Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne Reserve is a sprawling wildlife conservation park located in Kent, England, offering visitors the opportunity to experience incredible animal encounters while supporting global conservation efforts. The reserve is home to a variety of endangered species, many of which are part of breeding and reintroduction programs.

Why Visit Port Lympne Reserve

• Unique Safari Experience: Explore the African Experience, a safari-style adventure across 100 acres, where you can see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelope roaming freely in large enclosures.
• Diverse Wildlife: Encounter over 900 animals from around the world, including gorillas, tigers, lions, and endangered species like black rhinos and western lowland gorillas.
• Conservation Focus: The reserve is committed to animal conservation and rewilding, with many animals part of breeding programs aimed at increasing the population of endangered species.
• Luxury Accommodation: Stay overnight at one of the reserve’s luxury accommodations, including safari lodges and treehouses, offering an immersive wildlife experience right from your window.
• Scenic Walking Trails: Enjoy miles of scenic walking trails through beautifully landscaped grounds, taking in views of the Kent countryside, the English Channel, and, on clear days, France.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Port Lympne Reserve is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is warmer and the animals are more active. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a more intimate experience, as the park tends to be less crowded, and the animals are more likely to be out and about.

How to Get There

• By Car: Port Lympne is easily accessible by car, with ample on-site parking available. It is located near Hythe in Kent, about a 90-minute drive from London via the M20 motorway.
• By Train: The nearest train station is Westenhanger, which is approximately 3 miles from the reserve. From there, taxis are available, or you can pre-book a transfer with the reserve.
• By Bus: Local bus services operate from nearby towns like Hythe and Folkestone, connecting visitors to the reserve.
• By Bike: The reserve is accessible by bike, with designated cycle routes in the surrounding area for adventurous visitors.

Tips for Visitors

• Book in Advance: Purchase tickets online to secure your spot for the safari experience, and consider booking an overnight stay to fully immerse yourself in the reserve.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable footwear and dress in layers, as the park involves extensive walking, and the weather can vary.
• Plan for a Full Day: With so much to see, plan to spend a full day exploring the reserve. The safari alone takes around 90 minutes, and there are many other animal exhibits and walking trails to enjoy.
• Bring Binoculars: Bring binoculars for a closer view of the animals in the larger, open enclosures.
• Support Conservation: Consider donating to the reserve’s conservation efforts, or adopt an animal to contribute to the care and protection of endangered species.

A visit to Port Lympne Reserve offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure combined with the satisfaction of supporting global conservation. Whether you're exploring the safari or staying in one of the luxury accommodations, you'll leave with a deep appreciation for the animals and the reserve's dedication to their preservation.