Shirvan: Goitered Gazelles, Mud Volcanoes & Wildlife Day Trip

Summary

Wildlife encounters and mud volcano adventures near Baku

You’ll watch wild gazelles roam freely in Shirvan’s open steppe, spot rare birds with your local guide, and feel the quiet thrill of standing by real mud volcanoes. The day includes hotel pickup from Baku, bottled water for the journey, and plenty of time to just take it all in — no rush, just nature as it is.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our driver, Farid, grinning as he handed me a bottle of water and said, “You’ll need this — Shirvan’s dry.” He wasn’t kidding. The air changed after we left Baku; it got warmer, almost dusty-sweet, with that faint mineral smell you get in the steppe. We stopped once so he could point out a flock of birds wheeling over the reeds — I forgot the name but our guide Li knew them all. She laughed when I tried to say “gazelle” in Azerbaijani (I definitely butchered it). There was something oddly calming about just watching animals do their thing without fences or crowds.

The drive only took about an hour but felt like we’d landed somewhere else entirely. Shirvan’s landscape is kind of strange — flat and wide with little bursts of green where the water collects. We saw goitered gazelles darting between low shrubs, their movement quick and almost silent except for the crunch of dry grass under their hooves. At one point, Li hushed us because she spotted a fox slinking through the brush. It was gone before I could blink. I kept thinking how different this is from any zoo or park back home — there’s no script here, just whatever happens.

Later we checked out these mud volcanoes (I didn’t even know that was a thing). The ground around them felt soft and cool underfoot — not what I expected in all that heat. You hear this slow bubbling sound if you stand close enough; it’s weirdly soothing. Farid told a story about how locals used to believe the volcanoes cured all sorts of aches (not sure if that’s true but it made me smile). By then my shoes were dusty and my hair smelled like sun-baked grass. On the way back to Baku I just stared out the window thinking about those gazelles running free — still kind of sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shirvan National Park wildlife

• Drive one hour from Baku
• Observe goitered gazelles and birds
• Watch other mammals in nature
• Visit three mud volcanoes
• Enjoy peaceful natural surroundings

Top questions

How far is Shirvan from Baku?

It’s about an hour’s drive from Baku to Shirvan.

What animals can you see on this tour?

You can see goitered gazelles, various birds, and sometimes foxes or other mammals native to Azerbaijan.

Is pickup included for this Shirvan day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are there mud volcanoes at Shirvan?

Yes, there are three mud volcanoes inside Shirvan that you can visit during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and allows infants or small children with prams or strollers.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your driver and guide both speak English.

Do I need special equipment for this wildlife tour?

No special equipment is needed; bottled water is provided and transport is air-conditioned.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Baku, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, bottled water throughout the trip, plus an English-speaking driver and guide who’ll help you spot wildlife and explain what you’re seeing along the way.