Savanna Ostrich Farm, Lovahy

Savanna Ostrich Farm is an unexpected find in the Carpathian foothills. It lies in the small Boyko village of Lovahy in the Kalush district, not far from Nebyliv, where huge African birds live among forests and hills. The farm has breathed new life into a half-forgotten village: families come from Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv to show their children ostriches up close and spend a day outdoors. If you are looking for an ostrich farm in the Ivano-Frankivsk region or simply a quiet place for a family trip, Savanna is a good choice.

What to see

The farm’s main residents are African ostriches. Adult birds as tall as a person stroll around spacious paddocks, eye the visitors with curiosity and readily come up to the fence. Reviewers note that the ostriches here are quite tame and sociable, so children can see them almost at arm’s length. Besides the ostriches there is a small animal corner with peacocks, pheasants and several breeds of chickens, and squirrels dart between the trees. Do look at the wooden farm buildings with carved Carpathian landscapes on their walls – they are a favourite photo spot.

Why children love it

The ostrich is the largest bird on the planet: an adult male can stand over two metres tall and weigh more than a hundred kilograms. Ostriches cannot fly, but they run at up to 70 km/h, and a single egg weighs as much as about twenty chicken eggs. Facts like these stick best when the bird is standing right in front of you, tilting its head with curiosity – so a trip to the farm easily turns into a living nature lesson.

What to do with kids

Savanna is a place for an unhurried day. After meeting the birds you can sit in one of the gazebos with tables and have a picnic while the children play on the playground. The farm sells ice cream, juice and water, as well as ostrich eggs and meat – for many guests, trying an ostrich-egg omelette becomes an adventure of its own. By prior arrangement the hosts also offer extras: an outdoor hot tub (chan), a sauna and quad bike rental. Visitors often praise the warm, welcoming owners, who are happy to talk about their birds – an encounter children remember for a long time.

Practical information

Address: Lovahy village, Kalush district, Ivano-Frankivsk region (listed on maps as “Страусина ферма САВАННА”). Phone: +38 066 648 95 24.

Opening hours: daily 10:00–17:00 (according to Google Maps). As this is a family farm, it is best to call ahead and arrange your visit, especially if you plan to use the hot tub, sauna or quad bikes.

Prices: not officially published – ask about the admission ticket and extra services by phone.

The farm is open all year, but it is most pleasant from late spring to autumn, when you can stay longer outside and relax in the gazebos. Wear comfortable shoes: the paths are unpaved and can get muddy after rain.

How to get there

Lovahy is about 20 km south of Kalush. It is best to drive via Kalush: visitors advise against routing through Rosilna and Chornyi Lis, where there is practically no road. The last three kilometres or so to the farm are a dirt track, so drive slowly; an ordinary car will manage, but take care in bad weather. Public transport is difficult – the easiest option is to get to Kalush or Nebyliv and take a taxi from there.

At a glance

• Address: Lovahy
• Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (per Google Maps; it is best to call before you go)
• Season: All year round
• Prices: Admission and extra service prices are not published – ask by phone.
• Phone: +380666489524

Photos: lh3.googleusercontent.com.