safari hotel in kent

Port Lympne Reserve

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Port Lympne Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• (0.00 mi) Rhino Lodge
• (0.16 mi) Lympne Castle Cottages
• (0.51 mi) Giraffe Lodge
• (0.79 mi) Treehouse Hotel
• (0.67 mi) Bear Lodge
• (0.12 mi) The County Members
• (0.54 mi) Unit No.1
• (0.39 mi) The Garden Room At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
• (2.25 mi) Hide and Fox
• (2.72 mi) Twenty Four
• (0.13 mi) Hythe Sound Mirror
• (0.18 mi) Lympne Castle
• (2.41 mi) Kent Ballooning
• (2.54 mi) Alpaca Annie
• (0.50 mi) Royal Military Canal, West Hythe

• Search for Things to Do

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve

Port Lympne Reserve is Kent's Biggest Wildlife Park and a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals. Wherever possible, we aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be. We always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. Port Lympne’s award-winning short breaks range from our luxurious Lion Lodge, where your neighbours are a stunning pair of lions, to rustic and affordable family glamping in our Pinewood Pods. What’s more, you can enjoy your stay knowing that you are directly helping to support the animals which call Port Lympne home and our international conservation work in collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation.

No trip to Port Lympne is complete without exploring the Kentish savannah on Port Lympne’s iconic truck safari, which is included in your entry ticket. To truly reconnect with your wild side, consider upgrading to a Ranger-led safari and go off-road, get even closer to animals and get the rare opportunity to hand-feed species, including rhinos or giraffes!Stay with us.

BEST VALUE ANNUAL PASS Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park's brand-new Annual Pass allows unlimited entry to both parks throughout the year, offering access to over 1,200 animals across 91 species. The Annual Pass also includes access to Port Lympne’s iconic safari tours and a terrific 20% discount on food and drink across both parks’ many cafes and Howletts’ Pavilion restaurant. Annual passes are available from £75 for an adult and £65 for a child. Read more here>>

STAY AT PORT LYMPNE Port Lympne is home to 14 different ways to stay the night, ranging from cosy glamping pods to luxurious lodges adjoining lion, tiger and wolf enclosures! Our multi-award-winning accommodation offers something for everyone, be it a family safari or a luxurious romantic retreat. Enjoy a unique getaway with all the little luxuries you would expect. Explore our stunning reserve in your personal golf buggy, eat and drink at a variety of restaurants, book additional experiences or simply enjoy nature. VIP ranger safaris, animal encounters and photography courses are among a long list of activities on offer. With our restaurants showcasing seasonal menus, foodies will be most satisfied. Port Lympne is one of the most magical venues in the UK for private parties, weddings and events. Read more here>>

DINING AT PORT LYMPNE Lunch, Dinner and Sunday roasts at The Garden Room Port Lympne’s stylish Garden Room Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem, tucked away by the historic Port Lympne Hotel and surrounded by 600 acres of wilderness. The former stable yard of the original Sassoon estate retains its old-world charm, offering an inviting space for couples and families to sample the exceptional menus lovingly designed by Executive Chef Lee Edney. The Port Lympne team are proud to showcase the exceptional range of produce available in Kent, including ingredients sourced within the Port Lympne and Howlett's estates. The Garden Room is open to the public for lunch, Sunday roast and dinner 7 days per week (closed to day visitors on Christmas Eve). Read more here>>

AFTERNOON TEA AT PORT LYMPNE Afternoon Tea at Port Lympne is quickly becoming one of the Reserve’s most popular ways to dine. Guests can enjoy a classic or sparkling afternoon tea in the striking muralled dining rooms of the historic Port Lympne Hotel or on the sun-dappled Western Terrace at the heart of Kent's biggest wildlife park.

Afternoon tea at Port Lympne is served on traditional tiers, layered with a selection of freshly-prepared finger sandwiches and savoury morsels, delicate pastries and desserts and - of course - scones with lashings of clotted cream and seasonal jams. Read more here>>

PORT LYMPNE'S NEWEST ARRIVALS

A New King is Crowned at Port Lympne: We're thrilled to announce the arrival of a new member of our animal family at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent’s largest wildlife park. A magnificent lion has recently been welcomed to the reserve, and visitors can now see this impressive big cat up close. The lion, a male named Hunter, was born in 2019 at West Midlands Safari Park and arrived at Port Lympne earlier this month. He has been settling in well to his new surroundings and is already proving to be a firm favourite with visitors and staff alike. He has joined the pride of lions already residing at Port Lympne, which is led by a formidable lioness named Oudrika. Read more here>>

Port Lympne’s Giraffe Tower Grows Taller In July, a 4-year-old male giraffe named Zabuni arrived at Port Lympne to join the Reserve’s beloved tower of giraffes.

The handsome new arrival is a hit with Reserve guests, staff and the other giraffes and can be spotted as guests explore Port Lympne’s iconic safari across the Kentish savannah. Guests wishing to get up close and personal with Port Lympne’s giraffes can book an enhanced giraffe safari, which will give the unforgettable opportunity to hand-feed some of Port Lympne’s resident giraffes! Learn more about Zabuni here>>

NEW FOR 2023: GARDEN TOURS If you love everything quintessentially English, then Port Lympne’s new Guided Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea offering will delight you. Launched in the summer of 2023 and running every Wednesday until October, the expert Gardener-led tour will take in the wonders of the magnificent historic gardens, fruiteries and architectural elements that complement the elegant 1920s mansion at the heart of Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve. Find out more here>>

For pricing and membership details, please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve Lympne Nr Hythe CT21 4LR

Opening Times

Summer: Opening times: 9:30am - 6:30pm Winter: Opening times: 9:30am - 5:00pm Christmas Eve: 9:30am - 2:00pm. Last admission 1:30pm Boxing Day: 10:30am - 5:00pm, Last admission 3:00pm

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Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve

Port Lympne Reserve is Kent's Biggest Wildlife Park and a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals. Wherever possible, we aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be. We always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. Port Lympne’s award-winning short breaks range from our luxurious Lion Lodge, where your neighbours are a stunning pair of lions, to rustic and affordable family glamping in our Pinewood Pods. What’s more, you can enjoy your stay knowing that you are directly helping to support the animals which call Port Lympne home and our international conservation work in collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation.

No trip to Port Lympne is complete without exploring the Kentish savannah on Port Lympne’s iconic truck safari, which is included in your entry ticket. To truly reconnect with your wild side, consider upgrading to a Ranger-led safari and go off-road, get even closer to animals and get the rare opportunity to hand-feed species, including rhinos or giraffes!Stay with us.

BEST VALUE ANNUAL PASS Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park's brand-new Annual Pass allows unlimited entry to both parks throughout the year, offering access to over 1,200 animals across 91 species. The Annual Pass also includes access to Port Lympne’s iconic safari tours and a terrific 20% discount on food and drink across both parks’ many cafes and Howletts’ Pavilion restaurant. Annual passes are available from £75 for an adult and £65 for a child. Read more here>>

STAY AT PORT LYMPNE Port Lympne is home to 14 different ways to stay the night, ranging from cosy glamping pods to luxurious lodges adjoining lion, tiger and wolf enclosures! Our multi-award-winning accommodation offers something for everyone, be it a family safari or a luxurious romantic retreat. Enjoy a unique getaway with all the little luxuries you would expect. Explore our stunning reserve in your personal golf buggy, eat and drink at a variety of restaurants, book additional experiences or simply enjoy nature. VIP ranger safaris, animal encounters and photography courses are among a long list of activities on offer. With our restaurants showcasing seasonal menus, foodies will be most satisfied. Port Lympne is one of the most magical venues in the UK for private parties, weddings and events. Read more here>>

DINING AT PORT LYMPNE Lunch, Dinner and Sunday roasts at The Garden Room Port Lympne’s stylish Garden Room Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem, tucked away by the historic Port Lympne Hotel and surrounded by 600 acres of wilderness. The former stable yard of the original Sassoon estate retains its old-world charm, offering an inviting space for couples and families to sample the exceptional menus lovingly designed by Executive Chef Lee Edney. The Port Lympne team are proud to showcase the exceptional range of produce available in Kent, including ingredients sourced within the Port Lympne and Howlett's estates. The Garden Room is open to the public for lunch, Sunday roast and dinner 7 days per week (closed to day visitors on Christmas Eve). Read more here>>

AFTERNOON TEA AT PORT LYMPNE Afternoon Tea at Port Lympne is quickly becoming one of the Reserve’s most popular ways to dine. Guests can enjoy a classic or sparkling afternoon tea in the striking muralled dining rooms of the historic Port Lympne Hotel or on the sun-dappled Western Terrace at the heart of Kent's biggest wildlife park.

Afternoon tea at Port Lympne is served on traditional tiers, layered with a selection of freshly-prepared finger sandwiches and savoury morsels, delicate pastries and desserts and - of course - scones with lashings of clotted cream and seasonal jams. Read more here>>

PORT LYMPNE'S NEWEST ARRIVALS

A New King is Crowned at Port Lympne: We're thrilled to announce the arrival of a new member of our animal family at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent’s largest wildlife park. A magnificent lion has recently been welcomed to the reserve, and visitors can now see this impressive big cat up close. The lion, a male named Hunter, was born in 2019 at West Midlands Safari Park and arrived at Port Lympne earlier this month. He has been settling in well to his new surroundings and is already proving to be a firm favourite with visitors and staff alike. He has joined the pride of lions already residing at Port Lympne, which is led by a formidable lioness named Oudrika. Read more here>>

Port Lympne’s Giraffe Tower Grows Taller In July, a 4-year-old male giraffe named Zabuni arrived at Port Lympne to join the Reserve’s beloved tower of giraffes.

The handsome new arrival is a hit with Reserve guests, staff and the other giraffes and can be spotted as guests explore Port Lympne’s iconic safari across the Kentish savannah. Guests wishing to get up close and personal with Port Lympne’s giraffes can book an enhanced giraffe safari, which will give the unforgettable opportunity to hand-feed some of Port Lympne’s resident giraffes! Learn more about Zabuni here>>

NEW FOR 2023: GARDEN TOURS If you love everything quintessentially English, then Port Lympne’s new Guided Garden Tour and Afternoon Tea offering will delight you. Launched in the summer of 2023 and running every Wednesday until October, the expert Gardener-led tour will take in the wonders of the magnificent historic gardens, fruiteries and architectural elements that complement the elegant 1920s mansion at the heart of Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve. Find out more here>>

For pricing and membership details, please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve Lympne Nr Hythe CT21 4LR

Opening Times

Summer: Opening times: 9:30am - 6:30pm Winter: Opening times: 9:30am - 5:00pm Christmas Eve: 9:30am - 2:00pm. Last admission 1:30pm Boxing Day: 10:30am - 5:00pm, Last admission 3:00pm

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Port Lympne hotel review: a safari reserve in Kent perfect for adventurous families

A taste of the serengeti in the southeast of england with thrilling safari tours, treehouse stays and child-friendly restaurants.

A swathe of the Masai Mara (almost) cuts through the plains of Kent at Port Lympne. Set up by John Aspinall, the casino owner, the 600-acre reserve near Hythe is home to hundreds of endangered animals, from lowland gorillas to red pandas. So it’s coffee with a chorus of the jungle here. Scattered around is an eclectic range of digs, from pods, cabins and treehouses to rough-luxe wood-panelled lodges with outdoor baths and full picture windows overlooking lion enclosures. Most rooms come with a golf buggy in which to tootle around the reserve and all breaks include a one-hour safari. Several cafés and restaurants keep even tricky young eaters happy.

Overall score 9/10

Main photo: Get up close to giraffes at the 600-acre Port Lympne reserve

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Rooms and suites

Score 8/10 The 89 “units” peppered across the reserve are of all shapes, sizes and price tags. Interiors tend towards the sleek with a touch of Serengeti luxe, featuring tent canvas fabrics, rattan lamp stands and ostrich-feather blankets. Pictures of tigers, gorillas and co abound. Families love the two-bedroom treehouses with large decks. The centre point of the park is the red-brick main house (Mansion Hotel), which was built in 1913 in the Cape Dutch revival style for Philip Sassoon, the MP and socialite. Sassoon used it as a postwar party pad and eight themed rooms and suites are named after his famous guests, among whom were Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Mountbatten and Charlie Chaplin. Original furnishings and features include four-poster beds and tiled bathrooms. Aspinall, who bought the house in 1973, was also big on the eccentric aristo vibe. The reception rooms feature black and white marble floors, a pink Moroccan courtyard, a Tent Room with a trompe l’oeil from Rex Whistler and full-scale floor to ceiling murals of wild animals by the artist Arthur Spencer Roberts.

Food and drink

Score 8/10 The restaurants offer children’s menus and are open at the strange hours that children like to eat. Babydoll’s does a good line in pizza and pasta. For a less-carby, more refined offering, there’s the main restaurant, the Garden Room. Set in the converted stable block of the Mansion Hotel, it’s a light, verdant room with plush furnishings and an excellent bar. The menu is European, the right side of adventurous and uses a lot of local produce — grilled sardines, breaded lamb shoulder with polenta, Ibérico pork chop. Staff are lovely, even to tired young children.

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What else is there?

Score 10/10 Guests can buzz around the reserve on golf buggies and the included safari involves a ride in an open-sided modified military truck that goes into the park’s African, Asian and South American animal quarters. The rangers know their beasts. Expect facts about why giraffes have black tongues and why guinea baboons have about as many teeth as cheetahs. There are a huge range of add-on animal experiences — hand-feeding giraffes, keeper experience days. Away from the creatures, the house has 15 acres of beautifully kept Italianate formal gardens to wander through. A stay also includes access to the sister Aspinall Foundation property, Howletts Wild Animal Park (30 minutes by car).

Where is it?

Score 9/10 Central London is just under two hours away by car and the coastal town of Hythe is a ten-minute drive. The hotel can arrange taxis to Ashford International station, or there’s a bus. Views are over Romney Marsh to the Channel. On a clear day, you can even see France on the horizon.

Price room-only doubles from £139 Restaurant mains from £18 Family-friendly Y Dog-friendly N Accessible Y

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Related articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The African-themed restaurant serves locally produced food.

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

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

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

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Sublime glamping in a Kent safari park - Refundable hotel

Giraffe lodge, port lympne hotel & reserve, kent.

Property details

• Bringing the Savannah to Kent: Located in the tranquil, bucolic landscape of south Kent, Port Lympne Reserve is a true slice of the African Savannah by the English coast. Taking its luxury tented accommodation to new heights, it now offers the chance to get up close and personal with their mesmerising giraffes, with a stay under the stars at Giraffe Lodge.
• Award-winning experience: Offering one-night safari trips, Giraffe Lodge was a winner of the Tourism Experience of the Year award at the 2016 Visit England Awards - and for good reason. This utterly unique spot offers luxury camping in private safari tents, with views out over the park's watering hole and beyond to the English Channel.
• Delicious dining: You'll be as close to an authentic African escape as it gets, with safaris led by the Reserve's specialist rangers. Dinner is served in the Lapa - a large African-style lodge with views onto the watering hole. Here, traditional South African-style food is prepared over an open fire.

Entry requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements (including those related to COVID-19) at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel.

Location and what's nearby

Aldington Road, Lympne, near Hythe, Kent CT21 4LR

Port Lympne Reserve

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

PORT LYMPNE RESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 09:30 - 18:30
• (0.00 mi) Rhino Lodge
• (0.16 mi) Lympne Castle Cottages
• (0.51 mi) Giraffe Lodge
• (0.79 mi) Treehouse Hotel
• (0.67 mi) Bear Lodge
• (0.12 mi) The County Members
• (0.54 mi) Unit No.1
• (0.39 mi) The Garden Room At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
• (2.25 mi) Hide and Fox
• (2.72 mi) Twenty Four
• (0.13 mi) Hythe Sound Mirror
• (0.18 mi) Lympne Castle
• (2.41 mi) Kent Ballooning
• (2.54 mi) Alpaca Annie
• (0.50 mi) Royal Military Canal, West Hythe

Hotels near Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne

Enter your dates and choose from 92 hotels and other places to stay, featured hotels near port lympne wild animal park, star rating, review score.

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Port Lympne Mansion Hotel

Hotel in Hythe (0.2 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens in the beautiful Port Lympne Wild Animal Reserve, the Port Lympne Mansion Hotel features stunning views across the Romney Marsh, over the Kent Coast, and...

Pinewood - At Port Lympne Reserve

Hythe (0 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Situated within 16 km of Folkestone Central Railway Station and 19 km of Folkestone Harbour in Hythe, Pinewood - At Port Lympne Reserve features accommodation with seating area.

The Cowshed Port Lympne

Hythe (1 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Located in Hythe, in a historic building, 14 km from Eurotunnel UK, The Cowshed Port Lympne is a holiday home with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and garden.

Sycamore Lodge Kent With EV Zappi type 2

Sellindge (2.3 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Set in Sellindge, the recently renovated Sycamore Lodge Kent With EV Zappi type 2 offers accommodation 11 km from Eurotunnel UK and 16 km from Folkestone Central Railway Station.

Palmbeach Place

Kent (2.4 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Set 11 km from Folkestone Central Railway Station, 12 km from Folkestone Harbour and 23 km from Dover Priory Station, Palmbeach Place provides accommodation situated in Kent.

The Beaches - New Beach

Dymchurch (2.7 miles from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park)

Located in Dymchurch in the Kent region, The Beaches - New Beach features a patio. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

Top 10 trending hotels near Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Discover our most popular hotels from the last 30 days, hotels with great access to port lympne wild animal park.

Hog Deer Creek - At Port Lympne Reserve

Set in Hythe, 12 km from Eurotunnel UK, Hog Deer Creek - At Port Lympne Reserve offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.

Great breakfast & garden room was very pleasant to sit in

Hythe Imperial Hotel, Spa & Golf

Set in 44 acres of land right on the coast of the English Channel, this 4-star Victorian hotel boasts a spa and a 9-hole golf course.

Excellent. Amazing upgrade! Wonderful Champagne bar.

The Swan Hotel

On the main High Street in the seaside town of Hythe, this historic coaching inn has recently been refurbished all rooms, corridor and entire building with high standard facilities available and now...

Staff were lovely location is great to travel to other areas

OYO Stade Court Hotel

Opposite Hythe beaches, OYO Stade Court Hotel is 25 minutes’ drive from the Euro tunnel and Dover Ferry Port. Rooms at Stade Court hotel all have satellite TV, a work desk and en suite bathroom.

Friendly helpful welcome good location & easy parking

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Check-out date

• Premier host

Hythe, Kent, England

• Sleeps: 4 per lodge
• Bedrooms: 2 lodges
• Bathroom: 1 per lodge
• Minimum stay: 1 night

View our range of incredible properties for Wildlife viewing here . Found in Hythe, on Kent’s south coast, the award-winning Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is home to over 90 different rare and endangered species of over 700 animals, in an authentic and awe-inspiring setting.

Far from a conventional zoo, you can take a safari ride through the 600-acre park and meet exceptionally well cared-for animals, including gorillas, bears, tigers, cheetah, primates, and Kent’s only Rothschild giraffes.

If you’d like to take an even closer look, however, you can choose to rest your heads in one of two seriously luxurious timber lodges, Kikuyu and Jibana. Both are perfectly placed within the lions’ natural habitat, for the most exceptional views you’re ever likely to cast your eyes upon.

The first of their kind in the world, both lodges are stunning Manhattan loft style buildings that each sleep up to four guests.

Each feature gigantic picture windows in the master bedroom and in the sumptuous open-plan living area. Perfect for watching the lives of the resident lions play out right in front of you, as they take care of their three adorable cubs.

The living area, designed by Victoria Aspinall of The Aspinall Foundation, is luxuriously equipped with a huge open fireplace, bespoke furnishings, and irresistibly comfy seating. With a glittering, wow-factor chandelier, and a custom-designed bar also at your disposal, you’re sure to feel like a film star on safari-vacation.

Further along, the elegant kingsize master bedroom showcases incredible views of the lions’ habitat, while a spiral staircase leads up to a mezzanine room with two cosy single beds.

At a glance

• A once-in-a-lifetime experience, in the form of two lodges that each sleep up to 4 guests, perfectly positioned within the lions’ habitat at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, a 600-acre wildlife reserve in Hythe on the Kent coast.
• Each luxury loft-style lodge features huge picture windows that showcase the lions and their cubs in their natural habitat.
• Surround yourselves with opulent, bespoke furnishings, and for a special treat, take a dip in the Scandinavian outdoor bath, raised on its own view-showcasing private platform.
• Your stay includes access to hotel facilities and restaurants, as well as private use of a golf buggy (valid driving licence required) to explore the 600-acre park.
• You’ll also receive free unlimited entry to Port Lympne and Howletts Wild Animal Park during your stay.
• There is a wide selection of additional activities to get involved with, from animal experiences to photography and afternoon tea.

Two luxury loft-style lodges perfectly placed in the lions’ habitat (up to 4 guests per lodge).  Each lodge: Open-plan lounge: bespoke bar, chandelier, seating, open fire, doors to private garden, picture window.  Master bedroom: kingsize bed, furniture, picture window.  Spiral staircase to mezzanine bedroom: twin beds, furniture.  Wet room: monsoon shower.  Exterior: private garden and terrace, raised platform with outdoor Scandinavian bath.  On site: restaurants, Moroccan courtyard, public gardens. Local Activities

Safari tours, photography, wildlife activities, afternoon tea, hot air ballooning, animal feeding, ranger experiences.

More information

Freshen up in the industrial-chic wet room, with its indulgent monsoon shower and high-end toiletries. Or for a special treat, why not take a soak in the wood-heated Scandinavian outdoor bath, set on a raised, secluded platform that overlooks the lions?  The choice is yours!

Enjoy morning coffee in your private garden, overlooking the wildlife reserve and with refreshing views of the Kent Coast. If you’re in the mood to explore, simply hop on a golf buggy and do just that, enjoying access to areas of the reserve before it opens to the general public. You can also stroll through landscaped gardens, visit the enthralling Dinosaur Forest – complete with life-size prehistoric creatures – and admire panoramic views from the Trojan steps.

When it’s time to dine, you can head to one of the many on-site restaurants and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner – or even a languorous afternoon tea – at your leisure.

Perhaps best of all, the profits from your stay at Lion Lodge will directly contribute to returning endangered animals back to their natural environment. So, you can relax and enjoy a true bucket list experience, safe in the knowledge that it’s also doing some serious good.

Things to note

The profits from your stay contribute directly to the Aspinall Foundation, which is dedicated to returning captive bred animals to protected wilderness areas and reserves around the world.

Where you'll be staying

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Experience lions in the most unique way

Lion Lodge is the most luxurious overnight accommodation at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent. This fully immersing experience gives guests the chance to sleep with lions! These unique lodges, named Kikuyu and Jibana, offer guests the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of Kamari and Hasani, our truly majestic African lions. 

The first of its kind worldwide, the Lion Lodges are timber clad, Manhattan loft style buildings, set within the lion’s natural and spacious habitat. Featuring picture windows in both the master bedroom and the open plan living area, guests will be just a breath away from magnificent lions.

For the chance to sleep with the lions   call 01303 234112 and book now .

Wake up with nature

Gift vouchers.

Give the gift of an overnight stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, where choices of short breaks range from seasonal glamping to luxury lodges and can include the opportunity to wake up in a tiger’s world at Tiger Lodge or come face to face with a magnificent lion at Lion Lodge.

Be part of the pride

Your accommodation, exclusive access.

• Safari experience

Eat & drink

Pricing and booking.

A unique and immersive overnight stay, where you can wake up to a lion at your window! Enjoy stunning views of the Kent coast from your private balcony and explore the Reserve by golf buggy.

The beautiful living area features a huge open fire place, underfloor heating, and bespoke furniture. Designed to sleep four, the king-size master bedroom has a prime view of the lions, whilst a comfy mezzanine level, accessed via a spiral staircase, offers an additional two single beds. An industrial-chic wet room with monsoon shower is complimented with Bamford organic toiletries. 

For a truly unique experience, guests can relax in the Scandinavian outdoor baths built on raised, secluded platforms, overlooking the lions. The perfect Instagram shot!

Partially set within the lion habitat, floor to ceiling windows offer an incredible view into the lion’s world, whilst the open plan living area doors lead to your private garden overlooking the 600-acre wildlife reserve with stunning sea views.

Guests can explore the reserve via golf buggy in their own time, spend an afternoon on safari, or simply relax in the lodge’s private gardens. 

You will have exclusive access to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve during and outside of normal visitor hours from the day of your arrival to the day of your departure. The check-in time for your stay is at 2pm and the check-out time is at 12pm. You can visit both wildlife parks - Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve - from 9.30am to closure. You can use a golf buggy for the whole duration of your stay to explore the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve (with a valid driving licence).

All of our short breaks guests have a safari included in the cost of their stay. Your safari will take you on an adventure through our South American, Asian and African Experience zones where you will see spectacled bears, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, camels and more.

Choose from a variety of home cooked dishes, using local produce and ingredients grown in our kitchen gardens at our onsite restaurants and cafes. Enjoy gluten friendly pizza and authentic Italian dishes at Babydoll’s Wood Fired Pizza, or bistro style dishes at Port Lympne Hotel Restaurant. Alternatively, relax in the tranquillity of the unique Moroccan Courtyard at  (open spring & summer) Port Lympne Hotel, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Prices from £1,450.  For more information, you can book online , call 01303 234112 Monday to Sunday between 9am to 5pm, or fill in our simple online form at the end of the page and one of our team will be in touch.

Lion Lodge includes all your basic necessities as well as completely unique amenities such as a living room view of our pride and an outdoor bath, meaning you can relax, recover, and settle in for an unforgettable break.

What's Included

• Stay at Lion Lodge for up to 4 people (one king size, two single beds)
• Full English breakfast
• Entrance to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park (from 9.30am on the day of arrival until closure on the day of departure)
• Access to the park's   restaurants
• Welcome drinks 
• Golf buggy (from check-in on day of arrival until check-out on day of departure. Valid driving licence required)
• Use of the outdoor Scandinavian bath
• Nespresso machine
• Games & books
• Complimentary Bamford organic toiletries
• Bathrobes, slippers & hairdryer
• Free on site parking

Meet the animals

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is home to amazing wildlife and incredible views. See over 900 animals and over 75 species at this award winning park. As well as the lions who live just a whisker away, you'll also discover gorillas, bears, cheetahs, giraffes and many more as you explore the rest of the Reserve.

Explore the reserve

There's so much to see and do at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve that you'll want to stay longer! Enjoy our amazing animals, visit our landscaped gardens, take in the views from the Trojan stairs and even visit Dinosaur Forest. There's plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

You may also like

With 14 different ways to stay, we're certain we have the perfect accommodation for you at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Don't forget that our unique accommodations can be booked as part of your conference or private event.

Leopard Creek

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

Tiger Lodge

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

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

Back to the Wild!

With your visit and stay you contribute to our greatest mission, getting the animals 'Back to the Wild'. This initiative has already seen an impressive number of animals born at Howletts and Port Lympne returned to their natural habitats. Your help is vital for our worldwide conservation projects.

Book online

For more information   or to enquire about gift vouchers for our short breaks , you can call 01303 234112 Monday to Sunday between 9am to 5pm, or fill in our simple online form and one of our team will be in touch.

Check availability and prices here .

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• Port Lympne
• Short Breaks

10 Awesome Safari Park & Zoo Stays In The UK

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Stay At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

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

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

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

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

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

Available from : Longleat

Stay At Flamingo Land

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

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

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

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

Available from : Flamingo Land

Stay At Drayton Manor Resort

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

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

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

Stay At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from : ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Stay At Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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

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

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

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

Available from : Yorkshire Wildlife Park

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Nicola Horgan