
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
1. Ankara Zoo
Home to a variety of wildlife including lions, tigers, and pandas. Features a children's zoo and amusement park.
- Wide Variety: Offers a wide range of species from different continents
- Children's Area: Provides entertainment for children with a dedicated area for them
- Amusement Park: Includes fun rides and attractions in addition to the wildlife exhibits
2. Kızılırmak National Park
Protects the longest river in Turkey, Kızılırmak. Offers bird watching opportunities and scenic hikes.
- Longest River: Conserves the longest river in Turkey with unique biodiversity
- Bird Watching: Provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, including rare species
- Scenic Hikes: Offers picturesque hiking trails along the riverbank
3. Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo
Combines a forest farm with a zoo. Features animal exhibits, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Forest Farm Integration: Brings together a forest farm and a zoo for a unique experience
- Animal Exhibits: Showcases various animals, including native Turkish species
- Picnic Areas: Provides areas for visitors to enjoy a picnic amidst nature
4. Etimesgut Safari Park
Offers safari tours through the park in vehicles. Houses animals such as zebras, giraffes, and camels.
- Safari Tours: Allows visitors to experience a real safari within the park
- Unique Animals: Houses exotic animals not commonly found in Turkish zoos
- Spacious Enclosures: Provides large and spacious enclosures for the animals' comfort
5. Ovacık Karagöl National Park
Features a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. Offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities.
- Beautiful Lake: Offers stunning views of the Karagöl (Black Lake) and its surrounding forests
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing in a serene environment
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows visitors to spot wildlife such as foxes, wolves, and bears in their natural habitat
6. Göller National Park
Protects a series of volcanic lakes. Known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
- Volcanic Lakes: Conserves a unique series of volcanic lakes
- Stunning Landscapes: Offers breathtaking landscapes with opportunities for hiking and photography
- Hiking Trails: Provides various hiking trails suitable for different levels of fitness and experience
7. Söğütözü Wildlife Refuge
Protects the Söğütözü wetlands. Offers bird watching and guided tours.
- Wetland Conservation: Conserves the unique Söğütözü wetlands with their rich biodiversity
- Bird Watching: Allows visitors to spot various bird species, including migratory ones
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours for a more informative and enjoyable experience
8. Yıldırım Beyazit Forestry and Hunting Area
Offers hunting opportunities as well as hiking trails. Features a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- Hunting Opportunities: Provides regulated hunting opportunities for experienced hunters
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: Boasts a diverse range of plants and animals, including rare species
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for nature enthusiasts to explore the area's beauty
9. Kızıl Ada (Red Island)
An island in the Kızılmarmaraları (Red Marmara) archipelago. Offers bird watching and swimming opportunities.
- Bird Watching: Allows visitors to observe various seabird species, including cormorants and gulls
- Swimming Opportunities: Provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters
- Island Exploration: Offers chances to explore the island's unique landscapes and wildlife
10. Sıhhiye Forestry and Hunting Area
Protects a large forested area. Offers hunting opportunities and hiking trails.
- Forest Conservation: Conserves a significant portion of Ankara's remaining forests
- Hunting Opportunities: Provides regulated hunting opportunities for experienced hunters
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for nature lovers to explore the area's beauty
11. Yıldızlı Karagöl (Star Lake)
A picturesque lake with a star-shaped island. Offers fishing and camping opportunities.
- Picturesque Landscape: Provides a beautiful and serene setting for relaxation and photography
- Fishing Opportunities: Allows visitors to fish in the lake for a unique experience
- Camping Opportunities: Provides camping areas for overnight stays amidst nature
12. Çubuk Karagöl (Horse Shoe Lake)
A beautiful lake with a horse-shoe shape. Offers fishing and bird watching opportunities.
- Unique Shape: Features a unique, horse-shoe shaped lake for a memorable experience
- Fishing Opportunities: Allows visitors to fish in the lake for a relaxing activity
- Bird Watching: Provides opportunities to spot various bird species, including water birds
13. Alacahöyük Wildlife Refuge
Protects the Alacahöyük wetlands. Offers bird watching and guided tours.
- Wetland Conservation: Conserves the unique Alacahöyük wetlands with their rich biodiversity
- Bird Watching: Allows visitors to observe various bird species, including migratory ones
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours for a more informative and enjoyable experience
14. Kurttepe National Park
Offers hiking trails and panoramic views of Ankara. Features a variety of flora and fauna.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking views of Ankara's skyline and surrounding landscapes
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the park's diverse landscapes
- Flora and Fauna: Features a variety of plants and animals, including rare species
15. Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo (Zoo Area)
The zoo area within the Atatürk Forest Farm. Features animal exhibits, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Animal Exhibits: Showcases various animals, including native Turkish species
- Walking Trails: Offers walking trails for visitors to explore the park at their own pace
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst nature