Today, almost every region of Russia has its own safari park. Zadonsk is no exception. However, you should definitely visit it, because it provides a unique opportunity to visit … But more on that below.
Local Entrepreneur and Zadonsk Disneyland
The history of this safari park is unique. A few years ago, it was founded by a local businessman Sergey Uvarkin at his own expense. No one can still understand why a person who knows how to count every penny created a project without counting on income from it. Sergey himself explained this by the fact that he likes to see smiles, that they cost more than money. This explanation was not taken seriously. But the fact remains. Even today, after the tragic death of the founder of the park, admission to it remains free.
Sergey Uvarkin's son is following the park today. Initially, this place had no name. However, people who fell in love with the local Disneyland quickly gave it a name: safari park.
Zadonsk today can be proud: only here people have a unique opportunity to ownpersonally visit … Kudykina mountain. This is the official name of this recreation park, beloved not only by local residents, but also by tourists specially coming here. A unique opportunity to visit Kudykina Hill costs nothing: you can walk here for free.
Come old and young
A trip to this park is like traveling in a time machine.
One of the attractions of the park is the Scythian fortress. It is located on a hill, so it can be seen from afar. And from the hill you can see the entire safari park, Zadonsk and its environs. Antique-styled buildings attract everyone. Still: after all, it is easy to imagine here a real Scythian. Excursions in the fortress have not yet begun, restoration is still underway. But very soon, guests will be able to see the life of the ancient people with their own eyes.
Younger children like the green meadow with animals walking on it the most. Here, cows coexist with kangaroos, yaks roam side by side with llamas, horses with camels, and domestic geese are in no way inferior to peacocks in beauty. The tame animals spend the whole day in a huge 70-hectare enclosure, and at night they are placed in separate cages.
Only male ostriches are kept separately. Severe and aggressive males do not even want territory with anyone, they strive to pinch visitors. But peaceful females walk calmly: tourists are only interested in them as a source of delicacy.
Children walk, parents rest
Specially for active kids, a modern children's town has been built on the territory. Byechildren have fun and compete in dexterity, parents can relax on the benches. There are many.
What else attracts the safari park (Zadonsk)? Residents of this city tend to sit on the banks of the park pond. Until recently, it was possible not only to relax here, but also to swim. However, Rospotrebnadzor banned bathing for a while. But no one is forbidden to plunge into the font of the Holy Spring. Located in the southern part of the park, it attracts children and adults with the purest ice water. If someone does not have the courage to swim in the snow-cold water, he can simply collect it for drinking. It is said that the holy water from this spring frees from sins and brings happiness.
And there are also three heroes in the park. Considering them, two conclusions can be drawn.
- Modern men were smaller in comparison.
- The heroes look small against the background of a forgotten helmet, which probably belonged to an even more ancient hero.
You can end your tour of the park by visiting a huge, but completely real jug. It lies near a ravine and not only children like it very much.
Animators will help you
Of course, not all parents have such a reserve of strength and energy as children. That's why animators work in the park.
Immediately upon arrival, guests are greeted by a "real" pirate ship. When children get tired of running, climbing, jumping and making their way through it, the animators offer them to find a treasure buried by pirates somewhere in the park. Well, which of the children will refuse such an adventure? It should be noted thatanimators carefully monitor the safety of treasure hunters.
You can ride around the park in a carriage drawn by unusually beautiful horses.
Fans of selfies and family photos are waiting for Bagheera, Cheburashka, a huge Horse, Matroskin and many other cartoon characters. And if taking pictures with cartoon characters is not interesting, you can wait a moment and arrange a photo session with any animal from the mini-zoo.
It is worth noting that the animators in the park work for free, and the cost of riding animals, attending a performance at the Miracle Theater and other entertainment does not exceed 150 rubles.
The road to Kudykina Gora
So, you still decided to visit the safari park (Zadonsk). Driving directions clearly show how you can get here.
There are two ways to get to Kudykina Gora from Voronezh.
- From Voronezh take the M-4 by taxi or your own car towards Moscow. You can reduce the travel time by driving part of the way on a toll road. You need to go to the sign for the village of Kamenka.
- If you do not want to spend 55 rubles for a toll road, then before the bridge you will have to turn to Zadonsk, then follow the Aurora sign to the left and follow the landmarks to get to the same village of Kamenka.
In Kamenka you need to cross the bridge. From this moment it is impossible to get lost: the giant figures of animals: a horse and a bull will serve as a guide. They will show the way to the safari park (Zadonsk).
How to get there if there is no car, no desire to take a taxi? In Voronezh, you can take a bus to Zadonsk, and from there you can transfer to a flight to Kamenka.
A few warnings and recommendations
What should I take with me when going on an excursion and leaving Voronezh or Zadonsk? Safari Park (photo) occupies a vast territory. Think about comfortable shoes and clothing. It does not hurt to take water and hats with you. Animals cannot be brought with you. Everything else will be provided to tourists by a safari park (Zadonsk). The park is open from 9 am to 8 pm.
