Key facts
- Location
- Knowsley Safari, UK
- Price
- £600 per tent (up to four guests)
- Animals
- More than 500, including Southern white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, Andean bears and Amur tigers
- Activities
- Private guided walk, bushcraft, campfire, exclusive safari drive, Camp Knowsley programme
- Remaining dates
- August 8, 15 and 22
- Operator
- The Outdoors People
Background
Knowsley Safari's Safari Sleepover is described as a rare beast, as exciting for parents as for their children. It is part wildlife encounter, part bushcraft retreat and part luxury camping experience, offering families the chance to see the safari in a completely different light once the gates close for the day.
The adventure begins where most visitors' experiences end. As the last day guests depart, sleepover participants are treated to a private guided walk through the Foot Safari. Without the bustle of daytime crowds, the atmosphere changes entirely, with giraffes browsing quietly, meerkats remaining alert on sentry duty, and Amur tigers commanding attention in the fading evening light.
Current situation
A welcome dinner of burgers or pizzas and animal-themed doughnuts is followed by gathering around a campfire as dusk settles. Bushcraft sessions replace digital distractions as families learn practical outdoor skills, sing together and hear stories while toasting marshmallows beneath a star-filled sky.
Accommodation comes in spacious explorer-style bell tents with proper beds and home comforts. The novelty of spending the night surrounded by more than 500 animals, including Southern white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, Andean bears and Amur tigers, never quite fades. The camping is run by The Outdoors People, who provide hands-on outdoor skills training, set up fires, make hot chocolates and offer overnight support.
Morning arrives early, with breakfast around the campfire before an exclusive safari drive through the reserve before the park opens. The accompanying Camp Knowsley programme includes den building, fire-lighting, first aid demonstrations, water purification, pancake making over open flames and paracord bracelet crafting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price per tent | £600 |
| Guests per tent | Up to four |
| Remaining dates | August 8, 15, 22 |
| Animals on site | More than 500 |
| Species mentioned | Southern white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, Andean bears, Amur tigers |
Impacts
The experience is designed to encourage resilience, curiosity and confidence in the outdoors for children. The slower pace allows children to ask questions, linger longer at enclosures and engage more deeply with the wildlife around them.
At £600 per tent accommodating up to four guests, the experience sits in the premium category. The price includes exclusive wildlife encounters, accommodation, meals, guided activities and access to Camp Knowsley's full programme. Families can also make a full day of it afterwards, taking in the sealion show and the birds of prey experience.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
There are still three more dates this summer: August 8, 15 and 22. Families seeking a memorable alternative to a conventional short break may find this a thoughtfully curated experience rather than simply an overnight stay.
If the trend towards screen-free, nature-based family experiences continues, Knowsley Safari's approach could attract more visitors. However, if demand remains high, the limited number of dates may mean availability becomes scarce. The experience may also inspire other wildlife parks to offer similar overnight programmes, though this remains speculative.
Source: brentwoodlive.co.uk
