Chester Zoo in Cheshire, England has released the first images of its new safari-style lodges, which open to guests on 18 August.
The 51-lodge site is called The Reserve and will provide an immersive overnight experience within the zoo, and transform it into a short-break destination.
Featuring views across The Reserve’s private savannah where giraffes and zebras roam, the new lodges were created using natural and sustainable materials. The interiors are inspired by African landscapes, a nod to the zoo‘s conservation work in Africa.
Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “There’s nothing else quite like The Reserve at Chester Zoo in the UK, and this new photography reveals just how spectacular an experience it’s set to be for our guests.
“It’s so much more than just a getaway – it’ll provide guests with unforgettable experiences and bring them face-to-face with extraordinary animals, all while helping to protect the wild world and fund powerful conservation action.”
As above, stays at The Reserve will fund Chester Zoo’s species-saving conservation work, both at the zoo and in Kenya and Uganda.
Immersive overnight stays at Chester Zoo
Additionally, visitors will enjoy “special out-of-hours zoo access, behind-the-scenes opportunities and learning experiences, as well as the chance to wake up and enjoy the sun rise across the private savannah-inspired landscape,” Christon said.
The Reserve includes a welcome building with the Amboseli Restaurant, named after the region in Kenya where the zoo and its partners work to protect lion populations. It also offers a lakeside terrace for F&B called Tsavo Lounge.
Christon previously said guests will enjoy “freshly prepared meals, before taking in conservation stories while relaxing by our fire-pit on our lakeside terrace with blankets, cushions and toasting marshmallows”.
Chester Zoo recently opened its new Heart of Africa development – the largest UK zoo habitat ever created and home to 57 African species.
Images courtesy of Chester Zoo
