As far as early morning ‘alarm calls’ go, it was probably the most unusual I have ever had.

A cacophony of sound wakes me just as dawn breaks. Grunting, slurping and snorting noises from just outside our accommodation, where the coast meets the African serengeti.

I collected my thoughts, got my bearings in the dark and got out of bed to open the ‘curtains’. The view was jaw-dropping as the countryside panned out in front of me and the animals approached the watering hole.

The Livingstone Lodge Safari Experience is a must for all animal-lovers and you don’t have to endure a five-hour flight to enjoy it. How? Because I’m in Kent, just 10 minutes away from the speeding cars of the M20 and ice creams and bucket-and-spades of Dymchurch.

Livingstone Lodge is a ‘camp’ of 10 luxury tented safari-style accommodation within Port Lympne wild animal park. The tents all named after animals that are protected in the park – Monkey, Gorilla, Elephant, Zebra, Rhino, Cheetah, Lion, Eland, Buffalo and Wild Dog.

They all include comfortable single beds, fluffy towels and electric lighting while the luxury Cheetah tent contains a four-poster bed for those special occasions.

Each tent has its own private veranda where you can enjoy the impressive views over the channel to France. All tents overlook the watering hole where a variety of animals such as zebra, giraffe and rhino can be enjoyed close up as they wander in to drink – a magical experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

The Lodge is so popular because it is so authentic – a window to Africa, a fantastic introduction to the continent.

Thirty-seven years ago, one of the world’s top conservationists, the late John Aspinall, had a vision to create a haven for endangered animals. Somewhere they could breed and be protected before being returned to their natural environment.

He set up Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, where more than 1,000 animals, comprising 80 species, roam free. The Lodge’s team of hosts, rangers, chefs and housekeepers is made up of fully trained, experienced and qualified staff with vast personal knowledge.

The Lodge was named the Best 2010 Tourism Experience in the country at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence – a ringing endorsement to the team who offer the only authentic overnight safari experience in the northern hemisphere.

The experience starts with a late afternoon check-in when you are greeted with a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly.

After a ranger has gone through the required health and safety procedures you get aboard a truck and embark on the first of your safaris through the African Experience.

Following the safari, you are taken to the Lodge where your room and luggage awaits you.

Later, walk a few hundred yards to rejoin your fellow adventurous travellers at the communal Laapa – a stilted clubhouse/restaurant – for a five-course African-style meal.

Dinner consists of a buffet of starters, mains cooked on an open pit fire, salads, desserts and cheese followed by coffee and chocolate truffles. There are, of course, vegetarian options.

Your rangers will regale you with their own tales of Africa and the foundation’s vital conservation work.

The Laapa is glass fronted so you can enjoy the stunning views as the sun sets.

After dinner, you retire to your tent before another dawn safari patrol in the morning followed by tasty breakfast.

An hour after leaving the Lodge, I was back at my desk, cars and lorries racing past me just 30 yards away.

I may have left the animals behind but my memories of my safari experience will stay with me forever.

To book your overnight safari experience call 0844 842 4647. The Lodge is open between March 30 and October 21.