West Midlands Safari Park, situated in Worcestershire, covers more than 200 acres and provides a range of activities suitable for any weather. Visitors can enjoy a four-mile drive-through safari, interactive exhibits, exciting rides, and more than 100 animal species! One of the highlights is the Safari Lodges, offering a distinctive overnight stay that lets guests immerse themselves in nature and watch wildlife up close, something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. Therefore, I was thrilled when the team invited my family and me to experience the Lion Lodges. TIME TO EXPLORE After a soothing drive through the beautiful countryside, we finally reached our destination. The welcoming staff greeted us with cheerful smiles and took our bags as we entered the park before our 2 pm checkin to explore the spaces. The Discovery Trail is a fantastic year-round attraction showcasing a variety of animal exhibits, including the Red Panda Retreat, Penguin Cove, and Reptile World. Kids will be thrilled by the Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age exhibits featuring life-sized dinosaurs and mammoths. With daily feedings, informative talks, and the Sea Lion Show, there’s always something exciting to see. In the African Village, we enjoyed searching for the lemurs snuggled together, watching the meerkats, and wandering through the new walk-through area for close encounters with the lions. The African Walking Trail was a standout experience, where we spotted elephants, tigers, giraffes and more, before heading to the Hippo Lakes to see the playful creatures. Of course, we couldn’t resist some exhilarating rides at the Adventure Theme Park. REST YOUR HEAD I was absolutely delighted to experience our accommodation firsthand and was truly impressed by its design. This lovely single-storey lodge can comfortably accommodate up to six guests, making it an ideal choice for families or groups of friends. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm ambience filled with African-inspired décor, showcasing vibrant colours and intricate patterns. The handcrafted wooden furniture and traditional carvings brought a rustic charm, while the artwork and textiles added a lively touch to the environment. The lodge featured a cosy lounge, a spacious kitchen, a dining area, and an outdoor viewing space complete with a hanging day bed. There are two bedrooms: one with a king-sized bed and another twin room with a king-sized bunk bed. Large windows bathed the interiors in natural light and offered breathtaking views of the nearby lion pride. The bachelor group of four brothers – Havoc, Hodge, Harabi, and Hercules – was born in the park in 2019. Waking up to the sounds of these lions was such a joy, and the thrill of being so close to them was amazing. They were most active from evening until morning, running, jumping and playing around, while during the day, they could be seen lounging in the sun. FOOD FOR THOUGHT After a long day of adventure, we had definitely worked up quite an appetite. Luckily, we had chosen a delicious three-course dinner, all freshly made by the chefs and packed in glass jars, just waiting to be heated up in our lodge at our convenience. I kicked things off with a rich, spiced pumpkin velouté and a velvety roasted white onion soup topped with pumpkin seeds and coriander. Next up was a succulent chicken breast paired with herb potatoes, fresh vegetables, house dressing, and crunchy croutons. To top it all off, I indulged in whipped Chantilly cream accompanied by fresh strawberry compote and a light meringue, creating the perfect Eton mess. What could be a better way to greet the morning than with a lovely breakfast delivered right to our room the following morning? I particularly enjoyed the vegan croissant stuffed with mushrooms and mozzarella, followed by toast with jam and a refreshing glass of orange juice. ADVENTURE TIME After checking out at 10 am the next day, we headed to the Sea Lion Theatre for a special enrichment session, an exclusive treat for on-site guests. The talented trainers shared fascinating stories and insights, making the experience educational and fun. Soon, it was time to jump in the car for an exciting journey along the four-mile Safari Drive, where we could explore animals from Africa and Asia. We took our time enjoying this amazing adventure, getting up close with incredible creatures like camels, zebras, rhinos, buffalo, wild dogs, tigers, giraffes and more. A highlight was definitely hand-feeding the Eld’s deer! The team provides minibus-guided tours for those who might feel uncomfortable driving so everyone can join the fun. THE FINAL VERDICT After two thrilling days packed with adventure and unforgettable moments, it was time to pack our bags and head home. Our stay was incredible, thanks to the fantastic team, cosy accommodations, and delightful animals. As we drove off, we reminisced about all the wonderful experiences, eagerly anticipating our next visit. A PAWFECT STAY Editor Olivia Gibson reviews the Lion Lodge at West Midlands Safari Park Psst, the team offer the perfect settings for memorable weddings! Head to page 25 to read all about the picture-perfect backdrops! Book now: www.safari-lodges.co.uk/safari-park Scan to view video 30
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