Saiga Photo Safari

Saryarka, including its part, which belongs to the Korgalzhyn reserve or borders, today is one of those places where you can meet a very interesting antelope — saiga (Saiga tatarica). The species has been categorized as «CR» by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning critically endangered. Through the efforts of environmental organizations, the number of saiga is gradually being restored, which, however, does not make this species less protected and valuable. The so-called Betpakdala saiga population lives on the territory of Central Kazakhstan, and you will meet with it.

During the proposed tour, you will not only see saigas, but also meet flamingos, pelicans, swans, cranes, gulls, ducks, eagles, foxes and marmots. Beside it, you will simply enjoy the picturesque landscapes of local lakes, swamps, salt marshes and steppes, as well as learn a little about the ancient history of these places.

Program of the tour

Day 1

Driving from Astana to Korgalzhyn village (130km, 1,5h). Korgalzhyn Nature reserve’s visit-centre attendance. Driving to so called Stone area (46km, 1h) – a picturesque place where Nura river flows out of the Sholak lake. Lunch afield. Driving along the South border of Korgalzhyn reserve (Nura river, Kyzykol lake, Istembet saline, Kulanotpes river, Kon river, hills with small freshwater reservoirs south of Big Tengiz lake) – it takes about 6h with all the stops (140km). Encounters with both saiga and numerous avifauna are expected along the route. Dinner afield and overnight in tents on the Big Tengis Lake shore (we can meet flamingos here as well).

Day 2

Driving by the road laying on the hill range popular among herds of saiga going to Kerey Lake (50km, 2h with stops). Staying on the shores of Lake Kerey, which is a huge salt marsh, on the surface of which (as well as along its banks) herds of saiga move. Moving up the valley of the Kerey River, acquaintance with a number of historical monuments, including a stone statue of the Saka era on the Kerey-2 barrow, with lunch in the field (45 km, 2.5 hours). Driving from Kerey river valley to Astana through Zhanbobek, Barshino and Korgalzhyn (330km, 5h). Arriving to Astana late in the evening. End of the tour.

* This tour does not involve visiting the territory of the Korgalzhyn GPP, therefore, does not require any permits.

**Years of mass extermination have taught the saiga to be very careful, and given the speed of movement of the animal (about 80 km/h), photographing it can be very problematic.

Cost per person

The above-mentioned prices include: all travel by all-wheel-drive minibus, services of a driver and an English-speaking guide-interpreter,  meals (including in the field), and overnight stays in tents and hotels, camping gear rental fees.

The above-mentioned prices do not include: visa expenses and consular fees, insurance, the price of getting to Astana city and back.

If required the tour can be adapted according to the schedule of arrival and departure of the participants. In this case the cost of the tour may slightly change.

DISCLAIMER
The program of the tour might be changed due to the force majeure circumstances, including (but not limited to):
– official prohibitions on visiting specially protected areas (national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, etc.) due to epizootics or epidemics, fire-setting and other reasons;
– official prohibitions on visiting sites, located in the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and Kurchatov town, Saryshagan test site, Baikonur city and Cosmodrome site, and other areas with limited access;
– cancellation/postponement of plane, train and other transfers;
– extreme weather conditions (steppe fire, snowstorms, lasting rainstorms, etc.) and its consequences (washed out roads, snow drifts, damaged bridges, etc.);
– traffic restrictions (closures);
– other natural and administrative circumstances beyond the control of the company “Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan”.