Shirvan National Park
Easily accessible along the Baku-Astara highway 120 km south of Baku, Shirvan National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s top all-round nature sites and is best known as the home of the iconic goitered gazelle. The gazelle is an absolute Azerbaijan success story, since their numbers had dropped to just a few hundred animals in the 1960s but now count between 7,000 and 8,000 alone in Shirvan, and you’re guaranteed to see them during a visit here. Additionally, this huge area (54,000 hectares) is a paradise for birdwatchers as it has recorded over 270 different species, to see many of which this is the most accessible site in Azerbaijan.
Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve
From prehistoric rock art to musical stones, the Azerbaijani people’s prehistoric past comes dramatically to life in the Gobustan State Reserve, home to an astonishing collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs. Depicting scenes of people, warriors, animals, boats, dances, hunting, camel caravans, and more, they chart ways of life dating back between 5,000 and 20,000 years. While discovering the ancient history of the area we will look for Rock nuthatches, Finsch’s Wheatear, Chukars, Red-billed Choughs, Lanner Falcons (in season), and so on.
Key bird species
In spring, the following species are the main targets for these sites: Black Francolin, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Menetries’s Warbler, Grey-headed Swamphen, Ferruginous Duck, Little Bittern, Bluethroat, White-tailed Lapwing, European Roller, and Isabelline Wheatear, Western Rock Nuthatch, Rock Sparrow, Finsch’s Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Red-billed Chough, and breeding Turkestan Short-toed Lark, etc.
Finally, to discover the diversity of the sites check eBird links below:
Shirvan NP – https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3223119
Gobustan – https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6038692
In winter, Shirvan hosts the largest concentration of Little Bustards in Azerbaijan. The sight of thousands of birds in mega-flocks is not just imaginary but a thrilling possibility! In the lake many wintering waterfowl including Marbled Teal, White-headed and Ferruginous Duck is possible to spot.
Tour plan
We’ll depart from Baku in the morning, pausing briefly at a local market where you can grab snacks and refreshments before the journey. Our first destination is Shirvan National Park, a vast haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Be on the lookout for gazelles, rare birds, and other fascinating creatures as we traverse the park’s diverse landscapes.
After a rewarding exploration, we’ll head back toward the park entrance, keeping our eyes open for more wildlife along the way.
Next, we drive to Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient petroglyphs. At the Gobustan Museum, interactive exhibits will bring the rich history of the region to life. We’ll then venture into the rocky terrain, where you’ll search for birds perched among millennia-old carvings.
Our final stop is the surreal Gilinj Mud Volcanoes, part of one of the world’s largest mud volcano fields. Feel the Earth’s pulse as you witness bubbling mud and shifting landscapes—an unforgettable, otherworldly experience! We’ll also explore the nearby Nature History Museum, gaining deeper insight into Azerbaijan’s incredible natural wonders.
As the sun sets, we’ll return to Baku, enriched by a day filled with discovery and adventure.
Transport
- Mitsubishi Pajero (4 seater comfortable car)
- Mercedes Vito (7 seater comfortable micro-bus)
- Mercedes Sprinter (18 seater comfortable bus)
- Safari cars in Shirvan National Park can be arranged as part of the tour for an additional fee.
Food
Lunch will be delivered to the park from nearby restaurant. If any of you is vegan or vegetarian please inform us during the booking.
Tour price
Starting from 440 USD
* The price is for one person and may vary based on group size and transfers to/from the starting point. Contact us for a personalized quote!
Price includes
- All inclusive from hotel to hotel in Baku
- Transport service
- Packed lunch
Entrance tickets to Shirvan National Park, Gobustan Museum and Mud Volcano Complex - Birding equipment (binoculars, scope and books) if needed
- Snacks, tea breaks
- English speaking bird guide
- Company profit
Price doesn’t include
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Anything else that is not mentioned above
To book this trip or ask questions contact us via form below.
Birding Azerbaijan 