A Gobustan Shirvan National Park tour has two halves: first rock, then open plains. The first part belongs to Gobustan, with its clay craters and rock carvings that are thousands of years old. Then the rocky ground gives way to a plain where gazelles live. The second half of the day is built around a Shirvan National Park safari: first the land and the traces of ancient people, then the animals that live there now.
Shirvan National Park Safari: Gazelles and Rock Carvings from Gobustan
From
₼400
Tour Itinerary
Ancient people left thousands of images on the rocks here: hunting scenes, animals, dances, rituals, and everyday life. These carvings are thousands of years old, and they show how the people who made them once lived. The guide explains who lived in this area and what the most striking images mean. This is one of the Guided Tours Azerbaijan that stop at a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you see the country's ancient history in the landscape itself, not behind glass.
About an hour after leaving Gobustan, the scenery changes. The rocky ground disappears, and an open, semi-desert plain typical of the Shirvan region begins. This is where the gazelle safari Azerbaijan is known for begins: guests switch to 4x4 vehicles, and the route continues off-road. Most guests come here mainly to see the gazelles. They may move in small groups or gather into larger herds, so the chances of a close sighting depend on the weather and where the animals happen to be that day. To get a better look, guests are given binoculars, a spotting scope, and an illustrated guide to the local animals.
The last nature stop is a lake in the center of the park. In the cooler months, flamingos and other migratory birds rest here during their seasonal journeys. After the safari, it's a good place to sit by the water with a glass of traditional Azerbaijani tea before heading back. This kind of Guided Tours from Baku experience fits both stories into a single day instead of two separate trips.
Последняя остановка на природе — озеро в центре парка. В прохладное время года на воде отдыхают фламинго и другие перелётные птицы, для которых озеро — остановка на пути сезонных перемещений. После сафари здесь приятно посидеть у воды со стаканом традиционного азербайджанского чая перед обратной дорогой. Так можно оформить тур в Азербайджан на один день вместо двух отдельных поездок.
Tour Category:
Exclusive Tours
Group Size:
1-6 people
Start Time:
09:00
Duration:
10-11 hours
Pickup Location:
Baku hotels
Transport:
Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Vito
What's Included
- A professional Russian-speaking guide for the whole route
- A comfortable car or bus
- Detailed historical explanations along the route
- Photo stops at the main places
- A good mix of driving and walking
- The chance to ask your guide questions at any time
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Entrance tickets to 2 museums — 15 AZN per person
- Entrance ticket to Shirvan Nature Reserve — 2 AZN per person
- Taxi transfer to the mud volcanoes — 15 AZN per person
- 4x4 safari transfer — 40 AZN per group, up to 6 people
- Lunch
Note
Wear comfortable closed shoes, especially for walking on the natural terrain in Gobustan and during the safari.
In warm weather, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking water. In cool or windy weather, bring a light jacket.
For watching gazelles and birds, it helps to bring a camera or phone with good zoom, and your own binoculars if you have them.
The route takes a full day, so bring water and personal items in advance. There are stops for rest and restrooms along the way.
General Questions About Tours in Azerbaijan
The trip takes about 10–11 hours and covers a full day. It brings together the mud volcanoes, the Gobustan rock carvings, and Shirvan National Park. The exact time depends on the stops, traffic, and the group's pace.
Yes, the gazelle is one of the park's main animals and symbols. During the safari, guests look for gazelles across the open steppe and semi-desert areas of the park. Gazelles live in their natural habitat and move freely, so their location and distance from the group can change — this is why the safari is done by car, so guests can watch the animals without disturbing their natural behavior.
The chances are high, but sightings can't be guaranteed — this isn't a zoo, and the animals move freely across the park. This element of searching is part of what makes the experience interesting.
Besides gazelles, the park is home to different mammals and birds. Birdlife is especially interesting: depending on the season, you may see flamingos, pelicans, herons, birds of prey, and migratory birds. That's why the route appeals not only to safari fans, but also to nature photographers.
The park is interesting all year, but the experience changes with the season: autumn, winter, and spring are especially good for birdwatching, since different species are active at different times. If gazelles are your main goal, the route stays appealing even outside the bird migration season.
Under the right seasonal conditions, yes, near the park's water areas. Many other waterbirds and migratory birds live here too. These are wild birds, so their numbers and location depend on the season and weather on the day of the trip.
Yes, the wildlife viewing is done by car safari — this covers more of the park and doesn't disturb the animals' natural behavior.
No, most of the route is by vehicle. There are some walking sections in Gobustan and a few natural areas, and in Shirvan Park, most of the wildlife viewing is done from the car — so the route suits travelers who prefer a moderate activity level.
Yes, the program works well for families — children especially enjoy watching the gazelles and birds. Keep in mind the total length of the trip (a full day outside Baku), and plan around your child's usual rest schedule.
Generally yes — the route doesn't involve long walks, and much of the time is spent in the vehicle. Gobustan does include some walking on rocky ground, so travelers with limited mobility should mention this when arranging the tour, so we can plan a comfortable format.
Yes, wildlife viewing is one of the main features of the program. Binoculars and a spotting scope are used for a better view, and a zoom lens is useful for photos, since you can't approach the animals on your own.
No, the animals live in their natural habitat, so it's important to keep a safe distance. Watching from the vehicle lets you see them without causing extra stress for the animals.
If binoculars and a spotting scope are part of the selected program, they are provided for watching animals and birds — especially useful during the safari, when gazelles may be some distance away.
Yes, the park is known as a good spot for birdwatching — possible species include flamingos, pelicans, herons, and other migratory birds. The exact species you see depend on the season, weather, and water levels.
Yes, this is one of the main natural parts of the route. After visiting Gobustan, the group heads to the clay craters, where you can see bubbling mud, gas release, and a distinctive landscape.
If the 4x4 transfer isn't included in your selected program, it's paid separately — check the exact price when arranging your tour, as it may depend on the tour format.
If the program includes the Gobustan rock carvings, the route covers the archaeological heritage of the area. Whether the museum itself is visited depends on the specific program chosen.
Time is divided between the rock carvings, the natural sites, and the drive to Shirvan Park, so the main stops fit into a single day.
The route can be discussed in advance and adjusted or extended based on available time — details are arranged when booking the tour.
We recommend: comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses, water, sunscreen, a light jacket or windbreaker for cool weather, and a camera or smartphone. A camera with good zoom is especially useful for the safari.
Definitely — one trip combines rock carvings, mud volcanoes, semi-desert landscapes, gazelles, and birds, giving a wide range of subjects, from ancient rock art to wildlife photography.
The main advantage is variety. In a single day, the route passes through several very different settings: ancient rock carvings, unusual mud volcanoes, and the open plains of Shirvan. The result is more than a visit to one site — it's a journey from Azerbaijan's ancient history to its wildlife today.
Yes, the similar tours section includes other programs that combine Gobustan with other places of interest in Azerbaijan.
Yes, the similar tours section includes an option that covers only Shirvan National Park.
Check the general FAQ section in the site menu for more answers. If you still have questions, contact us through the Contacts section — we reply within 24 hours.