ABOUT WATATUNGA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Nestled in a stunning part of Norfolk, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is a place dedicated to supporting and promoting conservation and sustainable tourism. Spanning 170 acres of woodland, grassland, and lakes, Watatunga is a reserve committed to conservation education and the preservation of several endangered deer, antelope, and avian species.
Many of the animals are free roaming within the reserve, giving visitors who join a guided safari tour at Watatunga a unique and engaging wildlife experience.
Honoured as the “Best New EcoTourism Destination 2022” in the East of England and “Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2023 (Gold)” by Visit England, Watatunga’s recognition underscores its efforts in environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through educational initiatives, private guided safari tours, and tranquil accommodations, guests can actively participate in and support the reserve’s conservation mission.
With its many exotic deer, antelope and bird species, as well as it’s many resident UK species, Watatunga really does offer an authentic and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
WILDLIFE AT WATATUNGA WILDLIFE RESERVE
These photographs were taken by a member of the BDS team during a visit to Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in April 2024 and show the amazing close-up encounters guests may have with many of the deer and other ungulate species when visiting the reserve.
DEER, ANTELOPE & OTHER UNGULATE SPECIES AT THE RESERVE
- Axis (Chital) deer Conservation status – Least Concern
- Barasingha deer Conservation status – Vulnerable
- (Chinese) Water deer Conservation status – Vulnerable
- Fallow deer Conservation status – Least Concern
- Indian hog deer Conservation status – Endangered
- Indian sambar deer Conservation status – Vulnerable
- Vietnamese sika deer Conservation status – Extinct in the Wild
- Père David’s deer Conservation status – Extinct in the Wild
- Western roe deer Conservation status – Least Concern
- White lipped (Thorold’s) deer Conservation status – Vulnerable
- Blackbuck Conservation status – Least Concern
- Blesbok Conservation status – Least Concern
- Kafue flats lechwe Conservation status – Endangered
- Mountain (Eastern) bongo Conservation status – Critically endangered
- Cape eland Conservation status – Least concern
- Nilgai Conservation status – Least concern
- Roan antelope Conservation status – Least concern
- West African sitatunga Conservation status – Least concern
- Domestic water buffalo
- European mouflon
For a more descriptive list of the species you may encounter on a guided safari tour please see: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve’s 2024 species guidebook.
(Please note that this list is subject to change. The conservation status provided for each species is based on general assessments and may vary depending on specific populations and regions.)
BIRDS AT THE RESERVE
Watatunga is also a haven for bird enthusiasts and bird watchers. As well as being a home for many UK species you will also have the opportunity to see Great Bustards, Eurasian Cranes, White-naped Cranes, White Storks, Javan Peacocks, Cheer Pheasants, Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Silver Pheasants, and Helmeted Guineafowl.
VISTING WATATUNGA: DAY TRIPS & OVERNIGHT STAYS
GUIDED SAFARI TOURS
Watatunga’s guided safari tours offer a top day out for any nature or wildlife enthusiasts.
You can enjoy the reserve via a guided safari tour in a self-drive buggy. (Larger groups can book a trailer, and wheelchair friendly options are also available).
These tours run from Easter to the end of October.
STAY IN THE RESERVE
Make a holiday of your visit and stay overnight in the reserve in one of 3 stunning accommodations:
- The Gate Lodge (sleeps 4 and overlooks the animal enclosures.)
- The Major’s Lodge (sleeps 8 and includes a private bird hide.)
- The Stable Cottage (sleeps 8 and includes a hot tub.)
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
If you’re a keen wildlife photographer then Watatunga offers a unique opportunity to get some really close up images of some of the world’s rarest deer and antelope in a natural setting.
Depending on your level of experience you can choose to explore the reserve with a safari guide or with an experienced photography tutor.
MUST HAVE BOOKS FOR ANY VISIT TO WATATUNGA
No visit to Watatunga would be complete without a copy of the British Deer Society’s “Field Guide to British Deer” and Charles Smith-Jones’ “A Guide to Deer of the World”.
Both books are available to purchase from our online store, with all proceeds going towards the essential work of our charity.
TOGETHER FOR DEER: BDS & WATATUNGA
As part of our 2024-2030 strategy, Together for Deer, the British Deer Society is committed to inspire more people, organisations and relevant stakeholders working with or in association with deer, to come together for the benefit of deer and their ethical management.
By working in partnership with Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, we are able to encourage everyone to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of deer, the hazards they face and their complex relationship with both their natural environment and humankind.
