Experience Norfolk’s Wildlife Adventure
For unique days out in Norfolk, join us at Watatunga for a tour of our rare species wildlife reserve. Making for memorable family days out, our safari tours offer a blend of education and adventure, a popular choice for those seeking wildlife days out in the UK. Watatunga tours are especially loved by parents and grandparents looking for activities to enjoy with their children and grandchildren.
Spanning over 170 acres of Norfolk Wetland, Watatunga is home to some of the world’s most endangered species of deer, antelope, and birds, alongside some of the most exotic. We are incredibly proud of the conservation work being carried out here. We can’t wait to welcome you and show you the incredible wildlife that we work with and are striving so hard to keep from extinction.
At Watatunga, the animals’ welfare is at the centre of the visitor experience. Guests experience the reserve via guided safari tours in self-drive electric buggies, offering an immersive experience to get up close and personal with some of our animals and nature.
Guided by an expert in a separate electric vehicle, guides use a radio system to tell you about the birds and animals you see on your visit. Each trip will be different, depending on our animals’ behaviour, influenced by the weather and season. Your safari tour guide will bring the reserve to life and tell entertaining stories of our reserve’s rare inhabitants.
Tours run from Easter to the end of October, and visitors to Watatunga have the option of either booking a scheduled buggy tour or a trailer tour, a private tour for groups, or requesting a wheelchair accessible trailer.
Plan ahead
For an unforgettable adventure at Watatunga, we strongly recommend booking in advance, as same-day availability cannot be guaranteed. With a limited number of self-drive buggies per tour, reserving early ensures you won’t miss the chance to explore our stunning reserve. Please be aware that during peak season, bookings may fill up over two weeks in advance. Secure your spot today for a truly unique wildlife experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Watatunga open all year round?
Our tour season runs from April until October each year with guided buggy tours every day of the week except Mondays and Fridays in off-peak times and six days a week in school holidays and half-terms (seven where bank holidays fall). Each tour runs for approx. 90 minutes with five 4-seater electric golf buggies, one 6-seater and one wheelchair accessible option per tour. When you book a buggy, one member of your party will drive the buggy and it is booked in its entirety – you will not be sharing a buggy with others outside your party.
The reserve is open for safari stays, private tours and experiences all year round. All other tours run from Easter to the end of October.
Do you sell gift vouchers for Watatunga tours?
If you have loved-ones who are wildlife fans and conservationists and would love to experience a Watatunga tour, we do have Watatunga gift vouchers for sale – so go on, make someone’s day by giving them the gift of adventure as well as conservation.
Can we stay at Watatunga?
As well as tours of the reserve, we also offer luxury accommodation on site – providing guests with a unique and magical staycation. We have three holiday lodges to choose from and our holiday guests receive a complimentary private guided tour, as well as exclusive use of our buggies throughout your stay.
Am I able to bring my dog with me to Watatunga?
We love dogs at Watatunga! However, we cannot facilitate any dog on tour.
We have two kennel spaces available to hire at reception. We can only accept fully vaccinated dogs and the price per kennel is £10.00, and guide dogs are welcome to use our facilities for free. Each kennel is 2m long, 1m high and 1m wide and so each should fit 2 large and one small dog easily. We disinfect kennels between use and while we can provide water bowls, we prefer that you bring your own. Our reception building is approx 0.4 miles from the roadside entrance – it is not necessarily staffed all the time while you’re out on tour but each kennel is provided with a secure lock. Dogs at reception are left entirely at their owner’s risk. Kennels can be booked as an extra on any of our buggy or trailer tours. Any further queries, please fill in the contact form on our website.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in our accommodation due to the proximity of our animals in surrounding areas.
Can we bring a picnic with us?
We have multiple spots around our reception building that are perfect for a picnic – our stretch tent in particular is a sheltered spot with plenty of picnic benches and seating.
Do you have toilet facilities?
Yes, we have a large toilet block adjacent to our reception building and an accessible toilet inside the building, equipped with a shower and adult changing table.
Can children of all ages participate in the tour?
There is no lower age limit on our tours – you know your children best but please be aware that the tour is not interactive, we are not a petting zoo and very young children (under-4) may struggle to stay engaged.
Can my baby sit on my lap for the tour?
All children under the age of 2 may ride for free but must be carried in a sling/harness on the front of the body but this must not be the driver.
How do I book a Watatunga Tour?
All tours must be pre-booked through the booking page on our website and will be confirmed by email.
Can tours be refunded or can I reschedule my tour?
All tickets are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule your tour, we will endeavour to facilitate this when communicated at least 48 hrs prior to departure. All changes will incur an admin fee of £10.00.
Are Watatunga tours wheelchair accessible?
Yes, book a Wheelchair Trailer onto any of our regular tours. Our trailer seats one wheelchair user and up to two guests. Each trailer is towed behind the guide’s buggy as part of our regular tours.
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