Major’s Lodge is a charming one-storey lodge with stunning new interiors and spectacular views over the wild savannah and lakes of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. While eating breakfast in the garden room, you might spot cranes or blackbuck grazing nearby and many of the antelope species enjoy greeting new visitors through the fence. Major’s Lodge sleeps 8 people and is a wheelchair accessible property.
Pre-arrival, the team schedule a private tour of Watatunga for your first day on site. You will be greeted by expert guides who introduce guests to the magnificent animals and bring their conservation stories to life. Following an induction tour, guests have exclusive access to the reserve whenever they wish, giving you the opportunity to explore at their leisure and visit the reception site where you can find sustainably sourced coffee, t-shirts and buffalo burgers for you to enjoy on their BBQ.
On arrival, guests are welcomed with a surprise hamper of local produce including Crush oil, granola and cookies as well as Candi’s chutney, Simon’s Marmalade and seasonal fruit and fresh flowers from the gardens. The complimentary toiletries are plastic-free.
What do you think makes a stay at Major's Lodge at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve unique?
There is no other U.K. destination that assembles such a range of species in a natural setting without segregation. This works at Watatunga because there is space - 170 acres of grassy savannah, ancient woodland, marshland and lakes, for each species to find their niche. Each stay is unique and exciting, just like a ‘real’ safari – there is no guarantee as to what you will see - expert guides rely on their keen eyesight and vast knowledge to bring the reserve and the stories of its inhabitants to life, regularly delighting three generations at a time.
With over 25 different deer and antelope species on site, Watatunga holds the most varied collection of deer and antelope in Europe. They are blazing a new path within the zoo and safari world, re-imagining how visitors interact with and learn about animals in captivity. Within the reserve the animals roam free; guests love that the site is designed to prioritise the animals’ welfare and their feedback often refers to the excitement of close encounters with many animals now extinct in the wild
You will have access to 2 4-seater golf buggies & a large state-of-the-art bird hide just a minutes’ walk from the grounds within the lodge. Major’s Lodge and the bird hide are both suitable for wheelchair users with a ramp provided at the main entrance allowing wheel-chair access and a large wet room. On a free guided-tour of the reserve, guests will learn all about the conservation work at Watatunga while meeting the hoof-stock, water-buffalo, white-stork and Great Bustard which have all made Watatunga their home.
Watatunga has recently been named the Best New Ecotourism Destination 2022 in the SME’s Best of British Getaways awards. The team promote an authentic experience through the provision of a sustainable, ecologically friendly attraction aimed at visitors who want to enjoy the beautiful local natural environment.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the King's Lynn area?
Once you have had your fill of the reserve, the historic town of King's Lynn is only a short drive or train trip away. Explore the cobblestone lanes lined with the fine old merchant houses or pay a visit to the elegant Custom House, which overlooks the town's medieval harbour. Travel south to Ely, where the Cathederal, one of England's largest and most beautiful cathederals, dominates the skyline. The town itself hosts weekly markets and has a lovely waterfront area with a variety of cafes, restaurants and art galleries to visit.
The gorgeous north Norfolk coastline is only 30 minutes away by car, and the wide shoreline is popular with bikers and hikers due to the numerous country lanes and paths to follow. Visit the RSPB Nature Reserve at Snettisham Beach, which is ideal for bird watching, with lagoons teeming with birds and shingle covered beaches to discover. A fantastic array of water sports can be found at old Hunstanton and Sandringham estate is only 20 minutes away by car. The owners are more than happy to send an extensive list of ideas tailored to your interests so please do enquire.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
Guests are offered a self-catered or fine-dining BBQ in the reserve’s bespoke lakeside BBQ hut or else the team can arrange for local chefs, to come onsite and cook in their accommodation. If not dining on site or in the local pub, you'll be sent a comprehensive guide with tips e.g. parking places at busy beaches to give guests as much ‘insider info’ so that they can get the best out of their holiday and experience Norfolk like a local.
At the centre of the village, and a fifteen minute stroll from the property, lies the Angel pub serving food as well as boasting a Sunday carvery and a fish and nearby chip shop. Alternatively, there are plenty of fine eateries to enjoy nearby and a list of suggestions will be emailed to you in advance of your visit.
What is the capacity for Major's Lodge at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve?
Major's Lodge sleeps up to 8 guests over 4 bedrooms, each with wash basin and/or bathroom facilities, including an accessible wet room with extra handrails fitted to the wall and non-slip flooring suitable for less-able guests.
Other Information
Watatunga is a stunning new wildlife reserve in west Norfolk. Voted Best New Tourism Business of 2021, the reserve is found in 170 acres of woodland, grassland and marsh and provides a unique environment for over twenty types of deer, antelope and rare bird species to roam at their will. The reserve provides a perfect inter-generational activity and is brought to life by a guided tour from expert guides as soon as possible after your arrival.