Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

Korgalzhyn protects a system of freshwater and saline lakes on the flat steppe southwest of Astana, of which Tengiz is the largest, and its significance is as a staging and breeding ground on the Central Asian flyway: millions of waterbirds pass through, and the greater flamingos that breed on Tengiz form the most northerly nesting colony of the species anywhere. Dalmatian pelicans, white-headed duck and, on passage, Siberian cranes are among the other species. Saiga antelope range on the surrounding steppe. Together with Naurzum reserve it forms the Saryarka World Heritage property inscribed in 2008. Visits need a permit and a reserve guide, arranged at the office in Korgalzhyn village.

History

Lakes Tengiz and Korgalzhyn were put on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance in 1976, Lake Tengiz joined the Living Lakes network in 2000, and in 2007 the area was recognised as an Important Bird Area. In 2008 the reserve became part of the Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan World Heritage Site, and in 2012 UNESCO recognised it as the first biosphere reserve in Kazakhstan (Wikipedia, Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve).

The landscape

• Flamingo flocks - the northernmost breeding colony on Lake Tengiz.
• Steppe lakes - the mosaic of fresh and saline waters.
• Migrating waterbirds - the passage flocks on the Central Asian flyway.
• Saiga antelope - the steppe herds on the surrounding plain.

When to go

May to June for breeding birds and steppe flowers, and September for autumn passage. Flamingos are present roughly from April to October. Winter is severe and the reserve effectively closed.

Things to know

A permit and a reserve guide are required and must be arranged in advance. Flamingos nest far out on Tengiz and are usually seen at distance through a scope. Roads are unsurfaced and impassable when wet. Accommodation is a guesthouse in the village.

Nearby

Astana lies northeast; the open steppe surrounds the reserve.

Key facts