Families and couples will soon be able to stay the night in striking new wigwams in the heart of a Kent wild animal park.

With rhinos and leopards as their neighbours, the first guests at Port Lympne's latest accommodation will be welcomed from April next year.

In what is yet another luxury experience to be added to the park's rapidly increasing portfolio, the new attraction is to be called Leopard Creek.

The centrepiece will be two seven-metre-high wigwams - which can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Prices for the lavish stay will start from £699 per night.

Other new, and cheaper, accommodation on offer are three cabins - suitable for two adults and two children under 12 - and two huts, which will be for couples only.

Offering views across the reserve's sprawling safari park, Leopard Creek will be nestled near to a pair of critically endangered Amur leopards and white rhinos.

It is the 14th accommodation venue to be conjured up by the Aspinall-run park, near Hythe.

The recently announced Giraffe Hall already has a waiting list of more than 18,000, while the lion and tiger lodges are sold out until 2021.

Tony Kelly, managing director at the park, said: “Following the delay caused by the pandemic restrictions we are delighted to announce that we have re-commenced the build and leopard creek will now be open from the April 1, 2021.

"The design has been carefully considered to offer high-end furnishings in a stunning setting.

"Port Lympne delivers extraordinary experiences and we believe that Leopard Creek will not fall short of this promise."

Guests will have the option to book private ranger guided safaris or animal encounters.

Booking has now opened for Leopard Creek, click here for more details.

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe