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Sleep With Live Tigers at England’s One-of-a-kind Tiger Lodge

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As a general rule, most men shy away from sleeping among live tigers. But, one boutique hotel in the United Kingdom provides a surprising — and bucket list-worthy twist — on the otherwise dangerous concept and manages to do a lot of good for wildlife conservation in the process.

The aptly named Tiger Lodge is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel situated on the Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, England. The lodge is embedded inside a live tiger den with large, panoramic windows through which hotel guests can survey the wild cat’s daily goings-on. Just to be clear: sleeping guests can literally crash within feet of one of the world’s most fearsome apex predators. The exclusive two-bedroom space is available to just four guests at a time. However, the purpose-built lodge is kitted out with a beautiful rustic decor, plus luxury amenities like a log-burning fireplace, a reading library, a 4K TV, and a unique raw-wood-and-tile bathroom with Bamford toiletries. A private balcony (not inside the tiger’s den, incidentally) affords views that stretch more than 30 miles across the reserve, all the way to the English Channel.

Tiger Lodge Living Area
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Port Lympne Reserve is a first-class wildlife reserve in one of England’s most beautiful regions. More than 700 animals from 88 species call the massive property home. It’s a full-service property that offers photography walks, Segway tours, fishing expeditions, and hot air balloon rides, plus all-day restaurants cafes, and bars. Overnight guests are afforded additional VIP access that includes after-hours tours before the park opens in the morning and after it closes each evening. A golf cart is also provided to Lodge guests, as are night-vision binoculars for after-dark safaris.

Tiger Lodge: Sleep Within a Whisker of TIgers

On paper, the park might boast an “amusement park/zoo/safari” vibe, but there’s a lot of good going on behind the scenes. The Port Lympne reserve is part of The Aspinall Foundation — a well-respected international conservation charity that has worked since 1984 to save endangered species in the United Kingdom and abroad. They’re especially well-renowned for their work in releasing captive and bred animals into safe wilderness preserves throughout the world.

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This bucket list-worthy experience doesn’t come cheap. Low season rates start at £375 (approximately $500 USD) nightly, while peak season runs up to £800 (more than $1,000 USD) per night. If it helps ease the financial pain, though, know that all profits at Port Lympne Reserve help spare rare wildlife species around the world.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
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