KENTSTAYCATION
SAFARI SLEEPOVERS AND A TASTE OF AFRICA AT KENT’ S WILDEST ESCAPE
GIRAFFE LODGE
AT PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
BY SAMANTHA READY
There are few places in Kent- perhaps even the UK- that can match the sense of wonder that sweeps over you at Port Lympne Reserve. More than just a wildlife park, this 600-acre expanse is a living, breathing celebration of conservation and adventure. Home to over 900 rare and endangered animals, the reserve offers a landscape of rolling savannahs, sweeping sea views and hidden woodland paths where rhinos, giraffes and antelope roam.
Over the years, Port Lympne has evolved into a destination as much about unforgettable stays as it is about the animals themselves. Its myriad of accommodations caters to every style of traveller, from cosy shepherd’ s huts tucked into quiet glades to dramatic treehouses with panoramic views, romantic bubble pods perfect for stargazing, incredible lodges with picture windows adjacent to the big cats, and grand suites in the mansion where film stars once partied. Yet, for those craving an experience that blends an authentic safari atmosphere with creature comforts, Giraffe Lodge is arguably its glamping crown jewel.
Hidden on the reserve’ s far edge, accessible only by guided ranger safari truck, Giraffe Lodge feels worlds away from everyday life. Here, under wide Kent skies, you’ ll find just a handful of luxury canvas tents set along a wooden deck overlooking the plains. Inside, the tents are more boutique suite than camping experience- king-sized beds dressed in crisp linen, simple yet elegant wooden furniture, and en suite bathrooms stocked with fluffy towels and piping hot showers. It’ s camping with a difference, set to a unique soundtrack of distant animal calls.
Our adventure began with that aforementioned afternoon transfer safari, hosted by the endlessly enthusiastic Jess. Her passion for the animals shone through every bump and bounce along the reserve’ s rugged tracks. She regaled us with stories that made the wildlife feel as individual as characters in a novel, none more memorable than the tale of Port Lympne’ s three zebras. Two, she explained, are inseparable sisters, often found grazing shoulder-to-shoulder, keeping each other company. But it’ s the third- a mischievous male named Cumin- who truly stole the show.
“ He’ s called Cumin because he’ s spicy,” Jess laughed.“ He’ s always biting the ladies and picking fights, so he’ s often kicked out to graze on his own.” Sure enough, moments later we spotted him sulking in solitude, flicking his tail with unmistakable attitude. It’ s precisely these personal tales that make the safari at Port Lympne so special; a chance to glimpse not just the animals, but their personalities, triumphs and dramas while also learning just how far reaching the conservation efforts of the Aspinall Foundation are, and why every visit here truly makes a difference.
As the sun began its descent, we arrived at Giraffe Lodge’ s restaurant, a rustic yet elegant wooden structure perched above the plains. Below, giraffes drifted in, tall and graceful, gathering to be fed just beneath the deck- a moment of pure, peaceful magic.
Dinner at Giraffe Lodge is a celebration in itself. The menu takes the form of a traditional South African braai, where fire and smoke transform simple ingredients into dishes brimming with bold flavours. We feasted on flame-grilled flatbreads, fragrant sausages, spiced chicken and a vibrant spread of lamb tagine, pilaf rice, coconut beans, red pepper hummus and flamecharred greens. Each bite tasted all the more thrilling beneath Kent’ s vast natural canopy, as thundering skies provided a once-ina-lifetime view of rolling clouds, lightning flashes and the sound of approaching rain echoing amongst distant animal calls.
Later, wrapped in the soft glow of post thunderstorm sunset, we retreated to our tent, lulled to sleep by the murmur of the wilderness- a mix of rustling leaves, quiet hoots, distant lion roars and the occasional zebra squabble.
Morning at Giraffe Lodge is no less extraordinary. Emerging onto our veranda, coffee in hand, we were greeted by giraffes ambling through the dawn light, their shadows stretching across the plains, deer frolicking by the waterhole and a rare glimpse of all three zebras together before Cumin’ s expected ostracising. The previous night’ s storm cleared to reveal unrivalled panoramic vistas as far as France bathed in early morning sunshine, proving an escape here is magical no matter the weather! Breakfast was served back at the restaurant, where neighbouring Giraffe Cottage’ s resident private chef cooked up an English breakfast with an open-fire twist, leaving a heaving buffet of fried eggs, bacon, sausage and more to be enjoyed while the giraffes made another appearance for an encore feeding- a memory that still makes me smile days later.
Giraffe Lodge at Port Lympne is more than a place to sleep, it’ s a rare chance to step out of the ordinary and into the rhythm of the wild. It’ s an experience woven with stories, sights and small moments of wonder, where luxury and adventure walk hand in hand. For couples looking for something unforgettable, Giraffe Lodge’ s tents are designed for just two- it’ s hard to imagine anywhere quite like it, and I for one am already plotting my return!
Giraffe Lodge is open from April to October with prices starting from £ 525 per night based on two people sharing, with breakfast, dinner and transfer safari included.
aspinallfoundation. org / port-lympne / short-breaks / giraffe-lodge
portlympnepark portlympne
portlympne. com www. insidekent. co. uk • 85