Naurzum Nature Reserve

One Of The Oldest Reserves In Kazakhstan (1930) And A Core Part Of The UNESCO Saryarka Steppe And Lakes Of Northern Kazakhstan Site (2008) With Korgalzhyn. Home To An Isolated Pine Forest On The Steppe, Huge Migratory Bird Gatherings And The Sary Kopa Lake System. · Naurzum, Kostanay

Naurzum is one of the oldest nature reserves in Kazakhstan, set up in 1930 in the Kostanay region, and it forms part of the UNESCO Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan site, listed in 2008 together with Korgalzhyn. It protects a rare mix: a stretch of steppe, shallow salt and fresh lakes, and the isolated Naurzum pine forest, a relict stand of pines growing on sandy ground far from any other forest. In spring and autumn the lakes hold huge numbers of migrating geese, ducks, waders and cranes, and flamingos can appear at the Sary Kopa lakes, though never guaranteed. The terrain is flat and walking is easy, but facilities are few, and mosquitoes in early summer are severe. This is a strict reserve, not an open park: you need an entry permit arranged through the reserve office in Karamendy, and a ranger or guide goes with you. Kostanay is the usual base, and the trip needs planning days ahead.

Steppe, pine forest and lake reserve in the Naurzum district of Kostanay Region, entered at the district centre of Karamendy with a visitor office; the lakes are reached by guided track, Naurzum, Kostanay, Kazakhstan

The reserve is not open for casual entry at any hour. Visits are made by permit, arranged with the reserve office in Karamendy, and a ranger or guide takes you in during daylight. Office hours are usually ordinary weekday working hours, commonly a morning-to-late-afternoon pattern with a lunch break, and the office may be shut at weekends, so confirm by phone. The best birdwatching is at dawn and dusk, which can be arranged with the ranger. In winter access is limited by snow and cold, and the main visiting seasons are spring and autumn.

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