Port Lympne Safari Park is not only a tourist attraction, but above all a center for the conservation of endangered species with a fascinating history. The park was founded in the 1980s by John Aspinall, an eccentric British entrepreneur and wildlife enthusiast. Aspinall, known for his controversial personality and love of gambling, decided to use part of his fortune to create a place to protect endangered species.

Initially, Port Lympne was a private estate where Aspinall raised wild animals, including gorillas and tigers, often developing close, personal relationships with them. Over time, the site evolved into a professional conservation center, open to the public. Today, the park is managed by the Aspinall Foundation, which continues the mission of its founder.

One of Port Lympne's most important achievements is its breeding and reintroduction program for endangered species. Thanks to the foundation's efforts, more than 75 gorillas, 41 Javan gibbons, 14 Javan langurs, 125 ebony langurs, 12 European bison and eight black rhinos have been released into the wild in their natural habitats. What's more, many of these animals have lived to see their offspring in the wild, contributing to the recovery of their species' populations.

In 2022, Port Lympne reached another milestone, becoming the only zoo in Europe to be home to three species of rhinos: black, white and Indian. This remarkable achievement underscores the park's commitment to protecting these majestic yet critically endangered animals.

One of the most touching stories associated with the park is that of Babydoll, the oldest gorilla in the UK, who lived to the impressive age of 57 and died in Port Lympne in 2018. Her long life in the park is a testament to the high standard of care provided to the animals here.

Port Lympne is also a place with a rich architectural history. The centerpiece of the park is an impressive neoclassical-style mansion designed by Sir Herbert Baker for politician and diplomat Sir Philip Sassoon in the 1920s. Between the wars, the mansion hosted many notable personalities, including Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia and Charlie Chaplin. Today, the historic building serves as a luxury hotel, allowing guests to soak up the atmosphere of the former British aristocracy while enjoying the proximity of wildlife.

It is worth mentioning that Port Lympne is not a typical zoo. The park was designed with the animals' welfare in mind, offering spacious enclosures that replicate their natural habitat as much as possible. Instead of traditional cages, the animals live in carefully designed habitats, equipped with natural elements such as vegetation and furniture that provide shelter and camouflage opportunities.

The Aspinall Foundation, which manages the park, is known for its uncompromising approach to conservation. Its philosophy is based on the belief that wild animals should live in the wild, and that zoos should serve primarily as temporary refuges for endangered species, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them into the wild. This vision sets Port Lympne apart from other safari parks and zoos, making it not only a place of entertainment, but above all an important center for wildlife conservation.

The heart of the experience at Port Lympne is undoubtedly the safari, which takes visitors on a journey through different continents and ecosystems, all just an hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of London. The park is divided into two main areas: the walking section, where visitors can travel on foot or in electric golf carts, and the actual safari route, which is traversed in special open-sided trucks.

The Port Lympne Safari is not just a ride - it's a real educational adventure. During the 2.5-hour expedition called 'Ultimate Safari', experienced guides share fascinating facts about the park's inhabitants, their habits and the dangers they face in wild environments. What's more, participants have the unique opportunity to feed the giraffes and rhinos - an experience that remains long in the memory of both children and adults.

The safari route leads through a variety of thematic sections, including South American, Asian and African habitats. In each of them you can meet animals characteristic of the region. In the African section, majestic lions lounge in the sun, zebras graze in vast grasslands, and giraffes reach for acacia leaves. In the Asian zone you can admire tigers, bears and various species of monkeys. The South American section offers encounters with animals such as capybaras and tapirs.

One of the park's most unique attractions is the 'Palace of the Apes' - the Palace of the Apes, home to a large group of western lowland gorillas. Observing these intelligent animals, close in evolution to humans, is an experience both fascinating and thought-provoking about our responsibility to protect endangered species.

Port Lympne also boasts Kent County's only pair of spectacled bears. These charismatic animals, known for their distinctive bright rims around their eyes, are among the park's favorite residents among visitors. Their habitat has been carefully designed to reflect their natural habitat in the forests of South America.

For families with children, a special attraction is the Dinosaur Forest, a three-acre area where more than 100 life-size models of dinosaurs can be found. These models are not only visually impressive, but also anatomically correct, making them valuable educational tools. Walking among the prehistoric giants, children can take their imagination back millions of years and better understand the evolution of life on Earth.

The park also offers a number of interactive experiences that provide a closer look at selected species. One of these is the opportunity to feed the giraffes, where, under the supervision of caregivers, you can stand eye-to-eye with these majestic animals and give them treats right out of your hand. This is not only an exciting experience, but also an opportunity to learn about the feeding habits and behavior of these fascinating mammals.

For those who want an even deeper experience, the park offers special 'Keeper for a Day' programs, where you can participate in the daily care of selected animals under the supervision of professional keepers. This is a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the safari park's operations and better understand the challenges of protecting endangered species.

It is worth mentioning that Port Lympne places a strong emphasis on environmental education. Information boards are placed throughout the park to provide accessible information about the animals that live here, their natural habitats and the threats they face in the wild populations. Special educational events, workshops and feeding demonstrations are also regularly held to further enhance the visit.

Regardless of the season, Port Lympne offers a unique experience. In spring you can admire the newborn animals, in summer enjoy the full activity of the park's residents, in autumn admire the beautiful colors of the changing wildlife, and in winter experience a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Each season has its own unique charm and offers different perspectives on wildlife viewing.

What really sets Port Lympne apart from other safari parks in Europe is the opportunity to spend the night in close proximity to wild animals. The park offers a range of luxurious lodging options that transform an ordinary visit into an unforgettable immersive experience.

The flagship accommodation option is the Lion Lodge, a one-of-a-kind suite from whose windows you can observe the king of the animals. These luxurious lodges feature panoramic windows through which guests can view the lions from just a few meters away, safely separated by glass. In the evening, when the park is deserted and most tourists have returned home, Lion Lodge guests have a unique opportunity to observe the natural behavior of these majestic cats in peace and quiet.

An equally exciting option is Tiger Lodge - Tiger House, where you can spend the night literally eye to eye with tigers. As with the Lion Lodge, guests can observe these mighty predators from a safe distance while enjoying luxurious amenities such as a private sauna and hot tub.

For giraffe lovers, the park offers the Giraffe Lodge, consisting of luxurious safari tents situated on platforms overlooking the giraffe enclosure. Guests can watch these elegant animals during their morning feeding and even serve them treats from the terrace of their tent.

One of the most unique lodging options is the Treehouse Suites, luxurious cottages nestled high among the trees, offering panoramic views of the park and its inhabitants. Each suite features a private terrace from which you can watch the sunset over the park while listening to the sounds of wildlife.

For those who prefer more traditional accommodations, the Port Lympne Hotel offers elegant rooms in a historic mansion. This four-star boutique hotel combines the luxury of former British aristocracy with proximity to nature. Guests can enjoy elegant interiors that remember visits by the likes of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, while being just steps away from wildlife.

For families and groups looking for a more affordable option, the park also offers Pinewood Pods - cozy wooden cabins - and Bear Lodge - a tented safari overlooking the bear reserve. These options combine the adventure of glamping (luxury camping) with proximity to nature and wildlife.

All Port Lympne lodging options include exclusive access to the park outside of standard opening hours. Guests can enjoy private safari tours at dawn or dusk, when the animals are most active and the park is free of tourist crowds. This is a unique opportunity to experience the park in a way not available to day visitors.

It's worth noting that proceeds from overnight stays at Port Lympne go directly to the Aspinall Foundation's endangered species conservation efforts. By choosing to stay overnight in the park, guests not only provide an unforgettable experience, but also actively contribute to the conservation of wild animals both in the park and in their natural habitats around the world.

For those planning a longer stay, the Port Lympne area offers many additional attractions. The picturesque town of Hythe, with its medieval church and the famous Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, is just a short drive away. A little further afield are the white cliffs of Dover, historic Canterbury with its impressive cathedral, and quaint seaside towns like Folkestone and Deal.

Port Lympne is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from London or a longer stay for families with children. Combining elements of safari, luxury leisure and environmental education, the park offers an experience that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe. It's not only an opportunity to see exotic animals up close, but also a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of endangered species conservation and actively support these efforts.

Whether you choose to make a day visit or stay overnight among the wildlife, Port Lympne Safari Park offers an experience you will long remember. It's a place where adventure, education and luxury come together in a unique way, creating a space where both people and animals can thrive.