
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Astana, Kazakhstan
1. Korgalzhyn State National Natural Reserve
Home to numerous bird species and the critically endangered Saker Falcon, this reserve offers guided tours for birdwatching.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Over 250 bird species to spot including rare ones like the Demoiselle Crane and Saker Falcon.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides provide insights into the reserve's ecosystem and wildlife.
- Unique Ecosystem: The wetland ecosystem is a significant stopover for migratory birds during their annual journey.
2. Burabay National Park
A picturesque national park with diverse landscapes, home to endangered species like the snow leopard.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of crystal-clear lakes and rolling hills.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential to see rare species like the snow leopard, Siberian Ibex, and argali.
- Recreational Activities: Activities such as hiking, camping, and horseback riding are available within the park.
3. Saryarka National Park
A unique park in Astana city limits, featuring steppe landscapes and a variety of wildlife.
- Urban Wildlife Experience: Unusual combination of urban cityscape and steppe ecosystem.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to over 250 bird species, as well as mammals like the red fox, wolf, and Eurasian lynx.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the park's ecosystem and wildlife conservation.
4. Kolsai Lakes National Park
A pristine alpine national park with three stunning turquoise lakes.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Offers picturesque hiking trails with breathtaking views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Sightings: Possibility of spotting rare species like the snow leopard, brown bear, and argali.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal location for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife photographs.
5. Bolashan National Park
A remote national park offering a chance to explore untouched steppe landscapes and rare wildlife.
- Untouched Wilderness: One of the last truly wild areas in Kazakhstan with minimal human impact.
- Rare Species Sightings: Chance to see endangered species like the Pallas's cat, Siberian Ibex, and Argali.
- Backpacking Adventures: Offers multi-day backpacking trips for an authentic wilderness experience.
6. Aktogai State National Natural Reserve
Home to the world's largest horse, the Przewalski's Horse, and the critically endangered Saiga Antelope.
- Endangered Species Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation of rare species like the Przewalski's Horse and Saiga Antelope.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides lead tours through the reserve, providing insights into the wildlife and ecosystem.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for photographing the beautiful Przewalski's Horses and Saiga Antelopes.
7. Barsakelmes National Park
A desert national park featuring unique geological formations and wildlife adapted to the harsh environment.
- Unique Geology: Features fascinating sand dunes, rock formations, and caves.
- Adapted Wildlife: Home to wildlife species adapted to the harsh desert environment like the Fennec Fox and Addax Antelope.
- Off-Road Adventures: Offers off-road adventures for exploring the park's unique landscapes.
8. Charyn Canyon National Park
A stunning canyon featuring unique rock formations and diverse wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features magnificent rock formations resembling castle towers.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential to see rare wildlife like the Pallas's cat, Siberian Ibex, and Argali.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding landscapes.
9. Sungir National Natural Park
A protected area known for its unique geological formations and diverse wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful steppe landscapes, rock formations, and waterfalls.
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential to spot rare species like the snow leopard, brown bear, and Argali.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife photographs.
10. Kokchetau State National Natural Reserve
A wetland reserve with diverse habitats supporting a variety of bird species.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Over 250 bird species can be spotted, including rare ones like the Demoiselle Crane and Saker Falcon.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides lead tours through the reserve, providing insights into the wildlife and ecosystem.
- Unique Ecosystem: The wetland ecosystem is a significant stopover for migratory birds during their annual journey.
11. Karatau State National Natural Reserve
A desert reserve featuring unique geological formations and diverse wildlife adapted to the harsh environment.
- Unique Geology: Features fascinating sand dunes, rock formations, and caves.
- Adapted Wildlife: Home to wildlife species adapted to the harsh desert environment like the Fennec Fox and Addax Antelope.
- Off-Road Adventures: Offers off-road adventures for exploring the park's unique landscapes.
12. Torgay National Park
A remote national park offering a chance to explore untouched steppe landscapes and rare wildlife.
- Untouched Wilderness: One of the last truly wild areas in Kazakhstan with minimal human impact.
- Rare Species Sightings: Chance to see endangered species like the Pallas's cat, Siberian Ibex, and Argali.
- Backpacking Adventures: Offers multi-day backpacking trips for an authentic wilderness experience.
13. Zhongar Alatau National Park
A mountainous national park featuring diverse landscapes and unique wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling hills.
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential to spot rare species like the snow leopard, brown bear, and Argali.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife photographs.
14. Betpak-Dala National Park
A vast steppe national park with unique wetland ecosystems supporting a variety of wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Over 300 bird species can be spotted, including rare ones like the Demoiselle Crane and Saker Falcon.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides lead tours through the park, providing insights into the wildlife and ecosystem.
- Unique Ecosystem: The wetland ecosystem is a significant stopover for migratory birds during their annual journey.
15. Nuratau State National Natural Park
A desert park featuring unique geological formations and diverse wildlife adapted to the harsh environment.
- Unique Geology: Features fascinating sand dunes, rock formations, and caves.
- Adapted Wildlife: Home to wildlife species adapted to the harsh desert environment like the Fennec Fox and Addax Antelope.
- Off-Road Adventures: Offers off-road adventures for exploring the park's unique landscapes.