School’s out for summer, and the sun is shining, beckoning us to embark on an unforgettable family adventure in Normandy! With longer days and a spirit of adventure in the air, we set out for a unique stay at Cerza Safari Park. Picture this: a night in a safari lodge surrounded by exotic animals, the sounds of the wild echoing around us, and the thrill of adventure at every turn. Join us as we dive into this extraordinary experience, where we discover the wonders of the animal kingdom like never before!

Activity Overview

Cindy and Anthony share their story

A Safari Lodge with a terrace and stunning Savannah Views

Our wooden safari lodge exudes an irresistible charm, enveloping us in warmth and comfort. Meticulously designed to deliver an extraordinary overnight wildlife experience, we are transported straight into the heart of a vibrant savannah… right here in the enchanting Pays d’Auge ! From our terrace, we are treated to stunning panoramic views of camels gracefully grazing, igniting a sense of wonder and adventure in the children as they embark on a thrilling journey into the wild!

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A Delightful Encounter with Adorable Wallabies

Off we go! As we set out to explore our surroundings, we unexpectedly stumble upon the most adorable wallabies peacefully dozing beneath the lodges. Sharing a family resemblance with kangaroos, these charming creatures instantly capture our hearts with their irresistibly cute faces.

An Exciting Day of Wildlife Exploration

Tomorrow promises to be an unforgettable adventure, especially for the kids! We’ve booked an exciting accommodation package that includes a VIP safari, an immersive experience that gives a glimpse into the life of a zookeeper. This guided cart tour offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, allowing the children to explore the wonders of wildlife while discovering the ins and outs of zookeeping. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to learn and engage with the animals in a way they’ll never forget!

Let the adventure begin!

After a brief night’s sleep, thanks to the children waking us at dawn due to their excitement, and a substantial breakfast, we await our driver and guide. Clémence arrives in a golf cart featuring the Safari Privilège logo. The children are buzzing with joy, and as parents, we couldn’t be more thrilled!

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VIP Tour with guidelines to follow

Clémence goes over the important guidelines, letting us know when we can safely exit the vehicle. It’s essential to remember that while these animals come from all over the world and roam in semi-freedom, they are still wild creatures. And just like that, our adventure begins! We pass through the first gate, which only opens with a special code. This moment really emphasizes the exclusive nature of our visit as we travel along the path reserved for zookeepers, not the typical pedestrian route.

Spectacled Bears Get a Tomato Treat!

As we step into the sanctuary of the spectacled bears, we’re greeted by the bears bounding towards us, as if they’ve been eagerly awaiting their breakfast! Their excitement is palpable as they sense we have treats in store. Clémence grabs a large bucket from the back of the cart, brimming with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and granules. The children are absolutely thrilled as they take turns feeding the bears these delicious snacks, and we all share a magical moment getting to know the last surviving species of bear native to South America. Next, we venture to the deer enclosure, where we continue the fun by feeding these gentle creatures while attentively soaking up Clémence’s captivating tales about her career and the fascinating behaviours of the animals, all of which underscore her deep commitment to animal welfare.

Understanding Wildlife Conservation

There’s something truly magical about a morning tour—the animals are lively and seem to genuinely enjoy the keeper’s presence! When we encounter the polar bears, their friendly demeanor captivates us all, and the children’s faces light up with pure joy at meeting the largest living land carnivore. In that moment, they begin to understand the harsh reality that these magnificent creatures are under threat due to habitat loss. Clémence gently guides us through this important lesson, sharing her passion for wildlife conservation and the zoo’s vital efforts in breeding programs for endangered species. It’s a powerful experience that resonates deeply with our family, reminding us of our responsibility to protect these incredible animals and their habitats.

Useful Information

A unique place

Cerza Safari Park

Located in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, Cerza Zoo covers 80 hectares of natural landscape. Visitors can discover a diverse range of 1,500 wild animals that thrive in semi-liberty. Alongside two designated walking circuits, immersive enclosures provide opportunities for close encounters with the animals.

Safari Lodge au zoo de Cerza à Hemival-les-Vaux
Safari Lodge au zoo de Cerza à Hemival-les-Vaux, © Julien Tack

RD 143 14100 HERMIVAL-LES-VAUX

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Dates and Rates

All information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change; please verify before planning your visit.

 

Rates 2026

Safari Privilege VIP
From 199€  for up to 6 people (maximum)
The Safari Privilège experience is exclusively available for lodge residents.
www.cerzasafarilodge.com

Lodge Accommodation
2 days / 1 night starting from 329€
This package includes park entrance and breakfasts delivered to your accommodation.
www.cerzasafarilodge.com
Online booking available

Premium Lodge Accommodation
2 days / 1 night starting from 399€
This package also includes park entrance and breakfasts delivered to your accommodation.
www.cerzasafarilodge.com/lodge-premium

 

Dates 2026

The zoo operates daily from February through November.

Safari Experience:
The safari experience is available year-round exclusively for guests of the lodges. Reservations can be made in coordination with the zoo staff.

Where to Eat?

Enjoy a delightful meal at Restaurant La Pagode, along with various other on-site dining options available for visitors.

Would you like to live the same experience?

This getaway at Cerza Zoo features a lodge stay with views of the savannah. Families can closely observe animals and even participate in feeding them, providing a unique and immersive wildlife experience.

Hermival-les-Vaux

Variable depending on the lodge

From February to November

What Made it Special

The opportunity to engage directly with the animals with exclusive access, we not only learned about the various species but also got to participate in feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours, giving us a unique insight into the daily life of a zookeeper.

Would you like to live the same experience?