To complete the experience in Central Asia, we have created an extension visiting the unique steppes of northern Kazakhstan; we head for the Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve. The reserve territory ranges from marshes into semi-deserted steppes covering the area located west of the capital Nur-Sultan. Korgalzhyn flaunts with wild and primeval, inexhaustibly untamed looks which seem almost everlasting. The spacious ground of the reserve lays even under the golden rays of the heated sun. The fair-colored grass sways in the wind as if it’s lost in a quaint dance. From a distance, cheerful voices of jubilant birds are heard with their wingbeats disturbing the air. 

The reserve carries the name of “The pearl of the region” as it is lavish with astounding nature. Korgalzhyn State Natural Reserve berries significant importance worldwide due to the abundance of rare steppe species found only here. For hundreds of years, the reserve territory has been habituated by myriads of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. However, the most outstanding feature of the park is characterized by the fact that the area is highly popular among migratory birds due to the availability of hundreds of small lakes, allowing them to feed and rest. During the season, the endless fields of the reserve burst with colors and turn into a real bird fest. 

We focus mainly on the migratory waders that number in the millions during their adventure north during this particular outing. Equally interesting are those rare steppe species such as Black Lark, White-winged Lark, and Sociable Lapwing. The specially designed Tragopan Hides will do get us close to the water edge to photograph these wonders. 

The extension program focuses on achieving the best photographs of a handful of mythical species. Our experienced photographic guide Samuel Bloch leads this explicit trip to ensure you have an exciting photo journey!

Throughout this photography journey, we have a specific shortlist of exclusive species in mind. We will primarily aim at these species to get the best possible images. Besides these targets, we will receive many opportunities to photograph other sublime species as by-catch. Here below, we describe the potential species in Group A & Group B.

Day 12: Almaty – Nur-Sultan.

In the morning, we will board the domestic flight that will take us from Almaty 1000km north towards Nur-Sultan. After arrival, we head out of the city and drive to our guesthouse in the village of Korgalzhyn. The exciting drive will render the first Black Larks and also nesting sites of Red-footed Falcon. Finally, we arrive in the early evening and end the day walk through the village with a small reconnaissance.

NIGHT: Basic guesthouse Korgalzhyn.

Day 13-14: Korgalzhyn Nature State Park.

We have dedicated two full days to this magnificent park, home to many Central Asian treasures. We will drive around using excellent Toyota Landcruiser jeeps to get the best and the most photography opportunities. In these open steppe habitats, the car will be our best chance to get our desired images.

The vast wetland area, a combination of virgin steppe and lakes, is home to Wolves, Marmots, and Saiga. However, it is the birds that are the real attraction. The wetlands act as a giant motorway junction service station for birds at a crossroads of two migration routes. Lake Tengiz alone can feed 15 million birds simultaneously – once we witnessed 700k Red-necked Phalaropes! The area, most of which is protected as a 'Zapovednik' (national nature reserve), is home to the world's most northerly population of Greater Flamingo. One of over 300 species of birds, which includes one of the largest wildfowl populations in Asia. Other notable residents include pelicans, cranes, and a variety of birds of prey.

Our main targets here are nesting groups of the globally endangered Sociable Lapwing, which we have "staked out" for you. There are many other excellent attractions in this vast landscape, roadside colonies of Black-winged Pratincoles and White-winged Black Terns in glorious breeding plumage. A blend of migrant shorebirds such as Red-necked Phalaropes, Spotted Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Little- and Temminck's Stints come into the asset. Ruffs display in all their finery. These enumerable wetlands and lakes are ideal for breeding Dalmatian Pelican, Great Bittern, White-headed Duck, Red-necked and Eared grebes, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Red-crested Pochard, and Caspian Terns. More exclusive are often close colonies of splendid Great Black-headed Gulls, with a supporting cast of Steppe and Slender-billed gulls!

The damp grassy steppe contains elegant Demoiselle Cranes. At the same time, scattered scrub bush should hold Booted Warbler, Pallid Harrier, and gorgeous little Red-footed Falcons. In addition, we should find two other very unique birds today: Black and White-winged Larks, often numerous along the roadside, both species confined to the Central Asian steppes. 

On the second day, we return to Nur-Sultan in the evening, where we will enjoy a lovely final dinner.

NIGHT, DAY 13: Basic guesthouse, Korgalzhyn.

NIGHT, DAY 14: Comfortable tourist hotel Nur-Sultan (Astana).

May 24, Day 15: Nur-Sultan to home. After a splendid holiday in Central Asia, it is time to depart home. We say goodbye from Nur-Sultan Airport, where clients fly back home.