The Reserve at Chester Zoo is gearing up for its grand opening in August. The new overnight safari-style lodge accommodation unveils itself through the artist's impressions, showcasing the highly anticipated 51-lodge wildlife experience.  

Bookings went on general sale on Wednesday, 29 January, with a range of packages available, including exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, the chance to interact with conservation experts and special out-of-hours access to the zoo.  

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, highlighted: "There's nothing else quite like The Reserve at Chester Zoo in the UK. It's so much more than just a short break – it'll provide guests with unforgettable experiences and bring them face-to-face with extraordinary animals, all while helping to protect the wild world and fund powerful conservation action".  

A stay at The Reserve will help to fund Chester Zoo's global conservation projects, as mentioned by Jamie Christon: "What's very special about this project is that stays at The Reserve will help to fund our species-saving conservation work, both here at the zoo and over in Kenya and Uganda, where our teams are working to secure a brighter future for highly endangered species like the eastern black rhino, giant pangolin and mountain bongo. This will be a bucket list stay that also contributes to helping wildlife not only survive but thrive."  

Set to open in mid-August, the lodges have been designed using natural and sustainable materials. The décor is inspired by the landscapes in Africa, where the zoo is working to help highly endangered species thrive in the wild. Visitors can choose from a variety of lodges that accommodate up to nine people. Some lodges will be located beside a lake, while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat that is home to Northern giraffes. 

"Guests will be able to wake up in luxurious surroundings and enjoy sunrise views across a private savannah and the chance to view wildlife straight from their lodge balcony. They'll have special, out-of-hours access to the zoo, the opportunity to engage in a range of behind-the-scenes and animal experiences and be able to enjoy a freshly prepared meals, before taking in conservation stories while relaxing by our fire-pit on our lakeside terrace with blankets, cushions and toasting marshmallows. It's the ultimate African safari experience, right here in the UK", stressed Jamie Christon.  

The new artist's impressions also show the luxury resort will feature a welcome building and its very own restaurant, The Amboseli Restaurant – named in a nod to the region in Kenya where the zoo and its partners work to protect lion populations. Guests will also be able to enjoy freshly prepared food and drinks on a lakeside terrace, Tsavo Lounge. 

Image credit to Chester Zoo.