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First look at luxury lodges at West Midland Safari Park as part of new redevelopment

Newly released photos how eight new luxury 'Safari Lodges' at West Midland Safari Park will look when they open later this year.

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An artist's impression of the view from the balcony of the elephant lodges at West Midland Safari Park

Work has started at the Bewdley-based attraction on the first phase of their latest development, which includes the on-site accommodation and upgraded animal facilities.

The eight exclusive lodges will be integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats, overlooking African elephants and cheetahs – and have been designed to give guests an up-close and personal overnight wildlife experience.

Lodge guests will have exclusive views of the African elephants at the Safari Park – the only experience of its kind in the UK

The first phase of the development is expected to be completed this summer.

Located in their own secluded area but immersed within the wildlife reserves, there will be six lodges offering the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the country. While two more lodges will offer views of the Safari Park's cheetahs – also the only experience of its kind in the UK.

The elephant lodges will be themed with thatched roofs and can accommodate up to six people. They will have large, open-plan living areas with a lounge and dining area, plus a downstairs bedroom, as well as a large balcony with outdoor seating. Upstairs will feature a bedroom, offering views across the new elephant habitats.

The lodges at West Midland Safari Park are expected to open in the summer
The lodges will be authentically themed, with large balconies and open-plan living areas

The two single-story, detached cheetah lodges will also sleep up to six people. The living space will have a large window, spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat. A floor-to-ceiling window offers similar views in the bedrooms.

To oversee the new development, Chris Kelly has joined West Midland Safari Park's management team, as accommodation and venues director.

Chris Kelly, accommodation and venues director, and Darren Chorley, managing director, at the development site where work has now started

He said: "I am delighted to be joining the team at West Midland Safari Park, at such an exciting time. I grew up in the Midlands and the Park has always been a favourite place to visit, since I was a youngster.

"To be operationally delivering the new wildlife development project and lodges, is such a fantastic opportunity for me and something I am already very passionate about.”

He added: “This amazing project will grow into something spectacular over the next four to five years, but to start with we are focussing on the elephants and cheetahs.

"Not only will the new lodges offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite overnight for the first time, they also allow us to create upgraded, stimulating and enriching environments for the animals.

“Conservation is at the forefront of our minds when designing and building the lodges, so as part of this project, our net biodiversity gain will increase by 30 per cent, creating more habitats such as woodlands and wildflower meadows, encouraging native wildlife. Revenue from the lodges will support improving the facilities for more of the Park’s amazing animals, as we work towards the next phases of development.”

Safari Lodges short breaks will include meals prepared by the head chef, exclusive views of the animals and admission to the Safari Park.

To sign up for news, development updates and booking information, visit www.safari-lodges.co.uk.

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