In review: UK Family Safari at Port Lympne Reserve, Kent
There is something wonderfully surreal about watching giraffes, zebras and camels roaming across rolling Kent countryside before looking up and realising you can see the English Channel and even France in the distance. It's a view you certainly don't expect from a family day out in the UK.
Set within more than 600 acres near Hythe, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is home to over 900 rare and endangered animals and is part of The Aspinall Foundation's internationally recognised conservation work. Unlike a traditional zoo, the animals enjoy vast, open habitats and the whole reserve feels much more like a wildlife reserve than a collection of enclosures. It makes for a completely different experience and one that feels immersive, peaceful and incredibly special.
My family and I visited just after one of the summer's biggest heatwaves, and, strangely enough, it made the whole experience feel even more authentic. The normally lush Kent grass had turned a beautiful golden colour, giving the landscape a striking resemblance to the plains of Africa. As we headed out on safari surrounded by grazing animals, it was surprisingly easy to forget we were still in England.
One of the first things that struck us was just how good value the day felt. Your ticket includes entry to the reserve as well as a safari, which on its own would be the headline attraction at many places. Parking is also free, which is always welcome when you're travelling as a family.
Despite visiting during the school holidays, the reserve never felt overcrowded. There was a real sense of calm throughout the day. You never feel hurried from one attraction to the next, and there is something rather magical about simply wandering through the reserve at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye. Do be prepared, though. There is a lot of walking involved, with some fairly steep hills, so comfortable footwear is definitely recommended.
The safari is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit and should be booked in advance. If your budget allows, I would also wholeheartedly recommend upgrading to one of the ranger-led small group safaris. At around £30 per person, it completely transformed what was already an excellent experience into something truly unforgettable. Travelling in a smaller vehicle meant we could spend more time with the animals, ask endless questions and enjoy a much more personal experience.
Within minutes we were surrounded by camels basking in the sunshine just metres from our vehicle before heading across to see the giraffes, including an adorable calf that was only a couple of weeks old. Watching the adults lean curiously towards our jeep while the children looked on in complete amazement was one of those moments that will stay with us forever. We also spotted painted dogs, wolves, zebras, bison and several species of deer as we made our way through the reserve.
What really made the safari exceptional, however, was our ranger. His knowledge was astonishing. There genuinely wasn't a question he couldn't answer, and he shared every fact with such passion and enthusiasm that you couldn't help but become completely absorbed. He had a wonderful way with children too, making every question feel important.
Our four-year-old son is completely obsessed with wildlife. He's a huge David Attenborough fan and spends much of his free time watching nature documentaries and telling us fascinating facts about animals. Visiting Port Lympne was already a very big day in his world, but meeting the ranger took that excitement to another level. He hung on every word, fascinated not just by the animals but by the conservation work behind them. By the time we climbed out of the safari vehicle, he'd completely changed his career plans. Forget becoming David Attenborough – he now wants to work at Port Lympne when he grows up.
For families looking to make the day even more memorable, there is an impressive range of animal experiences available to book. These range from Monkey Scatter Feeding, one of the more affordable options, through to Gorilla Feeding, Black Rhino Feeding and Lion Encounters. Prices vary considerably, so there is something for most budgets. If there's a particular experience on your family's wish list, I'd recommend booking in advance, although subject to availability, some can also be added once you arrive.
One of the biggest surprises of the day was Dinosaur Forest. Hidden amongst the woodland, it's home to dozens of life-sized prehistoric dinosaurs that are brilliantly realistic and accompanied by fascinating facts along the trail. It breaks up the day perfectly and is ideal for younger dinosaur enthusiasts, with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
There are plenty of places to eat across the reserve too. Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza is perfect for families, serving pizzas, pasta and salads opposite Dinosaur Forest, while The Garden Room Restaurant offers a more leisurely sit-down lunch. Generally kids meals in the main restaurants are priced at £15 for two course, however there are also cafés serving sandwiches, jacket potatoes, pastries and lighter meals if you're after something quick. If you're planning to eat in one of the restaurants during weekends or school holidays, it's definitely worth booking ahead. You can, of course, take your own picnic, although after a few hours exploring the reserve's hills, you may slightly regret carrying it around with you all day!
If you're looking for a family day out that's educational without ever feeling like a lesson, adventurous without being overwhelming and exciting enough to inspire children long after they've gone home, Port Lympne is one of the most memorable family experiences we've had in the UK.