I’ve always been an animal lover, my early childhood memories are full of WWF folders for Christmas with badges and stickers and pictures of polar bears I begged my parents to adopt.
My brother and I never had pets as kids apart from my one true love, Floppy the lop-eared rabbit who went missing from the garden and left me heartbroken for months.
I remember watching The Really Wild Show (lol remember that?) The Natural World and Blue Planet and I was always keen to take the school stick insects home for the holidays – a true zoophilist!
So, when I was invited to Port Lympne Safari Park, Wild Animal Reserve & Hotel I was overjoyed – what could be better on a warm afternoon in July than taking a mere 5-hour drive down to Kent at 5 am to spend the afternoon and evening in the company of some of the worlds most beautiful creatures? That’s right, nothing.
My friend and I were so excited at the prospect of seeing rhinos, lions and my ultimate wishlist animal – the giraffe, we were happy to take the fairly long journey from Leeds and we arrived full of beans at 10 am sharp ready for our incredible adventure – and that it was.
Port Lympne Safari Park, located in Kent, England, is a renowned wildlife reserve and hotel that has captivated visitors since its establishment. The park’s roots trace back to the early 20th century when it was originally the estate of Sir Philip Sassoon. In 1973, the estate transformed into a safari park under the vision of Aspinall Foundation’s founders, who aimed to create a space for endangered species and conservation efforts.
Over the years, Port Lympne has expanded significantly, now spanning over 600 acres of beautiful landscape. It is home to more than 700 animals representing over 90 species, including rare and endangered creatures like the black rhino and western lowland gorilla. The park emphasizes immersive experiences, allowing guests to embark on safari tours that bring them closer to these majestic animals in their naturalistic enclosures – and that is what my friend and I were about to do! After checking in our bags at the beautiful Manor House hotel reception, we were led to a robust safari truck and whisked away on what I can only describe as a magical adventure. The park is gargantuan with rolling landscapes of grassed plains, mysterious fenced embankments and comically, a plethora of what appeared to be incredible adventure playgrounds! Of course, all would be become clear as the truck rumbled over rough pasture and we caught glimpses of striking zebra, majestic gorillas kicking back in the sunshine, handsome wolves with piercing blue eyes, their howls permeating the air and the ever regal lion pride with playful teenage cubs prowling the parameters of their huge enclosure. It is a very surreal experience as these are animals I’ve only ever seen on TV and now I’m only meters away!
The safari tour is very professional with knowledgeable staff narrating throughout the journey and plenty of stops to admire the unbelievable views! But! There was one animal I was dying to see and my dreams were about to come true as the truck trundles into the open expanse which plays home to the park’s herd (or journey) of giraffes. Our particular safari was to crescendo in the feeding of these magnificent creatures with shrubbery and foliage provided to us by the keepers. As the vehicle came to a halt we tentatively waited for a glimpse and we were not to be disappointed! Out of the trees, the family came ambling towards the truck seemingly only too aware it was time for a treat and I as I stuck my branches out of the open sides, a huge patchy head swooped down to snaffle the good – this is INCREDIBLE! We spent a good hour with the giraffes and it was one of the best hours of my life, stunning, majestic creatures with so much grace – a life changing experience for me, no exaggeration.
But the magic didn’t stop there, after the feeding session, the truck headed up the hill to an embankment lined with safari tents, one of which was to be our home for the evening. Perfectly appointed with a comfortable double bed, bathroom with running hot water and flushing loo (hoorah) and a veranda with the most breathtaking views across the grasslands where warthogs, buffalo, deer and of course, giraffes, were grazing – this is the stuff of dreams!
Our day was to finish at the beautiful firepit restaurant, exclusively used by the giraffe tent guests, this welcoming and convivial space boasts restaurant dining around a huge centre piece bbq/firepit and we were treated to succulent cuts of juicy pork and beef carved to order and accompanied by a delicious selection of salads, potatoes and vegetables. The restaurant enjoys the same views as the tents across the park and as the sun set across the valley and we sipped our last drop of wine the giraffes headed down the hill and out of sight. What a day!
Port Lympne offers various unique accommodations through its luxury lodges and glamping options and there are a wealth of experiences like our giraffe stay on offer. Visitors, like us, can enjoy an unforgettable stay surrounded by wildlife while supporting vital conservation initiatives. I would advise booking well in advance if you plan to stay at the park, but I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was one of my most memorable experiences and it will stay with me for years to come.
Today, Port Lympne continues to be a leader in wildlife preservation and education, fostering a deeper understanding of our planet’s biodiversity for generations to come. This is an incredible day out, or an even more incredible overnight stay – you simply must visit, tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD
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