GET OUR BEST TIPS SENT STRAIGHT TO YOU

Just fill out your E-mail address and we'll do the rest:

BEEKSE BERGEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Beekse Bergen is one of the most unique destinations in the Netherlands, a place where wildlife, nature, adventure, and relaxation come together in a way no other park can match. From close-up animal encounters and immersive safari routes to serene lake views and unforgettable overnight stays, Beekse Bergen offers an experience that feels both adventurous and deeply peaceful.

This page is your gateway to everything Beekse Bergen has to offer. We’ve explored Beekse Bergen in every possible way by car, by boat, by bus, on foot, during summer days, winter evenings, and even at the spectacular Light Safari. Now we’re sharing all our best tips so you can plan the perfect visit, whether you’re coming for a day trip, an overnight stay in Safari Resort or Lake Resort, or a full holiday filled with nature and wildlife.

From this page, you can dive into our full Beekse Bergen Guide, where we break down:

  • Must-do's at Beekse Bergen
  • Special events
  • Ticket options, opening hours & seasonal events
  • Overnight stays, Safari Resort, Lake Resort & camping
  • How to get to Beekse Bergen
  • Answers to the most frequently asked questions

MUST DO'S AT BEEKSE BERGEN

Beekse Bergen is the largest wildlife safari park in the Netherlands, where you can experience the thrill of an African safari right in the heart of Europe. Located in Hilvarenbeek, Beekse Bergen offers a truly unique adventure with over 1,250 animals spread across vast, natural landscapes. Whether you explore by car, boat, or on foot, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, from majestic lions and giraffes to playful zebras and powerful rhinos. Beekse Bergen is the perfect destination for families and nature lovers looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

  • Safari Experiences: One of the main draws of Beekse Bergen is the variety of ways to explore the park. You can choose to drive through the safari park in your own vehicle, where animals roam freely around you. For a different perspective, hop on one of the safari boats that glide through the park’s waterways, or take the safari bus for a guided tour. For a more personal experience, you can also explore on foot and discover the beauty of the animals up close.

  • Big Five: Beekse Bergen is home to the "Big Five" of the animal kingdom: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. As you journey through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their naturalistic habitats, making it a truly African-inspired experience.

  • Chimpanzee Island and bird of prey show: A favorite among visitors, Chimpanzee Island offers a fascinating view of these intelligent and playful primates. Watch as they swing through trees and interact with one another in a setting designed to mimic their natural environment. This island brings you to an impressive bird of prey show. It is in Dutch but with google translate you will be able to follow it and the impressive birds are very impressive to see.

  • Speelland Beekse Bergen: For families with young children, Speelland is an additional attraction right next to the safari park. This play area offers water slides, paddle boats, and adventure playgrounds, providing endless fun for the little ones after an exciting day of animal spotting. It is another gate that requires an extra ticket but with your stay at the hotel or safari resort it is included.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Beekse Bergen also hosts several special events throughout the year, making each visit unique:

  • Brew at the Zoo: Two nights per year the parks hosts a beer festival. 

  • Light Safari: Beekse Bergen offers an amazing winter walk full of magical lights through a dark zoo

TICKET OPTIONS

  • Opening Hours: Beekse Bergen is open year-round, though opening hours vary by season. Safari tours and some activities may have limited availability during the winter months, so be sure to check the official website for up-to-date information.

  • Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online, with discounted rates available for early booking. Beekse Bergen also offers combination tickets that include entry to Speelland, making it a great value for families. You can buy tickets here

  • Location & Accessibility: Beekse Bergen is located in Hilvarenbeek, about an 20 minute from Efteling making them very easy to combine. The park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those using public transport, there are shuttle buses from nearby train stations.

 

OVERNIGHT STAYS

If you’re looking for an overnight experience you’ll never forget, Beekse Bergen is one of the most magical places you can stay in the Netherlands. Where most zoos close their gates at the end of the day, Beekse Bergen invites you to stay longer  to watch giraffes wander past your window, hear lions roar at night, and wake up to mist rising over the African savanna. With multiple accommodation options, from luxury lodges to lakeside bungalows and spacious safari tents, Beekse Bergen offers something for every type of traveler. Here’s your complete guide to choosing the perfect overnight stay.

Safari Resort is the absolute highlight of Beekse Bergen’s accommodations.

Here, you don’t just visit the safari… you live inside it. You can choose different cottages or you can stay in the hotel with both options you have access to the resort’s facilities, including:

  • Swimming pool

  • Playground and kids' activities

  • Restaurants

  • Free unlimited access to the safari park during your stay and Speelland when it's open.

Lake Resort Beekse Bergen more affordable relaxations by the water

If the Safari Resort is all about animals, the Lake Resort is all about peace, nature, and space. Located along the large recreational lake, it’s a beautiful destination for guests who want a mix of safari adventure and holiday relaxation. Here you have access to to

  • Swimming pool

  • Playgrounds

  • Restaurants

  • And, of course, the Safari Park and Speelland when it's open, with the purchase of an additional attraction pass

 

HOW TO GET TO BEEKSE BERGEN

Beekse Bergen is an 1,5 drive away from Amsterdam and a 20 minute drive from Efteling. You can park at Efteling for €9.50 per day. 

  • From Utrecht: Take the A2 towards Tilburg and continue to the N65 (signs for Vught-Zuid/Helvoirt/Tilburg). Proceed on the A65 and take the N269 exit towards Tilburgseweg, heading for Hilvarenbeek. Take the Beekse Bergen exit and follow the signs.

  • From Eindhoven: Take PSV-laan and Kastanjelaan to Tilburgseweg in Strijp. Follow the A58/E312 and take the N269 exit towards Tilburgseweg, heading for Hilvarenbeek. Take the Beekse Bergen exit and follow the signs.

  • From Rotterdam: Join the A16 in IJsselmonde via the S100 and S107. Continue on the A16 and A58/E312 and take the N269 exit towards Tilburgseweg, heading for Hilvarenbeek. Take the Beekse Bergen exit and follow the signs.

How to get to Beekse Bergen by Train / Public transportation

You can also travel by train without a car if so then these are your options:

    • to Tilburg, and then bus lines 142 or 143 to Beekse Bergen.

In the Netherlands you pay for your journey with bus or train by tapping a debit or credit card in the train or bus. You must tap a card for every person traveling, when you are traveling with children it can therefore be easier to purchase a ticket through one of the ticket machines in the train stations. 

Check train and bus schedules and plan your journey on the website: 9292OV

Insider Tips

  • Stay Overnight: Beekse Bergen offers unique accommodation options for those looking to extend their safari experience. Stay in one of the Safari Resort lodges or Lake Resort cabins, where you can wake up to the sight of grazing animals right outside your window. It’s an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the safari atmosphere.

  • Bring binoculars: While many animals come close to the paths and safari routes, bringing binoculars allows you to spot animals from afar and enjoy a closer look at some of the more elusive creatures.

  • Plan for at least full day: Beekse Bergen is a large park with many ways to explore, so plan to spend a full day here to take advantage of all the experiences. Between the safaris, ranger talks, and play areas, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all day long.

 

Beekse Bergen offers an unparalleled wildlife adventure that brings the magic of the African safari to the Netherlands. With its immersive experiences, incredible range of animals, and family-friendly activities, this park is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature and wildlife in a fun and educational way. Find out more.