UK travellers are no longer willing to settle for a few nights in a B&B, but they don't have to face the hassle of flying long-haul to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime luxury break.

New to the market this August, The Reserve at Chester Zoo offers unique face-to-face interactions with safari animals in curated, natural surrounds that appeal to all the senses.

The Reserve is a wildlife lodge escape for animal-loving visitors seeking the unforgettable. Every stay includes immersive, animal-led activities in the package price and funds wildlife regeneration projects, ensuring each guest leaves with unique, cherished memories.

But best of all is the exclusivity – guests of The Reserve are granted after-hours morning zoo access via a private entrance, and sleep just steps away from animal habitats. After a day of adventure, they can drift off to sleep to the surreal background sounds of the zoo at night –a privilege that few ever experience.

Interactive and immersive breaks like those offered by The Reserve at Chester Zoo are being prioritised by UK travellers this year, with search data proving “holiday activities” and “interactive holidays” are top-of-mind when booking – the terms saw 79% UK increase and 320% global increase respectively*.  

Adventure-seeking families, couples and groups can choose from the following packages:

• Savannah Explorer – Includes exclusive out-of-hours morning Heart of Africa access, a two day zoo visitor pass plus, campfire stories, and additional “surprise and delight” activities (£25 dinner allocation per person).

• Savannah Adventurer – Includes all the benefits of Savannah Explorer plus an expert ranger-guided out-of-hours animal experience (Heart of Africa safari/giraffe keeper kitchen) and three course dining experience in the Amboseli Restaurant.

• Savannah VIP package – Includes all the benefits of Savannah Adventurer plus another two behind-the-scenes wildlife and conservation experiences (Giraffe Wake-Up Experience and The Conservation-In-Action Experience).

The Reserve ticks all the boxes with behind-the-scenes interactive adventures including:

• Campfire Stories – Each evening, Chester Zoo's expert rangers invite guests to get cosy under a blanket by the firepit for a sundowner or warming hot chocolate as they share stories from the field. Guests get the chance to pose their questions about the vital conservation work Chester Zoo carries out across Africa.

• Heart of Africa Safari – Enjoy the magic of Chester Zoo's Heart of Africa zone on an exclusive after-hours tour. With the help of a guiding ranger, guests get a secret peek into the evening activities of the resident herds. On darker nights, night vision goggles and infra-red torches are on hand, so no one misses a thing.

• Giraffe Keeper Kitchen – Learn all about giraffe care, including how meal plans are prepared, as well as seeing how target practice tools are used for training. Guests get hands on with creating an enrichment activity before seeing their creations placed in animal habitats the next morning.

• Giraffe Wake-Up – Work with Chester Zoo keepers to wake up the giraffes, prep them and their habitats for the day, and release them into the morning air. Please note, this activity is only available to those aged 12+ and spaces are limited. For those under 12, there is a 'mini keeper' experience to get involved with.

• Conservation-In-Action – For guests craving a super-exclusive peek behind the scenes, time in the “lab” offers an exciting opportunity to understand the live conservation projects, experiments and breeding work that contribute to Chester Zoo's vital wildlife preservation and regeneration. Guests on this experience will even have the chance to don lab gear and get hands-on, helping the science and vet teams with essential sample collections.

With activities dependent on animal routines and seasonality, no two stays at The Reserve will be the same.

Olivia Neville, Visitor Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo said, “We're proud to say that The Reserve at Chester Zoo offers something truly unique. With action and adventure breaks rising in popularity, we're excited to meet demand with a premium offering that's packed with memorable experiences and helps fund vital wildlife conservation work, so guests can feel good about their stay. A short break at The Reserve is a holiday you won't forget.”

Sample packages:

• Savannah Explorer – From £492.50 per night, based on 2 adults sharing a Lakeside Lodge sand staying Wednesday 17th September

• Savannah Adventurer – From £611 per night, based on 2 adults sharing a Lakeside Lodges and staying Wednesday 17th September

• Savannah VIP package - From £1,488.62 for 2 nights, based on 2 adults sharing a Giraffe VIP Lodge, Tuesday 16th-18th Dec (no availability earlier)

The Reserve at Chester Zoo is open for stays from mid-August 2025. To find out more or to book your stay, visit: www.thereservechesterzoo.com