Africa Alive Zoo Reserve

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Whether you're a local or you're holidaying in this beautiful part of the country, you'll no doubt be looking for things to do in Suffolk at some point, and we think the Africa Alive Zoo is about to jump to the top of your days out in Suffolk list. 

What is the Africa Alive Zoological Reserve?

Set your sights on some of Africa’s most iconic animals, whilst learning more about their natural instincts, habitats and conservation.

Set in 100 acres of glorious countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is a national conservation hub committed to preserving wild futures, engaging the public, sustaining our environment, and ultimately inspiring the next generation of leaders within conservation.

With thousands of animals from around the world, set in over 100 acres of stunning countryside, we’re keeping Africa alive right here in Suffolk.

What's there to do at Africa Alive Zoo in Suffolk?

  • The spectacular centrepiece of the reserve is the ‘Plains of Africa’ display where you can see five species of African savanna animals roaming together, including giraffes, rhinos and zebras
  • Head to their Discovery Centre to join regular animal handling sessions for a chance to get hands on with some of the smaller animals
  • Farmyard Corner to meet some of the kids' favourites
  • Hog Snorts! An interactive habitat for Red River Hogs and some Sitatunga antelope. For any muggles out there, the name of the enclosure is a play on the name 'Hogwarts', the school from Harry Potter
  • Watch lions from the safety of a lookout lodge at the Kingdom of the Lion
  • Walk through an enclosure of Madagascan primates at Lemur Encounters
  • The reserve also offers a great outdoor play area to help burn off any of the kids' excess energy!
Whites Ln,
Kessingland,
Lowestoft NR33 7TF NR33 7TF
Show on Google Maps

How to get there

By car:

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is signposted off the A146 and A12. Follow the brown tourist signs to find us.

Drive Times
Bury St Edmunds – 1hr 20mins | Ipswich – 1hr 2mins | Great Yarmouth – 30mins | Norwich – 50mins

By train:

The nearest train stations to Africa Alive Zoological Reserve are Beccles and Lowestoft. Taxi/Bus transport will be required on arrival to these stations to reach the reserve.

By bus:

First Eastern Counties 99 service to Kessingland is available from Lowestoft. There is a 5 min walk from the bus station to the zoo entrance.

Anglian Bus' 7, 61 and 61a services visit Kessingland every 20 minutes on their routes to and from Southwold, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Norwich. There is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop to the zoo entrance.

Border Bus' 146 service visits Kessingland from Lowestoft and Norwich. There is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop to the zoo entrance.

  • Toilets & disabled toilets - Toilet facilities are located adjacent to Bongo Bites and near the aardvark enclosure. These are marked on the map given out on entry. All toilet facilities have independent disabled toilets
  • Food & drink - there's The Glade with the kids' favourites like burgers, hotdogs, nuggets, veggie options and freshly cooked meals and drinks, the Keeper's Hut serves up delicious pizzas and a few Africa Alive Snack Shacks dotted around the zoo where you can buy hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams
  • Picnic benches
  • Wheelchair loan - Free manual wheelchairs are available to guests. These are in limited supply so are offered on a first come, first served basis. We recommend reserving these in advance with their admissions team on 01502 740291 prior to your visit to ensure availability
  • Mobility scooters - Disabled visitors can hire a mobility scooter for £10 per day. We recommend reserving these in advance with their admissions team on 01502 740291 prior to your visit to ensure availability
  • Pushchair hire - The Reserve is pushchair friendly. Pushchairs are available to hire for children aged 1-6 at the main entrance. £10 for a single or double pushchair for the day. We recommend reserving these in advance with their admissions team on 01502 740291 prior to your visit to ensure availability
  • Baby changing facilities - There are facilities for baby changing and feeding – they are adjacent to Bongo Bites. Baby changing facilities are also provided in Ladies and Gents toilets within the Reserve. Baby bottle and food heating is available at restaurants and snack shacks
  • First aid - First Aid trained staff are always present on site. There is a designated first aid room fully equipped to deal with slips, trips and scrapes. There is a defibrillator located on site

Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with pathed surfaces and ramps where appropriate

The lower end of the reserve is set in marshland with uneven paths. Assistance is advised in this area. 

Access to some display areas and animal enclosures is across grass, including the Arena and approaches to some picnic areas.

The Safari Roadtrain is not adapted for wheelchair use. However, staff will assist visitors where possible to board and disembark from the train.

There is plenty of seating around the site.

Only assistance dogs are permitted to enter Africa Alive Zoological Reserve. If you are bringing an assistance dog to Africa Alive, please contact them at least 48 hours before your intended visit at [email protected] or call 01953 887771 extension 260.

All children under 16 years of age must always accompanied by a responsible adult whilst in the reserve. 

Due to the nature of the reserve, visitors are asked not to bring in any scooters, roller skates, roller shoes, or balls.

The use of drones is strictly prohibited for the safety of both the animals and guests.

Africa Alive is a smoke-free and vaping-free zone. If you wish to smoke or vape, please do so outside of the park premises. Re-admittance is permitted.

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