When we hear the word safari, we imagine the expanses of Africa, the heat, powerful jeeps, and herds of wild animals rushing by. But few know that Ukraine also has its unique corners where one can enjoy the wild nature and fauna. Therefore, we are leaving the city and heading to one of the unusual safari parks in our country.
Mezhyhiria Residence Park
Where: Novyi Petrivtsi village, Kyiv region
Source: UkraineThis
This territory has been known since the 12th century, and it houses the Mezhyhirskyi Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. It was previously a government residence and later the private property of Viktor Yanukovych. However, for the past three years, it has been a state park where you will find gardens, lakes, a landscaped park, the "Honka" museum, an animal area, and a zoo.
There is also a collection of plants, decorative waterfalls, and greenhouses. You can spend time at a golf club, a yacht club, or enjoy the sports and recreational area.
Medvyn Nature Park
Where: Medvyn village, Kyiv region
Opening hours: 09:00 - 21:00
The main feature is the conditions that are as close to the wild as possible for the animals. This oasis is home to wild and semi-wild representatives of fauna, such as deer, bison, buffalo, African buffalo, kulan, Przewalski's horses, llamas, and others. Some of these animals are listed in the Red Book.
The park operates in a safari format; you can also visit a deer farm, taste farm products and craft cheeses, fish, or simply relax. Tours are held daily at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00, but prior booking is mandatory.
Dereville Eco-Park
Where: Otrohy village, Chernihiv region
This is a large natural area where animals live in fully natural conditions. About 600 animals of more than 40 species live here, including mouflons, deer, Scottish cows, Indian buffalo, llamas, and others.
The park organizes jeep safaris with a ranger, but its main goal is the restoration and preservation of nature. Every year, some animals are returned to the wild.
Interregional Landscape Park
Where: Desna township, Chernihiv region
This park is a valuable part of Ukraine's nature conservation fund, one of the largest regional parks of its kind, working to preserve biodiversity and the integrity of the natural environment.
Here you can meet moose, roe deer, wild boar, predators, and cranes. Visitors will find ecological routes and the opportunity to relax in nature with a unique chance to observe wildlife.
Skole Beskids National Park
Where: Skole city, Lviv region
The park works to preserve the nature of the Carpathians and protect the diversity of flora and fauna. Most of the territory is covered with forest, where ancient and rare plants can be found. Among the animals, deer, wolves, boars, bears, and various birds inhabit this area.
Tourists can enjoy nature, see the Kam'yanka waterfall, Zhuravlyne lake, Mount Parashka, and the historical complex Tustan. There are ecological trails, hiking routes, and recreational zones.
Beremytske Wildlife Park
Where: Beremytske village, Chernihiv region
This park is the first in Ukraine to cooperate with ecological projects in Europe. Its goal is the restoration of nature typical of the times of Kievan Rus. In this natural oasis live moose, roe deer, deer, foxes, and wild boar. Also, mouflons, deer, wild horses, and Heck cattle are included here. All animals live in wild or semi-wild conditions.
Visitors can walk ecological trails, take guided tours, observe animals, visit a wildlife museum, or enjoy a horseback ride.
Deer Park "On Horns"
Where: Musiiky village, Kyiv region
This is a modern ecological park aimed at restoring the deer population. The park began its existence in 2023. Here they are working on returning animals to the wild.
The main inhabitants are noble deer, and there are currently over 100 of them in the most natural conditions.
They conduct tours and offer the opportunity to feed the animals. There is also an adoption program that allows anyone to become a caregiver for a deer.
Brown Bear Rehabilitation Center
Where: Synevyrska Polyana village, Zakarpattia region
This place is designated for the rehabilitation of brown bears and restoring their natural behavior. Bears that come here may be from circuses, private farms, or after confiscations. They live in natural forest conditions.
There are large enclosures and separate areas for rare animals. Currently, approximately 30 bears live here, and the park can be visited to observe and support their activities.
Halych National Nature Park
Where: Halych city, Ivano-Frankivsk region
The park's territory impresses with its diversity. Here are the hilly Opillia, the pre-Carpathian slopes, and the valley of the Dniester River. You will be able to find over 1000 species of plants, 75 of which are included in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Among the animals, you can find 45 species of fish, 16 amphibians, 7 reptiles, 232 birds, and 62 species of mammals. All this is covered by ecological routes, museums, and recreational areas.
Yelanets Steppe Nature Reserve
Where: Kalynivka village, Mykolaiv region
This reserve has a strict nature conservation regime to preserve rare animals and plants. It has a stable ecosystem that contributes to the preservation of natural biodiversity.
There is a strict ban on mass tourism, fishing, hunting, construction, and other economic activities. However, it is possible to visit the territory with the administration's approval while being supervised by a guide.
Seim Regional Landscape Park
Where: Putivl city, Sumy region
This reserve is of regional importance and is part of Ukraine's nature conservation fund. It is inhabited by moose, foxes, beavers, otters, roe deer, and many different birds. In addition to preserving valuable natural landscapes, the reserve provides excellent conditions for ecotourism and recreation. You can walk along nature trails, relax in nature, and observe wild fauna.
Before February 24, 2022, we could have continued this list with three more incredible places that gladly hosted guests. However, currently, the steppe pearl "Askania Nova" in Kherson region is under occupation. The "Syholuchya" reserve in Kyiv region is closed, as well as the "Zalissya" National Nature Park in Chernihiv region. These places, once oases of beauty, silence, and safety for animals, have now become arenas for their struggle for survival.
The future of these places is unknown. But even after the darkest night, a joyful dawn always follows, and life always prevails. The day will come when we will write about these places again as our natural treasures.
Author: Olha Chernova
