Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Attila Hajdu

For those travelling through Hortobágy National Park probably seems that there is nothing, just an endless horizon. You can hardly see some well, pub, or settlement, smaller trees and shrubs. So why Hortobágy got onto the UNESCO list? It is a cultural area where the coexistence of man and nature dates back to 2000-year old history. It is the largest natural moor in Europe, which was not created by grubbing up of forests. It is also the oldest national park in Hungary As typical animals in the moor, everyone firstly thinks about such as gray cattle, sheep, seagulls, Mangalica pigs and Nonius horse. But Hortobágy is also the famous place due to bird world. So far, there are 342 registered different species, of which 152 nest in the Hortobágy. Among them there is a number of strictly protected species.

Hortobágy National Park consists of steppe, extensive pastures, ponds and swamps. In the area of ​​the park you can see growing some plant species which usually grow at sea. Park protects primarily large number of different species of birds. During the night, the park is a home to nesting but also migratory birds. Around the lakes you can be observed Waders.

You can access Hortobágy National Park from the tourist centers that acquaint visitors with the local nature, past and present of the park. The most popular are Szálkahalom, Hortobágy, Nagyván and Mátapuszta.

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Zoo and Safari Park is located in the town Dvůr Králové in the northern part of the Czech Republic.

Take your kids, your family or friends and go to see the largest exhibition of African animals in Europe. The whole area of ​​the Zoo is quite extensive, offering the tour by a sightseeing train, or you can make it on foot or even by your own car. The site has been created especially for children and therefore everything is adjusted to them.

Here you can visit the various pavilions and exhibitions:

• Hall of beasts
• Tropical swamp
• Bird world
• Dinosaur World
• The Flamingo House
• Water World
• The African Savannah
• The Pygmy Hippo House
• The Okapi House
• The Lion Tamarin House
• The Primate House
• The Meerkat House
• The Lion House

The most favourite pavilions are those with lions, monkeys and hippos.

If you want to experience more, Zoo Dvůr Králové offers many adventure programs:

African safari: a great ride through African nature – you are close to herds of antelopes, zebras, giraffes and wildebeest, as well as lions and cheetahs. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes. African safari is available from May until September.

Offroad safari and night safari, safaris for small groups (max 12 pax) during the day or night.

Attendant at the Zoo – you can become a nurse for one day and see what is it about to take care of animals. You will find it’s not just a job, but also a happiness to take care of pets. You will go through a backstage of Zoo, know daily rhythm of animals and maybe fulfil your dreams.

Zoo backstage: interesting guided walk through the best and most interesting corners of zoo.

Wedding in the Zoo: there is an option to choose an interesting, unusual and remarkable place for your wedding. Just few people can say that had witness like zebra or a hippopotamus. Enjoy your Wedding ceremony in a zoo and celebration in a banquet room at the Cheetah.

Hour Gardening: Learn how to care for plants and a beautiful park of the zoo.

The ZOO is opened daily and basic admission to both ZOO and Safari is €11. For further details see the official site of Zoo Dvůr Králové.

Accommodation in Zoo Dvůr Králové

Hotel Safari
Have you ever slept within earshot of the African wilderness? Try three-star Safari Hotel which is located directly in the Zoo Dvůr Králové.
https://www.hotelsafari.cz/

Safari Camp
Try luxury accommodation in bungalows or your own tents among African animals.
https://www.safarikemp.cz/

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