Chester Zoo Safari Lodges 2026: Everything Families Need to Know

TL;DR: The Chester Zoo lodges are open! The Reserve at Chester Zoo officially opened on 18 August 2025, with 51 safari-style lodges, savannah views, and exclusive out-of-hours zoo access. Stays start from £131pp. Book via The Reserve or grab a day ticket here.

Animal lovers, this one is for you! Chester Zoo has gone and done something truly spectacular. Forget a standard day trip, you can now wake up with giraffes grazing past your window without leaving England!

Yep, an African safari experience right here in Cheshire!

The Reserve is Chester Zoo’s brand-new luxury safari-style lodge resort, and it is very much open for bookings in 2026. It features 51 beautifully designed lodges built using natural, sustainable materials, with interiors inspired by the rich landscapes of Africa.

Some lodges overlook a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam freely. Others sit beside a peaceful private lake where native wildlife has made its home. Every stay includes exclusive perks you simply cannot get on a day ticket.

What’s included in a lodge stay?

• Out-of-hours zoo access – explore iconic habitats before the gates open and after everyone else has gone home

• Guided evening adventures using night vision goggles and infra-red torches

• Exclusive animal experience packages with behind-the-scenes access and conservation talks

• Dining at the Amboseli Restaurant, named after the Kenyan region where Chester Zoo protects lion populations

• Evening drinks at the Tsavo Lounge, with a lakeside terrace and fire pit

Every penny of profit is reinvested directly into Chester Zoo’s global conservation work, supporting projects in Kenya, Uganda, and the UK.

Are the Chester Zoo lodges open? Yes! The Reserve at Chester Zoo officially opened on 18 August 2025 and is accepting bookings now for 2026.

How much do the Chester Zoo lodges cost? Stays start from £131 per person. Prices vary depending on lodge type and experience package chosen.

What types of lodges are available? There are four lodge styles to choose from:

• Lakeside Lodge – overlooks the private lake, ideal for groups and families

• Look-Out and Giraffe Lodges – wake up with giraffes wandering past your window

• Family Lodge – two adjacent bedrooms for families wanting space and privacy

• Giraffe VIP Lodge – the most luxurious option, with a second bedroom, large furnished balcony, and an outdoor bath overlooking the giraffe paddock

How many people do the lodges sleep? Lodges accommodate between 4 and up to 12 guests, depending on the type.

Can you still visit Chester Zoo for a day out? Absolutely! Chester Zoo day tickets start from £34.21 and include full zoo access, the Heart of Africa zone, daily keeper talks, and free parking. A brilliant option if an overnight stay isn’t on the cards right now!

Whether you’re planning an unforgettable family overnight adventure or a classic day out, Chester Zoo delivers in a big way. The Reserve is one of the most exciting wildlife stays to open in the UK in years, and the best part? Your stay directly funds conservation efforts protecting some of the world’s most threatened species.

Ready to book? Head to The Reserve at Chester Zoo for lodge availability, or grab your Chester Zoo day tickets here. Either way, the animals are waiting!