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THE RESERVE LAUNCHED LAST WEEK AND THE ZOO'S WEBSITE EVEN CRASHED DUE TO DEMAND DIANNE BOURNE Lifestyle Editor 08:20, 04 Feb 2025Updated 08:46, 04 Feb 2025 Chester Zoo's debut of

safari lodges caused such a stir that the website crashed, and the much-desired Giraffe view rooms were snapped up for the entirety of 2025, despite some visitors balking at the prices. The

zoo's management reported that "demand far exceeded expectations" when The Reserve's new holiday lodge accommodations became available last week. The launch of the online

booking system led to an uproar among potential guests who had initially been eager to reserve one of the new lodges until they were confronted with the steep prices. For peak times in

August and September, family stays were priced over £1,000 per night for a Lakeside Lodge, and a staggering £1,300 for a Giraffe Lodge, prompting comments from many that it would be more

economical to go on an actual African safari. Nevertheless, the unique opportunity to stay at Chester Zoo has resulted in the Giraffe Lodges, which offer spectacular views of the giraffes,

selling out completely for 2025. Availability for lakeside view rooms on other sought-after dates this year is now scarce. During weekends in August, the remaining options listed on the

website are going for a hefty £2,027.36, based on a family of four staying in a lakeside lodge. This price includes the "Savannah Explorer" experience, which comes with dinner, bed

and breakfast, a special campfire stories event, and two-day "extended access" passes to the zoo. As of Monday, when the the Manchester Evening News last checked, the earliest

availability for Giraffe Lodges was starting from January 2026, with prices beginning at £841 for a mid-week stay for two adults and two children. A representative for Chester Zoo shared

their delight on Monday, revealing the overwhelming public reaction to The Reserve's introduction. They said: "The response to The Reserve has been nothing short of phenomenal, far

exceeding our expectations. We've had over 550 bookings in under a week." Interest has soared so high that it's caused some dates to be fully booked as far ahead as 2025,

with the lodge reveal momentarily overwhelming the zoo's website. They added: "The huge amount of interest has already seen some dates sell out in 2025, and the demand to get a

first glimpse of the lodges even crashed our website for a brief period." Crucially though, they stated that all proceeds would boost vital conservation efforts. They said: "Mostly

importantly though, as a wildlife conservation charity, the income generated will go on to fund our work to protect highly endangered species, both at the zoo and in Africa, long into the

future. We're absolutely thrilled by the response so far, and we're excited to start welcoming guests to The Reserve when it opens later this year." Scheduled to open its

doors in August, The Reserve at the expansive Cheshire estate will offer 51 newly constructed huts for overnight stays for the very first time, with prices "starting from £375 a night

off season based on two people staying". Upon announcing The Reserve's opening dates on its Facebook page, followers of Chester Zoo quickly flooded the comments section, many

highlighting concerns over what they deemed "ridiculous" pricing, and also the requirement for full payment at the time of booking. Reactions included Laura Kate who said:

"These prices are totally ridiculous... could go on an actual safari abroad." Mark Allman added: "£1,000 for a family on a Saturday night in August? Do I get to take home a

giraffe for that price?" Chester Zoo has defended its pricing structure, stating: "As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our

species-saving work." They added: "The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future

of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species." Article continues below The zoo also highlighted that a stay at The Reserve offers more than just accommodation, with packages including

exclusive behind-the-scenes animal experiences, breakfast, dinner, out-of-hours zoo access, two-day passes, and the opportunity to view wildlife from your lodge balcony. Guests can select

from a range of lodges, accommodating up to nine people, catering to families. The décor draws inspiration from African landscapes, and The Reserve will feature a new welcome building and

its own restaurant, The Amboseli Restaurant - a tribute to the region in Kenya where the zoo and its partners are working to protect lion populations.