West Midlands Safari Park Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
If you’re thinking about booking a stay at one of the Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park, there are a few things I wish I’d known before we visited. From getting the best value for your money to making the most of your stay, these tips will help you plan an unforgettable trip!
1. Book as Soon as Dates Are Released
The Safari Lodges are incredibly popular, especially during weekends and school holidays. If you already know when you’d like to visit, book as early as possible for the best choice of lodges and dates.
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure your preferred lodge and avoid disappointment.
2. Travel Midweek If You Can
If your schedule allows, consider booking a midweek stay rather than a Friday or Saturday night.
Not only can prices sometimes be lower but the park is often quieter too, making the whole experience feel even more relaxed. Remember though – the further into summer term you are the more school trips may be there too!
3. Sign Up for Marketing Emails
Before booking, sign up to West Midlands Safari Park’s email newsletter.
Many promotions and limited time offers are shared with subscribers first, so it’s one of the easiest ways to keep an eye on discounts throughout the year.
4. Keep an Eye on Black Friday Deals
If your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth waiting to see if Black Friday offers are released. These tend to come out around Christmas time.
In previous years, the park has offered seasonal promotions so planning ahead could save you money.
5. Check for Family Promotions
From time to time, West Midlands Safari Park runs family offers including Kids Stay Free promotions.
These aren’t available all year round but they’re definitely worth looking out for if you’re travelling with children.
6. Annual Pass Holders Could Save
If you’re already an Annual Pass holder or you’re considering becoming one before your stay, it’s worth checking whether any accommodation discounts are available.
7. Arrive Early on Check In Day
One of the best tips I can give is to arrive early as you have access to the park on both days – so make the most of it!
Although you won’t be able to check into your lodge straight away, (check in is 2pm), you can make the most of your park admission before check in opens. This includes both animal viewings and rides – although you may save some of the animal viewings for later when the park closes.
This gives you almost a full extra day to enjoy the safari, theme park and attractions without feeling rushed.
Something you could experience at the park this time which I have never advertised before, is feed the giraffes for just £5! This takes place at 11am and 14:30 so plan your days around this if it is something you’d like to do!
8. Get Up Early the Next Morning
Our best wildlife moments happened first thing in the morning – or at least with the wild cats!
The park is quieter, there are fewer people around and the animals often seem much more active than later in the day. It felt so special to see the animals as the sun was rising (yes – we were up THAT early!)
If you’re hoping for memorable animal encounters, setting an early alarm is absolutely worth it – that’s if they don’t wake you up first!
9. Do the Safari Drive First Thing
If you’re staying overnight, I’d recommend driving through the safari as soon as it opens the following morning. The traffic round the drive can build up so being at the front of it all can definitely help. This does mean missing the exclusive sea lion show for guests – but there’s showings later throughout the day and I think it is worth actually watching one of these instead.
There’s also usually fewer cars and you’ll often have a better view of the animals before the busiest part of the day.
10. Remember the Animals Are Wild
One thing that’s important to know before booking is that there are never any guarantees when it comes to wildlife.
The animals aren’t there purely for guests staying in the lodges – they’re free to roam their habitats as they choose.
Some people might see them several times throughout their stay, while others may have fewer close encounters. This is exactly how it is in the wild too.
If the weather is hot, when it cools during the evening and first thing in the morning are the best times.
For us, that unpredictability actually made every sighting feel even more special. It is an authentic experience as you can get in the UK!
11. Pack for the Experience, Not Just the Weather
A few small items made a big difference during our stay.
I’d recommend packing:
- Binoculars for spotting animals from further away.
- A good camera if you enjoy photography.
- A portable charger for your phone.
- Warm layers, even during spring and summer mornings.
- Swimwear and flip flops if you’re staying in a hot tub lodge.
- Extra snacks and bits to save money round the park!
12. Don't Underestimate the Food
I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much when I realised it was essentially a microwaveable meal but the meals included with our stay were genuinely delicious!
Dinner and breakfast are delivered to your lodge, making everything incredibly easy (especially if you’re travelling with children) and the fresh bread delivery in the evening is a lovely extra touch. There’s plenty on offer and you pre order before you go and your evening meals are ready and waiting for you when you arrive!
13. Make the Most of the Exclusive Guest Access
One of the biggest perks of staying overnight is having access to areas of the park outside normal opening hours.
Without the daytime crowds, the atmosphere feels completely different and it’s one of the most peaceful parts of the whole experience.
If you’re staying overnight, don’t spend the entire evening inside your lodge – take advantage of these exclusive moments.
14. Choose the Lodge That Suits Your Family
Every Safari Lodge offers something slightly different.
If you’re travelling with younger children, you may prefer larger animals such as giraffes or elephants, which are often easier for little ones to spot.
Older children (and adults!) may love the excitement of the lion or tiger lodges (and who doesn’t love a hot tub?!)
Think about which animals your family is most excited to see (and which ones may be more visible for little ones) before making your choice.
15. You're Paying for an Experience - Not Just a Room
At first glance, the Safari Lodges are undoubtedly a luxury purchase.
Once you consider everything that’s included – overnight accommodation, park admission, safari access, food, exclusive experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters it becomes much more than simply booking a hotel.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a family adventure or simply looking for a unique UK staycation, the Safari Lodges at West Midlands Safari Park offer an experience that’s unlike anywhere else!
A little planning goes a long way. Booking early, choosing the right lodge for your family, arriving before check in and making the most of the exclusive guest access can really enhance your stay. And remember… because the animals are free to roam, every visit is completely different – that’s all part of the magic.
I hope these tips help you plan an unforgettable trip and avoid some of the questions I had before we visited!
If you’re still deciding whether a Safari Lodge is right for you, you might also enjoy reading my full review of our stay a the tiger lodge here, I share absolutely everything here including what to expect and whether I think it’s worth the price…