PORT LYMPNE RESERVE HEADER

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>>

PORT LYMPNE RESERVE 1

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 & Reserve

Tiger Lodge at Port Lympne Reserve Living Area Second View - Low Res.jpg

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is home to over 700 animals and Kent's only safari. Experience a day visit, stay at the stunning Tiger Lodge and more and eat in the beautiful Babydoll's Italian wood fired pizza restaurant.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife attraction. Visit for the day or enjoy an overnight stay at one of the unique award-winning accommodations, Port Lympne is a destination with so much to offer.

Home to over 700 rare and endangered animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, the only giraffe in Kent, gorillas, tigers, lions, leopards, bears and so much more, conservation is at the heart of this Reserve.

Journey to South America, Asia, and Africa on the authentic safari and see some incredible animals along the way. Get up-close with life size prehistoric creatures in the popular attraction, Dinosaur Forest and wander the leafy pathways to discover where the wild things are. Book an unforgettable animal experience, enjoy a private safari or take part in other activities including laser clay and zorbing!

Stay at the stunning Tiger Lodge where you can sleep within a whisker of the resident Amur tigers. Enjoy breath-taking coastal views from your private balcony and explore the Reserve in your personal golf buggy – there’s nowhere else in the world quite like it!

Or try the recently opened historic cottage, Wolf Lodge . An unforgettable overnight experience, where you can be part of the pack, as you sleep beside wolves that roam freely in their wooded garden habitat next door. 

Whilst you’re here, pop in to the 4* Port Lympne Hotel where you can eat, drink, get married, hold your next business event and host an incredible party.  Enjoy the incredible gardens, hand painted mural rooms, stunning terraces and the newly restored Moroccan Courtyard , with its relaxed atmosphere and wonderful original features, decorated with antiques handpicked from the markets of Marrakech – it’s the ideal space to get away from it all.

Whether you visit for the day, dine at one of the restaurants, or stay at one of the unique accommodations, Port Lympne is a hidden gem, just waiting to be discovered in this district. What’s more, all profits from the parks and short breaks go back into the conservation work of our charity. So you can enjoy your visit, knowing that you are directly helping our conservation work.

Click here to find out more and book, call  01303 264647, or email [email protected]

Address : Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe, CT21 4LR

Black rhino at Port Lympne Reserve c The Aspinall Foundation.JPG

Find out more...

To find out more about the many things to experience at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve you can visit their website here . 

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Giraffe Lodge – The UK’s Only Overnight Safari Lodge

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

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

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

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

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

Livingstone Lodges hotel

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

Livingstone Lodges safari hotel in UK

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

Laapa at night at Livingstone Lodge

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

Livingstone Lodge interior

The African-themed restaurant serves locally produced food.

Fire pit cooking

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

Robes and bed

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

Livingstone Lodge safari

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

Vildriket Varghotell - The Wolf Hotel in Sweden's Wildlife Park

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Port Lympne Mansion Hotel

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Aldington Road, Hythe, CT21 4PD, United Kingdom – Excellent location - show map

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Port Lympne Mansion Hotel Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Port Lympne Mansion Hotel - rated 9 by recent guests.

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Cleanliness

Value for money

Excellent location!

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in .

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

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 towards the English Channel. This unique property has free WiFi and free onsite parking. The historic Edwardian mansion house offers elegant rooms, each with a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, a seating area, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite bath or shower rooms have bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Some luxury suites boast a four-poster bed and all rooms have luxurious detailing and stylish furnishings. In the mornings, the Port Lympne Mansion House serves full English and continental breakfasts. Port Lympne Mansion Hotel has accommodated prestigious guests, including Sir Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, and Prince Edward. Guests can explore the Howletts Wild Animal Park, which is also within the grounds.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Good breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

  • Full English/Irish

Free private parking available at the hotel

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Availability.

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Guests who stayed here loved.

safari hotel uk kent

Hotel surroundings

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

  • Cuisine British
  • Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
  • Ambiance Family friendly
  • Dietary options Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Facilities of Port Lympne Mansion Hotel Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

  • Toilet paper
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Electric kettle
  • Walking tours Additional charge
  • Children's playground
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Kid meals Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Accessible parking
  • Concierge service
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Kids' outdoor play equipment
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Business centre Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Packed lunches
  • Ironing facilities

House rules Port Lympne Mansion Hotel takes special requests - add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of any age are welcome.

Children 16 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Prices for cots and extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

All cots and extra beds are subject to availability.

FAQs about Port Lympne Mansion Hotel

How much does it cost to stay at port lympne mansion hotel.

The prices at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

Does Port Lympne Mansion Hotel have a restaurant on site?

  • The Garden Room

What type of room can I book at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel?

What is there to do at port lympne mansion hotel.

  • Children's playground
  • Walking tours

What are the check-in and check-out times at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel?

Check-in at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel is from 15:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

What kind of breakfast is served at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel?

Guests staying at Port Lympne Mansion Hotel can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.9).

How far is Port Lympne Mansion Hotel from the centre of Hythe?

Port Lympne Mansion Hotel is 3.1 miles from the centre of Hythe. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

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5 of the UK’s best safari lodges

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

1. West Midland Safari Park

safari hotel uk kent

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

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

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

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

For more information visit West Midland Safari Park .

2. Longleat

safari hotel uk kent

A white rhino (Shutterstock)

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

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

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

For more information visit Longleat .

3. Port Lympne Safari Park

safari hotel uk kent

Friendly giraffes (Shutterstock)

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

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

For more information visit Port Lympne Safari Park .

4. Camp Baboon

safari hotel uk kent

Okapi (Shutterstock)

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

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

For more information visit Camp Baboon .

5. ZSL London Zoo

safari hotel uk kent

An Asiatic lion (Shutterstock)

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

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

For more information visit ZSL London Zoo .

Read more about safaris:

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

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Sublime glamping in a Kent safari park - Refundable hotel

Giraffe lodge, port lympne hotel & reserve, kent.

safari hotel uk 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 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, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.

Location and what's nearby

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

Luxury treehouse adventures in England's safari country

Lympne, kent.

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Experience a unique safari experience with a luxurious twist in the heart of the English countryside.

The exclusive Treehouse Hotel at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent offers couples, friends or families an incredible experience. Ensconced in the tree canopy above the 600-acre reserve are ten glass-fronted suites with wide terraces, state-of-the-art kitchens, plush living rooms and two bedrooms. After a day exploring the reserve or enjoying VIP safaris, guests can relax on their private balcony and take in the glorious sunsets and listening to the sounds of the reserve below. For guests who would rather eat out, the four-star Port Lympne Hotel is a short buggy ride away; alternatively, there are a variety of cafes and restaurants on-site with something to suit all appetites.

Port Lympne is opening its park for day trips only from 15th June. Please check their website below for more information. 

  • Find out more about Port Lympne Reserve
  • Find more lifestyle holidays in Kent

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'I stayed at Kent safari park - you can see animals from your bedroom window'

The popular Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent offers an unforgettable safari experience for all the family with hundreds of acres to explore

  • 11:25, 5 AUG 2024

Kent safari park

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Are you in search of a truly unique experience? If you're scratching your head for ideas now that we've entered the six-week school summer holidays, you're not alone.

Many of us exhaust our list of activities to keep the kids entertained and often end up repeating the same old things. However, if you're on the hunt for something that offers an experience enjoyable for both adults and children, we might just have the perfect place for you.

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, nestled in the heart of Kent , provides an unforgettable safari adventure. If you haven't heard of it, it's set across hundreds of acres and combines a hotel, safari park, and a variety of restaurants and bars all in one location.

For families who prefer a day trip, you can visit a range of animals including brown bears, gorillas, giraffes, and lions until your heart's content.

And let's not forget about the lions, orangutangs, meerkats, rhinos, and buffalos too, reports the Express .

Brown bear

Ticket prices

For families planning a few nights away, you can explore the Port Lympne Reserve park with a standard ticket costing an adult £29.09 and a child aged 3-15 years £25.45.

Meanwhile, an adult concession ticket will cost £27.27 and a child concession will set you back £23.64.

Children aged 0-2 years are admitted free of charge to Howletts and Port Lympne alongside a fully paying adult ticket or annual pass holder.

There's a wealth of experiences to be had, including feeding animals and going on safari. We particularly enjoyed the giraffe experience, where we got to feed the animals and immerse ourselves in their habitat.

If you're considering staying for a few nights to fully explore the park, as we did, it's definitely worth it.

Accommodation

Rhino

We lodged at Leopard Creek, which accommodates up to four people (two adults and two children under eight).

Leopard Creek also offers other options, such as a two-person cabin or a four-person Wigwam, depending on your party size and budget.

The cabins come equipped with Wi-Fi, complimentary gifts and prosecco, bathroom facilities, a 24-hour concierge service, and a free buggy for exploring the reserve.

You can also opt to stay in lodges like the giraffe, lion, and wolf lodges, where you can see the animals up close.

Our cabin was not only cosy and well-equipped but also offered stunning views of the Kent coastline.

Even better, the cabins were just metres away from the Amur leopards, although we only caught a glimpse of them as they love their sleep.

During our stay, we explored the park's 600 acres of winding trails, open plains, and wooded paths.

During our visit, we witnessed a brown bear descending from a tree and two others frolicking in the pool to escape the blistering heat.

In another part of the reserve, it was feeding time for the gorillas, with children given the opportunity to feed the animals fruits and vegetables - an experience that can be booked online.

When it comes to dining, the reserve offers several options. The Garden Room restaurant, Babydoll's, Bear Lodge, as well as various cafes and bars including the Moroccan Courtyard and Mansion Bar and Terrace are all available.

We dined at the Garden Room restaurant, where the quality of the fresh local ingredients was evident. Standout menu items included cheese croquettes with roast garlic aioli, Caesar salad, and focaccia bread served with rapeseed and balsamic oil.

After exploring the reserve, you can indulge in afternoon tea in the Moroccan courtyard or the Mansion Bar and Terrace, where a selection of delicate sandwiches, scones and sweet treats await.

Over at Babydoll's, wood-fired pizza is on offer, and the enticing aroma makes it hard to resist stepping inside. Conveniently located near the brown bears and the dinosaur forest, you can enjoy a light meal while surrounded by animals.

Prices for staying at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve vary depending on the cabin and duration of stay. More information can be found here.

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safari hotel uk kent

safari hotel uk kent

  • Premier host

Hythe, Kent, England

safari hotel uk kent

  • Sleeps: 4 per lodge
  • Bedrooms: 2 lodges
  • Bathrooms: 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.

safari hotel uk kent

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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Tiger Lodge

Book Your Stay Now

safari hotel uk kent

 Sleep within a whisker of tigers

Wake up with a tiger at your window at the UK's original Tiger Lodge! You'll enjoy  the unforgettable experience of living with Port Lympne’s majestic tigers.

Nestled above the landscaped gardens, the lodges offer a chance to get up close to this endangered species, relax to  the sounds of nature from your secluded balcony and explore the reserve in your personal golf buggy.

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.

Sleep in a tiger's world

Your accommodation, exclusive access.

  • Safari experience

Eat & Drink

Pricing and booking.

Our luxury lodges, Zemo and Zarka, both sleep up to four guests with the option of an additional cot. The accommodation includes a rustic lounge and luxurious bathroom with a monsoon shower. The lodge features panoramic windows overlooking the tiger habitat and includes a spacious private garden. They come complete with log burner, nespresso machine, games and books, Bamford products in the bathroom, WiFi, and 4K TV.

At both lodges, large windows face out onto our tigers so you can sleep within a whisker of these impressive big cats. French doors lead from the master bedrooms to the private balconies and outdoor seating area. 

Guests can explore the 600-acre reserve with a golf buggy in their own time, spend an afternoon on safari, or simply relax in the lodge’s private balcony. 

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 (Howletts winter opening hours apply). 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 authentic Italian dishes of freshly prepared sourdough pizza, pasta and seasonal salads at Babydoll's Wood-Fired Pizza, or our brasserie style inspired menu, offering the highest quality, beautifully plated dishes in the Garden Room.  Alternatively, relax in the tranquillity of the Port Lympne Hotel, serving a classic or sparkling afternoon tea (must be booked in advance).

Prices from £1,350.  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.

safari hotel uk kent

Tiger Lodge includes all your basic necessities as well as completely unique amenities, such as a living room view of our tigers and an outdoor bath for a relaxing getaway.

Tiger Lodge Amenities

There is a £75 supplement for the addition of a child bed.  Travel cot can be added free of charge.

What's Included

  • Exclusive use of Tiger Lodge for up to 4 people
  • 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, Howletts winter opening hours apply)
  • Access to the park's   restaurants
  • Welcome drink
  • Golf buggy (from check-in on day of arrival until check-out on day of departure. Valid driving licence required)
  • Use of outdoor bath with views of the tigers
  • Sound system – sound bar
  • Free on site parking

Meet the animals

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is home to over 900 animals and 75 species. See these magnificent animals during your stay. With tigers right on your doorstep there's plenty to keep you occupied but you can also see wolves, bears, giraffe, zebra and many more. 

European grey wolf at at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent, UK

Explore the reserve

There's so much to see and do at Port Lympne 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. 

Port Lympne Hotel near Ashford in Kent

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.

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

safari hotel uk kent

Leopard Creek

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

safari hotel uk kent

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

safari hotel uk kent

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.

To check availability and prices, please click the book now button.

August 2017 Natasha Daniels – Fashion Beans The lodge enticed me to Port Lympne, the hospitality won me over and the tigers stole my heart, but it’s the heart and soul with which the foundation care for their creatures - big or small, beautiful or unusual - that really, truly made it magical to witness.
2019 Ella Fentiman We have had a wonderful time. Hope to come back with our children next time.

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  25. Tiger Lodge Short Breaks

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