
Artist’s impressions of Chester Zoo’s new overnight safari-style lodge accommodation, which opens this summer, have been revealed. Known as The Reserve at Chester Zoo, the highly-anticipated 51-lodge wildlife experience will allow visitors to stay within the zoo and wake up to the sight of animals just outside your lodge, including giraffes roaming freely across the land.
Opening in August 2025, guests can choose from a variety of different lodges at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, with some offering availability for up to nine people. A number of lodges will be located at the side of a lake while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat, home to Northern giraffes.
Described as “so much more than just a short break”, there will be a range of packages available for guests to book at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, with a stay helping to fund the zoo’s global conservation projects. Packages include exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, the chance to interact with conservation experts and special out-of-hours access to the zoo.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa where the zoo is working to help highly endangered species to thrive in the wild. In addition, the luxury resort will feature a welcome building and its very own restaurant, The Amboseli Restaurant – named in a nod to the region in Kenya where the zoo and its partners work to protect lion populations. Guests will also be able to enjoy freshly prepared food and drinks on a lakeside terrace, Tsavo Lounge.
Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “There’s nothing else quite like The Reserve at Chester Zoo in the UK. It’s so much more than just a short break – it’ll provide guests with unforgettable experiences and bring them face-to-face with extraordinary animals, all while helping to protect the wild world and fund powerful conservation action.
“Guests will be able to wake up in luxurious surroundings and enjoy sunrise views across a private savannah and the chance to view wildlife straight from their lodge balcony. They’ll have special, out-of-hours access to the zoo, the opportunity to engage in a range of behind-the-scenes and animal experiences and be able to enjoy a freshly prepared meals, before taking in conservation stories while relaxing by our fire-pit on our lakeside terrace with blankets, cushions and toasting marshmallows. It’s the ultimate African safari experience, right here in the UK.
“What’s very special about this project is that stays at The Reserve will help to fund our species-saving conservation work, both here at the zoo and over in Kenya and Uganda, where our teams are working to secure a brighter future for highly endangered species like the eastern black rhino, giant pangolin and mountain bongo. This will be a bucket list stay that also contributes to helping wildlife not only survive, but thrive.”
The development was previously approved by Chester and Cheshire West Council at a planning meeting back in 2019, however plans were delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Chester Zoo then resubmitted plans in 2022 with approval given in May 2024.
The grand opening of The Reserve at Chester Zoo is planned for August 2025 with bookings going on general sale at 9am on Wednesday 29 January. To find out more or to book your stay, head here.