Reservations are now open for a one-of-a-kind stay that transports guests to the wilds of Africa without leaving the Zoo!
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is offering a unique, luxury overnight experience in the new Baobab Lodge in Expedition Africa, presented by Inasmuch Foundation. Reservations are open now at okczoo.org/lodge.
Constructed in 2025, the Baobab Lodge is an indulgent safari glamping experience with amenities galore. Located in Expedition Africa, the Lodge overlooks the Savanna, a collaborative habitat where giraffes, ostriches, cranes, Nile lechwe, and eland can interact, much as they do in Africa.
“One of the ways the OKC Zoo distinguishes itself is by offering exclusive encounters visitors can’t get anywhere else, like feeding flamingos and rhinos during a visit or watching veterinarians give an animal a check-up in the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital,” said OKC Zoo CEO and Executive Director, Dr. Dwight Lawson. “We are excited to introduce guests to the Baobab Lodge for an overnight stay unlike any other.”
Luxurious Accommodations on the Wild Side
A stay at the Lodge is more than just a place to sleep, the accommodations provide the perfect blend of comfort and outdoor adventure. Guests will enjoy hours of time before and after the Zoo opens to the public to explore the wondrous wildlife of Expedition Africa and surrounding habitats. Lodge guests also receive a VIP pass during their stay that gives them unlimited access to daily happenings, like Flamingo Mingle, Lorikeet feedings, and rides on the Endangered Species Carousel. Once night falls, the Lodge is full of creature comforts, including central heating and air conditioning, a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and dinnerware, dining room, den with smart TV and board games, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms with sleeping space for four. The extended deck is the ideal spot to view a spectacular sunset, play yard games, and relax by the firepit—also perfect for making s’mores. The Lodge comfortably accommodates four guests, with one king bed and twin bunk beds. Additional guests will be provided with fully furnished cots in the great room with a maximum overnight capacity of 10 people. In-room catering options are available for overnights with custom menus ranging from charcuterie boards and a “popcorn extravaganza” to pizzas, a salad and sandwich buffet, and plated meals with salmon, steak, or chicken. Breakfast catering is also available with items from the Safari Café menu and buffet options. Staying at the Lodge also comes with a unique soundtrack, including roars from the nearby pride of African lions, chatters and chirps from birds, and more. Add-ons for a stay at Baobab Lodge include a private night hike tour of the Zoo, animal ambassador presentations, giraffe feedings, and more. The Lodge is also secure, with locking gates to ensure guest safety.
Beyond the Overnight Experience
The Lodge is also available as a one-of-a-kind venue for private daytime events. From memorable celebrations and family reunions to corporate gatherings and team-building retreats, the Lodge is an enhanced space that emphasizes comfort and outdoor adventure.
The included Smart TV is perfect for projecting information during meetings, showing photo slideshows, or watching presentations. The rear deck is excellent for breakout sessions and networking. Hosting an event at the Zoo is the perfect change of scenery, giving attendees a chance to stretch their legs and get inspired by the more than 1,000 species of animals that call the OKC Zoo home. “Baobab Lodge adds another top tier event space to the Zoo’s portfolio, ensuring organizers the perfect fit for their gatherings,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s Director of Events and Sales. “The Lodge brings a luxurious touch to any occasion.”
Connecting Wildlife Lovers to a Dream Destination
Located in the Zoo’s wildly popular Expedition Africa, the Lodge is a perfect staging ground for explorers of all ages to connect with wildlife. Expedition Africa spans 12 acres and access to dozens of diverse animal habitats. Just outside the Lodge, guests will find Lion Overlook and Cat Forest, home to a pride of African lions, Sumatran tigers, and clouded leopards. Walk up the winding path along the Savanna for a look inside the state-of-the-art giraffe barn and shop for exclusive souvenirs at Baobab Gifts. Go from very tall to very small with a visit to the Love’s Pachyderm Building, which is where visitors can find common dwarf mongooses, lesser hedgehog tenrecs, East African zebra cichlids, and more species native to Africa.
To learn more about the Lodge or to book a stay, visit okczoo.org/lodge.
The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.