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Naurzum Nature Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Aug 2026Data Sources

wildlife-area

Weather…

The Naurzum Nature Reserve is located in the Kostanay Region of northern Kazakhstan and was established in 1931, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the country. Covering an area of approximately 1,913 square kilometers, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Saryarka, Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan since 2008. The reserve features a unique mosaic of steppes, relict pine forests, and both freshwater and saltwater lake systems. It serves as a vital stopover for millions of migratory birds traveling on routes between Siberia and Africa. The flora includes pine forests that date back to the post-glacial period, while the fauna includes endangered species such as the saiga antelope and the white-tailed eagle. The continental climate brings extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-17	-14	-5	7	15	21	23	21	14	5	-4	-13
Rain mm	18	18	28	27	34	30	37	25	19	31	26	23

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The remarkably lively spring and autumn seasons are incredibly spectacular for intense birdwatching, as countless waterfowl use the steppe lakes during long migrations. Summers on the open steppe can become quite hot, while harsh winters bring freezing temperatures and thick ice across the lakes.

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Best time of day

Early dawn is definitively the most undeniably magical and productive time to quietly watch immense, noisy flocks of birds taking flight directly from the water. Late afternoons, however, brilliantly provide exceptionally warm, soft lighting for landscape photography across the seemingly boundless steppe.

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Etiquette

You must strictly and without exception remain at the specifically designated observation points to completely avoid genuinely disturbing sensitive nesting or deeply resting waterfowl. The use of any drones is strictly prohibited, keep noise absolutely minimal, and fully respect all conservation zones.

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What to bring

An exceptionally high-quality spotting scope with very powerful magnification or outstanding binoculars are absolutely crucial to accurately identify diverse waterfowl across the genuinely massive lakes. Highly windproof clothing is strongly recommended, as the open plains can become tremendously breezy.

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Getting there

The frequently arduous journey to this highly remote reserve usually necessitates a very long drive utilizing a highly robust off-road vehicle from distant regional centers like Kostanay. Carefully arranging your specialized visit through the official park authorities beforehand is absolutely mandatory.

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What to expect

Successfully and consistently observing skittish birds in deeply open wetland habitats demands exceptionally long, absolutely completely still waiting within a heavily concealed observation hide. During the frequently long waiting periods, deeply enjoy the immensely calming vastness of the natural steppe.

Geography

Coordinates

51.53330, 64.38330

Facts

Part of the Saryarka UNESCO site.
Important resting place for birds.
Features relic pine forests.
Protects steppe ecosystems.

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Frequently asked questions

What landscapes does Naurzum Reserve offer?

A unique mix of steppes, pine forests, and salt lakes.

Are there rare animals there?

Yes, it is a sanctuary for eastern imperial eagles and other endangered raptors.

What is the climate like in Naurzum Reserve?

Extreme continental climate with very hot summers and freezing winters.

Is the reserve a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Saryarka, Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan'.

How do you get to the reserve?

Best reached by car from Kostanay city (about 200 km south).

Naurzum Nature Reserve: where is it located?

Naurzum Nature Reserve is located in Kazakhstan.

Naurzum Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Naurzum Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?

The Naurzum Nature Reserve is located in the Kostanay Region of northern Kazakhstan and was established in 1931, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the country.

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