Orlovskoye Polesye National Park, 85km northwest of Oryol, is a placid slice of taiga, with over 360 sq km of thick forest, lakes and wildflower-dotted grasslands. It's a fantastic spot for fishing, camping and walking, but this is more than your average nature getaway. The park is home to almost 300 European bison, which roam free under a special protection and breeding programme. The well-managed park runs bison tours (R2000 per group, winter only), where visitors can observe the grand beasts feeding and at play.
The park also houses an open-air zoo (adult/child R180/90), a sacred spring and an ostrich farm. Outdoorsy types can trek along signposted ecotrails or take a load off on a rented bike, boat or horse. The website has full details of activities and accommodation options.
Get there via elektrichki from Oryol (R320, three hours, four daily) to Bryansk; alight at Khotynets and take a bus to Zhudre village (30 minutes, three daily). Oryol's tourism centre (www.tourism-orel.ru) also runs various daily tours to the park out of Oryol.
