First look at The Reserve: Luxury accommodation at Chester Zoo, with conservation at its heart

The first stays at Chester Zoo’s brand-new safari-style luxury lodge accommodation and wildlife experience go on sale on 29 January, with first guests welcomed from mid-August.
Chester Zoo introduces The Reserve – a brand-new luxury wildlife short break set to become the UK’s most sought-after destination for couples and families with a passion for animals and sumptuous comfort.
Opening in August 2025, this premium getaway is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, designed to protect and celebrate the natural world.
Guests can immerse themselves in luxurious surroundings while enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes animal encounters. Each stay directly funds vital wildlife conservation projects, helping endangered species like the black rhino and giant pangolin to survive and thrive in the wild.
Safari-style luxury in the UK
The Reserve at Chester Zoo offers a unique and special blend of luxury and adventure, ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Guests can wake to stunning views of the private savannah where giraffes and other African species graze just feet away, or enjoy their morning coffee as birds glide gracefully over a wild nature lake.
With a stylish restaurant and bar serving expertly-crafted menus made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and exclusive extended access to the zoo via a private entrance, guests will be able to easily step between luxurious relaxation and exclusive animal-packed adventure.
Jamie Christon, Chief Executive Officer of Chester Zoo said of the opening: “We are incredibly excited to be launching The Reserve in summer 2025. The project not only offers unmissable curated experiences rooted in our natural world but also aligns with Chester Zoo’s conservation mission. This is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
“Nowhere else offers the public such a unique chance to get up close and personal with their favourite African wildlife, while directly contributing to essential conservation work. Plus, as a not-for-profit organisation, our guests can trust that their stay is funding on-site and international conservation efforts. The whole Chester Zoo team is looking forward to delivering guest experiences like no other, rooted in our stewardship of the natural world, and guaranteed to make many fantastic memories for all.”
To deliver this exciting project, Chester Zoo is working with TROO Hospitality, experts in luxury hospitality.
Adriaan Erasmus, General Manager of The Reserve at Chester Zoo, said, “The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a project that offers truly unique stays with a worthwhile mission at its heart. TROO Hospitality is proud to be managing the guest experience at The Reserve, and the whole team is primed to deliver unforgettable moments to wildlife lovers of all ages. The exclusive, one-off experiences offered at The Reserve are sure to prove incredibly popular from launch day onwards.”
Luxury lodges, tailored for guests
Each of the 51 contemporary luxury lodges at The Reserve is thoughtfully crafted using natural and sustainable materials, creating a one-of-a-kind safari lodge feel.
Guests can choose from Lakeside, Family, Lookout, and Giraffe Lodges, accommodating two to six people. Each lodge is beautifully designed with décor and colour palettes inspired by the rich, earthy tones of the African savannah.
Every detail is designed to bring the beauty of the wild right to guests’ doorsteps – from sunrise views over the private savannah from the privacy of a Giraffe Lodge to breathtaking sunsets over the tranquil lake from the comfort of a Lakeside Lodge.
Some lodges even have large roll-top baths on the decking, making for a truly relaxing evening after a day at the zoo.
All guests enjoy premium hospitality from start to finish, including valet parking upon arrival, complimentary welcome drinks, and two-day access to the zoo for an action-packed adventure.
Guests can enjoy exclusive dining at the Amboseli Restaurant – The Reserve’s signature onsite restaurant – and evenings are made unforgettable with cocktails in the Tsavo Lounge as well as keeper-led campfire stories under the stars.
For reservations please contact: reservations@thereservechesterzoo.com
For more information and package prices for low and mid-season , as well as higher category lodges, please contact ChesterZoo@gold79.co.uk.