West Midland Safari Park's new animal-viewing lodges open to guests
The long-awaited overnight lodges at West Midland Safari Park have officially opened to the public.
The eight lodges have been integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats at the Bewdley attraction – overlooking the cheetahs and African elephants.
They have been designed to give guests an immersive overnight wildlife experience, says the park.
Six of the lodges offer the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the country, while two more lodges offer views of the park's cheetahs – also the only experience of its kind in the nation.
The double-storey elephant lodges are authentically themed with thatched roofs, accommodating up to five people. They have large, open-plan living spaces with a lounge, dining area and kitchenette. The balcony with outdoor seating offers views to watch the elephants – Latabe, Five and Sutton – as they approach the pool in front of the lodges.
The two single-storey, detached cheetah lodges can sleep up to six guests. The living spaces feature large windows spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat. A floor-to-ceiling window offers views in the bedrooms where guests can watch cheetahs Azrael and Bappe run and play.
Safari Lodge short breaks will include breakfast and dinner and admission to West Midland Safari Park and its attractions. Wristbands for the Adventure Theme Park will also be included for those staying during the summer season. Each lodge will offer free Wi-Fi, television, coffee machine and mini bar filled with local produce.
The new development forms the first phase of West Midland Safari Park’s Safari Lodges proposition – with more phases expected to start this spring, including a Red Panda Cottage experience, which will be the first of its kind.
Project manager Neil James said, “It has been thrilling to watch this amazing project grow into something so spectacular, and to have done it with conservation at the forefront of our minds when it came to the design and build throughout, has been hugely important.
“This development will leave an incredible legacy, not only for the guests who come to stay – but also in the form of the long-lasting support it will provide our amazing animals through revenue to continue to improve their facilities here at the park.”
The park’s three African elephants, Latabe, Five and seven-year-old Sutton, have now moved into their new habitat – which will enable them to enjoy their outdoor paddock for 24 hours a day, including its 450 cubic metre drinking pool.
Chris Kelly, managing director at West Midland Safari Park, added: “It’s been a long journey, but we are absolutely delighted to have finally opened our doors and welcome guests to our Safari Lodges experience.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time, but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.
“Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable Safari-stay right here in the Midlands. Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours.
"Being located on our reserves, guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer, making it the perfect retreat for all the family.”
Bookings for 2021 have almost sold out already – but 2022 breaks are now available to book online or by phone.
Prices start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child. For further information on the Safari Lodges and details on how to book, visit www.safari-lodges.co.uk.
