Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Kent’s Premier Safari Park & Luxury Wildlife Hotel Experience

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve stands as one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, combining a world-class 600-acre safari park with luxury accommodation and pioneering conservation programs. Home to over 900 rare and endangered animals including the largest breeding herd of black rhinos outside Africa, African elephants, Siberian tigers, and stunning giraffe herds, this Aspinall Foundation reserve near Folkestone delivers unforgettable safari experiences across the beautiful Kent countryside. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation supporters discover close encounters with magnificent animals through guided safari truck tours, ranger-led experiences, and exclusive overnight stays in luxury lodges overlooking African and Asian animal reserves.

Africa & Asia Safari Adventures

Port Lympne’s expansive reserves recreate authentic African and Asian landscapes where endangered species roam freely across open plains, woodlands, and specially designed habitats. The reserve’s pioneering approach prioritises animal welfare through spacious enclosures, natural social groups, and species-specific enrichment programs. Visitors experience thrilling safari truck expeditions through African Experience viewing black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, explore Asian Experience discovering Indian rhinos, Amur tigers, and Mongolian wild horses, and witness successful breeding groups contributing vital genetic diversity to international conservation efforts fighting species extinction.

What to Expect at Port Lympne

Experience Kenya-style safari adventures aboard custom expedition trucks navigating dirt tracks through expansive animal reserves, bringing visitors within meters of grazing giraffes, powerful black rhinos, and majestic big cats. The reserve features elevated viewing platforms offering panoramic vistas across herds moving through grasslands, interactive keeper talks revealing fascinating animal behaviours and conservation stories, and specialised photography hides providing perfect opportunities to capture stunning wildlife images. Walking trails wind through diverse habitats from African plains to Asian forests, while seasonal events including dawn safaris and twilight tours showcase animals during their most active periods.

Safari Experiences & Animal Encounters

• Safari Truck Tours: Guided expeditions through African and Asian reserves with expert rangers sharing conservation knowledge
• Giraffe Feeding: Hand-feed gentle Rothschild’s giraffes from elevated platforms with spectacular Romney Marsh views
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Exclusive access to animal care areas, food preparation kitchens, and breeding facilities
• Big Cat Territory: Lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs in spacious naturalistic habitats with viewing galleries
• Rhino Reserve: World’s largest captive black rhino breeding program plus Indian rhinos in expansive grasslands
• Elephant Valley: African elephant herd with mud wallows, pools, and extensive roaming territory
• Gorilla Forest: Western lowland gorillas in woodland sanctuary connected to sister site Howletts Wild Animal Park
• Children’s Animal Farm: Hands-on encounters with goats, pigs, and farmyard animals perfect for younger visitors

Luxury Safari Lodges & Unique Accommodation

Port Lympne’s award-winning accommodation transforms wildlife experiences into unforgettable overnight adventures. The exclusive Giraffe Lodge features floor-to-ceiling windows where giraffes approach for morning greetings, while Bear Lodge overlooks European brown bears in forest habitat. Tiger Lodge provides panoramic views across big cat territory, and the spectacular Lion Lodge delivers unparalleled access to pride dynamics. Each luxury lodge includes boutique bedrooms, private terraces, gourmet dining experiences, and exclusive after-hours animal viewing creating magical moments unavailable to day visitors. Glamping options include African-style tented camps and Mongolian yurts offering comfortable wilderness experiences.

Conservation Mission & Educational Programs

Port Lympne operates as a vital conservation breeding center managed by The Aspinall Foundation, successfully breeding critically endangered species including black rhinos, Javan gibbons, and Mongolian wild horses for international rewilding projects. The reserve’s pioneering “back-to-the-wild” philosophy has returned captive-bred animals to protected habitats in Africa and Asia, contributing significantly to species survival. Educational programs deliver engaging learning experiences for school groups, families discover conservation challenges through interactive exhibits at the Discovery Centre, and adoption schemes allow supporters to contribute directly to animal care and habitat protection.

Complete Romney Marsh & Folkestone Experience

Explore magnificent Leeds Castle, England’s loveliest castle with gardens, maze, and family adventures just 40 minutes away. Discover sister wildlife park Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury with world-renowned gorilla breeding programs. Experience coastal charm in