
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Kartal, İstanbul, Turkey
1. Kartal Gökkuşağı National Park
A tranquil oasis with diverse bird species and wetlands, offering a chance to spot egrets, herons, and flamingos.
- Proximity to City: Located within Kartal, making it easily accessible for urban travelers.
- Eco-tourism Opportunities: Offers guided tours and educational programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Bird Watching Paradise: Home to numerous bird species, particularly waterfowl, making it a top destination for bird watchers.
2. Sultanbeyli-Kartal Forest
An expansive forest teeming with wildlife, including foxes, rabbits, and various bird species.
- Urban Retreat: Serves as a serene urban retreat amidst the bustling city of Kartal.
- Hiking Trails: Features well-marked hiking trails for exploring the forest and spotting wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Boasts a picturesque landscape, with lush greenery and various ecosystems to discover.
3. Çekmeköy-Kartal Delta
A vibrant wetland area hosting a rich array of waterbird species, such as spoonbills and egrets.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Serves as a critical habitat for migratory bird populations.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning views and photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Conservation Efforts: Participates in ongoing conservation projects to protect the local ecosystem.
4. Kartal Sarıgölü Lake
A serene lake surrounded by lush vegetation and home to various waterfowl.
- Tranquil Setting: Provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and wildlife observation.
- Boat Tours: Offers boat tours, allowing visitors to explore the lake and spot birds up-close.
- Local Wildlife: Home to numerous bird species, including cormorants, ducks, and swans.
5. Kartal-Bahçelievler Belgrad Forest
A dense forest offering a chance to spot deer, foxes, and various bird species.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, providing a vital habitat.
- Hiking and Cycling Trails: Features a network of hiking and cycling trails for exploring the forest.
- Nighttime Safaris: Offers nighttime safaris, allowing visitors to experience the nocturnal wildlife.
6. Kartal-Tuzla Wetlands
A significant wetland area hosting a variety of bird species, including spoonbills and avocets.
- Importance to Migratory Birds: Serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Mediterranean Flyway.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, led by experienced guides who can help spot and identify wildlife.
- Wildlife Photography: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography due to the abundance of bird species.
7. Kartal Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo
A farm and zoo offering a chance to observe local and exotic wildlife in a natural setting.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about various species, as well as conservation efforts.
- Exotic Wildlife: Features exotic animals from around the world, in addition to local wildlife.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Provides a family-friendly environment with various activities, such as petting zoos and pony rides.
8. Kartal Köyceğiz Lake
A scenic lake hosting a variety of bird species, including storks and herons.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal location for a relaxing day out.
- Boat Tours: Offers boat tours, allowing visitors to explore the lake and spot wildlife from the water.
- Local Wildlife: Home to numerous bird species, as well as various aquatic creatures.
9. Kartal-Tuzla Akşayır Wetlands
A rich wetland area hosting a variety of bird species, particularly storks and egrets.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
- Bird Watching Tours: Offers guided bird watching tours, led by experienced guides who can help spot and identify species.
- Conservation Projects: Participates in ongoing conservation projects to protect the local ecosystem and wildlife.
10. Kartal-Tuzla Yeşilçeşme Wetlands
A vibrant wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Diversity of Wildlife: Boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Features a wildlife observation tower, providing visitors with unparalleled views of the wetlands.
- Eco-tourism Opportunities: Offers eco-tourism opportunities, such as guided tours and educational programs about local wildlife.
11. Kartal-Tuzla Yenibosna Wetlands
A significant wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Importance to Migratory Birds: Serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Mediterranean Flyway.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, led by experienced guides who can help spot and identify wildlife.
12. Kartal-Tuzla Karacaören Wetlands
A lush wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Diversity of Wildlife: Boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Features a wildlife observation tower, providing visitors with unparalleled views of the wetlands.
- Conservation Efforts: Participates in ongoing conservation projects to protect the local ecosystem and wildlife.
13. Kartal-Tuzla Akbükü Wetlands
A vibrant wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Diversity of Wildlife: Boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, led by experienced guides who can help spot and identify wildlife.
14. Kartal-Tuzla Hüseyinpaşa Wetlands
A lush wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Diversity of Wildlife: Boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Features a wildlife observation tower, providing visitors with unparalleled views of the wetlands.
- Conservation Efforts: Participates in ongoing conservation projects to protect the local ecosystem and wildlife.
15. Kartal-Tuzla Çekmece Wetlands
A significant wetland area hosting a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as otters.
- Importance to Migratory Birds: Serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling along the Mediterranean Flyway.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours, led by experienced guides who can help spot and identify wildlife.