I've stayed in ALL six of the UK safaris where you can sleep with lions. Here are the ones that are really worth it - and exactly what you see
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Why are the windows in our Lion Lodge at the West Midland Safari Park so grubby? We soon discover the reason when a lioness comes into view, rears up on her hindlegs and paws at the glass, leaving sandy prints behind. My husband and I love lions – and no doubt families up and down the land will feel the same way after watching the new Lion King film, Mufasa. Fittingly, growing numbers of zoos and safari parks in the UK offer the chance to stay in special accommodation within the lion enclosure itself – or at least within roaring distance. Here’s how to do it.
![[Only a pane of glass stands between our writer and the King of the Jungle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/11/93399201-14218689-image-a-12_1734866941502.jpg)
Rachel gets up close and personal with a lion at West Midlands Safari Park. Only a pane of glass stands between our writer and the King of the Jungle. The lions they prowl past Rachel's window – no more than a metre away – on their early patrol of the enclosure.
![[The lions they prowl past Rachel's window – no more than a metre away – on their early patrol of the enclosure]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/11/93399255-14218689-image-a-15_1734867047048.jpg)
We arrive just after nightfall and it’s pitch-black outside. Curling up in front of the cosy electric fire, we’re aware that, while we can’t see any lions, their eyes are very likely fixed on us. Falling asleep takes forever – we are like children waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve – too giddy with excitement about what we’ll see in the morning.
![[An Asiatic lion at London Zoo, where staying over costs from £405 per night]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/11/93399283-14218689-image-a-16_1734867154127.jpg)
As dawn breaks, we are jolted wide awake by the first guttural roar of a lion. We lie in bed and listen to their deep growls and watch as they prowl past our window – no more than a metre from our feet – on their early patrol of their enclosure. We decamp back to the living room to eat our breakfast as we watch a lion eat his. An English breakfast provided in jars to heat up in the microwave for us; a large meaty bone for him.
![[From the wrought-iron stairs, elegant windows to the outdoor, wood-heated Scandinavian bath, the lodge is sumptuous - but the lions don't notice]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/22/11/93399239-14218689-image-a-14_1734867024879.jpg)
