Port Lympne Safari Park, typically renowned as a summer hotspot teeming with African wildlife, has undergone a magical transformation, embracing the winter season with a dazzling festive makeover. Imagine strolling through lines of trees, adorned with enchanting fairy lights, the air filled with whimsical music, a cup of Bailey’s hot chocolate warming your hands – a truly Christmassy experience, unexpectedly found in the heart of a safari park.
This year marks the first time that the 600-acre wildlife park in Hythe has fully embraced the winter spirit. The park has been spectacularly illuminated, showcasing stunning light displays that captivate visitors after dark. The festive light trail is a highlight, featuring various art installations and a vibrant fairy disco, complete with a fairy DJ named Pixie Light spinning the tunes.
While the illuminated trail features holographic tigers and illuminated giraffes, the real animal encounters are equally rewarding. A visit during the day offers the chance to witness and even interact with the park’s diverse animal population, including the opportunity to feed the giraffes.
Gary, one of Port Lympne’s most beloved giraffes, is known for his enthusiastic appetite. His long tongue eagerly reaches for the leaves offered from the provided bucket, creating a hilariously adorable moment. The sheer size of these magnificent creatures is truly awe-inspiring when experienced up close.
The overnight stay in a Cub cabin at Leopard Creek promises encounters with leopards and rhinos, however, sometimes the animals remain elusive. Nevertheless, the luxurious accommodation more than compensates for the absence of those particular sightings.
The Cub cabin offers a cosy retreat with a warm log fire, a sumptuous king-sized bed, and a bottle of bubbly chilling in the fridge – the perfect setting for a romantic winter’s evening.
A unique perk of staying at Leopard Creek is the inclusion of a self-driving buggy. This allows guests to embark on a private safari before the park opens to day visitors. Navigating the park in the buggy is an enjoyable experience, providing ample opportunities to spot a variety of animals.
Watching the gorillas enjoy their breakfast while indulging in avocado on toast at The Garden Room is a memorable experience. The sight of these massive apes munching on long branches is captivating, and observing them for hours is easily done.
For primate enthusiasts, winter presents an excellent opportunity to visit, as numerous monkey species can be observed throughout the park. The rhino eventually made an appearance during its breakfast, and a stunning pride of lions was also spotted.
A return visit during the summer months is highly anticipated, promising a different perspective of Port Lympne in its full summer glory.
Accommodation and Ticketing Information
- Port Lympne Illuminated: For tickets, visit portlympneilluminated.com.
- Overnight Stays: Visit portlympne.com for overnight stay options. Prices start from £165 per night.
Experiences at Port Lympne
Port Lympne offers a range of unique experiences beyond the traditional safari park visit:
- Luxury Accommodation: Options range from cosy cabins to luxurious lodges, many offering unique views and amenities. The Leopard Creek Cub, with its log fire and king-sized bed, is a perfect example of the indulgent stays available.
- Animal Encounters: Opportunities to get up close and personal with animals, such as feeding the giraffes, create lasting memories. Guided tours and animal talks provide further insight into the park’s conservation efforts.
- Dining Options: From casual cafes to more formal restaurants like The Garden Room, a variety of dining choices cater to different tastes. Enjoying a meal while observing the gorillas is a particularly special experience.
- Conservation Focus: Port Lympne is actively involved in wildlife conservation, and visitors contribute to these efforts through their admission fees and patronage. Learning about the park’s conservation work adds another layer to the visit.
- Festive Events: The illuminated trail is just one example of the special events hosted throughout the year. Check the park’s website for details on upcoming events and seasonal offerings.
