Safari Park (Shemakha)

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Shamakhi Safari Park

 

As you explore the enchanting landscapes of Shamakhi, be sure not to miss the Shamakhi Safari Park—the only one of its kind in the entire Caucasus, renowned for its diverse fauna and expansive territory. This is a fantastic opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world.

Located in the Shamakhi district, the Shamakhi Safari Park is the first and only safari park in Azerbaijan, captivating visitors with its impressive scale and variety of inhabitants. Spanning over 1,000 hectares within the Pirguli highland forest, the park is home to more than 1,000 wild animals brought from various countries. Here, you have the chance to encounter and even photograph majestic creatures such as the noble deer, Altai maral, mouflon, alpaca, bison, and yak in their natural habitats.

During your visit, you can embark on a group or individual safari tour in a rugged off-road vehicle, where you’ll not only witness wild animals up close but also enjoy the park’s stunning vistas. For the more adventurous visitors, there’s the exciting opportunity to feed some of the park’s inhabitants, creating unforgettable memories.

The Shamakhi Safari Park also offers a restaurant where you can savor delicious local dishes, as well as a shooting range for those looking to test their marksmanship skills.

The ticket prices are quite high (20 manats per person for locals, and 40 manats for foreigners), but similar experiences cost money everywhere in the world. A Kamaz bus transports guests to the highest point of the park (over 2000 meters above sea level), from where visitors partially continue by bus and partially walk on foot to observe the animals.

The animals are divided into separate territories and are kept away from the roads, but they look stunning against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. Large herds of deer roam freely, creating a rather romantic landscape at sunset. The oldest male, with its branching antlers, is the deer belonging to President Ilham Aliyev. In addition to the deer, there are several bison that were released into the wild, but their population drastically declined due to poaching, leading to their return to the park.

As for “guest species,” there are alpacas and guanacos, which inhabit the South American continent and were unknown to the Caucasus in historical times. Wild boars can also be spotted. It is said that predators occasionally visit the area (only ungulates are present in the park), and efforts are being made to manage this issue.

This is the Shamakhi Safari Park, where a two-hour journey feels like a mere moment. The animals here are not exactly in their natural habitat; they are cared for and monitored, but against the backdrop of the surrounding Caucasian nature, everything appears very attractive.

Please note that the park’s hours of operation often vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it’s advisable to check in advance whether it’s open before your visit. Additionally, wearing suitable clothing and comfortable footwear is recommended to enhance your experience.

For more detailed information and to make reservations, you can contact the Shamakhi Safari Park at the following:

Shamakhi Safari Park
Shamakhi District, Pirgulu-Demirchi Road
Phone: +99450 801 1717; +99499 801 1717