Norfolk-based Wildlife Reserve, Watatunga, is this year’s hidden gem in visitor attractions and staycations. It was recently awarded the prestigious Gold in the Visit England Award for Excellence 2023, Best Small Visitor Attraction category. It is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic British nature reserve specialising in conservation.
One of Watatunga’s most unique features is visitors get to go on a self-drive discovery tour around the 170-acre site on electric buggies, and everyone receives a radio transmitter with live and unscripted commentary along the way.
Image courtesy of JBS Dog Photography.
The electric buggies not only reduce carbon footprint, but their quiet noise ensures guests get as up close and personal to nature as possible. This incredible way of exploring the reserve gives visitors a glimpse into the real lives of the animals as they roam freely around the grasslands, lakes and forests within the park.
Image courtesy of JBS Dog Photography.
The reserve was opened in August 2020, while Covid was still prevalent and born from a childhood love of wildlife and passion for conservation.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is home to the largest collection of endangered species of deer and antelope in the UK, and it also plays a pivotal role in the future survival of endangered ungulates and bird species.
Image courtesy of Georgina Preston.
Conservation is at the very heart of the attraction, and the team recently welcomed conservationists from across the globe, working to help save the critically endangered Mountain Bongo from extinction.
Found in the mountain forests in Kenya, there are believed to be just 100 Mountain Bongo left in the wild, and Watatunga’s work will help maintain the widest possible genetic diversity.
The natural setting and conservation are also cleverly woven into the Reserve’s Experiences and Education platform that includes a photography course geared towards those just taking it up and keen to learn and seasoned pros keen on wildlife photography.
Image courtesy of JBS Dog Photography.
For those looking for a conservation-based staycation, Watatunga also offers a choice of luxury getaways to suit everyone. Guests can stay in the Stable Cottage, a five-star retreat set in the beautiful walled garden of the Watlington Estate, or the restored Gate Lodge that looks over one of the breeding paddocks.
Major’s Lodge is a delightful single-story wooden safari lodge, newly renovated and overlooking the grassy expanses and lakes of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. Everyone is provided with a complimentary guided tour of the reserve to learn about the animals and their conservation stories, and included with every booking is exclusive use of the electric buggies to experience the magic of the wildlife at leisure.
Anna Hamilton, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve’s Founder, explains, “We believe we have the foundations of a unique safari-like experience that has the wellbeing of the animals also firmly at the centre of the visitor experience.
The reserve is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers or anyone looking for a new wildlife experience for everyone. We aim to remain as sustainable with as low a carbon footprint as possible while keeping our accommodation standards high. We believe we have an authentic offering that suits everyone from relaxing stays to experience and education.”
The accommodation is fully wheelchair accessible, and for tours, a trailer is towed by the guide’s buggy. Accessible tickets and free carer admission are also available.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve has recently begun its 2023 Guided Tour season for the General Public, and bookings can be made via their website. For more information, go to www.watatunga.co.uk. The season runs from 1st April – 31st October, and prices start at £66 off-peak for a 4-seater buggy.
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