Review: A Safari Minimoon in the UK at Port Lympne

Hitched Editor Zoe Burke heading to Port Lympne, a luxury wedding venue and safari park in the middle of the Kent countryside to scope out what it has to offer to nearly- and newlyweds looking for something different - either for weddings or a magical UK honeymoon experience. 

When my partner and I arrived at Port Lympne, I knew we were in for something truly special. This isn’t your usual mini-moon or wedding spot—it’s a magical blend of adventure and luxury that gives you the sensation of being whisked away to an African safari, right in the heart of Kent.

Treehouse Luxury with Breathtaking Views

Our accommodation was nothing short of amazing. Tucked up among the trees, our private treehouse-style suite boasted jaw-dropping views over the Kent countryside. Stepping onto our own terrace, it was like the entire world had melted away into a rolling landscape of wild beauty.

The suite was beautifully appointed with two spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and every modern comfort you could need, making it feel like a luxury home perched high among the branches.

There is a huge range of accommodation available, including more intimate and cosy options, but if you're travelling with a family or are having a longer stay and want self-catering space, the treehouse is perfect. 

Other accommodation at Port Lympne includes safari tents, like the Leopard Creek option pictured below, cosy wooden pods or even gorgeous cottages for a country-style escape. There's also the hotel itself, if you want more of a pampered experience rather than being at one with nature.

Whatever kind of stay you want to experience, there's something for you here! Some of the stays also include an animal experience, and the use of your own private golf buggy (which you can't deny, it's a very exciting perk!).

Drive Your Own Golf Buggy

One of the highlights of staying at Port Lympne is having your own personal golf buggy to zip around the grounds, which is available with most accommodation packages. 

There’s something wonderfully freeing about being able to explore the sprawling sanctuary at your own pace, stopping whenever we wanted to take in the sights or snap a photo. 

It will make your mini-moon feel like a real adventure, and save your legs from covering the considerable ground!

Up-Close with Giraffes and Wild Safari Views

For animal lovers, the chance to feed the giraffes is a dream come true. You can choose an animal experience as part of your stay, allowing you to make your visit even more special.

We opted for giraffes and got to hold out branches of leaves for them to eat - an absolutely amazing experience. This experience was part of an intimate safari experience around the vast grounds where we spotted zebras, rhinos, and all sorts of incredible creatures up close. 

The guide was fantastic, sharing fun facts and really making it an unforgettable experience. If it wasn’t for the crisp Kent weather, you’d feel as though you were in the savannah!

Delectable Dining at the Restaurant

After a day of exploring, we couldn’t wait to dive into the restaurant's menu, which far exceeded our expectations. From fresh, locally sourced dishes to indulgent desserts, each meal felt like a culinary treat. Dining in the glass-ceilinged restaurant as the sun set was the perfect way to unwind after our animal-filled adventures.

Why Port Lympne is Perfect for Weddings and Mini-Moons

For any couple wanting a wedding or mini-moon that’s beyond the ordinary, Port Lympne delivers. With enchanting surroundings, unique lodgings, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, it’s a place that adds a touch of magic to every moment. Whether you're celebrating with family or seeking a romantic getaway for just the two of you, this is a place where memories are made.

Port Lympne is more than a venue—it’s an experience. And if you’re dreaming of starting your new life together in a place filled with wonder and a little wildness, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. It's also one of our favourite unique UK wedding venues!

Need to Know Information

• Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent is one of the largest wild animal reserves in the UK, housing many rare and endangered species. Working in partnership with The Aspinall Foundation, a UK charity that is devoted to the conservation of endangered species, to return as many of their animals back to protected areas in the wild. The Aspinall Foundation believes, as do Port Lympne, that all animals should be returned to their natural habitat where possible.
• The accommodation collection at Port Lympne Reserve has something for everyone and all budgets from Pinewood Glamping Pods, Treehouses, Wigwams, stargazing Bubbles, ranging up to the premium Lion, Tiger, Wolf and Rhino lodges. Accommodation prices start at £139 per night up to £2350 (dependent on time of year, peak season is mid July - end of August).
• With all day visit tickets and overnight bookings guests get free seats on the Iconic Port Lympne Truck Safari which takes in the 600-acre savannah that is more Kenya than Kent, driving through Giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, camels and many more roaming free animals with stunning views of the Kent coastline.
• Guests can upgrade their animal experiences to an Ultimate, Giraffe or Rhino where they will get to handfeed the animals (can be booked online), or there are an array of add on animal scatter feeds and encounters, including Meet The Great Apes, Brown Bear Scatter Feeds and Baboon feeds, among many other options.
• All overnight guests get full free access to the wild animal park, ground and gardens, along with free entry to the sister park Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury, just a 30 minutes drive away

Find out more via Port Lympne's website.

Zoe Burke was a guest of Port Lympne and stayed overnight during July 2024.