Port Lympne Safari From London: A Real Safari-Style Day Trip in Kent

Katerina Galkina · EN · 04/10/2026

A full-day Kent escape with safari trucks, giraffes, rhinos, big cats, gardens, long paths and the feeling that you have travelled much further than two hours from London.

Read in Russian · Official Port Lympne site ↗

Best for animals, photography, families, unusual Kent day trips

Time needed 5-6 hours in the reserve; a relaxed visit is almost a full day

Car-free route train to Ashford International or Folkestone, then taxi, transfer or local bus

Book ahead entry and safari slots are easiest online in advance

Quick Cheatsheet

Where Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, near Hythe in Kent.

Main draw Safari truck ride, open reserve views, gardens and endangered animals.

Without a car Train from London, then taxi or the Stagecoach route via Sellindge.

Important Check ticket times, return transport and weather before you go.

Inside this guide

Why Port Lympne Is Worth A Full Day

Port Lympne is not a small city zoo. It is a large wildlife reserve in Kent with wide open areas, gardens, walking routes, animal habitats and safari-style experiences. The official wildlife park page describes hundreds of acres to explore, endangered animals and Kent’s giraffes, which is exactly why the day feels so different from an ordinary London escape.

The best way to enjoy it is to treat it as a proper day out. Wear comfortable shoes, leave enough time between transport connections and do not plan a packed evening back in London afterwards. The park is big, partly outdoors and much better when you are not rushing.

How To Get There From London Without A Car

The easiest car-free plan is usually a train from London to Ashford International or Folkestone , then a taxi, local bus or pre-arranged transfer. The official day-planner mentions the Stagecoach East Kent number 10 bus between Ashford and Folkestone via Sellindge, followed by a walk or short taxi journey to the reserve.

I would check the route twice: once when booking and once the day before. Weekend trains, rural buses and taxi availability can change the whole feeling of the trip.

National Rail ↗Stagecoach ↗Official day planner ↗Google Map ↗

Safari Truck, Animals And Walking Routes

The safari truck ride is the part people usually remember first: it gives you a chance to see animals across the open reserve rather than only through small enclosures. Around the park you can also build a slower walking day around gardens, animal areas, viewpoints and quiet breaks.

Port Lympne can be brilliant for photos, but it is not a controlled studio. Animals move, weather changes and the best moments often happen when you are patient rather than trying to force the perfect shot.

Good plan Arrive early, do the safari slot, then keep the rest of the day flexible.

Bring Comfortable shoes, layers, water, charged phone, and a lens/phone with some zoom.

Avoid Booking the last train too tightly after your planned finish time.

Food, Coffee And Breaks

There are food and drink options inside the reserve, but I would still check the official dining page before going, especially outside peak season. For families or longer days, bringing water and a small snack is sensible even if you plan to eat there.

If you are coming mainly for content, schedule one proper sit-down pause. Otherwise the day becomes a loop of walking, filming, checking maps and wondering why you are tired.

Official dining page ↗Tickets ↗

Staying Overnight

Port Lympne is also known for unusual overnight stays: lodges, hotel rooms and accommodation close to the reserve experience. It is much more expensive than a day trip, but if you want a birthday, family weekend or “this feels nothing like normal England” kind of stay, it is the part of Port Lympne worth researching.

Budget And Planning Notes

Prices change often, especially around weekends, holidays and special experiences. Check the official ticket page before you promise yourself a budget. Also include train fare, taxi or bus costs, food and any extras in the real total.

Check before booking: ticket type, safari slot, last entry, how you will get from the station to the reserve, and how you will get back if buses are limited.