A Once-in-a-Lifetime Birthday Surprise: Staying at the Lion Lodge at Port Lympne

When we started planning my mum’s 70th birthday, we knew we wanted to do something really special — something unforgettable. A spa break or a nice dinner out didn’t quite cut it. That’s when we stumbled upon the Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Safari Park — and it turned out to be one of the most magical, unique trips we’ve ever taken as a family.

Why We Chose the Lion Lodge

It was just the four of us — me, my mum, dad, and brother — and none of us had ever done anything like this before. I booked the stay back in January after spotting a 10% discount, which was a great incentive since these lodges get snapped up quickly!

Top Tip: I’d read that Lion Lodge 2 was the better option because of the view — and wow, that tip delivered. The two lions were right outside our window for most of the stay.

Arriving at Port Lympne

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt smooth and well-organised. Check-in was friendly and easy, and we started our visit with a safari truck tour around the park — a great way to get into the safari spirit before settling into the lodge.

One added bonus we loved: we had our own golf buggy for the duration of the stay, which meant we could explore the park whenever we wanted. It gave us the freedom to take our time and see so much more of the grounds — plus, it was just really fun to drive around in.

First Impressions: Pure Wow

Walking into the lodge felt like stepping into a luxury African retreat. Everything from the tasteful, high-end decor to the welcome hamper, drinks, and champagne made us feel instantly relaxed and spoiled. The living area was cosy, with big comfy furniture perfect for lion-watching (yes, really saying this while in the UK!).

Living Next Door to Lions

The biggest surprise? How close the lions were — literally on the other side of the glass. We expected a few glimpses here and there, but they were in front of our window almost the whole time. One night, we even fell asleep with them curled up outside. It was surreal, peaceful, and honestly a bit emotional.

And then there was the wood-fired outdoor bath — one of my personal highlights. We booked it for 5pm, just before sunset, and watched the lions grow more active at dusk. If you're planning to go, this is a must-do.

Eating Our Way Around the Park

We dined at several of the park’s restaurants during our stay:

• Babydoll Restaurant for lunch

• The Garden Room for a lovely birthday dinner

• Bear Lodge for a relaxed breakfast

Every meal was delicious, and we were impressed by the quality across the board.

Final Thoughts

This trip completely exceeded our expectations, Mum was absolutely blown away by the whole experience — and so were we. . I thought we’d catch a few glimpses of the lions — but instead, we had an intimate front-row seat to their world. It’s not a cheap experience, but for a special occasion, it was 100% worth it.

I’d recommend Lion Lodge to anyone celebrating a milestone or just wanting something unforgettable with family. There are other stays at Port Lympne too — like Tiger Lodge — and I’d be tempted to try those, or even explore West Midlands Safari Park for something similar in future.

This was more than a birthday getaway. It was a memory we’ll talk about forever.