The squeals started from nana , who immediately dived for the camera , followed swiftly by the smalls who , after double-checking that we wouldn ’ t actually be sleeping in the animal enclosures , were beside themselves to find out that not only would we be staying overnight in the park , but that we ’ d have free reign to explore , dinner at The Garden Room , and would also get to travel - safari style - in our very own designated golf buggy . The teen was just as delighted , especially when checking in to find a bumper hamper of Kentish goodies : Owlets juice , Kent Crisps and Fudge Kitchen salted caramel fudge all ready to be devoured .
Opened in April 2021 as the fourteenth accommodation to be offered across the 600 acres of the award-winning reserve , Leopard Creek , as its name suggests , is the closest accommodation to the park ’ s resident leopards , Milena and Sayan , in their naturalistic enclosure . Following a quick buggy ride from guest services past the red pandas and just some of the rhino here , we arrived , and were immediately in awe .
Offering stunning panoramic views right down to the Kentish coast , with resident rhinos behind , Leopard Creek offers three ways to stay . Cosy two-person cubs , stylish four-person cabins and two luxurious four-person wigwams , each featuring bespoke interiors and offering a lavish stay in the wild .
Sleeping two adults in an ample double bed and two children in a cosy loft mezzanine , our cabin was simply brilliant .
Finished to a wonderful standard , entry is either via the side cabin door , which opens into a kitchen area complete with fridge , kettle and Nespresso machine , pull out storage and access to the large bathroom featuring a walk-in rainforest shower , or via the large floor-to-ceiling doors that lead into a small lounge area with log burner , table and sofa . Framing the front of the cabin and overlooking not only the resident Amur leopards but also leading straight to the firepit , perfect for toasting the complimentary
marshmallows at the end of your fun-filled day , the doors can be thrown open for the best sunrise opportunities .
Now , frankly , I could have curled up with a cuddly leopard ( of the giftshop variety ) and stayed here all day , but following our hearty dinner , a wonderful restful night ’ s sleep to the backdrop of animal calls and after a very fulfilling breakfast back at The Garden Room ( see p92 for more about dinner ) we had another special adventure to experience …
As well as having access to your own golf buggy to navigate the park with ease , guests also have the opportunity to book a guided safari tour as well as upgrading to a host of very special animal encounters . So , we headed to guest services to meet our guide and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience : our very own giraffe encounter .
One of several up-close opportunities available that each support the much-needed conservation efforts of The Aspinall Foundation , the giraffe encounter began with our own private safari around the park , learning about the animals , their habitats , threats , conservation efforts and even the funny names that have been bestowed along the way ( buffalo named after cheese anyone ?) before we arrived at the giraffe hut .
Home to the park ’ s giraffe tower , the gentle giants are truly magnificent up close .
Here , we learned more about the fact that while a massive draw for visitors , these stunning mammals do not receive the same ( or much needed ) level of donations to support their upkeep and survival and how much more is needed to be done globally to establish rewilding programmes , breeding programmes and classify their species properly . And , in and amongst the very informative explanations and a side anecdote about why one giraffe only answers to the name Gary , we were able to meet and feed the rather beautiful Cillian - our front cover star from this issue no less ! The fun uncle of the group ( a result of crossbreeding before the subspecies was properly identified which means he can ’ t be a breeding ‘ dad ’) the towering lover of ‘ all the snacks ’ gently bowed to work his way through handful after handful of silver birch leaves taken to a combination of giggles and ‘ wows ’ and some sloberry giraffe tongue tickles direct from our palms .
Having devoured the leaves and attempting to nick the bucket too , it was time to bid a reluctant farewell , not just to Cillian and his pals , but to Leopard Creek and the park too . As staycations go , this will be one we ’ ll remember forever .
A stay at Leopard Creek starts at £ 319 . Visit www . aspinallfoundation . org / port-lympne / shortbreaks / leopard-creek or call 01303 234112 to book or for more information .
Leopard Creek Port Lympne Reserve Nr . Ashford CT21 4LR 01303 802648 stay . aspinallfoundation . org / stay
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