Exploring Watatunga by Wheelchair: Lorraine’s Perspective
“From a disabled person’s perspective Watatunga is a wonderful place to visit. The facilities are excellent, with parking next to the reception building and a roomy disabled toilet. They have obviously put a lot of thought into accessibility needs.
Upon arrival the staff greet you and they are all very helpful and friendly. If needed they will help you negotiate the slope into reception and the downward slope into the wheelchair trailer. The wheelchair is then secured into position, I always feel very safe. The trailer is then towed behind the guide’s vehicle.
All the tour guides are very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate about animals and the reserve. I have learnt a great deal about the deer, antelopes, and birds. The hour and a half tour is very tranquil, peaceful, and relaxing.
I have been visiting 3 or 4 times a year since it opened and each tour is truly unique, you never know what you are going to see and it is so lovely to see the animals roaming in such a large area, with conditions as close to the wild as possible. This year they started doing evening tours and I have been fortunate to see many of the animals up close.
No matter how bad my day starts I always feel better when I visit, and at one with nature. It makes my heart sing and lifts my spirits. I always come away feeling blessed that I have been able to have the opportunity to visit such an inspirational place. Watatunga should be prescribed on the NHS. I keep on coming back each year and would highly recommend visiting the reserve whatever your age or your disabilities.”
Lorraine
Accessible Accommodation at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
At Watatunga we strive to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all our visitors. This not only includes our buggies but also our safari stays. Major’s Lodge, one of three of our safari stays, is a fully wheelchair accessible accommodation with exclusive access to our wheelchair accessible buggy. Plus for all you bird spotters out there, access to our state of the art bird-hide!
This single-story, wheelchair-accessible safari lodge offers stunning views over Watatunga’s expansive grasslands and serene lakes. Major’s Lodge and the nearby bird hide are thoughtfully designed for wheelchair users, both featuring entrance ramps and a spacious wet room at Major’s Lodge for easy accessibility. The garden is bordered with butterfly-friendly plants and winter bird seed, creating a haven for local wildlife. Next to the lodge, a raised, wheelchair-accessible deck offers picturesque views of the reserve and includes a ramp to the lawn and a secure gate, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for all ages.
If you would like to learn more about our Safari Stays please visit here. If you would also like to know more about our accessibility on our day tours please visit our Accessibility page here.
