Discover Russia’s magnificent nature reserves with Dersu Uzala Ecotours

Few people realise that Russia has the largest system of protected areas in the world. During the Soviet era, over 130 nature reserves and national parks were established to protect Russia’s diverse and unique ecosystems that range from Arctic tundra to sub-tropical forest. These areas are home to a multitude of rare and endemic species of plants and animals. Until recently, though, very few people other than scientific researchers could visit them.

Now, however, you can join us on a journey of discovery. You can enjoy Russia’s fabulous nature reserves in the company of expert specialists such as biologists, geographers and ethnographers.

Nothing you have ever done will be quite like this. You will be able to follow the tracks of the magnificent Amur tiger, to listen to Tuvans performing throat-singing, to stay with ethnic minorities such as the Chukchi, the Evens and the Udege, to ride a dog sledge across the Arctic tundra, to climb an active volcano in Kamchatka, to raft down fast-flowing Siberian rivers, and finally – at the end of an unforgettable day – to fall asleep to the sounds of our incredibly diverse wildlife.

Our nature tours:

• Kamchatka: to the kingdom of salmon and bear;
• Lake Baikal: touring the nature reserves of the lake area;
• To the heart of the Sacred Shambala (trekking in the World Heritage Site of Mountain Altai); 
• Walrus and polar bear watching on the Chukchi Peninsula; 
• Fishing for giant taimen in the Putorana Plateau; 
• To the Kindgom of the Amur tiger (in the Russian Far East); 
• Birdwatching in the Russian Far East, the Lake Baikal area and Arctic Siberia; 
• Rafting in the Tuva and Sayan Mountains.

In addition to these organised trips, we can also provide bespoke wildlife viewing, botanical tours, photo safaris, scientific expeditions, student field trips and much more.

Our long history of cooperation with nature reserves, scientific bodies and conservation institutions enables us to organise expeditions to the most remote and pristine places in the world without disturbing their eternal balance.

Your visit to Russia’s protected areas with Dersu Uzala will also help raise funds for vital conservation efforts and research work.

Our Mission

Our mission is to spearhead the effective development of sustainable tourism in Russia:

• We strive to accomplish this with a comprehensive strategy that encompasses running professional ecotours, which support a range of non-profit activities;
• We develop and implement strategic ecotourism programs for local governments and Nature Reserves in different regions of Russia;
• We train Nature Reserves and local travel agencies in sustainable tourism practices;
• We provide local communities with economic incentives for conservation by introducing environmentally friendly small business programs;
• We educate the Russian general public about conservation issues through regular use of mass media, workshops, seminars and conferences;
• We increase global awareness of Russian Nature Reserves and ecotourism potential via books, articles, films and an Internet presence.

Our Projects

• Ecotourism development in the nature reserves of the Russian Far East, funding of the USAID-WWF, 1996—1998
• Establishment of environmental education centers in the Far Eastern nature reserves, funding of the USAID-WWF, 1996—1998
• Development of ecotourism in the Altay-Sayans ecoregion, program ROLL (Replication of Lessons Learned) of the USAID — Institute for Sustainable Communities, 1999—2000
• Consulting services for the project: Preparation of the Ecotourism Development Program in the Teberdinsky nature reserve, organization of the Environmental Education Center. GEF, Environmental Education Center "Zapovedniks", 1999—2000
• Consulting for the project "Development of Environmentally Sustainable Tourism in the North Caucasus", funding of the USAID-ISC in the framework of the ROLL program, 2000—2001

Our Partners

The Ecotourism Development Fund "Dersu Uzala" was established in the framework of environmental projects of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In addition, invaluable support was rendered by the Russian Branch of the International Union of Nature Conservation (IUCN) and the Citizens Democracy Corps.

In addition to a great number of individual Nature Reserves, our partners include:

• Russian State Committee for Environmental Protection;
• Moscow State University; 
• Russian National Fund "Strana Zapovednaya";
• Russian Association of Nature Reserve Directors;
• Regional Associations of Nature Reserves in the Far East, Altay-Sayans and Baikal;
• Moscow Ecological & Politological University;
• Ecological Travel Center — Russia.

Our People

Dersu Uzala is run by a group of scientists and experts in travel management. Since the opening of the Soviet Union, our members were among the first to organize ecotours and expeditions for foreign guests, including field trainings for students of European and American universities. For every tour, we work closely with scientists and staff from the protected areas we visit, from directors to the rangers.

We have personally researched and traveled every route that we offer. For this reason you can trust us and count on us for a safe and memorable experience.

Sincerely Yours,

Natali Moraleva, Director

Elena Ledovskikh, President