Going on safari
19th July 2024
Kafue Flats lechwe antelope © @girlaroundnorthnorfolk
If you don’t fancy jetting off to far-flung destinations with your kids in tow, then the award-winning Watatunga Wildlife Reserve here in Norfolk is a fantastic place to get your safari fix, says Rachel Bowles
Opened in 2020 and spanning 170 acres, with a mixture of woodland, grassland, wetlands and lakes, the emphasis at Watatunga, just outside King’s Lynn, is on conservation. Many of the animals here are free roaming which means that each tour delivers a unique experience; there are lots of deer, some of which are resident UK species, alongside several endangered deer, antelope, and avian species.
We visited just after they opened their doors for the season and took one of their self-drive buggy tours. The buggies are electric powered and have built-in speakers to listen to the expert-led commentary; simply designate a driver and follow the convoy to spot a wide range of wildlife along the way.
If you’d prefer to sit back and relax, then you can book the open-sided safari trailer, as part of a group tour which runs twice a week throughout the school holidays. Both tour types have wheelchair accessible options.
During our 90-minute buggy tour around the reserve, we were lucky enough to see many of the resident wildlife, including barasingha and Chinese water deer, blackbuck and roan antelopes, and a beautiful white-naped crane. We were amazed by the rather large Cape Eland antelope grazing in the forest and dazzled by the beautiful Javan peacocks – with the male putting on an impressive display for us.
My children, Zachary and Eliza, also loved the characterful great bustard which decided to run alongside our buggies, trying to get in. Aside from the great bustard encounter, the convoy stopped at each sighting to allow the guide to tell us more about the conservation of the species and anything specific about their lifestyle, diet or mating behaviours.
The pause also allowed time for observing their movements and taking photographs. We thoroughly enjoyed our safari experience at Watatunga and would definitely return. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
Photography by @girlaroundnorthnorfolk
3 other places for a North Norfolk safari adventure
Holkham’s tractor-trailer tour explores their vast estate, meandering through the parkland and less beaten tracks. The tour allows you to have a safe encounter with the resident fallow deer in their habitat and learn all about their characteristics and seasonal behaviours. The expert guides share knowledge with fun facts and humour, pitched perfectly for all age groups. We’ve hopped aboard several times now and always enjoyed our visit.
Explore NWT Cley & Salthouse Marshes with a pair of binoculars and an identifier sheet from the visitor centre and you’ll be met with an abundance of birds. There are six hides across the site, four of which are reached via a boardwalk making them accessible for all. This summer you can expect to see avocets, redshank, yellow wagtails and spoonbills, in addition to dragonflies and butterflies.
If a sea-based safari is more to your liking, then why not head out on one of the boat trips from Morston Quay to spot the seals at Blakeney Point. This area, managed by the National Trust, is home to England’s largest grey seal colony and really is a must-visit. The boat trips are tide dependent, so it’s always best to plan your day in advance.
Visit websites for ticket prices and any booking requirements.
