What better way to begin a safari sleepover than by meeting the locals from the comfort of your own car on the four-mile drive-through safari? Home to more than 165 species, an adventurous 24 hours is on the cards before you even step put of your car. After popping to reception to collect our keys, we were handed a beautifully illustrated map showing all the animal-themed lodges and their distance from reception, along with an activity book to keep little ones entertained. You simply drop your bags at reception and the team handles everything else.
The lodge stay includes your accommodation, dinner and breakfast, two days’ entry to the park (including the safari drive), and gold wristbands that give you 20% off in the restaurants and gift shops for stocking up on souvenirs.
The 34 charming lodges, idyllically decorated, offer the perfect winter retreat. Each one features a warm and welcoming living space, an en-suite shower room, a kitchenette, a private patio, a cosy double bed, a twin room and some lodges feature a third bedroom for larger families. Choose from cheetah, elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe, tiger, white lion and, of course, lion-themed lodges.
We opted for the king of the jungle – the Lions Lodge, situated in the African Village. Even from the outside, it instantly makes you feel like you’re on a real safari, with its thatched timbered structure and tropical gardens.
Our lodge was extremely spacious and cosy, with a cute Christmas tree taking centre stage as you walk in. The backdrop of the lions’ den is visible through floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living area and the bedrooms, so you won’t miss any action. And wow… what a view. We were lucky enough to check in at feeding time, which was such a surreal experience – like enjoying a live theatre show without leaving the comfort of your own home.
The lodge features a well-stocked kitchen and dining area, along with a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, plus a third double bed upstairs. The sleek bathroom really adds to that “showering in the jungle” feeling, complete with adorable lion-themed hooks.
The attention to detail here is exceptional, no expense spared, with décor that nods to textures you would see out on a safari: think feather and straw lighting, African pottery, beaded necklaces, Aztec masks, heaters disguised as African artwork, and a great selection of animal and adventure books. Binoculars are provided too, though you won’t need them with how close you are to the action. A discreetly placed QR code in the living room window shares information about the lions, there were four male lions in the African Village, and four lodges, ours being ‘Kruger’.
The TV is your source for park information, details about the animals, and even a dining menu that tells you exactly how long to heat each dish for. Our favourite channel was the live animal cam, streaming real-time footage of other animals in the park day and night so you can keep an eye on the different lodges.
The food is freshly prepared by the chef on-site, and it’s quite the indulgent hamper experience. You select your meals before your travel date, and everything is placed in your fridge ready to heat in glass containers. Freshly baked bread is delivered to your door in the evening. Starters range from homemade soup to chicken liver parfait; mains include Moroccan lamb, Asian chicken, chickpea tagine and classic kids’ dishes; and desserts feature chocolate orange pot, banoffee cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding.
This is not a ‘ready meal’ situation – the quality is outstanding. The braised beef cheek was honestly one of the best we’ve had, easily on par with some five-star London restaurants. And best of all? No washing up – the team discreetly collects everything from outside your door.
The beds are incredibly comfortable, but save your lie-in for when you get home – you’ll want to make the most of the view before checkout at 10am, and then head to a private sea lion show for lodge guests only. It’s quite a surreal experience, sipping your morning coffee to the sound of lions roaring in the background. Talking of breakfast, it arrives as a filled hamper outside your door like magic: a salmon bagel, continental selection, savoury filled croissants, and morning OJ.
If you’re visiting at Christmas, the Santa Safari is quite something: Mrs Claus storytelling, hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, a visit to Santa in his grotto and the icing on the cake – once you meet Santa, children are led to the toy workshop to choose their own gift to take home.
In summer, the longer days are perfect for extra animal watching and making the most of the theme park rides.
West Midlands Safari Park lions lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience without needing to travel hours on a plane to get close to such incredible animals. It’s the kind of place with so many moments to capture, your phone battery won’t last long, so be sure to pack a portable charger.
Now the big question is… which lodge do we opt for next time?
Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF
