Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Shymkent, Kazakhstan
1. Burabay National Park
A stunning natural reserve featuring various habitats, including forests and lakes. It's known for its diverse wildlife, especially the Siberian crane.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to over 250 bird species and 43 mammal species
- Lake System: Contains more than 100 interconnected lakes
- Eco-Tourism Activities: Offers boat trips, hiking trails, and camping opportunities
2. Saimaluu-Tash Nature Reserve
A unique geological park with over 600 species of flora and numerous wildlife, particularly the Siberian Ibis.
- Geological Formations: Features various geological formations such as petroglyphs and karst caves
- Rare Plant Species: Home to several endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly the Siberian Ibis during migration
3. Kolsai Lakes
A series of three pristine mountain lakes surrounded by pine forests, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Mountain Ecosystem: Located within the Tian Shan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails with stunning mountain vistas
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Marco Polo Argali and Brown Bear
4. Balkhash-Alakol National Park
A vast national park featuring Lake Balkhash, one of the world's largest saline lakes and home to many bird species.
- Saline Lake Ecosystem: Features a unique saline lake ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife
- Bird Watching: Offers excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly the White-headed Duck and Dalmatian Pelican
- Desert Landscapes: Includes desert landscapes, sand dunes, and interesting geological formations
5. Kaindy Lake
A scenic lake with sunken pine trees, offering a unique opportunity to explore underwater forests.
- Underwater Forests: Features underwater forests of sunken pine trees
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails with stunning mountain vistas and the lake itself
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Ibex
6. Charyn Canyon
A striking canyon with red-hued rock formations, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking.
- Red Rock Formations: Features red-hued rock formations, including the 'Throat of Canyon'
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails with stunning views and photo opportunities
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Wild Boar
7. Tamgaly Tas National Park
A historical-archaeological park with rock carvings and petroglyphs, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Historical Significance: Features over 5000 rock carvings dating back to the 3rd-16th centuries
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Marco Polo Argali and Wild Boar
- Desert Landscapes: Includes desert landscapes, sand dunes, and interesting geological formations
8. Aktau Mountains National Park
A mountain range park featuring diverse wildlife, including the Snow Leopard and Ibex.
- Mountain Ecosystem: Located within the Tian Shan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly the Snow Leopard and Ibex
- Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails with stunning mountain vistas
9. Kazygurt State Nature Reserve
A steppe reserve featuring rare and endangered species such as the Saiga Antelope.
- Rare Species Conservation: Focuses on conservation of the critically endangered Saiga Antelope
- Steppe Ecosystem: Features a typical steppe ecosystem with diverse wildlife
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly the Saiga Antelope
10. Borovoe National Park
A popular resort town with various activities and beautiful landscapes, including the Singing Dune.
- Resort Town Activities: Offers a range of activities such as hiking, horse riding, and water sports
- Natural Landmarks: Features natural landmarks like the Singing Dune and Zharkent Canyon
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Ibex
11. Zhongar Alatau National Park
A vast national park featuring the highest peak in Kazakhstan, Khan-Tengri, and diverse wildlife.
- Mountain Ecosystem: Located within the Tian Shan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Highest Peak in Kazakhstan: Includes Khan-Tengri, the highest peak in Kazakhstan
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly the Snow Leopard and Ibex
12. Kolsai-Too National Natural Park
A protected area with three stunning mountain lakes, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
- Mountain Ecosystem: Located within the Tian Shan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails with stunning mountain vistas
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including the Marco Polo Argali and Brown Bear
13. Song-Kol Lake
A pristine alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.
- Alpine Lake: Features an alpine lake with stunning mountain vistas
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails around the lake and to nearby peaks
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Ibex
14. Borovoe-Aul National Park
A picturesque national park featuring Borovoe town, scenic valleys, and various activities.
- Resort Town Activities: Offers a range of activities such as hiking, horse riding, and water sports
- Natural Landmarks: Features natural landmarks like the Zharkent Canyon and the Singing Dune
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Ibex
15. Zharkent-Aul National Park
A national park featuring picturesque valleys, scenic views, and opportunities for hiking and horse riding.
- Valley Landscapes: Features picturesque valleys with scenic views
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails and opportunities for horse riding
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and potentially the Ibex