Giraffe on The African Experience
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Port Lympne Reserve

4.5
·6k reviews·Lympne, United Kingdom

A 600-acre wildlife reserve and hotel in Kent, offering unique stays next to lions and tigers, plus a safari truck experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better animal viewing

CrowdLow
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Giraffe on The African Experience

Port Lympne Reserve

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better animal viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 600-acre wildlife reserve and hotel in Kent, offering unique stays next to lions and tigers, plus a safari truck experience.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"This place is outstanding. I’d give this 6 stars out of 5 if I could."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Golf Buggy Essential

The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. :oncoming_automobile:

🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast

Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance! 🛏️

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 5,813 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lion Lodge Experience

Lion Lodge Experience

Lion Lodge accommodation

Sleep just a 'whisker away' from majestic lions in a unique lodge. An unforgettable, close-up wildlife encounter.

TikTok+1
Tiger Lodge Stay

Tiger Lodge Stay

Tiger Lodge accommodation

Wake up to the sight of tigers! This 'wild' experience offers incredible views and a thrilling overnight stay.

TikTok+1
Truck Safari Adventure

Truck Safari Adventure

Safari truck route

Explore the vast parkland and spot rhinos, giraffes, and other incredible animals from the comfort of a safari truck.

Reddit
Treehouse Retreat

Treehouse Retreat

Treehouse accommodation

Escape to the treetops in a stylish treehouse with sweeping views and self-catering facilities. Pure magic!

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Unique Stay in Advance

Unique accommodations like Lion Lodges and Treehouses book up fast! Planning your visit around these special stays offers an immersive experience, often including park entry. Check availability early, especially for weekend or holiday visits. TikTokInstagram

Embrace the Hills for the Animals

Port Lympne is set on hilly terrain, which is great for animal habitats but can be challenging for visitors. Consider renting a golf buggy if you have mobility issues or want to explore efficiently. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring/early summer
Why
Pleasant weather, active animals
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Best prices & fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The “Lion Lodge” accommodation at a wildlife park in the U.K. lived up to its name for one guest when a lion dropped by as he was enjoying an evening dip in the hot tub. Port Lympne Safari Park says the lodge offers guests a chance to be “a whisker away from our majestic lions.”
@abcnews
207.7K likes • 1.4M views

🚗 Golf Buggy Essential

The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. InstagramReddit :oncoming_automobile:

🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast

Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance! TikTokInstagram 🛏️

Spend the night next to lions at this 600-acre wildlife Reserve & Safari 🦁 📍Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent 🎥 @🐶 humphrey and theo 🐶 #traveltiktok #uniquestay #safaristay
@epic.stays
170.5K likes • 4.3M views
1 night in a Luxury Treehouse for up to four people. Access to @portlympnepark reserve on day of arrival and departure, a golf buggy, Dinner in the Garden Room Restaurant and Breakfast in Bear Lodge Restaurant. To be in with a chance of winning, follow; @portlympnepark @jakequickenden @sophie__church Like this post And tag a friend in my comments that would love a stay at Port Lympne. Clo...
jakequickenden
2.6K likes • 229.8K views

💰 Look for Discounts

Check for special offers, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. TikTokReddit :moneybag:

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy footwear is a must! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

The most incredible experience I never ever thought I would get the opportunity to do! Let alone to do for my beautiful boys 2nd birthday! He just loved every second! I’ve had my eye on going to Port Lympne Reserve for a long time & it was just amazing & so so beautiful. It’s been recommended to us so many times - so we’ve had this booked for nearly a year!! There is so much to do obviously the w...
oliviadbowen
18.9K likes • 889.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Golf Buggy Essential

The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. InstagramReddit :oncoming_automobile:

🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast

Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance! TikTokInstagram 🛏️

💰 Look for Discounts

Check for special offers, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. TikTokReddit :moneybag:

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy footwear is a must! Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The park offers stunning landscapes and incredible animal encounters. Don't forget your camera! Instagram+1 :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Port Lympne for its stunning grounds, commitment to conservation, and unique accommodation options like the Lion and Tiger Lodges. The truck safari is a highlight, offering great animal viewing. While the hilly terrain can be challenging, many find the experience well worth it, especially when opting for a special overnight stay. Some note that full-price day tickets can be steep, and animal visibility can vary due to the focus on natural habitats.

"Fabulous safari park with a lot to see in a beautiful landscape. The rooms were amazing - our treehouse wasn't in a tree, but above the treeline with grand views over the park and the the landscape beyond, all the way to the sea. The steps are steep, but once you are up there the accommodation doesn't disappoint.
The park itself has a lot to offer for all the family, with driven safari-style tours, self-drive golf buggies or walking. Staff is very friendly and helpful, and facilities of a high standard. The animals are impressive, and the conservation ethos and sheer space of the park sets it above normal zoo experiences. It's not cheap but still a great day out and highly recommended."

Tillmann Lenz

"We had the most amazing time and will definitely be back next year! The buggy and giraffe feeding is a must. Loved that we could go around the park early in the morning. We stayed in the treehouse which was up some steep stairs (as we expected) - I would recommend staying in another property if you have mobility issues :) all in all, we had a fantastic time"

Danielle Jade Harris

"I recently stayed overnight at Pinewood Lodge with my two kids (ages 5 and 8) and had such a great time! The lodge was cozy, the beds were nice and snuggly, and it was perfectly located for exploring the park.

The kids absolutely loved the primate trail and the Dinosaur Forest, and the safari ride was a big highlight — spotting rhinos, giraffes, bison and more felt like a real adventure. They also had so much fun roasting marshmallows by the fire in the evening and next morning, which made the whole experience even more special.

We really enjoyed our meal at Babydoll’s Restaurant too — great food and a lovely atmosphere to end the day. Everything was well organised, the staff were friendly and helpful, and we’ll definitely be back. A brilliant mix of wildlife, learning and fun for families!"

Mayur Rane

What People Like

Unique overnight stays
Conservation efforts
Beautiful park grounds

What People Dislike

Hilly terrain
Full price day tickets
Animal visibility varies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Port Lympne Reserve is located in Kent, England. It's accessible by car via the M20 motorway. For public transport, you can take a train to Ashford International or Folkestone Central and then a taxi to the reserve. TikTokInstagram

Port Lympne is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from London, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway. TikTokInstagram

There is a large grassed parking area available for visitors. The entrance to the park is a short walk from the parking lot. Reddit

While there are walking paths, the park is extensive and hilly. Renting a golf buggy is highly recommended for easier navigation within the reserve. InstagramReddit

Yes, Port Lympne can be enjoyed as a day trip, especially if you focus on the truck safari and key animal enclosures. However, an overnight stay offers a more immersive experience. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Day tickets typically start around £32 per person, which includes entry and the truck safari. Prices can vary, and discounts are sometimes available, especially on weekdays. TikTokInstagram

Yes, discounts are often available, particularly for weekday visits or during specific promotional periods. Checking their website or social media for offers is recommended. TikTokReddit

A standard day ticket usually includes access to the park and the truck safari experience, allowing you to see many of the animals. TikTokReddit

While it's possible to buy tickets on the day, booking in advance is recommended, especially for unique accommodations or during peak times, to guarantee entry and availability. TikTokInstagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Port Lympne website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times for your planned visit. TikTok

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, wolves, bears, and many more rare and endangered species. TikTokInstagram

Yes, a popular truck safari is included with day tickets, offering a guided tour through the park's vast enclosures to see a variety of animals. TikTokReddit

Yes, the park has play areas that are great for children to enjoy during their visit. TikTokReddit

The reserve is set on hilly terrain, which is beneficial for the animals but can be challenging for visitors. Renting a golf buggy is advised for easier exploration. InstagramReddit

Yes, Port Lympne features the UK's largest dinosaur exhibition, adding another exciting dimension to your visit. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are cafes and restaurants on-site, offering options like jacket potatoes, paninis, hot drinks, and cakes. Some accommodations also include dining experiences. InstagramReddit

Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks. There are picnic benches available in some areas of the park. Reddit

While specific menus can change, most park cafes offer a range of options that typically include vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check on the day for vegan availability. Reddit

Overnight stays often include dining options, such as breakfast at Bear Lodge Restaurant or dinner at the Garden Room Restaurant, depending on your chosen accommodation. Instagram

Yes, there is a hotel and bar area where you can enjoy drinks. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vast savannah landscapes, unique animal enclosures, and the stunning architecture of the lodges and treehouses offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

While you can't enter enclosures, the design of the park and the truck safari allow for excellent viewing and photography opportunities of animals like lions and tigers. TikTok+1

Photography is generally permitted throughout the park for personal use. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions. Instagram

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing distant animals, but a standard zoom lens will work well for closer encounters and landscape shots. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check Port Lympne's specific policy before visiting with a drone. Instagram

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