Astonishing images offer a unique glimpse into African-style safari lodges in the UK where visitors can sleep next to lions, giraffes, tigers, cheetahs and rhinos. Guests at West Midlands Safari Park can enjoy an extraordinary New Year getaway, staying in one of 34 luxury lodges and waking up just a whisker away from nine different species of animals.
Despite being just a few miles from the Black Country, visitors will feel like they’re in Kenya. The Safari Lodges first opened their doors in 2021, with eight lodges offering guests the chance to sleep surrounded by elephants and cheetahs.
Three years on, other lodges now provide spectacular overnight stays with views of giraffes, rhinos, red pandas, tigers and lions. In July, West Midlands Safari Park added another eight lodges, boasting views of hippos and African wild dogs – a first in Europe.
Read more: ITV 1% Club question that stumped everyone
Over the festive period, the park has been hosting its annual Santa Safari, promising to “transport families to the heart of the North Pole.”
The attraction also bagged Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award for the second consecutive year, placing it among the top 10 per cent of listings worldwide. Head of Marketing, Vikki Green, expressed her delight: “This is the second year running to win this accolade based on customer reviews, so it is the best endorsement we could achieve, and we are honoured to be included amongst guests’ favourite locations, once again.”
“I’m immensely proud of all the team who have helped to win this award, from our guest hosts and reception staff, to the kitchen team and housekeepers. ” “It’s a real team effort every day to ensure we’re creating an amazing and memorable experience for our guests.”
“It’s fantastic to see all the lovely feedback and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors in the future.”
The unique rhino lodges boast an open-plan living area, a hidden ‘chill out nest’ which doubles as a snug double bed, complete with a balcony offering a rare ground-level vista.
Upstairs houses two bedrooms and a bathroom, accompanied by a balcony which affords sweeping views of the rhinos and scenic park expanses. Meanwhile, the giraffe lodges provide guests with the unrivalled opportunity to meet the park’s towering 6m tall Rothschild giraffes face-to-face from an elevated balcony.
These lodges come equipped with a lounge area, a small kitchenette, and a dining space, while the washroom and two bedrooms sit on the lower floor, accommodating up to five guests. Additional lodges offer views over the cheetah and elephant areas, and there are also two charming cottages located beside the red panda habitats.