THE first guests have spent the night at West Midland Safari Park's brand new lodges nestled within the elephant and cheetah habitats.
The eight highly-anticipated luxury lodges have officially opened to the public and are the first overnight accommodation experience with cheetahs and elephants in the UK.
Project Manager Neil James said, “It’s been thrilling to watch this amazing project grow into something so spectacular, and to have done it with conservation at the forefront of our minds when it came to the design and build throughout, has been hugely important.
“This development will leave an incredible legacy, not only for the guests who come to stay, but also in the form of the long-lasting support it will provide our amazing animals through revenue to continue to improve their facilities here at the park.”
First-look photographs show what the cabins look like inside. The double-storey elephant lodges are authentically themed with thatched roofs, accommodating up to five people.
They have large, open-plan living spaces with lounge, dining area and kitchenette.
The spacious balcony with outdoor seating offers breath-taking views of elephants Latabe, Five and Sutton as they approach the pool in front of the lodges.
The three elephants have now moved into their brand new habitat which will enable them to enjoy their outdoor paddock for 24 hours a day.
Over in the new cheetah enclosure, the two single-storey detached lodges sleep up to six guests.
The living spaces feature large windows, spanning one side of the building and offering panoramic views of the cheetahs.
A floor-to-ceiling window offers incredible views in the bedrooms, where guests can watch big cats Azrael and Bappe run and play.
Short breaks at the new Safari Lodges include breakfast and dinner, an exclusive immersive experience with the animals, and admission to the park and its attractions.
Wristbands for the Adventure Theme Park are also included for those staying during the summer season.
Each lodge has free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine and mini bar, filled with local produce.
Chris Kelly, managing director at West Midland Safari Park, said: “It’s been a long journey, but we are absolutely delighted to have finally opened our doors and welcome guests to our Safari Lodges experience.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved, in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time, but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.
“Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable safari-stay right here in the Midlands.
"Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours.
"Being located on our reserves, guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer, making it the perfect retreat for all the family.”
The cheetah and elephant cabins form the first phase of the park’s Safari Lodges project, with more developments expected to start this spring, including a Red Panda Cottage experience, which will also be the first of its kind in the country.
Bookings for 2021 have almost sold out already, but 2022 breaks are now available to book online or by phone. Prices start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child.
For more information, visit safari-lodges.co.uk.
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