If you're into nature and road trips, Azerbaijan is underrated but full of surprises. It has mountains, lakes, wetlands, and forests. And if you want to see wild animals or rare birds, it’s a top spot. But here’s the catch. Public transport won’t take you to these places. That’s why you’ll need to rent a car in Azerbaijan.
Our blog gives you five real road trip routes where you’ll see birds and animals in the wild. Think pink flamingos at salt lakes, eagles flying over hills, wild horses, and gazelles. Let’s look at the best birdwatching and wildlife road trips in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is a top spot for nature-based road trips thanks to its unique geography. It lies between the Caspian Sea and the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, which creates a variety of ecosystems. You’ll find everything from semi-desert plains in the east to lush mountain forests in the north and west. This range in climate and terrain makes the country ideal for resident and migratory species.
There are over 400 bird species recorded in Azerbaijan. It’s part of the East African–West Asian Flyway, which means millions of birds pass through every year. Flamingos, herons, and pelicans can be spotted around wetlands like Lake Hajigabul and the Gizilagaj Reserve. In the mountains, you might catch a glimpse of golden eagles or Caucasian snowcocks.
On the wildlife side, you’ll find goitered gazelles in Shirvan National Park, brown bears and lynx in the forests near Zagatala, and even wild boar in the lowlands. Most of these species live in state-protected reserves, which are open to visitors.
This trip takes you from Baku to one of the most important eco-tourism spots in Azerbaijan—Shirvan National Park. It’s about 143 kilometers south of the capital and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes by car via the Bakı–Ələt Yolu (E119/M3).
Shirvan covers 54,000 hectares of open steppe, shallow lakes, and low sand dunes. This landscape is home to 7,000 to 8,000 goitered gazelles, the largest population in the world. You’re almost guaranteed to spot these animals grazing in the wild. Other wildlife includes jungle cats, foxes, and turtles.
For birdwatchers, this park is a key stop on the Caspian Sea flyway, one of the main bird migration paths. You can spot over 270 species here, including Greater Flamingos, Pygmy Cormorants, Imperial Eagles, and Little Bustards. Winter brings large flocks of waterbirds, while spring and autumn offer a mix of raptors and breeding birds. Best times to visit are November to February for flocks, and April to June for breeding activity.
The park has a visitor center, birdwatching towers, and marked driving routes so you can explore safely by car. You don’t need a guide, but local guides are available if you want detailed insights about wildlife in Azerbaijan.
Just a 20-minute drive from Ganja, Göygöl National Park is one of the region's most peaceful and scenic destinations. The route is 13 kilometers long and follows the Gəncə–Kəlbəcər–Laçın road. This is a great choice if you’re exploring the West and want a quick nature trip.
The park spans 12,755 hectares and is home to Lake Göygöl, a clear mountain lake formed by a 12th-century earthquake. It sits within the forested northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus, offering cool weather, quiet trails, and rich biodiversity. Thick pine, oak, and beech forests surround the lake, so the park is ideal for peaceful walks.
This is also one of the top places for birdwatching in Azerbaijan. In the trees and skies, you can spot golden eagles, bearded vultures, black woodpeckers, and mistle thrushes. Over 200 species have been recorded in the area, and spring and autumn are the best times to see both resident and migratory birds. The forest edges and lake shores are perfect for sightings, so bring binoculars.
While Sheki is best known for its historic buildings and mountain views, it’s a great base for exploring the Greater Caucasus region. One of the best road trips in Azerbaijan starts here and leads deep into the forested slopes of Ilisu State Nature Reserve, a protected area full of wildlife and rare plant species.
The drive from Sheki to Ilisu takes about 1 hour and covers around 54 kilometers of narrow but scenic roads. As you leave the town, the landscape changes quickly. Low hills become dense forests, and the road climbs into the highlands.
Ilisu Reserve is between 700 and 2,100 meters above sea level and spans over 9,000 hectares. It's one of Azerbaijan's top biodiversity zones. The area is home to deer, mountain goats, wild boars, and even lynxes and brown bears in deeper forest areas. You may also see over 90 bird species, including eagles, falcons, and vultures. Forest trails lead through beech, oak, and hornbeam trees, with chances to spot animals near rivers or open slopes.
Ilisu village has small guesthouses where you can stay overnight. With its remote mountain setting and rich ecosystems, this is one of the best road trips in Azerbaijan for travelers who want to experience true nature after enjoying Sheki’s culture and food.
If you’re heading south along the Caspian coast, the drive from Lankaran to Gizil-Agach State Reserve is under 1 hour. It covers about 54 kilometers on the E119/M3 highway, with views of tea fields, fishing villages, and coastal plains.
Established in 1929, Gizil-Agach State Reserve is Azerbaijan’s first and one of its most important wildlife areas. It protects a vast wetland ecosystem of reedbeds, sandy shores, shallow lagoons, and river mouths. This reserve is also listed under the Ramsar Convention for globally significant wetlands. In 2018, part of the area became a national park, now the largest in Azerbaijan.
This trip is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife, especially birds. Gizil-Agach is a key stop for millions of migratory birds traveling between Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. You can see flamingos, geese, pelicans, and rare ducks from October to March. In spring and autumn, the diversity increases. Expect to spot Steppe Eagles, Spoonbills, Sandpipers, and Glossy Ibises. On a good day, especially in April or October, seeing over 100 bird species in just a few hours is possible.
Wild boars, jackals, wolves, and wild cats live in the surrounding marshlands. Some park areas are difficult to access, but lookout points along the lagoon road offer excellent views. You’ll find a visitor center and marked birdwatching zones that help guide your visit without disturbing the ecosystem.
Begin your journey in Khinalug, one of the oldest and highest mountain villages in the Caucasus. Perched at over 2,000 meters above sea level, the village offers sweeping views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. Its remote setting and cultural charm make it a unique starting point for travelers heading into the wild landscapes of Shahdag National Park.
The drive to Shahdag covers around 83 kilometers and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. The road winds through steep terrain and forested areas, passing remote highland settlements and river valleys. It’s a scenic, high-altitude route with sharp turns and breathtaking viewpoints.
Once inside Shahdag National Park, you’ll enter a vast protected area covering over 130,000 hectares. The park is home to brown bears, red deer, wild boars, foxes, jackals, and East Caucasian turs. In the higher elevations, you may also spot lynxes, wolves, and Caucasian snowcocks. Over 300 bird and mammal species, including Imperial eagles, bearded vultures, and forest cats, have been recorded here. Many animals here are shy and active early in the morning or late afternoon.
Marked hiking trails wind through alpine meadows, pistachio groves, and oak forests, and rangers are available at visitor points to help with directions and safety tips. Summer is ideal for visiting, with open trails, green landscapes, and clear skies. In winter, the area is snow-covered and quieter but still open for those seeking solitude.
If you're planning a nature-focused road trip in Azerbaijan, the best time to go is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). These seasons bring cooler weather and active wildlife. You’ll see more birds during their migration periods, especially around wetlands and mountain parks. Lowland areas can be very hot in summer, often above 35°C. However, the mountains stay cooler, making them a good option if you’re traveling in July or August.
Make sure you pack the right gear. Bring binoculars (8x or 10x is ideal), a bird guidebook or app, and comfortable walking shoes for trails. Some parks are remote and don’t have nearby shops, so carry your own water, snacks, sunscreen, and even a basic first aid kit.
Follow park rules and protect the environment. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing animals, and never leave trash behind. If you’re exploring remote areas, the mobile signal might be weak or unavailable. Be sure to download offline maps, save your route, and carry printed directions.
When renting a car, choose one that can handle mountain roads, especially in places like Shahdag, Ilisu, or Khinalug. Roads can be steep, narrow, or unpaved. Fill up your tank whenever you can. Gas stations are rare in the countryside. Keep a paper map or GPS device as backup, and check weather updates if you're driving into high elevations.
You’ve just seen how much nature and wildlife Azerbaijan has to offer. Each road trip gives you a different view of the country, from pink flamingos in the south to wild goats in the mountains. You’ll visit quiet parks, spot rare birds, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. These trips are perfect if you love nature and want to see the real side of Azerbaijan away from the crowds.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform if you want to reach remote reserves and enjoy more flexibility on your trip. You can pick up your car at major locations like Baku Airport or city centers, and choose from different types—compact cars for cities, SUVs for mountain roads. Booking is simple, pricing is clear, and cars come with unlimited mileage.
