Longleat has launched a virtual safari, narrated by BBC Animal Park presenter Kate Humble.

The guided tour features video footage and will give users the chance to enjoy the experience of travelling through the world-famous safari park from their homes.

The virtual safari went live on the Wiltshire wildlife attraction’s Facebook page at 10am on Saturday, when the park would usually opens its gates to visitors, and is completely free to view.

Kate said: “I should be at Longleat now, filming a new series of Animal Park.

“We hope to be able to return soon, but in the meantime, I’m going to be enjoying seeing all my favourite animals virtually too.”

Using a mix of audio commentary with video footage and photos, the virtual tour will also include a newly recorded introduction by Kate.

Following the drive-through route through the park visitors begin their virtual journey among the giraffe and zebra of the East Africa Reserve before heading into the notorious Monkey Drive Thru.

The 30-minute tour also features close encounters with Longleat’s big cats, including their famous lions, as well as tigers, cheetahs and wolves.

Other featured species include rhinos, camels, ostriches, flamingos, vultures, and antelope.

Longleat is hoping people will also make use of additional content available on their app including quizzes, factsheets which accompany the tour.

James Bailey, marketing director of Longleat said: “While Longleat is closed to visitors we wanted to give people the opportunity to still learn about and see the animals we have at the park.”

“We have deliberately decided to launch it at the same time we normally open our gates to visitors and we’re hoping as many people as possible will watch it together.

“We’ve combined the existing Safari Park audio commentary by Kate, which visitors use when driving through the park, with video footage and photos to try and replicate the actual drive-through experience.

“The virtual tour also features drone footage and video which gives viewers unique new perspectives into the park and its animals.

“Hopefully it will help keep people entertained whilst restricted movement is in place, give Longleat’s many fans something new to watch and also provide a learning opportunity for youngsters.

“We’re making it freely available to everyone via our social media channels and website.”