£1,400 lodges short drive from city you need to book months ahead
The resort, made up of 51 lodges, is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK by combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo's world-renowned wildlife.
The Reserve features beautifully designed lodges, some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras and blesbok antelope roam, and others nestled beside a peaceful lake.
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The new spot will welcome its first guests on Monday, August 18. However, as Chester Zoo CEO Jamie Christon told the ECHO, if you are looking for an overnight stay here, you will need to wait months, and, on occasions, even longer for the VIP suites.
The ECHO was invited to experience the Hibiscus lodge, which includes two single beds, a double sofa bed, an outdoor bath, and a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower. It also includes the giraffe feeding experience zone.
Jamie said: 'These lodges have their own private giraffe stations. They have a huge terrace with a copper bath for everyone to enjoy, while looking at the animals. All these lodges are sold out for the rest of the year, and some even to next summer.
'In the main room, you have a large king-size sofa bed, two separate beds in a separate room and then a steam shower. All the lodges are very different with all different views. They are totally unique in the UK and totally unique for Zoos. It is something we have been thinking about for years, but now we have managed to do it.'
At the time of writing, prices to book on the website were showing at £1,488.62. This was for two people staying at the VIP giraffe lodge for a minimum of two nights.
What does the VIP package include?
Two-night lodge stay
Breakfast each morning
Arrival Drink
Three-day extended hours access to Chester Zoo
Three-course dining experience per person, per stay in the Amboseli Restaurant (excludes drinks)
Campfire Stories is an evening event set around the firepit on the lakeside terrace. You'll hear from expert conservationists from the field, plus activities to keep the children entertained. Slots are bookable on arrival.
Ranger-guided evening Heart of Africa Safari tour,
Giraffe Keeper Kitchen Experience, where you'll get hands-on with enrichment creation and learn all about giraffe care.
Giraffe Wake-up experience where you join the keepers to rouse the resident giraffe herd from their slumber, carry out morning preparations for breakfast and make their habitat ready for the day before releasing them into the morning air.
The Conservation In Action Experience, where you'll enjoy an interactive behind-the-scenes look at the vital conservation and animal care work that goes on in the zoo, including an insight into live projects happening during your stay.
Valet Parking
Jamie added: 'The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer - not just for luxury travel but for conservation. Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we've created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK.
"Guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature. But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose. Everything we do at Chester Zoo - now including The Reserve - supports conservation.
"As a not-for-profit, every single stay directly funds our groundbreaking work, here in the UK and around the world. That includes protecting black rhinos in Kenya and Rwanda, using AI to fight poaching of giant pangolins in Uganda and working with communities in Madagascar to save precious species like the golden mantella frog.
'Guests at The Reserve aren't just going to enjoy a luxury break - they're going to power our conservation movement for generations to come.
"This new venture will help strengthen the zoo's role as one of the country's most loved and most impactful conservation charities. We believe this is the future of travel, where unforgettable experiences and real conservation impact go hand in hand.'
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