Tour Operator License No. 22007631, issued on April 20, 2022
Expert-led itineraries through all the iconic locations of the region. The program includes the Bozzhyra Valley, Tuzbair Salt Flat, Tiramisu Canyons, ancient underground mosques, and much more.
Mangistau
Planet Mangistau
An expedition by Photosafari combines an exploratory itinerary with complete outdoor comfort amidst the wild and harsh nature of Mangistau. Because we focus on photo tours, the entire timing is calculated so that you experience sunrises and sunsets at the most epic locations of the region—from the Tuzbair Salt Flat to the cliffs of Bozzhyra. The group travels in specially prepared 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by professional guides (fluent in Russian and English) who reveal the hidden history and unique geology of these places.
The main difference in our format lies in how we organize your rest. While other operators pitch small tents on the ground every evening, forcing tourists to sleep in sleeping bags on camping mats, we offer a fundamentally different level of service. We have comfortable, stationary base camps set up all along the route (Airakty, Tuzbair, Bozzhyra).
Thanks to these stationary setups, we protect you from the whims of nature: our guests rest in large, wind-resistant inflatable tents, on comfortable camping cots complete with pillows and modern sleeping bags. The camps are also equipped with toilets and showers. Can one manage without this? Yes, but at the cost of immense physical strain. We take your night's rest seriously: only a fully well-rested person can genuinely enjoy the surrounding beauty, rather than accumulating fatigue that leaves you needing another vacation. Our camp is your oasis for recovery in the middle of the wild steppe.
The main difference in our format lies in how we organize your rest. While other operators pitch small tents on the ground every evening, forcing tourists to sleep in sleeping bags on camping mats, we offer a fundamentally different level of service. We have comfortable, stationary base camps set up all along the route (Airakty, Tuzbair, Bozzhyra).
Thanks to these stationary setups, we protect you from the whims of nature: our guests rest in large, wind-resistant inflatable tents, on comfortable camping cots complete with pillows and modern sleeping bags. The camps are also equipped with toilets and showers. Can one manage without this? Yes, but at the cost of immense physical strain. We take your night's rest seriously: only a fully well-rested person can genuinely enjoy the surrounding beauty, rather than accumulating fatigue that leaves you needing another vacation. Our camp is your oasis for recovery in the middle of the wild steppe.
Tour Program
A True Expedition to the Peninsula
Guest Comfort
Internet access
Meals by a chef
Drinking water for everyone
Camp
toilets
toilets
Tents with camping cots
Mobile showers
Tour Organization
3, 4, 5, and 6-day programs
Age 8 to 75 years
Groups up to 14 people
Easy
difficulty
difficulty
Full-route transfer
Official tour operator
Layered Martian Bokty Mount
It is this exact striking silhouette that is captured on the old Kazakhstan 1000 tenge banknote. Against the backdrop of the desert, Bokty looks like a fragment of a Martian landscape.
The secret to Bokty's popularity lies in its unique photogenicity. Geological strata alternate here in even bands: from white chalk to rich red clays.
The journey to the mountain is an adventure in itself across the bottom of the dried-up ancient Tethys Ocean. There are no paved roads here; you can only reach it on specially equipped 4x4 off-road vehicles.
Torysh Valley of Spherical Concretions
An endless valley strewn with thousands of perfectly round stone spheres. These mysterious formations, called concretions, reach several meters in diameter and feature a unique pattern of cracks, resembling eggshells or the shells of giant creatures.
Sherkala Remnant Mountain
A massive solitary mountain that rises monumentally in the middle of an absolutely flat steppe. The walls of this natural bastion are carved with deep vertical folds and caves, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
Depending on the viewing angle, it completely changes its outline: from one side the mountain looks like a giant snow-white yurt, and from the other, like a huge sleeping lion.
At the base of Sherkala, you can examine the textures of weathered limestone and take panoramic shots against the backdrop of a massive stone wall.
Over millions of years, erosion has carved massive remnant mountains out of limestone, strikingly mirroring the outlines of monumental architecture: sheer fortress walls, dilapidated columns, and the spires of watchtowers are easily guessed here.
Valley of Castles in the Airakty Valley
Scientists attribute their origin to electrochemical processes at the bottom of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean. Here, every stone is frozen time, concealing the secrets of long-lost ecosystems.
Over millions of years, minerals accumulated around organic cores; as a result, fossilized mollusk shells can still be found inside the cracked stones today.
A walk among these giant "stone cannonballs" offers a rare opportunity to literally touch the planet's geological history and witness the result of an incredible natural experiment.
Visually, the landscape resembles the grandiose ruins of an ancient city lost in the middle of the steppe.
It is right here, surrounded by stone giants, that we set up our base camp.
We purposefully catch the sunrise in Airakty to witness the exact moment when the low sun breaks through the gorges and paints the "towers" in rich, warm shades.
The flat steppe here drops off abruptly, revealing a panorama of a massive tectonic fault.
Standing on the edge of the cliff, you can fully appreciate the monumentality and power of the region's geological processes.
Zhigylgan literally translates as "The Fallen Earth." At this location, a massive edge of the Ustyurt Plateau collapsed downward, creating a complex terrain of boulders, deep crevices, and sheer cliffs right by the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Landscapes of the Zhigylgan Viewpoint
Upper Panoramas & Descent to the Dried Bottom
The exploration begins from the upper observation decks, and after descending to the very bottom of the salt flat, the landscape shifts completely: a stunning, crunchy salt crust appears beneath your feet, while absolute silence settles all around.
Sphinx Rock & the Search for Ancient Shark Teeth
During a leisurely walk at the base of the chalk mountains, you can easily find ancient fossils and real prehistoric shark teeth without any specialized equipment.
Distant Chalk Canyons & the Stone Arch
A labyrinth of winding chalk corridors leads to a unique natural phenomenon—a massive stone arch beautifully sculpted by the wind right within the cliffside.
Snow-White Tuzbair Salt Flat
Bozzhyra Chalk Valley
The Bozzhyra Valley is the main visual dominant of Mangistau and the most recognizable location in the entire region. It is a grandiose geological depression formed at the bottom of the dried prehistoric Tethys Ocean.
Upper Viewpoints of the Bozzhyra Valley
The flat edge of the Ustyurt Plateau drops sharply here, creating a natural balcony for safe observation. This is a flawless vantage point to appreciate the true scale of the geological fault and to capture landscape photography.
Trekking to the Main Panoramic Point near the Stone Fangs
Standing at the base of these gigantic limestone towers, you can physically feel the power of centuries-old wind erosion that carved them out of solid rock.
Rock-Cut Shakpak-Ata Mosque
The walls of the mosque are densely covered with ancient petroglyphs, drawings of horses, handprints, and old Arabic script. Visiting this location offers an opportunity to feel a sense of deep tranquility.
Ancient Karaman-Ata Underground Mosque
This is an active pilgrimage site where an atmosphere of absolute silence and peace always prevails. The location provides an emotional breather for expedition participants between treks.
Ancient Underground Shrines of Mangistau
Massive Chalk Canyon of Kapamsai
A dry bed of an ancient river that carved a gigantic corridor straight through the chalk rock. Its sheer, snow-white walls reach heights of several dozen meters.
Openwork Ybykty Canyon
A narrow stone labyrinth with walls entirely carved by a complex network of cavities, resembling honeycombs or porous chocolate. It is one of the most unconventional and photogenic locations.
Stone Labyrinths of Mangistau
Kyzylkup Valley (Tiramisu Canyons)
Kyzylkup Valley earned its popular nickname "Tiramisu" due to the striking, vibrant coloration of its terrain. The location creates a powerful color contrast throughout the expedition and looks incredibly cinematographic.
Tour Organization
3, 4, 5, and 6-day programs
Age 8 to 75 years
Groups up to 14 people
Easy
difficulty
difficulty
Full-route transfer
Official tour operator
Guest Comfort
Internet
access
access
Meals by a chef
Drinking water for everyone
Camp
toilets
toilets
Tents with camping cots
Mobile showers
Expedition Formats
By choosing the duration of the expedition, you are choosing geographical coverage rather than travel speed: how many unique locations you will manage to see and how deeply you can explore them. We run tours from 3 to 6 days, and in each of them, the harsh desert conditions are balanced by flawless outdoor comfort.
Day 1
We will warmly welcome you at the Aktau airport or your hotel, where our journey begins. Leaving the city bustle behind, we will head deep into the peninsula, gradually immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of wild nature. The road will smoothly lead us to the first spectacular location—the grandiose panorama of Zhigylgan, where the edge of the earth has literally collapsed downward.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
Day 2
We will wake up early to catch the magical moment when the first rays of the sun softly light up the Airakty cliffs. After a delicious breakfast, we head toward the gigantic Tuzbair Salt Flat. First, we will take in its endless expanses from the upper observation deck, and then we will descend to the bottom. We will walk up to the Sphinx rock and try to find real teeth of ancient sharks left behind from the times of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean.
Lunch will be served surrounded by these incredible landscapes, after which we will cross the desert and head to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness a breathtaking sunset from the upper viewpoints, watching how the shades of the cliffs change, and we will have dinner back at the camp with a direct view of the monumental chalk remnants.
Lunch will be served surrounded by these incredible landscapes, after which we will cross the desert and head to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness a breathtaking sunset from the upper viewpoints, watching how the shades of the cliffs change, and we will have dinner back at the camp with a direct view of the monumental chalk remnants.
Day 3
Morning at Bozzhyra is made for special impressions. After breakfast at the camp, we will prepare and go trekking to the main panoramic point near the famous limestone fangs. We will have plenty of time to fully enjoy the views, take photos, and just feel the incredible power of this place.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Tour Locations
3-Day Mangistau Expedition Itinerary
Day 1
We will warmly welcome you at the Aktau airport or your hotel, where our journey begins. Leaving the city bustle behind, we will head deep into the peninsula, gradually immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of wild nature. The road will smoothly lead us to the first spectacular location—the grandiose panorama of Zhigylgan, where the edge of the earth has literally collapsed downward.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
Day 2
The morning will begin with a gentle sunrise in the Airakty Valley. After breakfast, we will head to the snow-white Tuzbair Salt Flat and descend to its bottom. We will thoroughly explore the viewpoints and take a break for lunch back at our camp.
Once re-energized, we will take the off-road vehicles to a distant canyon where nature has carved a massive stone arch. The evening will gift us an unforgettable sunset right on the pure white surface of the salt flat, after which we will return to the camp for dinner.
Once re-energized, we will take the off-road vehicles to a distant canyon where nature has carved a massive stone arch. The evening will gift us an unforgettable sunset right on the pure white surface of the salt flat, after which we will return to the camp for dinner.
Day 3
An early wake-up will reward us with an incredible sunrise over Tuzbair. After breakfast and packing up, we will cross the desert and find ourselves in completely different landscapes. A walk awaits us through the Kyzylkup Valley, where layered hills shimmer with the shades of a tiramisu dessert, followed by an introduction to the famous martial Bokty Mount.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
Day 4
Morning at Bozzhyra is made for special impressions. After breakfast at the camp, we will prepare and go trekking to the main panoramic point near the famous limestone fangs. We will have plenty of time to fully enjoy the views, take photos, and just feel the incredible power of this place.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Tour Locations
4-Day Mangistau Expedition Itinerary
Day 1
We will warmly welcome you at the Aktau airport or your hotel, where our journey begins. Leaving the city bustle behind, we will head deep into the peninsula, gradually immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of wild nature. The road will smoothly lead us to the first spectacular location—the grandiose panorama of Zhigylgan, where the edge of the earth has literally collapsed downward.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs. In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us. We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
Day 2
After catching the sunrise in the Airakty Valley, we will head toward the snow-white Tuzbair Salt Flat. On this expedition, we completely dedicate ourselves to a thoughtful exploration of the ancient ocean's heritage, savoring every moment. Evaluating the panorama from the upper point, we descend to the Sphinx rock. We will have plenty of time for an exciting paleontological search for prehistoric shark teeth right among the chalk deposits.
Lunch will be held outdoors, and we will dedicate the evening to a leisurely walk through the most beautiful canyons near our camp, enjoying absolute silence and tranquility.
Lunch will be held outdoors, and we will dedicate the evening to a leisurely walk through the most beautiful canyons near our camp, enjoying absolute silence and tranquility.
Day 3
The morning will begin with breakfast and a detailed exploration of the winding labyrinths of Tuzbair. After having lunch at the camp, we will head to those hidden crevices where travelers rarely venture. We will see a monumental natural stone arch and will be able to walk to our heart's content along the distant canyons, discovering new angles and amazing weathering forms.
The day will conclude with a stunning sunset right on the surface of the salt flat and a cozy dinner back at the camp.
The day will conclude with a stunning sunset right on the surface of the salt flat and a cozy dinner back at the camp.
Day 4
An early wake-up will reward us with an incredible sunrise over Tuzbair. After breakfast and packing up, we will cross the desert and find ourselves in completely different landscapes. A walk awaits us through the Kyzylkup Valley, where layered hills shimmer with the shades of a tiramisu dessert, followed by an introduction to the famous martial Bokty Mount.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
Day 5
Morning at Bozzhyra is made for special impressions. After breakfast at the camp, we will prepare and go trekking to the main panoramic point near the famous limestone fangs. We will have plenty of time to fully enjoy the views, take photos, and just feel the incredible power of this place.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Tour Locations
5-Day Mangistau Expedition Itinerary
Day 1
We will warmly welcome you at the Aktau airport or your hotel, where our journey begins. Leaving the city bustle behind, we will head deep into the peninsula, gradually immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of wild nature. The road will smoothly lead us to the first spectacular location—the grandiose panorama of Zhigylgan, where the edge of the earth has literally collapsed downward. After enjoying the views, we will descend into the snow-white chalk canyon of Kapamsai to have lunch right surrounded by towering cliffs.
In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us.
We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
In the afternoon, the peaceful coolness of the Shakpak-Ata underground mosque and a walk among the mysterious stone spheres of the Torysh Valley await us.
We will spend the evening in a comfortable camp in the Airakty Valley, enjoying a dinner from our chef and relaxing after an eventful day.
Day 2
Sunrise in the Airakty Valley will grant us the magical colors of the morning steppe. After breakfast, we will make a small loop along the route and touch centuries-old history in the cool halls of the ancient Karaman-Ata underground mosque. Next, we will head to the extraordinary Ybykty Canyon, where we will walk through winding corridors with stunning stone lace on the walls.
After having lunch outdoors, we will begin our return to the base camp, stopping on the way at a viewpoint of the legendary Sherkala Mount.
We will have dinner at our camp in Airakty, sharing emotions from an inspiring day.
After having lunch outdoors, we will begin our return to the base camp, stopping on the way at a viewpoint of the legendary Sherkala Mount.
We will have dinner at our camp in Airakty, sharing emotions from an inspiring day.
Day 3
After catching the sunrise in the Airakty Valley, we will head toward the snow-white Tuzbair Salt Flat. On this expedition, we completely dedicate ourselves to a thoughtful exploration of the ancient ocean's heritage, savoring every moment. Evaluating the panorama from the upper point, we descend to the Sphinx rock. We will have plenty of time for an exciting paleontological search for prehistoric shark teeth right among the chalk deposits.
Lunch will be held outdoors, and we will dedicate the evening to a leisurely walk through the most beautiful canyons near our camp, enjoying absolute silence and tranquility.
Lunch will be held outdoors, and we will dedicate the evening to a leisurely walk through the most beautiful canyons near our camp, enjoying absolute silence and tranquility.
Day 4
The morning will begin with breakfast and a detailed exploration of the winding labyrinths of Tuzbair. After having lunch at the camp, we will head to those hidden crevices where travelers rarely venture. We will see a monumental natural stone arch and will be able to walk to our heart's content along the distant canyons, discovering new angles and amazing weathering forms.
The day will conclude with a stunning sunset right on the surface of the salt flat and a cozy dinner back at the camp.
The day will conclude with a stunning sunset right on the surface of the salt flat and a cozy dinner back at the camp.
Day 5
An early wake-up will reward us with an incredible sunrise over Tuzbair. After breakfast and packing up, we will cross the desert and find ourselves in completely different landscapes. A walk awaits us through the Kyzylkup Valley, where layered hills shimmer with the shades of a tiramisu dessert, followed by an introduction to the famous martial Bokty Mount.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
After lunch, we will continue our way to the Bozzhyra Valley. We will witness the sunset from the upper viewpoints and spend the evening in a cozy camp, falling asleep with a view of the monumental cliffs.
Day 6
Morning at Bozzhyra is made for special impressions. After breakfast at the camp, we will prepare and go trekking to the main panoramic point near the famous limestone fangs. We will have plenty of time to fully enjoy the views, take photos, and just feel the incredible power of this place.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Filled with emotions, we will begin our journey back. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Zhanaozen, and by evening we will return to Aktau, concluding our expedition.
Tour Locations
6-Day Mangistau Expedition Itinerary
Tour Conditions
What is Included
- Transport: Travel in specially prepared 4x4 off-road vehicles throughout the entire itinerary.
- Meals & Water: Three meals a day prepared by our chef and unlimited drinking water.
- Camp Comfort: Mobile showers, camp toilets, a main mess tent, bean bags, and camping chairs.
- Guiding: Services of a professional tour guide fluent in both Russian and English.
- Photo Program: Sunrise and sunset shooting sessions at the most photogenic locations across Mangistau.
- Connectivity & Power: Device charging stations and free satellite internet available at base camps.
What is Not Included
- Flights to/from Aktau and hotel accommodation in the city (before or after the tour program).
- Travel medical insurance and personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, and purchases along the way).
Important Information
- Preparation: Pack your personal first-aid kit and all essential items in advance—there are no shops or pharmacies available in the desert.
- Connectivity: There is no stable cellular signal along the route; internet access is only available when at the camp.
- Dietary Needs: Please inform us in advance about any food allergies or if you are vegetarian—we will gladly adapt the menu to your preferences.
- Gear & Packing: Please make sure to carefully review the comprehensive packing list required for the trip.
When we embark on a journey, our well-being is what matters most. When you are well-rested, well-fed, and truly relaxed, the world around you becomes brighter and your mood lifts. We strive to provide our guests with the ultimate level of comfort and care. We have meticulously refined our service to surprise you and make every single minute of the trip deeply enjoyable.
We have taken care of your sleeping comfort, so you will stay in modern tents equipped with full-sized camping cots. Double occupancy is standard, with single occupancy available as an option.
Comfortable overnight stay in modern tents
Accommodation & Tour Conditions
Expeditions across the deserts and canyons of Mangistau: embark on a journey to the most mysterious places of Western Kazakhstan
Upcoming Tours
Mangistau Expedition Tour Prices
Choose your preferred level of immersion. Each format includes full route organization, safety, and complete outdoor comfort in the heart of the wild.
Traveler Reviews
Booking & Payment Procedure
Booking
The tour price is indicated in US dollars. Payment is made at the exchange rate on the day of payment. To book your spot on the tour, please submit a request and make a 30% deposit. Please note that credit cards are not accepted.
Agreement
Once you confirm your participation, we issue an invoice for the deposit and sign an official travel agreement. We deeply value our reputation and always honor our commitments.
Guarantees
Mangistau is a wild and unpredictable region. In case of force majeure weather conditions (road washouts, storms) or flight cancellations, we guarantee flexible options: transferring your deposit to any of our other trips or providing a full refund.
Ekaterina Koshko
Co-founder of Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Kikvidze
National Geographic Photographer
Stanislav Vertogradskiy
Guide, Administrator
Konstantin Ludanov
Guide, Administrator
The Photosafari team consists of professional travelers who have explored the entire world. For over 10 years, we have been studying the wild regions of Kazakhstan and the planet, creating true adventures rather than ordinary, trivial tours. Every itinerary is based on our personal experience and the thrill of our first encounter with these places. We choose untrodden paths and capture unique shots that convey the raw, living spirit of an expedition.
Why Choose Us
Comfort & Experience
We offer signature photo tours with premium comfort, carefully planned itineraries, and true care for your emotions.
We Take Care of Everything
Transfer, meals, accommodation, a great night's sleep, drinking water, showers, internet, and much more to ensure everyone stays comfortable.
Safety & Health
We take care of our guests' safety and health at every stage of the journey, including excursions and accommodation sites.
Unique Itineraries
We design one-of-a-kind programs for adventure lovers, sharing our expertise and creating vibrant, unforgettable experiences.
Payment & Guarantees
Choose a payment method that is convenient for you. We guarantee a full refund in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Full Immersion
We will show you the real Mangistau: you will feel like a true nomad, touch ancient history, and discover hidden gems concealed from the eyes of regular tourists.
Team
Photosafari-travel
Questions & Answers
To travel from Karaganda to Aktau, you have the following options:
- By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Ticket prices start at 25,000–30,000 KZT one way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 24–28 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 KZT.
- By Bus: The trip takes approximately 30–34 hours. Ticket prices range from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
- By Car: The journey takes roughly 20–24 hours.
Karaganda
Traveling from Almaty to Aktau can be done in several ways:
- By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Tickets cost 25,000–30,000 KZT one way.
- By Train: The journey takes about 30–36 hours, with tickets ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 KZT, depending on the class.
- By Bus: The trip takes around 36–40 hours. Ticket prices range from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
- By Car: The drive takes approximately 24–27 hours.
Almaty
You can reach Aktau from Astana in the following ways:
- By Plane: A direct flight takes about 2–2.5 hours. Tickets start at 25,000–35,000 KZT one way.
- By Train: Travel time is about 24–28 hours, with tickets ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 KZT, depending on the class.
- By Bus: The trip takes approximately 30–34 hours. Ticket prices vary from 8,000 to 12,000 KZT.
- By Car: Driving your own vehicle takes roughly 20–24 hours. The distance between Astana and Aktau is approximately 1,500 kilometers.
Astana
There are several ways to travel from Moscow to Aktau:
- By Plane: A direct flight takes about 3–4 hours. Ticket prices range from 15,000 to 30,000 RUB one way.
- By Train: There is no direct rail connection between Moscow and Aktau.
- By Bus: No direct bus routes are available between Moscow and Aktau.
- By Car: The journey takes about 30–35 hours, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers.
Moscow
We will meet you in Aktau to begin our adventure.
Aktau
Starting the Journey in Aktau
Our journey begins in the city of Aktau. Please note that flight or train tickets to Aktau are not included in the tour price and must be purchased independently. Our managers will provide you with all the details regarding the best dates and flight times.
Mangistau is vast, and the choice depends entirely on how much time you want to dedicate to exploring the region. We have designed four different formats, ranging from a basic 3-day itinerary covering the main highlights to a deep 6-day expedition. Whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed to see the iconic Bozzhyra Valley, the Tuzbair Salt Flat, and other top-tier locations. You can find a detailed description of each day and the geographical differences in the section above, where we break down the itineraries day by day.
Our expeditions are rated as easy difficulty. This means the route is perfectly suitable for anyone with average physical fitness between the ages of 8 and 64. You will not need any extreme climbing experience or the need to carry heavy backpacks. The primary factor is the daytime heat, which you should be prepared for. Therefore, we highly recommend consulting a doctor before the trip if you have any chronic health conditions.
We spend all nights in a specially prepared field camp. We have taken extra care to ensure you get a good night's sleep: you will stay in modern tents equipped with full-sized camping cots instead of thin sleeping pads. Our chef takes care of all the meals, preparing a diverse menu of national, Asian, and European cuisine, alongside freshly brewed coffee every morning. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions (such as being vegetarian), just let us know in advance, and we will tailor the menu to your preferences.
We strive to make your daily routine as comfortable as possible, even in conditions of complete autonomy. In our base camp, a hot shower is available daily, and proper camp toilets are set up. Although there is no cellular coverage in the desert, we provide free satellite internet. Its speed is more than enough to stay in touch with loved ones and share photos from your journey.
The expedition price is fully all-inclusive once you are on the route: transfer from Aktau, three meals a day, unlimited drinking water, accommodation, showers, and the services of a professional guide. You do not need to pay extra for equipment rental or electricity to charge your gadgets. The only things you pay for separately are your flights to Aktau, hotel accommodation before or after the tour, and your personal pocket expenses. We also highly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance.
The number one rule is to protect your skin from the scorching sun. You will need lightweight, long-sleeve shirts, loose trousers made of natural fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, and comfortable hiking boots. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF and a personal first-aid kit with your regular medications. For tech, a camera and a portable power bank will come in handy, although we do have a shared charging station available in the camp.
We have prepared a comprehensive packing list which we recommend reviewing before your trip.
We have prepared a comprehensive packing list which we recommend reviewing before your trip.
Our group sizes are strictly limited—we take a maximum of 14 people per trip to maintain a cozy atmosphere and ensure a personalized approach to every guest. Popular dates are often booked several months in advance. Therefore, we recommend submitting your request and securing your spot with a deposit as soon as you have finalized your travel plans. The up-to-date schedule with the number of available spots is always accessible in our Upcoming Tours section.
Photosafari Tours
Personal Gear List
What to bring with you
Transport & Storage
Footwear
Active Wear
Camp & Sleep Wear
Hygiene & Health
Additional Accessories
Personal Accessories
Equipment Provided by the Organizer
Before Heading on the Tour
1. Consultation with a doctor: Be sure to visit a specialist before the trip, especially if you have any health conditions.
2. Climate adaptation: Be prepared for a dry, semi-desert climate and high daytime temperatures. Stay hydrated from day one and always keep your headwear on.
For Clients
Tours
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