Safari experience in Shamakhi VIDEO
Shamakhi, April 16, AZERTAC
The next feature in AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” column turns the spotlight on Safari Park Shamakhi.
As a unique form of contemporary ecotourism, safari tourism is also gaining popularity in Azerbaijan. AZERTAC’s regional correspondent reports that in the Pirgulu massif of Shamakhi—a natural gem nestled in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains—the necessary infrastructure for safari tourism has been developed.
Driving along the Shamakhi–Demirchi road, the scenery gradually transforms. Through the car window, nature resembles a fairy tale—mountains wrapped in greenery, forests stretching in majestic silence, and the fresh scent of earth blending with a cool breeze.
Located in Pirgulu village, the 1,200-hectare Safari Park Shamakhi begins at the entrance to a strictly protected zone. Everything here is aligned with international standards, designed to protect animals from infectious diseases and to minimize human impact.
As the journey continues along the unpaved road, the silence and beauty of nature become even more striking. Sleek deer graze in the green fields, while in the distance alpacas and llamas observe visitors with curiosity, as if welcoming them to their habitat. Mouflons roam freely across rocky slopes, while the massive European bison (zubr) dominates the landscape with its powerful presence.
The Safari Park stands out in the South Caucasus not only for its vast territory but also for the diversity of its animal species. It currently hosts more than 10 species, including sleek deer, spotted deer, Altai deer, alpacas, llamas, mouflons, and European bison (zubr), all brought from Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. These animals have fully adapted to the local climate, and their population continues to grow through natural reproduction.
The mountainous and forested landscape of Pirgulu further enhances the park’s appeal. As temperatures can vary by up to 10 degrees between the entrance and the highest points, visitors are advised to plan their clothing accordingly.
Safari Park Shamakhi is a member of the International Deer and wild Ungulate Breeders Association (IDUBA) and the only official representative of the organization in the South Caucasus, marking a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s ecotourism landscape.
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