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Askania-Nova
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Askania-Nova is a world-renowned biosphere reserve founded in 1898 by Friedrich von Falz-Fein. Located in southern Ukraine, it protects the only remaining patch of virgin feather-grass steppe in Europe that has never been plowed. The reserve is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including zebras, ostriches, antelopes, and the endangered Przewalski's horse, which was successfully reintroduced to the wild here. The complex also features a lush botanical garden with an elaborate irrigation system to combat the dry climate. Visitors can experience a 'photo-safari' across the vast plains to see herds of animals roaming freely. The best time to visit is in late spring when the steppe is covered in blooming wildflowers and the weather is mild.
- Location: Ukraine
- Top sights: MiG-21PF · Dendrologichnii park <<Askaniia-Nova>>
- Nearby: Yany Kapu (46 km)
- Population: ~2.696 (2022)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 42 | 48 | 37 | 26 | 33 | 37 | 34 | 34 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Askania-Nova reserve is open to visitors, usually accessed via guided tours. The animals live in spacious enclosures.
Typical hours
The reserve is typically open from spring to autumn, roughly 9 am to 5 pm. In winter, hours are severely limited.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds. Please avoid using flash near the wild horses so as not to startle them.
Time needed
Allow at least three to four hours for a visit. For a thorough guided tour, a full day may be needed.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby town of Kakhovka on the Dnipro Reservoir or the Dnipro Cascade National Park. The village of Askania-Nova features basic accommodation.
Getting there
Askania-Nova is best reached by car from Kherson or Melitopol. Buses are infrequent, so a private vehicle is recommended.
Insider tip
Book a guided tour in advance, as wild horses and antelopes are not always visible up close. Early morning is the best time for wildlife watching.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1898
- UNESCO Biosphere
- Virgin steppe land
- Przewalski horses
- Free-roaming zebras
- Botanical garden
- Open-air safari
- Kherson region site
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Askania-Nova (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Askania-Nova?
A world-renowned biosphere reserve with a zoo, a botanical garden, and virgin steppe.
What animals can be seen there?
Zebras, antelopes, bisons, and rare Przewalski's horses live there in semi-freedom.
When is the best time for a safari tour?
In May or June, when the steppe is in bloom and the temperatures are pleasant.
Do tours need to be booked in advance?
For safaris into the open steppe, prior registration is highly recommended.
Where is the reserve located?
In the Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine.
Askania-Nova: where is it located?
Askania-Nova is located in Ukraine.
Askania-Nova: what is there to see?
Highlights include MiG-21PF, Dendrologichnii park <<Askaniia-Nova>>.
Askania-Nova: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Askania-Nova: why is it worth visiting?
Askania-Nova is a world-renowned biosphere reserve founded in 1898 by Friedrich von Falz-Fein.
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