Animal Encounters VIP Experience | The Reserve at Chester Zoo

Click to check availability

Or call our Reservations Team on +44 1244 561070

Click to check availability

Or call our Reservations Team on +44 1244 561070

More extraordinary experiences than you could ever imagine

Unlock the ultimate stay at The Reserve with our most immersive and experience-rich package. The Animal Encounters VIP Experience includes every unforgettable moment of the After Hours Explorer package, alongside even more exclusive opportunities to get closer to wildlife and the people who care for them.

With so much to discover, this is a multi-day adventure spanning two nights and three days, designed to fully immerse you in the world of conservation, exploration and behind-the-scenes access.

Go beyond the guest experience and step into the role of a keeper with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience in Heart of Africa. Join our expert team as you help create enrichment items before accompanying them into the habitat to deliver them, and where appropriate, will have the opportunity to take part in a feeding experience. Every session is thoughtfully adapted to ensure all guests can enjoy a safe, hands-on and memorable encounter.

Your journey continues with even more exploration across the zoo, including a Ranger-guided tour of the Islands zone, offering new perspectives, hidden details and fascinating insights into the species that call it home.

From peaceful early-morning moments to unforgettable after-hours access, this is a stay that brings you closer than ever before to the natural world.

At a glance

2-night luxury safari lodge stay with breakfast each morning
A three course dining experience on your first night
Complimentary valet parking
3-day zoo pass with early access to Heart of Africa
Behind the scenes Heart of Africa experience and guided tour of the Island zone
After Hours Explorer experiences

What's included

Valet parking and signature welcome drink

On arrival, you'll be welcomed by our valet team who will look after your luggage and bring it directly to your lodge, your car will be safely taken to our private guest parking area. Then enjoy one our signature drinks in the lounge whilst you're being checked in.

3-day zoo pass with early access

From the moment you arrive on Day 1, you'll be able to head straight into the zoo for the day via your private guest entrance into our Heart of Africa zone. Enjoy a day exploring where you'll meet some of the 500+ species we care for before heading back to The Reserve.

Explore the Heart of Africa zone of the zoo from 9am, a full hour earlier than general public access, and then access to the main zoo from 10am.

Breakfast each morning and 3-course dining experience per stay

Your stay includes a tasty breakfast each morning and a three course dining experience on your first evening at Amboseli restaurant with stunning views across the terrace toward the lake. You'll have the choice of a range of mouthwatering dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. And to make your stay super-special, why not pop a cork from the expansive range of wine and champagne or sip a local craft beer in the Tsavo Lounge to finish your evening?

Evening Ranger Activities

Each evening, our expert rangers host a relaxed programme of activities for you to enjoy at your own pace. From storytelling and creative crafts to animal talks and light-hearted quizzes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Inspired by life in the field, our storytelling sessions bring conservation to life in a warm and welcoming setting. Settle in, get comfortable, and hear fascinating insights into the animals in our care and the global work we support - while our rangers are always on hand to chat and answer your questions throughout the evening.

Heart of Africa and Hidden Savannah Tour

Enjoy the magic of the Heart of Africa zone and Hidden Savannah after hours, where you'll be taken on a expert private Ranger guided tour and take a peek into the evening activities of the resident species.

Behind the scenes experience in Heart of Africa

Go beyond the guest experience and step into the role of a keeper with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience in the Heart of Africa. Join our expert team as you help create enrichment items before accompanying them into the habitat to deliver them -and where appropriate, will have the opportunity to take part in a feeding experience. Every session is thoughtfully adapted to ensure all guests can enjoy a safe, hands-on and memorable experience.

Terms & Conditions

Guided tour of the Islands zone

Want something different?

Bed & Breakfast Stay

With our Bed & Breakfast stay, enjoy an overnight break in the heart of the zoo, complete with a delicious breakfast to set you up for the day ahead.

Find out more

After Hours Explorer Package

The After Hours Explorer package combines a luxurious overnight stay with rare access to the Heart of Africa and Hidden Savannah after the zoo has closed to the public.

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Planning a Wedding or Corporate Event?

You can include a luxury stay in any of our safari lodges as part of your bespoke package

Our experienced events team will be happy to hear from you.

Find out more

Find the perfect lodge to match any of our packages

Choose from four stylish and luxurious lodge types to add the perfect base to any of our exclusive experience packages.

Whether you prefer a larger space with stunning lake views or the ultimate luxury with giraffes a few feet away we've got something to suit every need.

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