Just a drive away from London, Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife park – where visitors can sleep next to the likes of giraffes, lions, rhinos and bears.
The safari experience in Hythe is set against 600 acres of Kentish savannah, and is different from a conventional zoo.
Port Lympne aims to ensure the survival of endangered animals and The Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered species.
It supports The Aspinall Foundation to fund the protection, breeding and rewilding of rare and endangered species.
As a day out, an overnight stay or place for a short break, a place to dine or enjoy afternoon tea – Port Lympne has something for everyone.
Stay
Port Lympne has an array of staycation options, from lodges with lions, tigers, wolves and rhinos, to giraffe and bear cottages, pods and treehouses, and deer and leopard creeks.
They all range in price and are suitable for different kinds of stays – depending on what you’re going for.
The Port Lympne site has guidance on what is best for couples, romantic getaways, families, or picturesque backdrops.
Treehouses
The Treehouses at Port Lympne are an award-winning accommodation tucked into the canopy of the reserve – with views over the rhino and cheetah paddocks.
They allow guests to immerse themselves into the landscape from the height of luxury.
Each treehouse sleeps up to four guests with one double bed and one twin room, with the option of a cot.
They have a fully equipped kitchen, and open plan living area, with a glass front and private balcony.
They have a larder for snacks, a fully stocked mini bar, air con and exclusive views.
Guests have access to the Treehouse Clubhouse which has an open fire and refreshments.
Perfect for families, or couples, the treehouses range from £469 to £999 per night.
Bear Lodge
Ever dreamed of glamping with family and friends over some bears? The bear lodge has 19 tents which can sleep eight guests each on a safe and enclosed site.
Each tent has an ensuite, a fridge and private deck outside, with a play area for kids.
There’s a log burner, communal fire pit, and it’s own clubhouse with a bar and restaurant filled with South American dishes.
Entrance to Port Lympne and Howletts Wild Animal Park is included in this.
Bear Lodge prices range between £395 to £585 per night.
Giraffe Lodge
Stay closer than ever to giraffes in a fully immersed African experience as you watch animals gather round the watering hole from your own private deck.
Each tent sleeps up to two guests with the option of an ensuite – they have four-poster, sleigh beds or twin beds.
Prepare for a taste of Africa by waking up with the sunrise to scenes of giraffes, zebras and wildebeest, along with a braii dinner at the exclusive onsite African restaurant.
Perfect for romance, the private safaris mean guests can feed the giraffes by booking a giraffe experience.
Giraffe Lodges are priced at £505 to £605 per night.
Wigwams
Overlook an expertly-designed naturalistic leopard enclosure in a quiet corner of the reserve – with three options.
Either cosy 2-person Cubs, stylish 4-person Cabins or luxurious 2-person Wigwams.
Each one has bespoke interiors and some of the best views.
The Wigwams sleep two adults with a space for an additional child bed or cot.
It has panoramic windows and underfloor heating.
Guests get unrivalled views of the leopard enclosure, giving a glimpse into the world of one of the rarest felines.
There’s a monsoon shower, dramatic peaked skylight and complimentary buggy to explore the reserve – perfect for couples.
All accommodation includes free access to the full Port Lympne Animal Reserve and sister park Howletts, as well as a free space for all guests on the iconic Port Lympne Truck Safari.
All accommodation (apart from Bear Lodge) includes use of a free golf buggy to explore the park for the duration of the stay, including after hours when day visitors have gone home.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here