Photo safari in Askania-Nova
I visit Askania-Nova every year for work, and despite the difficulties, and in general the lack of any modern infrastructure for tourists, safaris in the steppe enclosures with free-living ungulates like a magnet attract me again and again. Trips across the pristine Ukrainian steppe, both in carts drawn by two horses, and in motor vehicles never tire me. Herds of bison, Przewalski's horses, deer and saigas, zebras, cannes, nilgai and gayals fascinate the traveler, transfer him to the time when the Ukrainian wild steppe sailed far beyond the horizon. In spring and especially in autumn, you can watch the flights of birds and the impression of thousands of cranes stopping on the migration remains in memory for a long time.
The reserve has a zoo with an exposition of ungulates and birds. Everything is dilapidated, to put it mildly old. There is a magnificent arboretum, standing as an oasis in the Kherson steppe. The tour is interesting and rich, the reserve's scientific staff lead, they know what to say and can answer any question. Excursion, both in Ukrainian and in Russian. It is advisable to book an excursion in advance (at least a few days, or even a week) and by phone.
Due to the fact that the park and reserve are far from civilized roads, the traveler will have to stay in Askania-Nova for one night. In Askania-Nova itself, there are no decent hotels, there is an old Soviet hotel with a toilet and a terrible shower on the floor (works in summer), the price is 70 UAH per bed, there are 200 UAH with three or two beds, there is a hotel "Kanna" conditions are acceptable , but the price is clearly overpriced for the services that they offer. Also on private houses you can see ads like “room for rent”, “accommodation”, “room for one or two nights”. You can eat in several cafes, the prices are reasonable, the cuisine is homemade Ukrainian.
For those who love nature, photo safari lack of tourist infrastructure will be a small drawback of this trip.
See photos in my albums.
