U.K. Safari Lodges Offer Wild Escapes and Real-World Conservation Impact

DOWNLOAD IPFS

Forget long-haul flights and mosquito nets. Across the U.K., families are waking up to lion roars and giraffe sightings from the comfort of luxury lodges, all while helping to protect endangered species at home and abroad.

British families are swapping beach breaks for lion roars and giraffe encounters as U.K. safari lodges surge in popularity. With immersive overnight stays now available at several wildlife parks, guests can enjoy unforgettable close-up moments with endangered species and support global conservation efforts in the process.

Tucked away in the Worcestershire countryside, West Midlands Safari Park (WMSP) has created one of Britain’s most thrilling staycation offerings. Since launching its overnight lodge experience in 2021, visitors have been able to wake up just inches from majestic animals, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and cheetahs, separated only by reinforced, carnivore-proof glass.

Vikki Green, Head of Marketing at WMSP, said the concept was “creature-led”, explaining that the focus was first and foremost on improving habitats and facilities for the animals themselves. “Each habitat has been designed with the animals in mind, with lots of enrichment points, 24-hour heated housing, and upgraded animal husbandry areas,” she said.

But the human experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Guests at the lion lodge, for instance, sleep within view of a pride of four male lions: Havoc, Hodge, Harabi, and Hercules, born at the park in 2019. Their imposing presence, just a whisker from the window, offers an unforgettable and at times goosebump-inducing thrill.

Close Encounters

While such experiences might not rival the Masai Mara in scale, they provide an affordable and accessible alternative for families unable to afford a long-haul African safari. And with prices starting from £450 per night, it’s a considered investment that contributes to vital conservation work.

The popularity of WMSP’s lodges has inspired a wave of similar experiences across the U.K.

Chester Zoo is preparing to launch its own luxury overnight safari experience this month. Jamie Christon, Chief Executive Officer at the zoo, said the aim was to offer a “bucket list stay” that simultaneously funds species-saving efforts both in the U.K. and overseas. “Our teams are working to secure a brighter future for highly endangered species like the eastern black rhino, giant pangolin, and mountain bongo,” he said.

Further south in Kent, Port Lympne Reserve offers guests close encounters with rare species such as gorillas and lions. Part of the Aspinall Foundation, a wildlife charity, the reserve uses profits to fund rewilding and anti-trafficking work in Africa and Asia. According to a spokesperson, “Wildlife tourism is growing rapidly. Our guests seek real connections with nature without the cost or environmental impact of long-haul flights.”

Other standout stays include Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, the home of Britain’s first safari experience outside Africa. Here, guests can lodge in a former deer keeper’s cottage overlooking zebras and giraffes. Meanwhile, Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire offers uniquely themed accommodations, including the ‘Kifaru View Lodge’, which overlooks a rhino paddock.

For many, the most unforgettable moment is waking to the sound of a lion’s roar. It’s a powerful reminder of the wild world on our doorstep, and of the importance of protecting it for future generations.