Chester Zoo’s new luxury lodges look amazing. We’re not even being paid to write this!
The Reserve is a brand-new safari-style lodge experience set to open in August 2025. The recently revealed artist’s impressions showcase an incredible African-inspired getaway, offering guests the chance to stay right next to some of the zoo’s most iconic animals. It’s safe to say we’re intrigued – here’s why this looks like an unforgettable staycation.
A Unique Wildlife Experience in the UK
There’s probably nothing quite like waking up to the sight of giraffes strolling past your window, and that’s exactly what The Reserve at Chester Zoo is promising. Unlike other UK safari lodges, such as those at West Midlands Safari Park, where cars pass through during the day, The Reserve is designed to be a more intimate and immersive experience. A number of the lodges will be positioned around a lake, while others will overlook a new savannah habitat, home to Northern giraffes. We assume that there will still be people knocking about in the day, but at night once the zoo closes it sounds like it’s all yours!
Luxury Lodges Inspired by Africa
Designed with natural and sustainable materials, the lodges aim to combine luxury with conservation. Each one is decorated with elements inspired by the landscapes where Chester Zoo is actively working to protect endangered species. At the moment there are only artists visuals available, so it’s TBC on what these actually look like, but from the website options include:
- Giraffe Lodge – Featuring a large balcony with a roll-top bath, a private garden, and even a giraffe feeding station.
- Look-Out Lodge – A tranquil retreat with the option to upgrade for a private bath on the balcony.
- Lakeside Lodge – Overlooking a bustling wildlife-filled lake, perfect for families and groups.
- Family Lodge – With adjacent bedrooms, offering the perfect balance of space, comfort, and privacy.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
A visit to The Reserve isn’t just going to be about the stunning accommodation – it also includes exclusive wildlife experiences depending on your package. Again, it’s early days but from the material we’ve seen it sounds like Chester Zoo is offering three different packages, each with varying levels of access and interaction:
- Savannah Explorer – A great introduction to the zoo, combining luxury accommodation with plenty of time to explore.
- Savannah Adventurer – Includes two exclusive out-of-hours animal experiences.
- Savannah VIP – The most immersive package, featuring special encounters and a deeper insight into the zoo’s conservation work.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
For us, one of the most compelling aspects of The Reserve is its direct contribution to Chester Zoo’s conservation projects. Revenue from bookings will help fund vital efforts, from protecting black rhinos to using AI technology to monitor giraffe populations in Uganda. Knowing that a stay here would actively support wildlife conservation makes it all the more appealing.
A Lodge Holiday with a Difference
For those who love unique lodge stays, this could be the perfect way to combine luxury with wildlife. While we haven’t stayed in a place quite like this before, we’ve seen how impressive similar experiences can be – such as the safari lodges at West Midlands Safari Park (though those have cars driving through in the daytime). We also know how incredible it is to see these animals up close, having been lucky enough to experience safaris in Africa. This could be an amazing way to introduce young children to wildlife before taking them further afield.
If you are looking for a lodge trip before these open in August, look at our write up of School Farm Holidays here – we stayed in the Owl Lodge!
How to Book
Bookings for The Reserve open at 9am on Wednesday 29 January, and with such a unique offering, demand is expected to be high. It looks like the cheapest package is about £400 a night give or take. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a special getaway, or simply someone who loves a lodge stay, this could be a one-of-a-kind experience.
We’re excited to see how it all comes together – will you be booking a stay? We’re going to have a think on it but it feels like something we’d be keen to do once the baby is a little older!
Find out more about The Reserve here: https://www.chesterzoo.org/accommodation
