Going on safari is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but it is not a cheap or easy venture. You have to factor in plane tickets, book a hotel, and then get entry into the safari park itself – you can see how it starts to add up. Luckily, Chester Zoo has just announced ‘safari’ experience that’ll be a heck of a lot easier for most Brits to get to.
Chester Zoo is opening 51 brand new safari-style lodges later this year, and they look pretty special. Situated in what the park calls ‘the Reserve’ – which basically means you’re effectively in with the animals – you, and up to eight other guests, will be able to wake up and enjoy a morning on your patio being greeted by giraffes.
The lodges are slated to open in August, and you can book your stay already. It’s worth noting that you need to book a package to access the lodges, all of which include a night’s stay, food and access to the main zoo. The most expensive package even offers the chance to feed a giraffe.
A spokesperson for Chester Zoo has described the entire experience as ‘unforgettable’, explaining; [Guests will] have special, out-of-hours access to the zoo, the opportunity to engage in a range of behind-the-scenes and animal experiences and be able to enjoy a freshly prepared meals, before taking in conservation stories while relaxing by our fire-pit on our lakeside terrace with blankets, cushions and toasting marshmallows. It’s the ultimate African safari experience, right here in the UK’.
Whilst all of this is very exciting, there has been some controversy over the cost of the lodges. The cheapest package for two adults staying for one night in August is, at time of writing, £560, and for a view of the giraffes, that goes up to £738.20. If you’re able to go in winter, or book well in advance, you could save a few hundred quid. We were able to find a night for two adults at only £396.65 in February 2026.
It’s undeniably on the pricier side, but Chester Zoo has advertised the packages as ‘luxury’ and been clear that the money earned will help fund conservation efforts.
Here’s a sneak peak of what your Chester Zoo safari-lodge stay could look like.
Looks pretty incredible, right? You can find out exactly what each package offers and book your stay here.
Planning your 2025 staycations
If these safari lodges aren’t sparking excitement for you, here’s our favourite family friendly holiday digs. But you deserve to have fun too – here’s some tree houses you can rent out for something a little different. We’ve also got guides to the country’s cosiest cabins, and the coolest castles you can stay overnight in.
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