IT’S LUNCHTIME on Saturday and we’re in the back of a khaki Land Rover, roof down with the afternoon sun in a cloudless sky providing the perfect backdrop. We’ve stopped rocking from side to side, having ground to a halt next to the lowland gorillas, completely unperturbed by our presence, staring back at us. We should be paying attention to our guide, Chris, but we can’t stop staring at the magnificent primates.
A Rhino at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
It feels as if we‘re in the bush on an African safari, but we’re actually near the Kent coast in the South East of England, about an hour and a half drive from London. We’re staying at the Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve (pronounced Port Lym), a conservation area spanning 600 acres and home to over 750 animals of 90 different species. It’s a safe haven for endangered breads of animals, including Rothschild giraffes, spectacled bears and black rhino, as well big cats – lions, tigers and leopards – and a host of primates.
A Debrazza monkey at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Western lowland gorillas at Port Lympne Reserve
Port Lympne, together with Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, is part of the Aspinall Foundation, whose aim is to prevent the extinction of endangered species with captive breeding programmes that result in returning animals to their natural habitat. The reserve was established in 1976 by John Aspinall in the grounds of Port Lympne manor house, which has recently been converted to a hotel by the younger generation of Aspinalls. Port Lympne offers a range of accommodations, from extensive glamping facilities, to rooms and suites in the glamorous manor house and luxurious lodges spread across the estate.
Babydolls Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
We’re staying in one of the recently constructed treehouse suite lodges, set high amongst the foliage. Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide a perfect view across the sprawling estate, and the open-plan seating area and marble-enhanced kitchen are the ideal retreat after a day of animal encounters. Our favourite spot in the evening is sitting on the expansive wooden deck, where we enjoy toasted marshmallows with ice-cold sundowners, while watching the orange sun slowly disappear into the horizon. It feels like we are on an African mini-safari.
Treehouse Hotel at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Zebra at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve
Despite the fully equipped kitchen, we decide to dine at one of the resort’s on-site restaurants. Jumping into our golf buggy, we zip across the estate, heading past the wolves, rhinos and the over-excited howler monkeys, which haven’t yet settled down for the evening. We head to Babydoll’s restaurant, renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, named after Aspinall’s much-loved gorilla, who passed away in 2018 at the remarkable age of 57 years.
The four-star Port Lympne Hotel
After dinner, we head back on our golf buggy to the treehouse lodge, hoping that our headlights would uncover some night-time animal activity, but the peaceful silence is evidence that they are all asleep. We rise early in the morning to experience the unique solitude amongst the awakening wildlife – a unique privilege before the reserve opens up to its daytime visitors.
by Amanda Bernstein
Treehouse Suites at Port Lympne range from £409 – £859 per night and sleep up to four people. Price includes the use of a golf buggy for the duration of the stay and entrance into sister park Howletts.
For more information and to make a booking, please visit this link