Demand for Chester Zoo's new safari lodges has far exceeded expectations, with Giraffe view rooms selling out for all of 2025. The launch of online booking sparked criticism over the prices, which were deemed 'ridiculous' by some. However, the allure of staying at the zoo, with its exclusive experiences and wildlife views, has proven irresistible.
Demand for Chester Zoo's first-ever safari lodges caused the website to crash and the sought-after Giraffe view rooms sold out completely across 2025, despite complaints about the prices. Zoo officials said 'demand far exceeded expectations' after rooms at The Reserve, the new holiday lodge accommodation, went on sale last week. The launch of online booking triggered an outcry from many guests who had planned to book one of the new lodges - until they saw the prices.
Rooms on peak dates across August and September for family stays were over £1,000 a night for a Lakeside Lodge, or £1,300 for a Giraffe Lodge - leading many to comment that 'it would be cheaper going on an African safari'. But the allure of staying at Chester Zoo has seen the Giraffe Lodges, boasting stunning views of the African mammals, now entirely sold out across 2025. There is limited availability for lakeside view rooms on other popular dates this year. On weekends in August, the only rooms remaining on its site are priced at a staggering £2,027.36 based on a family of four staying in a lakeside lodge on the 'Savannah Explorer' experience which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, as well as a special campfire stories event and two-day 'extended access' passes to the zoo. When the Manchester Evening News checked the site on Monday, Giraffe Lodges were next available for bookings from January 2026, priced from £841, based on two adults and two children on a mid-week stay. A spokesperson at Chester Zoo said on Monday: 'The response to The Reserve has been nothing short of phenomenal, far exceeding our expectations. We’ve had over 550 bookings in under a week. 'The huge amount of interest has already seen some dates sell out in 2025, and the demand to get a first glimpse of the lodges even crashed our website for a brief period. 'Most importantly though, as a wildlife conservation charity, the income generated will go on to fund our work to protect highly endangered species, both at the zoo and in Africa, long into the future.' They added: “We’re absolutely thrilled by the response so far, and we’re excited to start welcoming guests to The Reserve when it opens later this year.' The Reserve will open in August with 51 newly-built huts available to book overnight stays at the sprawling Cheshire estate for the first time. Chester Zoo says that prices 'start from £375 a night off season based on two people staying'. Announcing news of The Reserve opening dates on its Facebook page, followers of Chester Zoo were soon deluging the post with comments about the 'ridiculous' prices. Many were also critical that stays have to be paid IN FULL upfront when booking. Laura Kate wrote: 'These prices are totally ridiculous... could go on an actual safari abroad.' Mark Allman said: '£1,000 for a family of a Saturday night in August? Do I get to take home a giraffe for that price?' Chester Zoo defended the pricing saying: 'As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our species-saving work. 'The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species. 'A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night. Packages include elements such as a range of exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, breakfast, dinner and out-of-hours access to the zoo, as well as two-day passes and the chance to view wildlife straight from your lodge balcony.' Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges, available for up to nine people to suit the family market. The décor is being inspired by landscapes in Africa, and The Reserve will also include a new welcome building and its very own restaurant, The Amboseli Restaurant, a nod to the region in Kenya where the zoo and its partners work to protect lion populations
CHESTERT ZOO SAFARI LODGES WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOOKINGS PRICES AFRICA
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