Pairi Daiza
✨ This is the kind of treasure you almost want to keep to yourself ✨
Sleeping among the animals
Step into the Magic of Pairi Daiza
Hidden in the heart of Belgium lies Pairi Daiza, an award-winning wildlife park where dreams come alive. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay among animals, a family-friendly adventure, or a soul-stirring journey through lush gardens, ancient temples, and immersive habitats — this extraordinary park offers it all.
Known as “The Best Zoo in Europe”, Pairi Daiza is so much more than a zoo: it’s a living storybook, where you can sleep next to polar bears, walruses, wolves, penguin or tiger, dine under the stars, and walk through themed worlds that transport you from Africa to Asia in a single afternoon.
We share our personal experience staying at Pairi Daiza.We visited Pairi Daiza in the heart of autumn, when the fiery foliage brings magical contrast to every corner of the park — but honestly, this extraordinary place is breathtaking in every season. Whether you’re an animal lover, a garden enthusiast, or simply searching for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience, Pairi Daiza offers an immersive journey that speaks to the heart.
explore why this magical destination is a must-visit for animal lovers, conscious travellers, and curious families alike. So welcome to Pairi Daiza – where nature, culture, storytelling, and wonder blend into one unforgettable adventure come together like nowhere else on the world.
Europe’s Most Enchanting Zoo Experience
Imagine falling asleep surrounded by wolves and waking to polar bears just inches from your window. Picture brown bears frolicking in a lake you overlook from your terrace. Watch walruses swim gracefully underwater from the comfort of your room—while for the first time in 2024, farm animals like wallabies, rheas, and fallow deer now frolic on a private terrace view exclusively for overnight guests.
This is Pairi Daiza in a nutshell: Europe’s most magical zoo experience where you can indulge in a half-board stay, enjoy two full days in the park, dine in exquisite surroundings, and create lifelong memories alongside magnificent wildlife in one of the Best Zoos in Europe (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023) .
🍂 A Season of Wonder: Autumn, Christmas & Every Moment In-Between
Yes—we visited Pairi Daiza in the heart of autumn, when the gardens blaze in fiery reds and golds. But truth be told, this park is a visual feast in every season. Spring tulips bloom near panda habitats, summer sees hummingbirds and heat‑shimmered bamboo, and winter transforms the park into a festive fairy-tale.
From late November through early January 2025, the park celebrates Christmas Time—Belgium’s largest illuminated garden. Enjoy over a million LED lights, breathtaking animal-shaped sculptures, projections on the Abbey Tower and water screens, seasonal concerts, and festive culinary delights—from Glühwein to raclette burgers—alongside bespoke animal enrichment and winter-themed menus. Disney would be jealous .
Pairi Daiza in winter is a hidden gem. The gardens take on a soft, snowy elegance, and the animals of the colder regions feel right at home. But what makes winter truly enchanting is the Christmas season.
Imagine wandering through twinkling lanterns, sipping hot chocolate while watching reindeer, and then… meeting Santa Claus himself. This is no standard photo op — it’s a full experience, filled with atmosphere and heart. The Christmas program includes seasonal activities, cozy decorations, and an emotional soundtrack that turns the park into a real-life holiday movie.
❄️ We highly recommend visiting in December — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both kids and adults.
Sleep Among the Animals
Whether you choose the Arctic-themed Polar Bear House, tiger-view lodges, or rustic Farmhouse Lodges with wallabies and rheas, Pairi Daiza carefully crafts accommodation that brings guests into the heart of nature. With over 100 themed rooms stretching across worlds like La Terre du Froid or The Last Frontier, every stay feels cinematic—yet deeply personal .
Each lodge type:
- Offers sweeping views of animals through protective glass walls
- Includes comfort features like fire places, saunas, or jacuzzis
- Grants exclusive early or late park access
- Comes with half-board dining: breakfast buffets and dinner at either Mökki (gourmet) or themed buffet venues like Temple des Délices, L’Octopus or L’Izba
A Culinary Journey in the Heart of the Park
Food at Pairi Daiza isn’t afterthought—it’s a destination in itself.
- Le Mökki: A refined restaurant in the Land of the Cold offering seasonal, locally sourced menus in 2-, 3-, or indulgent 4-/6-course formats with wine pairing options. Sample menus feature creative dishes like ricotta spinach ravioli, caramel lobster carpaccio, and sea bass with champagne beurre blanc.
- Temple des Délices: Asian buffet paradise housed in a Taoist-style pavilion serving a wide lunch/dinner spread with desserts included.
- L’Octopus / L’Izba: Buffet restaurants adjacent to sea lions or overlooking the lakes—cozy, scenic and varied.
- Brasserie & Mersus Emergo: Local Belgian fare, craft Cambron beer, or grab‑and‑go fresh sandwiches and salads aboard the Mersus boat terrace—gluten‑free options available .
During Christmas Time, dining becomes extra special
- Holiday-themed menus (game, wild meats, festive sweets)
- Cocktails like “Lazy Red Cheeks,” mulled wine, and warm chocolate in cozy winter settings
- Treats for the animals, décor up to 12-meter Christmas trees, and dazzling roast evenings under the lights
Many guests note: “Breakfast alone is worth the booking!” and that the brunch spreads rival top-end hotels elsewhere in Belgium”
Two Expert Tips for Visiting Pairi Daiza
Tip #1: Book Early, Stay Long
Pairi Daiza Resort sells out fast—even 18 months in advance. Their 2025 spring stays sold over 1,700 in just a day. To truly soak in the gardens, temples, animal feedings, and immersion lodge experience, plan for two nights if possible. Guests with more time say you need at least two full park days just to explore everything .
Tip #2: Choose Your Room Based on Animal Personality
- If you want high activity and interaction: stay with walruses, penguins, or sea lions—they’re often playful and nearer the windows.
- For quiet grandeur: choose polar bears or tigers, especially for dramatic morning viewings.
- Hobbit-style lodges (brown bear/wolf) are magical and less touristy in feel .
The Magic of Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza is not just a zoo. It’s a spellbinding journey across continents, cultures, and centuries — where every detail is crafted to awaken your senses and stir your soul. Whether you’re sipping tea in a traditional Balinese temple, gazing into the eyes of a majestic Siberian tiger, or waking up beside a herd of elephants or walruses — this is more than travel. This is transformation.
We visited in autumn, when fiery foliage lit up the gardens like a painting — and that golden glow wrapped the entire park in cinematic beauty. But truly, Pairi Daiza is a wonder in every season. From vibrant spring blooms to cozy winter magic and even a magical Christmas experience, it offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re a family with children, a romantic couple, a conscious explorer, or a wildlife photographer — this destination will linger in your memory long after you’ve left.
A Dreamlike Stay Among Animals, Architecture & Awe
Why Pairi Daiza is So Much More Than a Zoo
It’s hard to describe what makes Pairi Daiza so unique until you experience it with your own eyes — and heart.
This park, located in Brugelette, Belgium, is home to over 7,500 animals and more than 700 plant species from around the globe. But what truly sets it apart is its storytelling vision: each area is built with such attention to culture, history, architecture, and sacred design, that walking through feels like stepping into a living fairytale.
Pairi Daiza isn’t organized like a zoo — it’s a world of immersive “gardens” such as:
- The Kingdom of Ganesha (Indonesia)
- The Land of the Cold (Arctic regions)
- The Middle Kingdom (China)
- The Land of Origins (Africa)
- The Southern Cape
- And even a traditional abbey with live sturgeon swimming beneath the floors…
Each area tells a story — not just of the animals, but also of ancient civilizations, traditions, and our connection to the natural world.
TOP 5: Experiences You Should Not Miss
- The Underwater Viewing Rooms – See walruses and bears swim right past your bed.
- Animal Care Behind the Scenes – Request special guided tours to learn more about how the animals are cared for.
- Temples & Architecture – The detailing in each garden is museum-worthy.
- Photographic Moments – Early morning light in the foggy gardens is pure magic.
- The Monastery & Aquarium – Spiritual silence, and then… an underwater surprise.
Conscious Connection with Nature
One of the most inspiring aspects of Pairi Daiza is their strong conservation mission. The park actively participates in endangered species programs and has helped breed and protect animals such as:
- Giant pandas
- Snow leopards
- Red pandas
- Siberian tigers
- And many more
Every exhibit is designed not only to showcase, but to educate. It’s a place that fosters deep empathy — especially for children and young people.
Sleeping in the Wild
One of the most magical experiences at Pairi Daiza is the ability to spend the night in the heart of the park. We’ve had the privilege of sleeping twice in their stunning lodges — once beside the polar bears, and once right next to the walruses.
Waking up with a marine giant swimming inches from your window is unforgettable. The lodges are cozy, stylish, and fully immersed in the themed areas — designed with natural materials, mood lighting, and warm details that enhance the feeling of being part of the landscape.
✨ Tip: Book multiple nights if you can. One night is simply not enough to truly experience all the beauty and offerings.
Our Overnight Stay with the Polar Bear
Our first visit to Pairi Daiza was in spring. From the moment we arrived, we were swept into another world. A grand tipi tent greeted us as we checked in, our bags whisked away while we received our wristbands – the key to a magical journey. And then… the gates opened. Just hours later, we found ourselves falling asleep with a view of a majestic polar bear gliding through icy waters. It was the beginning of something unforgettable.
Read our full blog about sleeping beside the polar bear
Our Overnight Stay with Walruses
This time, Day and I are going deeper… quite literally. We’re sleeping next to the walrus. As we step into our room, our jaws drop – floor-to-ceiling windows reveal these magnificent marine creatures floating inches from our pillows. Day can hardly contain her excitement; her heart is racing, mine too. Soon we’ll be drifting off underwater, nose-to-nose with one of nature’s most powerful sea mammals.
Join us as we share our full walrus lodge experience
Final Thoughts
Pairi Daiza is not a place you “visit.” It’s a place you enter — like stepping into a dream where animals roam, cultures blend, and beauty whispers from every stone and leaf.
We came as travellers and mothers. We left transformed.
Whether you’re exploring the Chinese gardens, feeding goats, or simply listening to the wolves howl under a full moon — you’ll understand why Pairi Daiza has earned its place as one of the most beloved nature parks in Europe.
This is more than a trip. This is a story you’ll want to relive — season after season.
Day & Nicole
Thanks for joining us!
For reading and visiting FemmVoyage! I’m Nicole, a proud single mom to my 13-year-old daughter, Day. Together, we’re navigating the adventures of single motherhood, work-life balance, and everything in between.We’re a dynamic duo bud also facing the ups and downs of single motherhood, and all the adventures life has to offer. From family travels and weekend getaways to crafting,home decor, gardening, cooking, and fashion, I love sharing our journey with you.
At FemmVoyage, I inspire other busy moms, women, travel lovers, foodies, and home enthusiasts with practical tips, stories, and creative ideas, personal stories, and lots of fun ideas. So Whether you’re a single mom like me, how loves decorating your home and garden, or just looking for fresh inspiration, you’re in the right place and will find something here to spark your joy. Let’s make every moment count whether we’re on a trip or decorating our backyard!
Let’s explore life together.
