Not only did we get to take part in some amazing Xtra Adventures, we also got to stay overnight at the safari-themed hotel. The hotel overlooks the Wanyama Reserve and includes themed rooms, an indoor swimming pool & spa and the fantastic Zafari Grill. And it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the theme park itself.

Our first day started with a ride on Dragon’s Fury, Vampire, Tomb Blaster and Bubble Works. Then it was off for an Xtra Adventure - Feeding Frenzy. This involved going behind the scenes with our own guides, Adam and Danielle and feeding Jeffery the capybara, Blaze the skunk, Betty the goat and her family, Lilly and Biscuit the pigs, as well as the Meerkats. My favourite were the Skunks. I even managed to hold Blaze. He was soft and not at all like I expected him to be. And they didn’t smell. Adam and Danielle showed us how to feed the animals and told us all sorts of facts and information on the different animals. They were great!

Then it was back on a few more rides and back to the hotel for dinner. After breakfast the next day, we headed over to the park to try out a few more rides. Then it was off to meet our next guides, who were going to take us on the Wanyama Safari.

We jumped into the buggy and were driven off to explore the Wanyama Reserve where we hand fed carrots to the Grevy’s zebras, watched the scimitar horned Oryx roaming and playing and got up close to the cheeky ostriches! Oscar the ostrich was my favourite… when he stands to his full height, he is nearly three metres (9ft) tall!

We had a great time and my mum, who doesn’t like heights or fast rides, was even brave enough to go on Dragon Falls.

We had a wonderful few days at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, but the Xtra Adventures we took part in made it even more special. Thank you very much. We can’t wait to go back.

Words by Callum Byrne

To book your own Xtra Adventure, go to: www.chessington.com.