Giraffe Lodge

• Sleeps: 2 per tent
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 1 night stays only

Set among 600 acres of incredible wild animal reserve, Giraffe Lodge offers a night away from it all like no other. Ten luxurious glamping tents await, overlooking a watering hole frequented by Port Lympne’s zebra, giraffes, wildebeest and antelope. Beyond lies the glorious Kent countryside and the English Channel – and this rare view is just one of the many things that makes Giraffe Lodge so special!

The second is your beautiful glamping tent, which sits aloft on its own private wraparound deck. Fully furnished, and featuring a real bed, soft bed linen, fluffy towels and bathrobes, you can look forward to total indulgence under canvas. You can even opt for en-suite facilities – and, for a very special occasion, why not ask for a sleigh bed or four-poster bed?

Your tent is just one part of this very special experience however. Voted the UK’s Best Tourism Experience by Visit England in 2016, your visit to Giraffe Lodge also includes Port Lympne’s African Safari Experience – an exclusive opportunity to get close to some of the world’s most endangered animals and learn more about them from Port Lympne’s experienced Rangers.

This VIP safari begins with a glass of chilled bubbly, giving you a chance to meet your fellow explorers and your Ranger. You’ll then climb aboard the safari truck for an unforgettable tour of the reserve, where your Ranger will point out black rhinos, critically endangered Rothschild giraffes and many more, all the while learning more about these magnificent animals and Port Lympne’s overseas conservation work to protect them.

Once you’re back at the lodge, enjoy a well-earned tipple on your veranda as giraffes amble past and the sun sets behind the sea, and prepare for your next treat – a four-course buffet-style dinner in the Laapa Restaurant. Prepared by an expert chef on an open fire pit, the irresistible menu features home-grown and locally sourced ingredients – the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening.

Afterwards, meander back to your tent for a very special night under the stars, surrounded by the luxury of Giraffe Lodge and, just metres away, some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Come morning, you’ll wake to the sounds of the Serengeti (a change from the usual dawn chorus!), and rise rested and relaxed after yesterday’s adventures.

Your day will begin with a delicious full English breakfast, cooked for you by Port Lympne’s chef. Plan your day ahead over steaming cups of coffee; will you explore the rest of the reserve under your own steam, or perhaps head to Howletts, Port Lympne’s sister reserve? Entry to both is included in your stay at Giraffe Lodge so the choice is completely yours.

At a glance

• Unique, multi award-winning safari and dining experience at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent
• 10 luxurious glamping tents (each sleep 2 – double or twin)
• Most have en-suite facilities; upgrade with a sleigh bed or four-poster bed
• Private veranda overlooking watering hole
• Includes African Safari Experience, 4-course buffet-style dinner in Laapa Restaurant and full English breakfast
• Entry to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts included

Features

• Adults Only

More information

If you’re not quite ready to go home yet (and why would you be?), you can always extend your stay with a second night at the 4* Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. There’s also a whole host of additional activities available to book, including close encounters with the animals.

It’s easy to see why Giraffe Lodge has won so many awards – but why not experience it for yourself? Promising fine food, luxurious accommodation and an African safari in the Kent countryside, romantic retreats don’t get much better than this.

Things to note

Check-in is from 4pm at the Clubhouse, power supply within the tents is limited – check with reception regarding any requirements you have, smoking is permitted but not inside tents, the terraces or the Club House Restaurant.  Some tents have uninterrupted views of the animals and some closer to the Club House – please state any preferences at the time of enquiry and booking.