided safari holidays. Let us inspire you to create your own adventure.  Just Pick a destination off the map  and we can show you some examples. Start planning your Safari Holiday 2023, speak to our experts today.

What our customers say about us ...., if you need some inspiration for your safari holiday, have a look below, at some of our customers favourite self drive & guided safari holidays..

your safari uk

Namibia  Family Self Drive Adventure

your safari uk

Best of Botswana Wild Places

your safari uk

Luxury Wildlife Adventure Canada

your safari uk

Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and so much more… 

your safari uk

Cape Town  Beach & Safari

your safari uk

The Tiger reserves of Rajasthan and Central India

your safari uk

Or Take a look at our 2024 Your Safari Catalogue Here. 

Why Travel With Us

We are called "Your Safari" for a reason - we will make Your Safari Adventure exactly that - "Yours!" by building a holiday for you based on your requirements and your interests and not to any set itinerary.

How We Work

Take a look around our website to look for inspiration. Talk to us, with no obligation. We will then design your itinerary based around, your interests, your requirements and your budget.

Your Holiday is PTS protected

Protected Trust Services is a company that provides the core of our protection by running an independent trust account and bespoke technology to protect your monies

Tailormade by Specialists

Every bespoke itinerary is inspected & vetted by our Founder and Chief Guide; Kathryn Haylett. Kathryn has over 20 years experience guiding and creating safari holidays.

100% Financial Protection

Booking with Your Safari is completely safe. All payments made to us are paid through Protected Trust Services in compliance with the Package Travel Regulations.

Local Knowledge

We have personally driven the roads and visited all the recommended lodges We also offer 24/7 Emergency Evacuation Insurance at no extra cost on all our African Adventures.

Our Price Promise

Tailor-made is not always expensive. We are so confident that we will find you a good deal that if you find exactly the same safari with another UK tour operator, we will beat their price by £100.

Travel Insurance

We can provide travel insurance including our Covid Bubble protection that provides all the confidence you need when travelling in todays normal.

We can only give you information on all your holiday flights with any airline private or commercial.  We do not sell flights

Let us book your holiday vehicle hire anywhere in the world just contact us for a quote today.

Safari & Adventure Travel with Individual & Small Group Tours. Both Self Drive & Guided

Your Safari Established in 2000, was founded by Kathryn Haylett to fulfil her lifelong passion for Africa and its wildlife.

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Great British Bucket List

12 BEST Safari Parks in the UK

From guided tours and drive through safaris, to wallaby walkthroughs and big cats roaming, here are the best safari parks in the uk..

safari parks in the uk

Forget going to the zoo, this post is all about going on safari in the UK!

Did you know that the UK offers some of the best safari park experiences in Europe? It’s true! And it means you don’t need to spend big bucks when seeing the big 5.

Whether you’re looking for a drive through experience or to get up close and personal with the animals, we’ve compiled a list of the best safari parks in the UK. These are the best ones in England , Scotland and Wales .

From drive-through experiences at Longleat, to walkthrough experiences such as the foot safari at Woburn Safari Park, there are so many options to choose from. And all of them are guaranteed good days out!

uk safaris

If you prefer a guided tour with zoo experts, West Midland Safari Park offers fantastic mini bus tours. Or maybe you’d prefer to walk with the wallabies at Manor Wildlife Park? 

We absolutely love watching the monkeys climb on top of the cars at Blair Drummond – be warned because they are very cheeky! Will you choose to sleep with the animals, ride a safari, or hand feed parakeets?

Find out all of this and more in our list of the best UK safari parks.

Best Safari Parks in the UK

Longleat safari park.

your safari uk

Check out the UK’s Number 1 safari park at Longleat, Wiltshire! Discover big cats, elephants, wolves and more at the drive-through safari experience.

Wind up your windows for the safari of a lifetime as you pass through Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and The Big Game Park, where you can see a herd of Southern white rhinos.

Don’t forget to check out our favourite part – Monkey Mayhem. The troupe of macaques are known for causing mischief (just watch out for your windscreen wipers!)

Jump out at the African Village and Walking Safari as you journey across the African reserve and discover giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and ostriches. 

  • Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
  • Website: https://www.longleat.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Longleat tickets here

West Midland Safari Park

best safari park uk

Whether you’re driving yourself or jumping on a guided minibus tour, the safari experience at West Midland Safari Park can be enjoyed by everyone.

Animal fanatics can book onto a guided minibus safari tour where the knowledgeable staff will teach you all about the different animals. Can you spot the rhinos, lions, camels and elephants across the 5 different zones? You can even take your own car if you’d prefer to experience the safari at your own pace.

View the animals up close on the African Walking Trail. Watch out for the elephants roaming their new habitat, or the giraffes grazing on the trees.

  • Address: West Midland Safari Park. Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
  • Website: https://www.wmsp.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your WMSP tickets here

Chessington Safari Resort

chessington safari resort

For a unique type of safari experience, check out Chessington Safari Resort. With a range of themed rooms, you can see animals whilst you sleep.

Choose between exquisitely themed rooms with views over the enclosures of your favourite animals. The giraffe room, tiger room, penguin room and monkey mayhem room overlook the Wanyama reserve.

Many of the rooms include access to the savannah splash pool and hotel entertainment. To finish off your trip, check Chessington World of Adventure for a day full of thrill rides and zoo fun. 

  • Address: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington. KT9 2NE
  • Website: https://www.chessington.com/
  • Tickets: Get your Chessington World of Adventures tickets here

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

biggest safari park uk

Whipsnade Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in England with over 10,000 animals. As part of the Zoological Society London , Whipsnade is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and science. 

Whipsnade Zoo has many incredible animals you won’t see elsewhere, like brown bears and wolverines. This year an endangered baby Asian elephant was born at the zoo! Grab tickets for the Elephant Cafe where you will be able to see mum and baby.

Why not try one of the many experiences at the zoo? Become a keeper for the day and you can work with the rhinos, giraffes and elephants. 

  • Address: Whipsnade, Dunstable. LU6 2LF
  • Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
  • Tickets: Get your Whipsnade tickets here

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

blair drummond safari

Scottish readers are definitely going to want to visit Blair Drummond Park to get their animal fix. From lions and macaques, to deer and antelope, there’s so much to see. 

Venture through the African animals, Asian animals, the lions and the macaque reserve in your own car for a day of family fun. Will you spot the rhino in the grass or hear the lion roar? The cheeky monkeys love to jump on cars as they pass so don’t forget to lock your doors!

Once you’ve had your drive-through fun you can check out the 300 species at Blair Drummond. I’m a big fan of the wallabies!

  • Address: Blair Drummond, Stirling. FK9 4UR
  • Website: https://www.blairdrummond.com/
  • Tickets: Get your Blair Drummond tickets here

Manor Wildlife Park

manor house safari park

If you like to get up close and personal with the wildlife, Manor Wildlife Park in Wales is the safari park for you. With several walkthrough safari experiences, there are so many animals to spot.

Start off your day in the Wallaby Walkthrough, where visitors can see young Joey’s hop into their mother’s pouch. I love to look for my favourite animal, the red panda, through the forest canopy. 

Don’t forget to visit the Lemurs in their Madagascan home where you can watch them jump and climb. If you’re lucky they might even sit next to you!

  • Address: Manor Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby. SA70 8RJ
  • Website: https://www.manorwildlifepark.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Manor Wildlife Park tickets here

Port Lympne Safari Park

best safari parks in the uk

Come face to face with rare and endangered animals at Port Lympne Safari Park. Head to Kent to experience hundreds of acres of savannah. 

Port Lympne offers three unique safari experiences for you to choose from. On the AAA safari, an expert ranger takes you on a guided tour to see Savannah animals, like the giraffe, zebra, ostrich and wildebeest. Can you spot the black rhino?

Perhaps you’d prefer to jump on the rhino and giraffe safari, or the rangers tour, where you’ll journey through the Asian and African exhibits. 

  • Address: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe. CT21 4LR
  • Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
  • Tickets: Get your Pork Lympne tickets here

Knowsley Safari Park

knowsley safari park

Did you know that Knowsley Safari Park is actually the biggest safari park in the UK?

This 550 acre safari park is home to animals from across the globe. Journey through Eastern and Southern Asia, where you can see yaks and deer, or check out the African Savannah zone which is home to one of the largest white rhinos in the UK. Hop on the baboon bus for a car-friendly view of the baboons as they swing off the ropes.

Finish off your day with a walk through the Amur Tiger trail where you can get nose to nose with the two tigers.

  • Address: Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot. L34 4AN
  • Website: https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Knowsley Safari Park tickets here

Woburn Safari Park

woburn safari park

Check out over 300 acres of drive-through safari nestled amongst the Bedfordshire landscape at Woburn Safari Park. You can have a whole day of fun with the drive-through and walk-through safari experiences.

Drive through the vast nature reserves to spot the animals lurking within. From bison and rhinos, to bears and tigers, there are so many incredible animals across 5 zones. I’d recommend the Kingdom of the Carnivores, where you can see tigers, lions, bears and wolves!

End your experience with the foot safari, where you can explore small mammals and birds. With lemurs, penguins, birds of prey, otters, wallabies, and more, this is not one to be missed.

  • Address: Woburn Safari Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford. MK43 0TU
  • Website: https://www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Woburn Safari Park tickets here

Knepp Wildlife Safari

knepp wilding safari

If you’re looking for something different, check out the safari experiences at Knepp Safari. Encounter local wildlife, such as ponies, deer, and pigs, on one of the many vehicle and walking safaris at Knepp.

Hop on the all terrain vehicle and enjoy the half-day safari to discover British wildlife. You will see free-roaming herds of cattle, ponies, pigs and deer on your journey.

You’ll get to stop at the wildlife ‘refugia’ and spot small animals, such as grass snakes, toads and voles. There’s even a cafe stop so you can enjoy delicious local brownies.

Why not try a themed safari, such as the autumn safari, where you can spot red deer stags, or the bats and moths safari, where you can see nocturnal creatures.

  • Address: Knepp Wildland Safaris, New Barn Farm, Swallows Ln, Dial Post, Horsham. RH13 8NN
  • Website: https://www.kneppsafaris.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Knepp Wildlife Safari tickets here

South Lakes Safari Zoo

south safari zoo

Home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered species across the globe, South Lakes Safari Zoo is the perfect place to get up close and personal with the animals.

From Africa and Madagascar, to Australia and South America, there’s so much to see. Check out the jaguars and snow leopards or head to the lemurs and arctic wolves. South Lakes Safari Zoo is committed to conservation so you can view the animals in their natural environment. 

Why not book an animal encounter to learn all about your favourite animal? I’d love to prepare Stanley the sloth his favourite snacks!

  • Address: South Lakes Safari Zoo, Melton Ter, Lindal in Furness, Ulverston. LA12 0LU
  • Website: https://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/
  • Tickets: Get your South Lakes Safari Zoo tickets here

Peak Wildlife Park

peak wildlife park

Peak Wildlife Park offers fantastic walk through experiences for all the family. Whether you decide to explore the African village or walk with the penguins, there’s something for everyone.

Have you ever wanted to walk with the lemurs or wallabies? I certainly have! Watch the lemurs leap through the canopies and listen to their distinct calls, or check out wallaby wonderland where the friendly animals will munch on branches out of your hands.

Head to the African village where you can spot meerkats, chickens, and Pygmy goats. Don’t forget to give their horns a good scratch!

  • Address: Peak Wildlife Park, Winkhill, Leek. ST13 7QR
  • Website: https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/
  • Tickets: Get your Peak Wildlife Park tickets here

Twycross Zoo

twycross zoo uk

Twycross Zoo prides itself on being at the heart of conservation. With several walkthrough enclosures and a brand new The Gruffalo Discovery Land, this is a fantastic choice for little ones. 

Walk among the flutters of colourful wings in the Butterfly Paradise or hand feed the birds at Lorikeet Landing. Head to the goat walkthrough where your little ones (and the biggest members of the family!) can stroke the farmyard animals. 

Check out the lemurs as they weave in and out of your feet. You can even watch the tigers roam above you in the glass visitor tunnel. 

  • Address: Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone. CV9 3PX
  • Website: https://twycrosszoo.org/
  • Tickets: Get your Twycross Zoo tickets here

That concludes our list of the best UK safari parks. Which one will you be visiting on your next day out with the family? If you have any questions at all, you can let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for other fun days out, then check out our guide to the best theme parks in the UK . Again, this is perfect for the whole family!

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

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SafariBookings

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Your Safari

your safari uk

  • Company  Profile
  • Destinations

Your Safari is unique in that it offers tailor-made photography tours in Africa, allowing its customers to have the unique opportunity to develop photo skills while beholding wonderful wildlife on the continent. They emphasize private, small safaris in order to ensure that its customers get exactly what they want out of their holiday. They also offer self-drive tours for the more adventurous individuals.

Safaris & Tours 0 – Offered by Your Safari

No safaris offered by Your Safari on SafariBookings at the moment.

Reviews 1 – About Your Safari

Latest user review.

Sweden

My tour with guide was fantastic, they really give os time to see everything

It was my first time to visit Africa, and i was warried but the callege told me that it ok, to warried but she has be there before with the owner of the safari company before she started itand she ensure me that it will take away my stress...

Full Review

  • Day Tickets
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5-mile safari drive

The uk's longest safari drive.

Our 550-acre Safari Drive is home to many animals from around the world. From Bactrian Camels and White Rhino to Baboons and African Lions, you can see them all as you drive around the grounds. The route is split into different continental zones where you’ll drive through many habitats and see our collection of animals along the way. Once you’ve finished your roar-some experience, you can head down to our Foot Safari - both experiences are included in your ticket!

Your adventure begins in Eastern Asia where you’ll meet our herd of Bactrian Camels whose coat sheds throughout the year, and lots of Yaks, Eastern Kiang and Père David’s Deer roaming around. In the Southern Asia area, you’ll find the Axis Deer and Eld’s Deer as well as Nilgai and Blackbuck. 

Our African Savannah zone is home to one of the largest White Rhino crashes in the UK. Watch out for the world’s largest bird too, the Ostrich, as they love to come over and say hello! Can you spot the distinct markings on the Roan Antelope or the short pointed horns of the Waterbuck? Whilst driving through the African woodland, keep your eyes peeled for the Sitatunga too.

Dare to enter the monkey jungle? The most anticipated area of the Safari Drive. Hold on to your seatbelts as our Baboons steal the show. They’ll come right up to your car so, if you’d prefer, our car-friendly route will allow you to watch from afar. If you still want the full mischievous experience, why not book the Baboon Bus?

African Lions

Our Safari Drive takes you through Lion Country, allowing you to watch the pride without a fence between them and your vehicle!

African Lions

White Rhino

White Rhino are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. They are often hunted for their horn.

White Rhino

European Bison

Bison can be found in North America and Northern Europe. The European Bison were once extinct in the wild.

European Bison

In the wild, a Baboon troop can number between 20 and 100! Their ranges vary considerably depending on food availability.

Baboons

A real highlight of the Safari Drive is meeting the Pride of Knowsley in the lion enclosure where our pride of African Lions roam around. See for yourself!

The beauty of the Safari Drive is that it's different every time you drive through and the best part is, you can go around as many times as you like!

Plan your visit

Download the app.

Find out all the exciting info on our awe-inspiring animals and exciting activities.

your safari uk

Plan your vists

Animal talks & displays.

Dare to get up close to a bird of prey or get splashed by a sea lion?

your safari uk

After you’ve finished the Safari Drive, why not go round again or explore the Foot Safari? See the Sea Lions up close, watch displays of our Birds of Prey and so much more. Both are included in your ticket so why not make the most of your wild adventure?

Warning infographic incase of a breakdown

Warning infographic incase of a breakdown

It's important to us that our guests and animals stay safe so we ask all guests to follow our rules of entry. Our animals behave as close to the wild as possible and can be unpredictable, so you should stay inside your car at all times. If you break down while on the safari drive it is important that all passengers stay within the car, you should sound your horn and wait for a patrol vehicle to come to your assistance.

Our safari drive is full of wild animals who can act unpredictably at times and we are not able to accept any responsibility for damage caused by our baboons within their enclosure. If you would prefer not to take this risk then why not take our car-friendly route or even hop on our Baboon Bus.

Guests are strictly prohibited from feeding the animals – that’s our job! If you are seen feeding the animals from your vehicle you will be asked to leave.

Dogs are not allowed in any areas of Knowsley Safari. This includes both the Safari Drive and also the pedestrian areas of the Foot Safari.

We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog should you wish to bring them on your trip.

Our kennels provide basic accommodation for your pet. Drinking water is available but we do not provide water bowls or blankets. Please feel free to bring with you any items that will make your pet as comfortable as possible. A £5.00 refundable padlock is available at reception on arrival.

We are famous for our drive-through Baboon enclosure but did you know that you can watch their antics from a safe distance if you’re not quite brave enough to venture in? You can take our car-friendly route which still gives you fantastic views of our cheeky residents.

If you fancy the thrill of the Baboons without any of the risk then try our baboon bus. You can book your seats online and you’ll be driven the whole way round the safari as well as through the baboon enclosure.

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Tour Operator Software

Your Safari

your safari uk

Meet Your Safari

Based in the United Kingdom, Your Safari specialise in creating tailor-made Safari experiences with an emphasis on photography . With both escorted and self-driving options, Your Safari creates unforgettable experiences for their clients.

Attention to detail, flexibility, and remarkable customer support are all themes common amongst reviews of this tailor-made Safari specialist. Operating for over 17 years, Your Safari are continuing to delight their customers with tours that are second to none.

“Kathryn is a quite remarkable organiser, guide, driver, mechanic, photography coach, companion, and now friend. She made our safari an unforgettable experience, even for a bunch of old Africa hands like us. She coped with lost phones, lost hats, sudden changes of plan, and even an unexpected extra day with good humour, patience and an almost zen-like calm and efficiency. At times it seemed like the whole population of Namibia knows her and her close friendships and contacts meant that she was able to arrange ‘off-grid’ experiences that were nothing less than thrilling and unique. We wouldn’t hesitate before booking her again, wherever we were heading”.   Dr David Bogod

Your safari

Your Safari’s philosophy is all about offering travellers flexibility, “we believe that YOUR safari should be exactly that…YOURS!,” they explain on their website, yoursafari.co.uk .

Naturally, this customised approach to business meant Your Safari founder, Kathryn Haylett would find her team spending weeks on customising bookings,

“After travel shows, we would spend 3 weeks following up leads , providing quotes as promised and we can now get these out in a few days with Tourwriter,” explained Kathryn .

“We could spend 3-4 hours, sometimes more, on a complex custom quote and now we can create these in minut es without compromising on the personalized approach we are so well known for , “ added Finance Director, Jon Vince.

The added time the Your Safari team have gained through using Tourwriter means they now have more resources free to focus on growth in other areas of their business,

“ It means we can spend our time planning new marketing activities including venturing into other wildlife photographic hotspots worldwide such as India and Canada which we have planned to explore for many years and now have the time to do so,” said Jon .

One thing that sets this tour operator apart is its unique focus on photographic Safaris . “Our photo safaris will enable you to return home with the wildlife images you’ve always dreamed of,” they explain on their website.

customer stories - your safari

A recent example of this increased capacity for marketing activities was their 2017 photo competition in which website visitors were encouraged to upload their safari pictures to win a 7-day Safari tour in Namibia. “The standard of entries was very high which made judging difficult,” said Kathryn but the eventual winner was chosen and the winning photo was taken by James Rosling and is featured above.

Like many other tour operators, before using Tourwriter the Your Safari team were proficient in all thing Microsoft. Excel spreadsheets and Word document itineraries were the everyday reality for the East Sussex based business. “Tourwriter has revolutionized our business taking us away from Word and Excel and organizing our systems,” said Jon .

customer story - your safari

The move away from their old systems began with a Tourwriter Implementation – a process that all new Tourwriter clients receive.

The Tourwriter team worked alongside Your Safari to get them trained up and help set up and tailor the product to suit their business, “The whole process of training/implementation was very smooth. It took time but the end results speak for themselves,” said Jon .

Highly respected for their knowledge of their destination country, Namibia. Tourwriter are thrilled to be helping Your Safari continue to build memorable itineraries for photography enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and travellers.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this fantastic tour operator.

Sadly due to the effects of COVID-19, Your Safari is no longer a Tourwriter customer. As a proud supporter of their business, we continue to share their story and hope to welcome them back to the Tourwriter community in the future.

Antipodes Travel

Antipodes Travel

Antipodes Travel has been crafting bespoke itineraries for French travellers to New Zealand since 2004. With the help of Tourwriter their office systems are now streamlined so they can do fast personalised work.

Travel12 and MAMKITA

Travel12 and MAMKITA

What happens when two companies have the same vision for travellers to experience Greece in a way that is authentic. They combine forces and use Tourwriter to become more efficient, so they can focus on the essence of each trip. Read more about their story.

Tailormade Andalucia

Tailormade Andalucia

Lead by Sam Lister, Tailormade Andalucia focuses on getting travellers off the beaten track and experiencing what the locals have to offer in Spain. Read more about his story and how Tourwriter has helped them create beautiful itineraries

Arawi Peru

Arawi Peru creates tailormade sustainable travel throughout Peru. Their aim is to showcase the incredible landscapes, culture and history of Peru and its local communities. Read how more about their story and how they use Tourwriter to share every detail the traveller needs to know and understand when travelling Peru.

your safari uk

Twins and Travels

The Best Safari Parks in the UK

If you are at a loose end and looking for ideas of things to do with the kids in the UK you really are spoilt for choice. Days out with the kids can be as simple as a trip to the park, a stroll through the Gruffalo woods or a full on day of planned fun day in London . If you find yourself with some time off as a family, then why not visit one of the best Safari Parks in the UK or a zoo will always be an all-round pleaser for all ages.

Table of Contents

Are there Safari Parks in the UK?

In a word, yes. OK, so it’s not the African plains but the UK has a lot of safari parks to visit including some drive-through safaris. Visitors to the safari parks in the UK can drive through the animal exhibits, which contain species such as rhino, elephants, tigers, lions and wolves. Beware of the cheeky monkeys who will often jump onto your car bonnet and play with the windscreen wipers!

READ: If you want to go on a real safari, read our ‘ Ultimate Guide to Kenya with Kids ‘

How Many Safari Parks are there in the UK?

In total there are six main safari parks in the UK plus 48 zoos and a number of other wildlife centres. In our opinion this leaves you spoilt for choice with so many zoos in the UK when looking for a place to see wildlife and exotic animals in the UK.

What is the Most Beautiful Safari Park in Britain?

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is one of the premier safari parks in the UK and one of the oldest. It is also famous for its stunning Elizabethan house and grounds – with the biggest maze in the country alongside a drive-through safari park.

MORE READING: Check out this African Safari in Kenya

What is the Biggest Safari Park in the UK?

Knowsley Safari has a 5-mile safari drive which is the longest in the UK. Broken up into 11 different zones, this 550-acre drive-through safari is home to many animals from around the world in as close to natural conditions as possible.

What is a Drive through Safari?

Some safari parks in the UK have a drive through. A drive through-safari means that you can drive your own family car through the animal exhibits. You will have a route, rules and a speed limit to follow but it means that you can get up close to some of nature’s finest beasts. Some zoos also offer a safari style experience where you can be driven through in a special safari bus or vehicle.

Safari Parks in the UK tiger licking his lips

Best Safari Parks in the UK

Safari parks in wiltshire, longleat safari park.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Longleat Safari Park s in the UK is bursting with adventure where tigers roam, sea lions splash and koalas hang out. There is so much to do at Longleat including a beach, Jungle Cruise, Longleat railway and a drive through safari. There are also VIP experiences where you can feed tigers! Nestled within the Wiltshire countryside you will see lions, tigers, wolves, koalas and porcupines. There is a farmyard, maze, Adventure Castle, Rockin’ Rhino and vast grounds and gardens.

Prices: Adult (16 +) £36.95; Child (3-15) £27.70; under 2s free.

Open daily from 10.00am closing times vary throughout the year. Pre-booking tickets online in advance is essential.

Drive through safari: Yes

Safari Parks in Bedford

Woburn safari park.

Ridgmont, Bedford

Woburn Safari Park s in the UK is a UK drive-through safari park nestled in over 300 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire parkland. Throughout the holidays they often have themed events for children that include Peppa Peg and Hey Duggee. The Road Safari drive takes approximately 60-90 minutes and there is a Foot Safari and Leisure Area, where you’ll find animal enclosures with exotic and aquatic species and plenty of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Woburn Safari Park is home to more than 80 species of exotic and endangered animals including elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and many more.

Online prices: Adult £28.99; Child (3-15) £20.99; under 3s free.

Open daily until 13th November 2022 from 9.30am last entry 4.45pm

Safari Parks in Worcestershire

West midlands safari park.

Bewdley, Worcestershire

West Midland Safari Park s in the UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered animal species. It includes a safari drive-through, theme park and also luxury lodges. You will see southern white rhino and elegant giraffes. Wonder at zebras, Ankole cattle, ellipsen waterbuck, Congo buffalo, red lechwe and the eland, largest of all antelope species.

The park is also home to many majestic big cats as well as African elephants. The Adventure Theme Park is open daily from 19th February 2022 – 30th October 2022. Your little ones will love Boj’s Giggly Park, the multi-sensory play area where kids can explore and play in the five interactive zones, designed specifically for younger visitors.

Prices: Adult  £25.00; Child (3-15) £20.00;  Student £22.00; under 3s free,

Open daily from 9.30am – last entry 5.00pm; rides open at 11.00am and close at 6.00pm.

Safari Parks in Merseyside

Knowsley safari.

Prescot, Merseyside

Knowsley Safari has an impressive 5-mile wild animal safari drive, which is the longest in the UK, and is currently home to over 750 animals. The drive is broken up into different zones where you will drive through and see animals in as close to natural conditions as we can achieve. You’ll see lions, rhino with wildebeest and forest buffalo, not to mention camels, nilgai and kiang and bison.  There are things to explore and wild rides.

To enjoy the rides you can either buy a wristband at the information centre that will give you unlimited access all day or buy tokens for just one or two of your favourites.

Online Prices: Adults, £18.50; Children (3-15 years) £15.00; under 3s free; Concessions (60+) £15.00

Open daily from 10.00am – 6.30pm

Safari Parks in Kent

Port lympne safari park.

Hythe, Kent

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of the Kent countryside. With an Indian rhino to meet and family-favourite kids’ characters the kids will be thoroughly entertained. The 600 acre reserve has endangered animals, walks with stunning views and historic landscaped gardens.

There is also a Dinosaur Forest, you’ll also find some of the fiercest creatures that ever roamed the earth lurking amongst the undergrowth. Expert rangers can guide you as part of a small group on a unique safari to meet one of Africa’s Big Five, the black rhino and the critically endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Online prices: Adult £27.00 – £29 ; Child £24.00 – £26 ; Adult Concession, £24.55.

Open 9.30am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Drive through safari: Yes, but it is guided and in one of their vehicles.

Safari Parks in Scotland

Blair drummond safari park.

Stirling, Scotland

Located on a flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting animal park. There are over 300 animals and you can visit them all on foot. Raised viewing platforms mean exciting views of the giraffes, lions and tigers and there is also a pets corner.

On the safari drive-through you will see rhinos, antelope, camels and the pride of lions. Behind huge Jurassic Park-style gates lies a prehistoric forest for you to explore. It’s home to over twenty moving, stomping, screeching, life-size dinosaurs.

Prices: Adults £18.50; Child (3-15) £14.00; Senior (60 +) £14.00; under 3s free.

Open 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 7pm on selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

Safari Parks in Cumbria

South lakes safari zoo.

Ulverston, Cumbria

South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed by free-flying macaws and participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day. You could join the Penguin Keepers to learn more about the resident Humboldt Penguins.

Prices: Adults £19.99; Child 15.99; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am

Safari Parks in Sussex

Knepp wildland safaris.

Horsham, Sussex

Encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs as they roam 3,500 acres of Sussex. Knepp Wildland Safaris offer vehicle-based safaris or guided walking tours where you will see birds, mammals, butterflies, beetles, reptiles, plants and fungi in a setting that feels as wild and dynamic as the African bush.You could stay in a treehouse, shepherd’s hut, tents or yurts, or simply pitch your own in our exclusive Wildland campsite.

Visit the website for prices and details of wild tours

Safari Parks and Zoos in Scotland

Edinburgh zoo.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo , formerly the Scottish National Zoological Park, is an 82-acre non-profit zoological park inEdinburgh. Set in over 82 acres of wooded hillside, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 2,500 amazing and endangered animals. Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and to breed penguins. It is also the only zoo in Britain to house Queensland koalas and giant pandas.

Prices: Adults £21.95; Child (3-15) £13.95; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am closed Christmas and Boxing Day

Located on a flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting animal park. There are over 300 animals and you can visit them all on foot. Raised viewing platforms mean exciting views of the giraffes, lions and tigers and there is also a pets corner. On the safari drive-through you will see rhinos, antelope, camels and the pride of lions.

Behind huge Jurassic Park-style gates lies a prehistoric forest for you to explore. It’s home to over twenty moving, stomping, screeching, life-size dinosaurs.

Highland Wildlife Park

Kingussie, Scotland

The Highland Wildlife Park is a 105-hectare safari park and zoo near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands. The park is located within the Cairngorms National Park. Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra in this spectacular setting. Explore the drive through reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot.

The park has a wide and diverse range of animals, from native species such as the Scottish wildcat to those from further afield such as the amur tiger and polar bear.

Prices: Adult £18.50; Child (3-15) £13.95; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am except for Christmas Day

Safari Parks and Zoos in Wales

Welsh mountain zoo.

Colwyn Bay, Wales

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden located near the town of Colwyn Bay in Wales. The zoo covers an area of 37 acres. Set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, the site overlooks the Colwyn Bay coastline and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. With around 100 species housed in this wonderful collection, you could become a Zoo keeper for the day!

Prices: Adults from £16.70; Child (3-15) from £12.55; Seniors (60+) from £14.75

READ: Looking for somewhere to stay near Welsh Mountain Zoo, take a look at Away Resorts Golden Sands in Rhyl 

Manor Wildlife Park

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Manor House Wildlife Park is a 52-acre zoo located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was bought in 2008 by television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin MacDougall. There is an undercover play area. You can see the red panda sisters and enjoy the most lovely wallaby walkthrough in the UK! See the young Joeys and watch them hop in and out of their mothers’ pouches. Come and meet a friendly group of lemurs in their Madagascan home nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Prices: Adult  £17.95; Child (2-16) £15.95; Senior (over 65)  £15.95; infants free.Open daily from 10.00am – 6.00pm

Drive-Through Safaris in the UK

West midland safari park, worcestershire.

Take a drive through the West Midland Safari Park and you’ll soon feel like you’ve been transported to the Savannah. There are rhinos and giraffes, buffalo, blackbuck, and deer all grazing together. From the safety of your car you will see lions and tigers and don’t forget to pay a visit to Elephant Valley. There’s a dinosaur park and ice age experience that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Woburn Safari Park, Buckinghamshire

Start by meeting the meerkats in Desert Springs before heading onto Penguin World and Sea Lion Cove.On the safari drive through you will see a herd of buffalo on the Northern Plains and a pride of lions in the Kingdom of the Carnivores. Drive through Giraffe Junction and spot monkeys in the African Forest.

Knowsley Safari, Merseyside

Visitors can travel Knowsley’s 5-mile route as many times as they like in a day and it takes about an hour to complete one drive-through. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals including lions and baboons. Once you have completed the safari the whole family can enjoy some rides and attractions.

Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

At Longleat Safari Park you will pass through Wolf Wood, Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and Lion Country. You will also see the white rhinos in Big Game Park, an Elephant and the giraffes and zebras in the African Village. There is also a  double-decker Safari Bus if you don’t have your own vehicle.

READ: Why not stay at the Woolley Grange Hotel when visiting Longleat!

Safari Park Hotels

West midland safari park.

Drive 6.5km through West Midland Safari Park near Birmingham, which is home to zebras, Congo buffalo, Indian rhino and Bactrian camels.You can stay over in one of the park’s eight safari lodges. Six of the lodges have large windows and an outdoor deck overlooking the pool.  The two-storey lodges 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.

Sandwiched between Bath and Salisbury, the reserve is huge. 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. 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 4×4.

Swap Kenya for Kent on a safari at Port Lympne Safari Park. For an intimate experience, stay overnight and see the animals. The estate is home to wigwams, shepherds’ huts, a treehouse hotel and an igloo-style bubble. Depending on the accommodation you choose, you might be able to observe Amur leopards from Leopard Creek or watch TV side by side with lions from an enormous window in Lion Lodge.

ZSL London Zoo

The Land of the Lions enclosure is modelled after the Gir national park, complete with railway tracks 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.

READ: Things to do in London with a Toddler  or why not stay in one of London’s family friendly hotels

Chessington Safari Resort Hotel

https://www.chessingtonholidays.co.uk/hotels/safari-resort-hotel.html

Situated next to the Theme Park, the Chessington Safari Hotel is in the ideal location for an African adventure. There are animal themed rooms such as the Tiger room which sleeps up to four people with a separate children’s sleeping area and a Wanyama View – views across Wanyama Reserve differ in every room depending on which themed room you have chosen.

Safari Parks in the UK red Panda

Best Zoo’s in the UK

Zoos in bedfordshire, zsl whipsnade zoo.

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s biggest zoo which has helped to establish the world’s zoo populations of Southern white rhinos. It is home to more than 2,500 animals from over 200 different species. They have the only sloth bear in the UK, Colombo plus there is a new outdoor play adventure with over 7,800 square metres of themed play including bridges, swings, climbing frames, sit-on crocodiles, tunnels, boats, mini safari jeeps and so much more.

Prices: Adults: £24,00; Child (3-15) £16.00; Seniors (60+) £22.00; under 3s free.

READ: Glamping in Bedfordshire

 Zoos in Bristol

Bristol zoo gardens.

Clifton, Bristol

Bristol Zoo’s stated mission is to “maintain and defend biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world.” rity, which runs and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Wild Place Project. Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and first opened its doors to the public on Monday 11 July 1836. Animals include lions, gorillas and red pandas. There is an adventure playground and Zooropia, an adventure ropes course that gives you a unique opportunity to swing alongside some of our most popular animals at the Zoo – our gorillas, gibbons and lemurs.

Prices: Adult £21.95; Child (2 – 14) £15.95; under 2s free.

Open daily 10.00am – 5.30pm (except Christmas Day).

Zoos in Wales

Folly farm adventure park and zoo.

Kilgetty, Wales

You can visit over 750 animals at Folly Farm Zoo , and get up close to furry and feathery farmyard friends in the barn. Choose from 17 different rides in the vintage fairground, or enjoy eight adventure play areas. Animals include lions, rhinos, giraffes and penguins. At Folly Farm zoo, you’ll see the only giraffes in Wales, and can look them straight in the eye from the Giraffe Heights walkway. You can also see Bactrian camels, bongos, lemurs, meerkats, tapirs, Barbary macaques, squirrel monkeys…the list goes on.

Prices: Adult £21.95; Child (3-15) £19.95; Toddler £13.95; under 2s free.

Usually open from 10.00am. Please check online first

Zoos in London

Regents Park, London

London Zoo aka ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Gardens is the world’s oldest scientific zoo which is packed full of wild adventures. Kids will love discovering the thousands of animals at the Zoo and the whole family can get up close to our animals in amazing walk-through exhibits and underwater penguin viewing!

Don’t miss talks throughout the day from ZSL experts to learn more about our amazing animals and enjoy lunch in one of the cafes and have fun in one of the adventure play areas.

Prices: Adults £32.00; Child (3-15) £21.00; Senior (65+) £29.00; under 3s free.

ZSL London Zoo is normally open every day except Christmas Day, and closing times vary throughout the year.

Zoos in Essex

Colchester zoo.

Colchester, Essex

Colchester Zoo is a zoological garden in Essex. The zoo opened in 1963 and is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. The kids can enjoy the Jungle Tumble and you can see many different habitats and see animals from around the world, from the humid habitat of our Komodo dragons to the African plain, home to White rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.

Online prices: Adults  £21.99; Child (3-15yrs) £17.99; Senior (60+), £20.99;under 3s free.

Open daily from 9.30am except Christmas day.

MORE READING: Days out in Essex

Zoos in Suffolk

Africa alive.

Lowestoft, Suffolk

Set in 100 acres of Suffolk countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia is a national conservation hub committed to preserving wild futures. Visit the lions from the Lookout Lodge or up close from their den area. Walk through the ring-tailed lemur’s enclosure. Get hands on with reptiles, invertebrates and smaller mammals.

Prices: Adults £23.00; Child (3-15) £17.00; under 2s £2.00.

Open daily from 9.30am

MORE READING: Stay at The Ickworth when visiting Africa Alive

Zoos in Hampshire

Marwell zoo.

Winchester, Hampshire

Marwell Zoo is a 140-acre zoo situated near Winchester, in the English county of Hampshire. The zoo is home to 1,208 animals of 149 species. With plenty of outdoor space, and a whole host of animals and activities, Marwell Zoo is a great family day out in Hampshire. All guests must pre book tickets online for the correct day before arrival. You will see giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats, penguins and more plus there are five adventure playgrounds and cafes and a gift shop.

Prices: Adult £22.48; Child (3-16) £18.88; Seniors (over 60) £20.23.

Zoos in Surrey

Chessington world of adventures.

Chessington, Surrey (Greater London)

Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a theme park, zoo and hotel complex in Chessington, Greater London. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable animal experience and get up close to some of the most impressive animals at the Resort, from Southern White rhinos to Rothschild’s giraffes. There are over 1,000 incredible animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins and underwater creatures in the Sea Life centre. Tickets include entry to Theme Park, Zoo & SEA LIFE Centre

See online for current deals and prices

Zoos in Chester

Chester zoo.

Upton, Chester

Chester Zoo is a zoo at Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire. It is one of the UK’s largest zoos at 51 hectares. There are over 20,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore. There are plenty of games and activities for you to take part in. The number of animals at the zoo is the highest recorded since the zoo opened in 1931 and is broken down to 1,268 mammals, 1,880 birds, 349 reptiles, 728 amphibians, 7,616 fish and 9,473 insects.

Prices: Adults £29.08; Child £22.72; under 2s free

Safari Parks in the UK Gorilla London Zoo

Best Wildlife Parks in the UK

Wildlife parks in wales, wildlife parks in hertfordshire.

Paradise Wildlife Park

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Paradise Wildlife Park is set in the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire Countryside. They offer 30 different pre-booked exotic animal experiences from Feeding the Big Cats, Shadowing a Keeper, Meeting the Meerkats, Tickling a Tapir to name a few. Attractions include the World of Dinosaurs,

Tumble Jungle, Paradise Lagoon Splash Pool, National Speedway Museum, Safari Adventure Golf, Play Areas and Feeds, talks and shows.

Prices: Adults £24.00; Child £22.00; Seniors (60 +) £20.00; under 2s free.

Open daily from 9.30am – closes at 5:30pm (April to September) and 4:30pm (October to March)

Shepreth Wildlife Park

Royston, Hertfordshire

Shepreth is a zoo and wildlife conservation charity with creatures from hedgehogs to owls, meerkats and a lynx. Their key interest lies in conservation, both native and global and they have funded a charity and the SWCC Hedgehog Hospital programme. There is lots going on including a tropical house, discovery centre, an outside play area, tortoise house, Ringo’s cafe and Play Barn and a safari train.

Prices: Adult £13.50; Child £11.50 on arrival there is no need to pre-book

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm

Wildlife Parks in Oxfordshire

Cotswold wildlife park.

Burford, Oxfordshire

The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens exhibits over 260 different species of animals. The park is set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens. As well as plenty of seasonal events, Cotswold Wildlife Park also has a range of activities that run daily throughout the year. Penguin feeding takes place every day at 11.00am and 3.00pm in the Walled Garden. There is a “Madagascar” walk-through with lemurs. Beautiful big cats and a children’s farmyard.  The narrow-gauge railway runs from April to October. There is also a ‘Skymaze’ that has interconnecting treehouses with jungle bridges and slides, climbing to a bird’s eye view of the Park over 20 feet high!

Prices; Adult £17.50; Child (3-16) £12.00; Senior (over 65) £12.00; under 2s free.

Open: Summer 10.00am – 6.00pm; Winter 10.00am – 4.00pm

Wildlife Parks in Kent

Wingham wildlife park.

Canterbury, Kent

Wingham Wildlife Park is a medium-sized wildlife park situated near Wingham in Kent. There are over 200 species covering fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds. Indoor animal houses include the tropical house, chimp house, bug house and the giraffe and orangutan building. The dinosaurs have returned, from the fearsome T-Rex to the Diplodocus, visitors to the park will get the chance to see over 20 different dinosaurs in the dinosaur area.

Prices: Adults £20.00; Child (2-15) £17.00; Seniors £17.00; under 2s free.

Open daily apart from Chrostmas Day. Winter (October – March) 9:00 am – 4:00 pm;

Summer (April – September) 09:00 am – 6:00 pm

Wildlife Parks in Hampshire

New forest wildlife park.

Southampton, Hampshire

The New Forest Wildlife Park is located on the edge of The New Forest in Hampshire. The park specialises in native and past-native wildlife of Britain and otters and owls from around the globe. Many of their animals, such as the giant otter, are on the IUCN endangered species Red List and you can also see wolves and a lynx whilst you are there.

Prices: Adults £13.50; Child £10.25; family £40.50

Tickets can only be purchased at the gate on the day of visit. Pre-booking is not required.

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.30pm

Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Wildlife Parks in Cumbria

Lakeland wildlife oasis.

Milnthorpe, Cumbria

With over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a unique and exciting blend of wildlife and interactive hands-on displays. The zoo is home to lush indoor tropical halls, walkthrough enclosures and picturesque outdoor spaces – making the zoo great fun no matter the weather.

Prices: Adult £10.95; Child (3-15) £8.25; family from £32.45

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm except Christmas and Boxing Day

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury in Kent, was established as a private zoo in 1957 by John Aspinall. As a dedicated animal conservation charity, your visit directly helps us to protect wildlife. You can meet your favourite animals up close such as the African elephants and Western lowland gorillas, Northern Chinese leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, giant anteaters, Sumatran tigers and Kent’s only Gelada baboons. There are play areas and cafes onsite too.

Prices: Adult, £22.27 –  £24.50; Child (3-15 yrs) £18.18 – £20.00; Infant (0- 3) free

Open from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Last admission 3.30pm.

Wildlife Parks in Yorkshire

Flamingo land.

Malton, Yorkshire

Flamingo Land Resort in Yorkshire boasts more than 50 rides and attractions for adults and children of all ages. It’s one of the UK’s most visited zoos, with four shows and over 140 species and more than 1000 animals. Youngsters will love Children’s Planet, an interactive play area where they can climb, jump and tunnel amongst some of the furry friends. Take a trip on the Lost River Ride which takes you on a tour of African plains where the lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and zebras live side by side.

Prices: Standard admission £49.00; Senior £35.00; under 3s free. Check online for savings.

Open daily from 10.00am – 6.00pm

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The ultimate guide to planning your first safari adventure

By Lydia Bell

Couple on safari excursion in africa

Where to start when booking your first safari

For first-timers, starting to plan a safari may feel overwhelming, because of the sheer amount of choice. The biggest destinations in terms of infrastructure, variety of parks, breadth of lodges and big-five habitats, are South Africa , Kenya , Tanzania , Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe and Zambia . Before interrogating an operator, or going down a Google rabbit hole, it can be helpful to start with vision-boarding the basics.

Is it a classic Big Five East African safari you’re seeking (‘big five’ refers to the term coined by hunters to describe lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo)? Or something wilder and more undefinable? Ask yourself what you are seeking from the trip, and how you want to feel. Write down the wish list and get as specific as possible. Is it important to have the best guides in Africa and to sate your thirst for knowledge? Or is the focus sumptuous lodges and a soft landing, as much as wildlife? Will the safari be combined with Robinson Crusoe-style beach-time, or an epicurean road trip? Or is the dream to drill down into the different habitats of a single country, with a camp in each region? Do you crave the bloody drama of the great migration that passes through the Serengeti and Mara ecosystems every July and August ? Or is the answer a long chopper ride far away from CB radios and mobile reception, in a pop-up tent with a private guide? Is your ideal of wilderness the brutal expanse of the Kalahari? Or is the ideal landscape a watery delta, deep jungle, dense bush or grassy savannah?

Giraffes herd in savannah

How to book your first safari adventure

Now take it to a specialist operator . The Africa safari crew’s bread and butter is matching travellers’ nebulous desires with a concrete plan on the open grassy plains and acacia woodlands of the Masai Mara, amid the high drama of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, in the oldest desert on the planet, Namibia’s Sossusvlei – or somewhere else way off the radar.  When it comes to safari, the expertise, knowledge and know-how of the specialists comes into its own. They know the granular details of animal migrations in various countries, the right seasonal information that will change the footprint of a trip, and can lead guests off the beaten track for a more remote, adventurous, or exclusive experience.

Major travel planners in the field include the likes of Journeys by Design, Aardvark Safaris, Africa Travel Centre, Green Safaris and Yellow Zebra Safaris. Expert Africa and The Explorations Company. They can advise with great expertise on lesser-known areas or parks to avoid the crowds, and may suggest game-rich countries that are less obvious – such as Zambia and Malawi, or even Congo, Gabon, Angola or Chad. They can tap into walking, horseback and bush-biking options, or air safaris, and know how to access the less iconic migrations – zebra crossings through Botswana’s Linyanti and Savute regions; or pink flocks of flamingos floating over Tanzania’s salt lakes. Major lodge operators (often booked by the operators listed further up) include Great Plains, African Bush Camps, Wilderness, andBeyond, Natural Selection, Ultimate Safaris, and Asilia Africa, representing some of the top echelon of lodge owners and operators.

Luxury Safari Tent in a Tented Camp in the Okavango Delta near Maun Botswana Africa under Large Trees

Sustainability and conservation

Fortunately, the safari field is populated with largely excellent, responsible operators and impressive lodge owners committed to sustainable travel and cultural integrity, and extending their conservation footprint to guard against poaching and the effects of climate change – the likes of Expert Africa, Aardvark Safaris, The Explorations Company and Journeys By Design. Most of the major lodge players have extensive conservation foundations and philanthropic wings to their businesses. But a good way to check on the ethics of lodges and operators is by requesting published reports on their work and sustainability policies to gauge their meaningful engagement in local culture, livelihood and community.

Where to stay

Safari options tend to be built lodges (bonafide buildings of stone, timber, or  concrete structures) or tented camps under canvas. There is also the possibility of mobile tented camps , or even pop-up tents on walking safaris led by private guides and trackers. In the past decade or so, some of the most glamorous camps have added exclusive-use villas serviced by private chefs, dedicated guides and vehicles. Multi-generational groups, privacy-hungry families and celebrities hiding from paparazzi tend to snap these up.

What happens on a safari day?

On a regular safari, days in the bush follow a predictable schedule. Expect to be awakened at the crack of dawn with a wake-up call and caffeine, before heading into the bush with a guide in an open-air game vehicle (probably wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot water bottle for warmth). In the early morning, the air is still cool and the big cats are heading home from a busy night on the prowl.

Breakfast or lunch is served out in the bush, or back at camp after the morning game drive. Then afternoons are for resting, massages, reading, or walking safari excursions, community visits or other cultural immersions, before heading out again in the late afternoon. Hot-air ballooning takes place at dawn or dusk and would take the place of the evening game drive .

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By late afternoon, the predators are waking up from their afternoon snooze, ready for action anew. There’s usually a sundowner at a beauty spot before the game vehicles return just before dark, in time for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. If it’s a private reserve and nocturnal game drives are permitted (which is prohibited in national parks), then a late-afternoon drive may morph into a night-time one, in search of more elusive night-time creatures such as leopards. Dinners can be private or communal, sometimes including a gathering or a celebration in a boma enclosure. There might be a fireside chat or a spot of astronomy. There may also be the possibility of bush or tree house sleep-outs, or star beds for galaxy-gazing. Whilst the days and nights are structured, each drive, day, moment and season is different – and that’s the beauty of safari.

Zebra and her cub crossing the road in Serengeti National Park .

The lowdown on safari guides

Being a top-notch safari guide is a life-long vocation of honed skill. These are the people who bring the experience alive with their lived knowledge and understanding of the ecosystem, its wildlife and the landscapes. The best lodges and ground handlers run ranger schools and training programmes across the continent that are second to none. Some of the top lodges host visiting experts and conservationists for even more magic.

Other practical tips

• When picking a safari lodge , think about how remote it is, and if other lodges are close by. Private reserves on the edge of parks tend to be more intimate, as there’s the chance to go off-road during the day (and night), instead of sticking to a pre-ordained track.

• Having a private vehicle is ideal and in terms of wildlife viewing, for some, it’s more important than the lodge, as it means being free to decide which sightings to prioritise.

• Think hard when it comes to getting from A to B. That perceived romantic road transfer might just be a nine-hour spine-shuddering journey from hell.

Luxury Safari Tent in a Tented Camp in the Okavango Delta near Maun Botswana Africa under Large Trees

• Check what the baggage allowance is and choose a suitcase accordingly: if travelling in a small plane such as a Cessna, luggage will have to be rationalised, possibly to between 12-15kgs.

• A safari (unless it’s a biking, riding or walking safari ) is not about exercise: there’s a lot of sitting around. Those who get restless when not able to do cardio should choose a lodge with a small gym or yoga on offer. One can’t go running off into the bush, and guests are accompanied by guides (Masai in parts of Kenya and Tanzania) back to the tent at night.

Taking pictures

Now is the moment to crack out that single-lens-reflex camera gathering dust in the wardrobe, and perhaps a 300mm lens, beanbag or monopod (easier to fiddle with in a game vehicle). Consider the season of the country as this will affect photography prospects. Zambia in the rain, for example, is green, lush, and beautiful, but the nellies like to hide in the undergrowth. In October , everything is the colour of mud and sludge, but the wildlife viewing is premium. Just pointing and shooting with an iPhone will produce incredible images and reels.

Kirurumu Manyara Lodge

Can I take my children on safari?

Bringing children on safari imbues in them a sense of grand adventure and an understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it. There are generally no hard and fast rules, but most lodges welcome children from about the age of six, though families may be expected to have a private vehicle. To simplify travelling with younger children , it may be easier to pick a malaria-free destination (to avoid having to medicate them), from Madikwe Reserve in South Africa to Etosha National Park in Namibia (but check the  NHS’s Fit For Travel web pages to check the malaria maps of each country). Ideally, choose a lodge with a kids' programme. Most of the major lodge players take children into account. Wilderness’ programmes, for example, are designed for ages 6 to 12 and include walking safaris, star identification, treasure hunts, football games, basket weaving, helping in the kitchen and drumming lessons. Fifth-generation family-operated Cottar’s 1920s Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara, one of only nine accredited Global Ecosphere Retreats, recently developed a special Budding Conservationist experience for kids to join the female conservation rangers on their daily patrolling, identify vulture nests, join a Masai warrior “school” and visit a local primary. &Beyond has launched WildChild Eco-Guide Challenge Itineraries for teenagers (14-18 years) along with their parents, including trips to Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa . Stubborn Mule creates worldwide family-led adventures, including off-radar safari adventures from gorilla trekking in Rwanda to fly camping in the wilds of Northern Kenya. Whichever journey you choose, encourage the children to keep a diary for posterity.

A tipping point

As a rough guide, up to 10-15 per cent of the total cost of the safari should be budgeted for tips. The guide is generally tipped US$15-20 per person per day, which can also be handed directly to the guide at the end of the trip. Although voluntary, it’s routine to tip and lodge staff, from cooks to cleaners. This can be added to the bill at the end; lodges then distribute it to all staff members. Pre-check if the bill excludes alcohol, or includes tips, to avoid surprises or confusion.

Wild African elephant in the savannah. Serengeti National Park. Wildlife of Tanzania. African landscape.

Immunisations and medicines 

Some African destinations require yellow fever, typhoid or hepatitis A and B jabs. Malaria is a risk in some countries, but as this is a shifting scenario, it’s best to check the  NHS’s Fit For Travel web pages for the malaria maps of each country. A one-size-fits-all approach to a country is rarely needed. Refer to our safari packing list to find out more about what to pack and for tips from safari old hands.

Visa requirements

For current and up-to-date information about visas refer to the  government’s foreign travel advice pages .

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Lion in the Masai Mara

African safari holidays

A safari is the feeling you get when hearing your first lion roar echoing across the plains. It’s coming across animals you’ve never set eyes on before, and wildlife you’ve always wanted to see. And, it’s sitting out around the campfire at night, sharing your day’s experiences beneath a sky glittering with constellations.

Whether it’s your first safari or the mark of a return to Africa , our safari specialists will use their deep-seated connections with the continent to plan a trip that captures everything you’re looking for. We can arrange experiences that show you the bush in a new light, from walking safaris that focus on the wider ecosystem to boat trips that get you close to elephant, hippo and birdlife.

And, a big part of a safari is about where you stay. We work with the best camps and lodges across Africa, from simple tented camps to opulent lodges with the height of facilities, dining and service.

Audley Travel specialist Chris

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our safari specialists

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Safari holidays to match your interests

Whether the appeal of a safari revolves around the wildlife, such as watching the Great Migration or spotting the Big Five, or you want to mark a special occasion, we can create an itinerary to match your tastes. We’ll suggest ways to tailor it depending on your interests, such as added time on the beach or experiences geared around your family.

A leopard in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Big Five safaris

Wildebeest at the Mara River

The Great Migration in Africa

Lion cubs

Family safaris

Hot Air Balloon Excursion, Masai Mara

Safari honeymoons

Pool and deck area at Little Kulala

Luxury safaris

Dhow boat in the crystal blue waters of Zanzibar

Safari and beach holidays

Our recommended safari destinations.

Our safari specialists can help you plan your trip, individually focusing on your tastes and interests, to the destinations below.

Black-maned lion

South Africa

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Our recommended safari itinerary ideas

Our itinerary ideas will give you a starting point for what your trip could entail. Treat them just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.

Cape Town, South Africa

Discover South Africa

15 days from £4,950pp

Lion cub, Lake Manyara National Park

Classic Tanzania: safari & beach

12 days from £5,080pp

Giraffe in Etosha National Park

Namibia's wildlife highlights self-drive safari

13 days from £4,895pp

The Victoria Falls, Zambia

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

13 days from £7,755pp

Dead Vlei

Namibia self-drive family safari

15 days from £4,110pp

Rhinos, Kruger, South Africa

Cape Town to Kruger: luxury South African rail journey

13 days from £10,595pp

Mobile Tented Camp, Chobe National Park

Mobile camping in the Okavango Delta

9 days from £6,850pp

Elephant enjoying a mud bath

Ultimate Kenya safari: Amboseli, Meru & Masai Mara

15 days from £14,250pp

Our expert guides to choosing your safari

Penned by our specialists from their own travels, these guides aim to inspire you with suggestions of where to spend your safari. Giving tips for what to experience and recommendations for where to stay, we share our ideas for the best safari destinations to consider.

Our safari guide

Safari guide

Whether you’re thinking about planning your first safari or your fifth, our safari specialists are here to help. Amelia, Mike, Harriet, Dickie and Mark describe what draws them to the African bush, and how they can arrange your ideal safari holiday.

Male lion, Masai Mara

Our safari calendar

With so many destinations and wildlife highlights to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go on safari and when. Here, our safari specialists share their safari highlights for each month of the year, from heart-wrenching river crossings to spotting big cats.

Elephant in Samburu

Where to go on safari: our comparison guide

Lots of factors come into play when choosing an African safari destination. Your trip might be influenced by the wildlife you want to see, the activities on offer or the choice available for families. Our Africa specialists outline five countries’ safari experiences to help you decide.

Elephant crossing, Masai Mara

Africa’s best safari areas

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking an Africa safari destination, but where do you begin? Our safari specialists round up their best six wildlife areas on the continent to help you decide where to plan your next safari.

Walking safari in the South Luangwa National Park

Walking safaris

A walking safari takes you away from the roads on the trail of big game like elephant and buffalo, safely under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. You get a completely different perspective on foot and catch glimpses of the smaller things you'd easily miss from a vehicle.

Mess tent at Ubuntu Mobile Camp

Mobile camping safaris

Ideal for the adventurous, mobile camping safaris are a back-to-basics way of experiencing a traditional safari in Africa.

Photo opportunities, Zambia

Photographic safaris

With its dramatic landscapes, exciting wildlife and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, Africa is a photographer’s dream. Find out more about photographic safaris in Africa.

Hot Air Ballooning in the Kafue National Park

Hot air balloon flights in Africa

A balloon flight in Africa is one of the best ways to enjoy a safari. Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope and elephant on the plains and birds flying below you.

Female orangutan in the Danum Valley

Tailor-made wildlife trips

Safari inspiration on our blog.

Red-eyed Tree Frog, Costa Rica

New Year’s resolutions for 2024… with a travel twist

Cheetah Cubs in the Hwange National Park

Top 10 under-the-radar destinations

Positano, Amalfi Coast

5 ways to find luxury travel

Cherry blossom

Don’t miss out: 10 travel experiences to plan ahead

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

Africa , Botswana , Kenya , South Africa

How to plan a safari: the ultimate planning guide.

Two zebra standing guard in front of an Acacia tree in Africa

If you’re a first-time safari goer , you’ll be forgiven for wondering how to plan a safari. With an almost unlimited combination of potential destinations and tour operators, choosing the right safari for you can be a daunting task. 

But, never fear, because here at Really Wildlife, we’ve put together the ultimate safari planning guide to help. Follow our simple step-by-step process below to plan the safari of your dreams…

Decide your budget

Pick your safari destination, decide when to go, choose how long you want to go for, book your accommodation, plan your transportation.

Perhaps the most important part of planning a safari is working out how much you have to spend. This will then guide your choice of destination, the duration of your trip and the time of year you can afford to travel. 

As with any type of holiday, it is typically the case that the more you have to spend, the more comprehensive your choice of destinations and lodges to visit will be. Remember that many safaris will be on an ‘all-inclusive’ basis, which means that all of your food, drink, activities, accommodation and transfers will be included in the price you pay before you leave for your trip. 

So while the ‘per night’ cost of a safari may seem expensive, you won’t need to spend much while you’re there. Work out the total you have to spend and try to stick to it during the rest of the planning phase to stop you from spending too much.

As the budget is an entirely personal choice, we can’t tell you how much to spend, but we can guide you on how much you would expect to pay in certain destinations. Check out our dedicated guide to the cost of a safari for more information. 

Once you know how much you have to spend, the fun can really start! It’s time to choose where you would like to go. 

Each country in Africa has something unique to offer, from the different animal species you can expect to find, to the landscapes and culture present in the country too. Here are just a few reasons to visit our favourites:

  • South Africa is a wonderful country to visit for first-time safari goers. There is a large choice of safari lodges and camps available to suit all budgets. There’s also a good variety of attractions and activities aside from safaris to keep everyone entertained. Kruger National Park and the private reserves bordering it offers opportunities to view all the Big 5 so it is well worth considering.
  • Kenya is one of the original safari destinations, and the Masai Mara is well known for its population of big cats. Kenyan accommodation ranges from traditional tented camps to exquisite lodges. Guides are often employed from the local Maasai villages, so you know you’re in safe hands. The opportunity to see the cast of the Lion King here is rife.
  • Botswana is widely considered one of the best places to go on safari in the world. The hospitality in Botswanan lodges is second to none, and viewing animals in the spectacular Okavango Delta is something everyone should do at least once in their lives. 

Remember, you’ll not only be choosing the country of your safari, but also the reserves and national parks that you want to travel to within it. 

Again, no two reserves will be the same even within the same country. For example, in Kenya, Amboseli National Park and its surrounding conservancies are wonderful areas to see huge populations of elephants and a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, but Kenya’s Masai Mara offers a completely different landscape and great chances to see the big cats. 

Make sure you read the individual country guides on Really Wildlife for more information on a wider set of countries and the national parks within them. 

Confused by the difference between National Parks and conservancies/private nature reserves? Read our guide on the pros and cons of each next! 

Can’t choose between South Africa vs. Botswana ? We’ve got it covered!

Now you know where you’re headed, deciding on the time of year for your holiday is another essential step in your safari planning. 

Every destination will have the following three seasons throughout the year, each offering pros and cons:

  • Peak season – typically between June-October. The most popular time to visit a safari destination is known as the peak season. This is likely to be when the lodges and transfers are at their most expensive, the weather is at its most comfortable and the wildlife is in its prime. The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania is in the peak season, for example. Demand is likely to be particularly high during the school holidays, so you will need to book far in advance in order to guarantee your visit. 
  • Off-peak season – typically December-April. Travelling off-peak can make a normally very expensive holiday reasonably priced. Though this season can come with its disadvantages. The weather may be poor, due to heavy rains in many countries during the African summer. As a result, some reserves and lodges close in order to allow the environment to regenerate and the lodge staff to rest. During the rains, drinking water for the wildlife is plentiful, which can mean the animals are harder to find. This is also true due to the plants and bushes, which grow lush and green during this season, giving the animals more places to shelter. 
  • Shoulder season – typically May and November. The months immediately before and after the peak season are known as the ‘shoulder’. This is often the best time to go on safari as it is cheaper and quieter than the most popular times but still offers a good opportunity to see wildlife in good weather conditions. 

The best time of year for your safari may be completely different to someone else’s, so choose what is most important to you: budget, weather or busyness and base your decision on that.

The duration of your safari will likely be driven by your budget and annual leave quota, but it’s another important consideration during the planning phase. 

At Really Wildlife, we recommend a minimum of three nights in each lodge you want to stay in and a minimum of two different lodges per safari holiday. This will allow you to have at least two full days to fully enjoy the comfort and facilities at each lodge, as well as the environment and animals around it. Each additional lodge you stay at during your trip gives you the opportunity to experience a new area so it is well worth extending. 

Whether you opt for a safari holiday that’s six nights or sixteen nights, that’s another step of the planning process complete. 

Keeping your budget in mind, it’s now time to choose your accommodation. With so much choice, it may seem daunting, but it’s actually one of the most exciting parts of the whole safari planning process! 

When choosing your lodge, consider these factors to help you decide: 

  • Accommodation style – Work out whether you want to stay in a more rustic tented camp or a luxurious permanent lodge. Are you happy sharing a bathroom, a drop toilet or a bucket shower? Would you prefer staying in a room with en-suite, plumbed-in showers and flush toilets? 
  • Facilities – Other than your bedroom, what other facilities would you like to enjoy at the camp? A comfortable lounge with a reading area? A bar or dining room? A gift shop? Consider these additional facilities when choosing your accommodation. 
  • Reviews – Customer reviews of accommodation are the closest things you can get to a personal recommendation. It always pays to look at Tripadvisor and Booking.com as well as tour operators like Go2Africa and Flight Centre as they’ll have real-life testimonials from previous guests that will help you make up your mind. 
  • Game drives – Find out how game drives are conducted at the accommodation. Are they included? Do they use minibuses or specially modified jeeps? How many people are in each vehicle? If the answers suit your style and requirements, you’re in for a treat!
  • Other activities – Some safari accommodation offers activities beyond standard morning and afternoon game drives. For example, do they also take you out for nature walks, bush breakfasts, night drives and sundowners? Or for something extra special, check whether your lodge can book you onto scenic flights, boat trips, hot air balloon rides and more. 
  • Location – Decide whether you want to stay in a camp within a national park, a game reserve, or outside the gates. The closer you are to the animals, the more expensive the accommodation may be. 

Booking through a travel agent or tour operator like Go2Africa and Flight Centre offers better protection and can make things easier and safer, especially if you’re moving between lodges throughout your trip. But if you want to keep costs down, try a site like Booking.com to take advantage of their free cancellation and member discounts at individual camps.

Once you’ve decided where you’re staying, you’ll need to work out how you’ll get there, whether by air, road transfers or self-drive. 

As we mentioned above, book through a tour operator and they’ll be able to organise most of this for you. The beauty of this option is that if any part of your trip is disrupted, your money will be protected and there will be someone at the end of a phone line to reschedule your flights and transfers. 

But if you searched for this planning guide in order to do everything yourself, start with Skyscanner to find the best international and regional flights for your trip. Small airlines such as Airlink in South Africa, Mack Air in Botswana and Safarilink in Kenya offer the fastest, the most convenient and, often, the most scenic way to transfer from international airports to an airstrip closer to your accommodation. From there, most lodges or camps will send a driver to pick you up and transfer you to your lodge. 

Another option in most countries is a self-drive. As long as you have a driving license that’s recognised in your destination country, hiring a car and driving yourself from the airport can be a cheap and very private way to travel. That said, the distances in Africa can be very long, so any money you save by not flying may be spent on a hotel if you need a rest during the journey. 

If a road transfer appeals but you would rather not drive it yourself, find a shuttle like Ashtons in South Africa or East Africa Shuttles in Kenya to take the strain for you. They connect up international airports with safari gateway towns, from where your lodge can drive you the final few miles to your accommodation. Land transfers like these offer great value and allow you to admire the incredible scenery from your window. What’s not to love?

Once you have followed all the steps in this safari planning guide, all that’s left to do is relax and look forward to your incredible trip. The countdown is on! 

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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.

your safari uk

How to take a wildlife safari without leaving the UK

W e meet our safari guide at dusk, as gauzy light filters through the trees and the air prickles with chill. Ed Drewitt, a naturalist and “wildlife detective”, looks fit for the Serengeti – minus the rumble of a jeep – decked in camouflage colours and binoculars. But this is the Forest of Dean and, rather than rhinos and zebras, we’re here to track the native species that we often take for granted.

This evening we’re hoping to tick off the Forest of Dean’s “big five”, classified, by Drewitt, as wild boar, fallow deer, roe deer, foxes and pine martens (a distinct cat-sized weasel, reintroduced from Scotland several years ago ). Luckily, tonight’s conditions are in our favour: a still night without a whisper of wind means it is trickier for animals to catch our scent. We’ve gathered at last light, when animals become more daring, peeping out from nests and hiding holes, feeling less threatened by predators.

Organised by Tudor Farmhouse , a former farm turned boutique hotel that straddles the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, our wildlife safari has been paired with a “wild sleeping” night, for the full outdoors experience.

It’s no wonder that the Forest of Dean – a 200-square-mile patchwork of trees – is a refuge for wildlife. The fairytale forest is a favourite for film sets, with emerald moss and trees spiralling in lopsided shapes. Grand oaks curve like the keel of a ship; Drewitt tells us they were planted 200 years ago, specifically for the purpose of boat building.

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The forest was designated the UK’s first National Forest Park , protected by law in 1938. Now, it’s prime habitat for woodland species, sheltering perhaps its most famous resident: the elusive wild boar. Initially introduced in the late 1990s under mysterious circumstances – there is still a question mark hanging over whether the first boars were released or escaped – their numbers are now in the hundreds . However, they have earned their place in the forest for their services as “woodland engineers”: scuffing up soil and thereby helping wildflowers and trees to germinate.

When tracking wild boars, we search in particularly muddy patches on paths to find hoof marks amid the footprints. Other telltale signs of disturbance, such as where bore snouts have “routed” in scrub or where ivy has been “browsed” by deer, indicate we’re on the right lines.

“We don’t have the big animals like the aurochs, bears or wolves any longer, so this is the equivalent of a safari but in a very British, woodland way,” says Drewitt. “When I take people out it’s about helping them to stop and listen. People often say they wouldn’t have noticed these animals unless they were pointed out.”

Nearly halfway into our safari, we take a closer look in the binoculars, spotting two jet-black wild boars trundling across a path with babies at their heels. These are followed almost immediately by a posse of chocolate-brown and caramel-coloured fallow deer, strutting elegantly ahead of us.

Drewitt teaches us to cup our ears to mimic satellite dishes, so we can listen out for blue kingfishers, grey wagtails and mandarin ducks. Understanding our auditory faculties might not be as fine-tuned as his, Drewitt pulls out a noise pen to help us identify the chirps of passing birds.

This is the equivalent of a safari but in a very British, woodland way

After an hour or so the forest’s timbre winds down, shifting from lilting bird song to pulsing bush crickets and the low hoots of owls. Our eyes begin to strain and we click on our torches. Drewitt pulls out a bat reader, which translates the high-pitched squeaks of bats into deep croaks, so we can trace their silhouettes darting off the silvery waters of the lake.

After the safari, it’s only a 10-minute journey back to Tudor Farmhouse, where Colin Fell, the hotel’s co-owner, had shown us our base camp the night before. “If you hear a strange barking it’s only the muntjac deer,” he’d said, leading us up a steep hill above the hotel.

Far from a simple canvas shelter, the 5-metre bell tent has retained many of the luxuries of the boutique hotel, furnished with carpets, a big brass-framed double bed and a velvet armchair. A cooler awaited us in the corner, stuffed with goods from the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Parcels of locally sourced lamb rump, hispi cabbage and potato terrine were ready to be seared on the campfire and washed down with a bottle of shiraz from the Wye Valley.

As with all good camping trips, there were marshmallows to toast, until charred and gooey, and hot chocolate powder to swirl into mugs. The “stargazer” bell tent was equipped with a telescope, books on constellations, solar-powered lamps and plenty of blankets, for an evening staked out under the night sky.

The fairytale forest is a favourite for film sets, with emerald moss and trees spiralling in lopsided shapes

In the morning we were poised, in perfect seclusion, to watch a yolky sun rise above the Wye Valley – and to listen to the chorus of birds we now had a greater appreciation for. There was enough firewood left to cook a full fry-up of locally sourced bacon and sausages, plus fresh eggs from onsite. The “wild sleeping” package is paired with a night in one of the hotel’s 20 rooms, all wooden beams and low ceilings for a more cosy, country house feel. We get the best of both worlds: switching our outdoor toilet tent for a huge freestanding bath and fluffy towels, and our laps for tablecloths in the hotel restaurant.

Ed Drewitt also runs dawn and dusk bird chorus walks, as well as foraging adventures and fossil hunting courses, while ebike and stargazing safaris can be organised via the hotel. Although we only managed to cover a small slice of ground on our Forest of Dean safari, we left confident in our skills to seek out other species waiting in the UK’s many tangles of trees.

Travel essentials

Getting there.

Drive or take the train to Lydney, which is around 5 miles from Tudor Farmhouse and the wildlife safari meeting point. There are electric charge points at the hotel for EVs.

Staying there

Tudor Farmhouse offers a wild sleeping package for two nights from £620, based on two people sharing.

More information

Wildlife safaris can be booked directly through Ed Drewitt or through Tudor Farmhouse. 

Read more of our best UK hotel reviews

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Tin: Save w/ Coupons in Safari 4+

Discount codes, deals, promos, tin technologies inc..

  • 4.6 • 196 Ratings

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Description.

Automatically save money while you shop on your phone. Tin is a Safari extension that applies the best coupon codes at checkout, and tracks your package so you never miss a delivery (or a deal)! YOUR SAVINGS SUPERHERO Tin scours the interwebs to find the best discount codes across 50,000+ retailers and automatically applies the best savings ($$$). This means more money in your pocket, so you can focus on finding that new outfit and let the deals come to you! PAY LESS. SHOP MORE. CLEAR YOUR INBOX Your email inbox is flooded with promotional emails that you don’t open. Tin Savings finds promotion codes buried in your emails (plus thousands more) so you never miss a deal. We save you time & money while keeping your inbox clean & serene. It's sweeter than honey! ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE TRACKING From checkout to doorstep, we’ve got you covered. Tin Savings tracks shipments and organizes all of your deliveries in one place. The best part? It’s totally free! Download Tin Savings today, and pay more than you need to again! Tin Savings is an app and mobile Safari extension, all wrapped into one. Simply install the extension in Safari and let Tin Savings do its thing! INSTALL TIN IN SAFARI 1. Tap "aA" button in the Safari menu 2. Tap the "Extension" icon to Manage Extensions 3. Select "Tin" and set it to "ON" 4. Select "Always Allow" 5. Select "Always Allow on Every Website" 6. That’s it! Now you can shop in Safari and let Tin do its thing. When you are ready to checkout, Tin will pop up and automatically apply discount codes to find you the best savings!

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On to the update! We're always improving the Tin app and Safari extension. Please send any feedback and ideas to [email protected]!

Ratings and Reviews

196 Ratings

Tin: Revolutionizing Savings in the Digital Marketplace

Tin is a pioneering force in the digital retail landscape, discovered amid the cultural currents of TikTok. In just a day, this application has proven to be a transformative asset, seamlessly weaving itself into the fabric of online shopping. The installation process, marked by simplicity, belies the profound impact it has on one's fiscal landscape. Tin functions as an intuitive retail oracle, not merely curating enticing deals and discount codes but, with automated finesse, applying them at checkout. What sets Tin apart extends beyond mere financial dividends, delving into the very architecture of the shopping interface. The amalgamation of its mobile application and extension technology offers a panoramic view of current and past transactions, providing organizational efficacy that transcends the chaos of email inboxes. Comparatively, Tin outshines rivals like Honey by maintaining real-time relevance, avoiding the pitfalls of expired promotions. Beyond the confines of mobile application, Tin's desktop extension emerges as a harmonious augmentation, positioning the platform as an industry trailblazer. In an era of economic prudence and retail efficacy, Tin solidifies its narrative as an indispensable tool for the discerning digital consumer.

Tin just saved me like $100 wow! 👀

I recently tried out Tin, a Safari extension that's pretty much a game-changer for snagging the best online deals with zero hassle. Easy to set up and even easier to use, Tin acts like your personal bargain hunter, silently finding better prices on everything from tech to kitchen gadgets and giving you a heads-up on the savings. It's cool because it also shows the price history, helping you decide if it's the right time to buy. While it's mostly spot-on, it occasionally misses a beat, but that's a small trade-off for how much time and money it's saved me. Whether you're making big purchases or everyday buys, Tin keeps things private and secure, making it a must-have for effortless savings. Honestly, your wallet will thank you for this one.

Superb Shopping App

My friend raved about Tin, so I decided to give it a try. Within just 24 hours, I was blown away by how intuitive and helpful it is! The app is a breeze to set up, and the deals it finds are unreal. On my first shopping spree, I snagged discounts on several items that I've been eyeing for ages, effortlessly saving a hefty sum. Tin's automatic coupon feature at checkout is a game-changer – it feels like I have a personal assistant scouring the internet for the best deals, all for me. From tech gadgets to fashion finds, Tin has consistently delivered savings that make a difference. I can't recommend it enough – it's like having the inside scoop on the best sales every time I shop! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

App Privacy

The developer, Tin Technologies Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

  • Contact Info
  • User Content
  • Search History
  • Browsing History
  • Identifiers
  • Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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  2. 6 Safari Parks in the UK to Visit With Your Family

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  3. Top 10 Safari Parks In The UK! (Our Best Guide To See Animals From Your

    your safari uk

  4. Go wild at the UK's best safari parks

    your safari uk

  5. Best Safari Parks In The UK

    your safari uk

  6. The Best Safari Parks in the UK

    your safari uk

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  1. Self Drive & Guided Safari Holidays

    Start planning your Safari Holiday 2023, speak to our experts today. Safari Holidays all Around the World. 01233 510 269 Your party, your requirements, your budget. After all its Your Safari. ... We are so confident that we will find you a good deal that if you find exactly the same safari with another UK tour operator, we will beat their price ...

  2. 12 BEST Safari Parks in the UK

    Check out the UK's Number 1 safari park at Longleat, Wiltshire! Discover big cats, elephants, wolves and more at the drive-through safari experience. Wind up your windows for the safari of a lifetime as you pass through Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and The Big Game Park, where you can see a herd of Southern white rhinos.

  3. Your Safari Ltd

    Your Safari Ltd, Wye, Kent. 1,139 likes · 4 talking about this. Self drive and Escorted Safari Holidays - Tailor made for you, all around the World.

  4. Reviews of Your Safari

    Your Safari is unique in that it offers tailor-made photography tours in Africa, allowing its customers to have the. Menu. Safaris & Tours. Botswana (313) Congo (DRC) (34) Eswatini (12) Ethiopia (118) Kenya (2,510 ... UK 48 Reviews. Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide ...

  5. Discover Your UK Safari Park Adventure

    A wild driving experience. Start your UK safari adventure at Woburn Safari Park in the sweeping parkland reserves, where you'll see wonderful wild animals with the freedom to roam in acres and acres of the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside.. The Road Safari drive takes approximately 60-90 minutes and you can repeat the circuit as many times as you like because each circuit is a new experience.

  6. The UK's Longest Drive Through Safari Park

    The UK's Longest Safari Drive. Our 550-acre Safari Drive is home to many animals from around the world. From Bactrian Camels and White Rhino to Baboons and African Lions, you can see them all as you drive around the grounds. The route is split into different continental zones where you'll drive through many habitats and see our collection of ...

  7. Your Safari

    Your Safari. Meet Your Safari. Based in the United Kingdom, Your Safari specialise in creating tailor-made Safari experiences with an emphasis on photography. With both escorted and self-driving options, Your Safari creates unforgettable experiences for their clients. ... UK +44 208 133 1876 ...

  8. The 8 best safaris to take in the UK

    The 8 best safaris to take in the UK. Spot dolphins, snorkel with seals or explore the countryside on horseback. By Jemima Sissons. 3 March 2021. Finn Beales. In the past year many businesses have had to pivot, with bars morphing into off licences and restaurants evolving into épiceries and delis. Travel companies have also had to refocus ...

  9. 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.

  10. The Best Safari Parks in the UK

    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 ...

  11. Best Safari Parks in the UK

    Nestled within the Wiltshire countryside you will see lions, tigers, wolves, koalas and porcupines. There is a farmyard, maze, Adventure Castle, Rockin' Rhino and vast grounds and gardens. Prices: Adult (16 +) £36.95; Child (3-15) £27.70; under 2s free. Open daily from 10.00am closing times vary throughout the year.

  12. Your African Safari news & blogs

    Planning your safari, African wildlife, Conservation projects. June 2022 ... Despite UK television adverts, meerkats don't have an uncanny ability to help people find good car … African wildlife. November 2021 Africa's giraffe subspecies Do you know your African giraffe? The giraffe, the silent one of Africa's open plains, grass and wo…

  13. How We Plan Your Safari

    Speak to an Africa specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday... Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 01993 838 197. Make an enquiry. Mike. Kenya & Namibia Specialist. James. Africa Safari & Europe Specialist. Chris.

  14. 10 Best Safari Parks in England You Need to Visit

    Adults get in for £17.50. 3. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Whipsnade Zoo is the biggest zoo in England and covers 600 acres of land. Whipsnade is famous for having the largest collection of wildlife of all the zoos in England. Due to the size of the zoo, visitors can ride around on a bus or via train service.

  15. The ultimate guide to planning your first safari adventure

    How to book your first safari adventure. Now take it to a specialist operator.The Africa safari crew's bread and butter is matching travellers' nebulous desires with a concrete plan on the open grassy plains and acacia woodlands of the Masai Mara, amid the high drama of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, in the oldest desert on the planet, Namibia's Sossusvlei - or somewhere else ...

  16. About Us

    We want to inspire your complete confidence, so that when you book with us you know you're being looked after from the beginning of your safari to the end. Yellow Zebra is fully accredited and bonded under ATOL 10614 and we're on standby 24 hours per day, 365 (or 366!) days per year. Yellow Zebra Safaris is a full member of the African Travel ...

  17. Tailor-Made African Safari Holidays

    Speak to an Africa specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday... Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 01993 838 197. Make an enquiry. Anthony. Southern Africa and Seychelles Specialist. James. Africa Safari & Europe Specialist. Anna.

  18. How to Plan a Safari: The Ultimate Planning Guide

    But, never fear, because here at Really Wildlife, we've put together the ultimate safari planning guide to help. Follow our simple step-by-step process below to plan the safari of your dreams…. Decide your budget. Pick your safari destination. Decide when to go.

  19. How to take a wildlife safari without leaving the UK

    After the safari, it's only a 10-minute journey back to Tudor Farmhouse, where Colin Fell, the hotel's co-owner, had shown us our base camp the night before.

  20. Wild drives: the UK's best drive-through safaris

    Knowsley Safari's five-mile route through incredible animal enclosures is the longest safari drive in the UK, where a pride of lions roam freely in the Africa zone. You might find yourself braking for giraffes as they stride gracefully across the road that bisects their expansive paddock. Take the car-friendly route to watch the antics of the ...

  21. Prince Louis photo released to mark sixth birthday

    Britain's Prince and Princess of Wales have released a new photo of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday on Tuesday, the first image to be released by the family since a photo-editing scandal ...

  22. Escaped army horses run amok in central London

    The British army has recovered several horses after they broke free from the Household Cavalry and bolted through London on Wednesday morning.

  23. Tin: Save w/ Coupons in Safari 4+

    Download Tin: Save w/ Coupons in Safari and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. ‎Automatically save money while you shop on your phone. Tin is a Safari extension that applies the best coupon codes at checkout, and tracks your package so you never miss a delivery (or a deal)! YOUR SAVINGS SUPERHERO Tin scours the interwebs to find ...