Did you know you can go on safari in Kent? It turns out you can, and it’s actually really, really good. Hundreds of creatures roam the grounds of this 600-acre resort, from Big Five beasts to howler monkeys and bush dogs. Outside of the main wildlife park, safaris trundle guests up the slopes of the reserve to meet giraffes, zebras, rhinos and more. And the whole thing looks out over charming countryside right down to the Kent coast.
While Port Lympne makes for a perfect day trip, an overnight stay is where the magic happens. We camped out in the brand-new Lookout Bubble – and when I say ‘camped’, I mean we slept under the stars in the most luxurious transparent dome you’ve ever seen, complete with a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, seating area, surround sound speakers and a massive, comfy bed. It’s an experience hard to top, waking up to the sounds of animals and getting to explore the reserve before it officially opens for the day (in your very own golf buggy, no less). The Lookout Bubble is right next to the lion’s den, and we were lucky enough to spend an uninterrupted half hour watching the big cats pacing the grounds before anybody else came along.
The bubble’s only downfall? Our stay took place over a warm weekend, and the trapped heat in the dome made spending time inside of it almost unbearable during the day (thank God for the spacious terrace). Conversely, temperatures dropped drastically in the dome when the sun went down, but nothing jumping into bed (or the tub) won’t sort.
But who wants to spend all day in their room anyway? Port Lympne offers an incredible line-up of experiences and animal encounters to short-stay guests, from lion feeding to AAA safaris. The safari, led by a wonderfully knowledgable and personable guide, was by far the stand-out. Wildlife aside, the place is beautiful: don’t leave without a stroll through the manicured gardens or afternoon tea in the mansion house.
