Chester Zoo’s New Heart of Africa Is Open – Our Family Tour
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Imagine stepping into a vast African savannah without ever leaving the UK. That’s exactly what the brand-new Heart of Africa zone at Chester Zoo delivers in the North West. Heralded as the zoo’s largest and most ambitious zoo development, this extraordinary new space and new home is already being called a “significant new chapter” in the zoo’s history – and for good reason.
We spent a full seven hours exploring (yes, seven – snacks were essential!), and while our feet were ready for home, the kids were still buzzing. We didn’t quite make it back to the African wild dogs this time, but that just means we’ve got the perfect excuse for another visit.
Fab Refillable Cups – A Mum Win
One thing I absolutely love at Chester Zoo is their refillable drinks cup. You pay £14.99 for the cup (or pick it up as part of a bundle deal before your visit), and then on the day it’s just £8 for unlimited refills.
For a long day out with kids, it’s a lifesaver – whether it’s juice, water, or a fizzy pick-me-up for you. It saves hunting down bottles, cuts down on plastic waste, and keeps everyone happy.
👉 Mum Tip: Grab your refills early in the day – it pays for itself after just a couple of stops, especially if the sun’s out.
Heart of Africa: A Significant New Chapter for Chester Zoo
The opening of Heart of Africa marks the creation of the zoo’s most complex habitat to date. Spanning a vast open savannah, it’s designed to bring together a diverse range of species in shared habitats that mirror the grasslands of central Africa.
Chester Zoo’s Chief Executive, Jamie Christon, described it as a “vibrant symbol of our commitment” to vital conservation. Beyond the animals, the project has created new jobs and delivered a significant economic boost to the local area – showing how a zoo can be about so much more than just a day out. And we were excited to visit this new zone!
First Impressions – A Breathtaking Sight
Walking into the new Heart of Africa zone is a breathtaking sight. Herds of Grevy’s zebras, roan antelopes, and giraffes roam together across the mixed savannah, while the sounds of the African savannah play all around. It feels immersive, expansive, and far more like a safari than a zoo enclosure with these new habitats and decor.
The kids loved exploring the Pamoja Village – a vibrant cultural space filled with artwork and design touches that really bring the African theme to life.
Hidden Savannah: Indoor Fun for Kids
It’s not just the big animals that wow. The new indoor habitat, the Hidden Savannah, is packed with fascinating smaller creatures:
- A colony of naked mole rats – bizarre but oddly cute (the kids thought they were hilarious).
- A giant African bullfrog – one of the largest frog species in the world.
- Tiny pygmy mice and rodent species you’d never normally spot.
- Endangered pancake tortoises – flat little reptiles that were a total surprise.
- Cold-blooded ectotherm species like the Ethiopian viper.
- And the magnificent Verreaux’s eagle owl, Africa’s largest owl, is a treat for keen birders.
The highlight for my two? Climbing into the Land Rover surrounded by thousands of locusts. They giggled, pretended to “drive through the savannah,” and posed for about a hundred photos.
👉 Top Tip for Mums: This is the ultimate photo spot – don’t miss it!
The New Playground & Interactive Lab
The new playground in the Heart of Africa doesn’t disappoint. It’s bright, spacious, and packed with equipment that keeps little ones entertained while giving us mums a breather. My two loved clambering and racing around – it was the perfect pause between animal spotting.
Also, make sure you pop into The Lab at the Heart of Africa. It’s full of interactive exhibits, colourful boards, and hands-on displays that explain the conservation work happening behind the scenes. The kids enjoyed pressing buttons and exploring, while I loved how easy it made big topics fun and understandable for families.
👉 Mum Tip: Use this as a slower-paced stop – it’s a great way to mix play, learning, and a bit of rest.
Conservation Efforts: More Than Just a Day Out
Every visit supports Chester Zoo’s work as an international wildlife charity. Their conservation efforts range from fighting the illegal wildlife trade and illegal trafficking to protecting vital habitats in Africa’s national parks.
The zoo runs international breeding programmes for eastern black rhinos, giant pangolins, and endangered vultures such as the white-headed vulture and African white-backed vulture – both species of critically endangered vulture.
The zoo also supports endocrinology science projects, cutting-edge AI trail cameras, and the safe translocation of northern giraffes to protect wild populations. Even small but mighty creatures like dung beetles are celebrated here, showing how vital each species is to the ecosystem.
Family-Friendly Design: A Mum’s Dream
From a parent’s perspective, Chester Zoo have thought of everything in this new area:
- Pushchair-friendly paths – smooth, wide, and easy to navigate.
- Plenty of toilets near viewing areas – no “uh-oh” panic moments.
- Little stands for kids – so they can see without being carried.
- Authentic street food in the cultural space – easy eats for hungry families.
- Loads of space – no cramming, even on busy days.
Getting to Chester Zoo with Kids – Car, Train, or Bus, It’s Easy!
We absolutely love Chester Zoo, so when they asked, “Do you want to come and see the new attraction?” we instantly said yes! And guess what? Getting there is a breeze, whether you drive or go car-free.
Driving
If you’re heading by car, it’s a smooth ride with plenty of parking nearby.
Train + Bus
If you take the train to Chester Railway Station, you’ve got options:
- The X1 bus stops right outside the station and takes around 15–22 minutes to get to the zoo.
- The No. 1 service does the same – quick, regular, and direct.
Both buses stop at the zoo’s main entrance and run roughly every 20 minutes.
From Liverpool
Coming from Liverpool? Even easier. The No. 1 and X1 services run straight from Liverpool One Bus Station to Chester Zoo every 15 minutes during the day.
Walking
Technically, you can walk from Chester Station to the zoo – it’s about 4 miles (roughly 55 minutes). Honestly, though, with kids and pushchairs, I’d recommend hopping on the bus.
👉 Mum Tip: Public transport is brilliant here – no parking stress, and the kids love the bus ride as part of the adventure.
Top 5 Reasons Mums Will Love the New Heart of Africa
- Immersive experiences like the Land Rover and the Pamoja Village.
- The chance to see a host of other mammal species in one habitat.
- Indoor fun in the Hidden Savannah (perfect for rainy days).
- Family-friendly design with loos, paths, and stands everywhere you need them.
- Knowing every visit supports vital conservation and fundraising appeals.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Chester Zoo
This is just the beginning. The zoo has plans for luxury African-themed lodges offering a premium safari getaway, plus a calendar of upcoming events linked to the new space.
The latest zoo news highlights how this project will fuel economic growth and keep Chester Zoo at the forefront of international wildlife conservation.
Future efforts include supporting the Maasai Olympics in Kenya, expanding the zoo’s cultural space, and continuing its role as a leader in tackling the illegal trafficking of wildlife.
Our Verdict – Worth Every Step
For us, it was our first time exploring this extraordinary new space, and even after seven hours, we didn’t want to leave. We may have missed the African wild dogs this time, but that just means we’ll be back – and next time, we’ll be heading straight for them.
The new Heart of Africa zone isn’t just another enclosure – it’s a vibrant symbol of our commitment to the future of African wildlife. It’s family-friendly, fascinating, and filled with moments that stick. For mums looking for a better way to spend a family day out, it’s hard to beat.
👉 Planning your trip? Check out my full guide to Chester Zoo with kids for ticket info, parking tips, and food stops.