A dining experience with a difference will be unveiled at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park this week.

The African-themed Laapa restaurant, normally only used by visitors staying overnight at the park’s Livingstone Lodge, is opening its doors to the public.

The restaurant is certainly like no other in the county – the meet and greet, for example, is with one of Port Lympne’s rangers, who will escort diners to the restaurant after a unique night safari.

At the Laapa, diners will be treated to either a glass of Amarula (a famous African cream liqueur), bubbly or fruit juice and can relax by the log burning stove while they enjoy the spectacular nighttime views from the restaurant, set on a hillside overlooking the safari and offering stunning views of the Kent coastline.

There will also be the chance to chat with the rangers, while watching the chef as he prepares the five-course all-you-can-eat African-themed buffet.

Port Lympne’s Gary Gould said: “We are extremely excited to open our restaurant at Livingstone Lodge for the very first time as exclusive dining nights.

"Dining at our multi-award-winning lodge is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

“Where else in Kent or even the UK can you have a meal overlooking a 100-acre safari to the call of African wildlife, the great company of one of our rangers and mouth-watering food.

“A meal at Livingstone Lodge is the perfect fusion of fine dining and an African safari like no other.”

The first African-themed buffet at Port Lympne is on the evening of Saturday, February 1; they then take place on Friday, February 7; Friday, February 14; Saturday, February 15; Saturday, February 22; Saturday, March 1; Saturday, March 8; Saturday, March 15; and Saturday, March 22.

Tickets are £65 per adult and £45 per child. Each event has a capacity of 20 people, so booking is essential.

Call 0844 855 0274 or visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/restaurant