Choosing the right Beekse Bergen lodges for you and the fam can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a map trying to work out which one gives you the best views.
What Makes Safari Resort Different from Lake Resort?
The Safari Resort puts you right next to the animals.
You’ll wake to the roar of lions and watch zebra graze while you’re still in your pyjamas. The Lake option offers a quieter experience around beautiful Lake Victoria, perfect if you want swimming and watersports over wildlife viewing.
Safari Resort has options ranging from luxury 6-person units to massive group choices sleeping 14. Every booking includes an Attraction Pass with access during your overnight stay.
That’s worth about £25 per person per day.
Which One Actually Gets You Animal Views?
Not all types offer views and this catches people out.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Type | Sleeps | Animal Views | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | 6 | Yes – Direct | 2 bathrooms, sauna, overlooks Serengeti or lion plains |
| Plus | 8 | Yes – Direct | Extra space, premium location |
| Standard | 6 | No – Near plains | Forest and water surroundings |
| Plus | 8 | No – Near plains | Larger space, forest edge |
| Kids Option | 6 | No | Located in Karibu Town, enclosed play area, highchair included |
A Savannah puts you on the plains where giraffe, rhino and various animals roam freely. You’ll have an unforgettable experience watching them from your private terrace.
Standard choices are still brilliant but you’ll walk a few minutes to see the wildlife rather than having them outside your window.
What’s Really Inside These Units?
They include dishwashers, Nespresso machines and all cooking equipment. Most have a sauna in one bathroom which is perfect after a day exploring.
One thing to note: smaller cottage options don’t have freezer compartments. If you’re planning to stock up on ice cream or frozen goods, you’ll be disappointed.
All are spacious with separate bedrooms and families will find plenty of room without feeling cramped at the resort.
Is the Safari Hotel Worth the Extra Money?
The hotel offers a different experience from self-catering.
You get hotel service, buffet breakfast included and rooms overlooking the savannah. It’s more expensive but you don’t need to cook or clean.
For a last minute weekend break, it makes sense. For longer family stays, a comfortable lodge gives you more space and flexibility.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
Prices vary wildly depending on when you book.
A standard 6-person unit for two nights in November starts around £217. Peak summer dates can hit £400+ for the same stay.
Book early and you’ll save up to 20% even during school holidays. Look for a discount on the spring holiday or grab deals if you can be flexible with dates.
December through January offers the cheapest rates if you don’t mind potentially cold weather.
What About Budget Options?
Eurocamp runs safari tent and mobile home choices at the resort.
These cost less than official Beekse Bergen lodges but you still get access to attractions. The safaritent gives you that tent among the wild animals feeling without sacrificing comfort.
Worth considering if budget matters more than premium facilities.
What’s This Pass Everyone Mentions?
Every time you stay overnight includes unlimited access to Safaripark at Safari Resort Beekse Bergen and Speelland Beekse Bergen throughout your booking period.
You also get free entry to four other options around the region including one in Eindhoven.
Day visitors pay £25-35 per person for entry, so a family of four saves £100+ daily just on park tickets. When you stay in a 6-person unit, this benefit is already included plus you’ll enjoy access to everything.
Can You Actually See Animals from Your Stay?
From a Savannah Lodge at the Safari Resort, absolutely yes.
You’ll watch giraffe walk past while eating breakfast. Lions roar at night and sometimes wake you around 3am (brilliant or annoying depending on your perspective).
Guest reviews consistently mention views of the animals as the highlight. One family watched lion feeding time from their safari lodge terrace and called it a memory they’ll never forget.
Animals are most active early morning and late afternoon. Between October and April they go inside heated stables overnight when temperatures drop.
When Should You Book to See Animals Outside?
May through September is best.
Animals stay outside day and night during warmer months. Spring offers mild weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
Avoid July-August if you don’t like school holiday chaos. Early autumn (September-October) gives you perfect conditions without the crowds.
Book your stay during Light Safari Beekse Bergen (November-March) for a magical evening walk through illuminated landscapes. This light show event transforms the park after dark.
What About Food and Facilities?
The central hub has Restaurant Moto serving African-inspired food in Hilvarenbeek, North Brabant.
The Maji Springs pool has slides and spaces for kids. There’s also Pamoja Lounge with bowling, plus multiple playgrounds across the resort.
Self-catering works better for most families. Tilburg is 10 minutes away with a huge Jumbo supermarket. The on-site SPAR stocks basics but costs more.
Most people do a big shop in Tilburg then grab fresh bread daily from the resort market.
Are There Better Alternatives Nearby?
Beekse Bergen is the largest safari park in the Netherlands with over 1,250 animals across vast landscapes.
Nothing else in the region comes close for combining places where you can spend the night with wildlife viewing at Lake Resort Beekse Bergen. Efteling Theme Park is 20 minutes away but that’s a day attraction, not overnight.
Forest Jungalows suit people wanting nature walks rather than excitement—they’ll enjoy unlimited access to quiet trails.
What Do You Actually Need to Bring?
Units are fully equipped but you’ll want:
- Binoculars for animal watching
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll cover 5+ miles daily)
- Raincoats (Dutch weather is unpredictable)
- Swimwear for Speelland indoor pools and Maji Springs
- Food supplies (no freezer in smaller units)
- Your own Nespresso capsules if you’re fussy about coffee
Download the Beekse Bergen app before arrival. It contains appliance instructions in English, transport times and a plattegrond map showing where everything is located.
Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
The accommodation price looks reasonable until you add extras.
A jeep safari costs £150 for 45 minutes. Bike hire adds up over several days. Restaurant meals for a family easily hit £80-100.
Budget at least £50 daily per person beyond your lodge booking for food, activities and treats.
Tourist tax isn’t always included in booking quotes either.
Is Beekse Bergen Actually Child-Friendly?
Absolutely.
The resort offers ranger activities daily, multiple indoor play spaces and the entire Speelland complex. Kids love cycling between accommodation types watching animals and nature.
Everything is flat and easy for pushchairs. Guest services provide cot rental.
For families who want a festival of wildlife without leaving the Netherlands, this works brilliantly.
Things That Surprised Guests (Good and Bad)
Good surprises: How close animals actually come. The Guardian reported families watching views of giraffes “washing” cars on the safari drive.
Animal encounters feel authentic, not zoo-like.
The Not-So-Good Bits
Cleanliness issues come up repeatedly in reviews. Some guests found dirty dishes still in dishwashers, mouldy showers and inadequate cleaning between bookings.
Limited wardrobe space frustrates longer stays. Staff response times vary when problems arise.
The Maji Springs pool gets overcrowded during peak times, making swimming less enjoyable than you’d hope.
Should You Actually Stay Here?
If you want to wake in the middle of nature with animals outside your window, nowhere else compares.
The experience of hearing lions at night and watching wildlife wander past makes up for minor inconveniences. Stay in one of the Savannah choices if views matter most.
Make your stay worth a visit to nearby Loonse en Drunense sand dunes during your trip.
Book through official channels rather than third-party sites. Direct booking often includes better location choices.
Dream away on the plains and enjoy access to one of Europe’s best parks.
Just don’t expect perfection and you’ll love it.