KINTRISHI PROTECTEDAREAS

KintrishiProtected Area was created in 1959. It stretches along the beautiful Kintrishi river gorge and stands in between the Black Sea and Adjara-Imereti highlands, on the territory of Kobuleti municipality. This protected Area was established in order to protect its mountain relict forests, endemic flora and fauna. Most part of the territory is occupied by the Kolkheti forest. The protected area used to cover 13900 hectares, between Tskhemvana village on the one hand and Khino mountains on the other, on 300-2500 m above sea level.

In 2007 Kintrishi protected landscape (3200 hectares) was created on the territory with the goal to preserve the authencity of the nature.

This area is particularly compelling for those who like hiking and horse riding in the wild.

There is an 11-12 century so-called Tamari arch bridge on the territory of the protected landscape. A 1.2 km long hiking trail goes to the bridge and buxus grove. The other trail takes the visitor to the ancient wine cellar, St. George Church of Tskhimvana and waterfalls.

The second, 37 km long overnight hiking trail leads to the beautiful Tbikeli lake. On the way, you encounter tertiary period Caucasus yew forest and Khino monastery.

Read blog ⇒ Kintrishi - unusual eco-vacation in a million-year-old forests

KOBULETI PROTECTED AREAS

If migratory birdwatching and swamp vegetation interest you, then Kobuleti Protected Areas is the place to go when you visit Adjara.

Kobuleti Protected Area territory comprises unique sphagnum strict nature reserve (Ispani II, 331 hectares) and managed nature reserve (Ispani I, 439 hectares). The Protected Area is located to the North-East of Kobuleti plain, along with the Black Sea coast.

This protected area was created in 1998 in order to preserve the unique wetland ecosystems that are recognised by RAMSAR convention and represent highly valuable natural heritage sites. This territory is the habitat for migratory, nesting and wintering bird species. Botanists are compelled by the boreal species: sphagnum or white moss and insect-eating sundews (Drosera).

Kobuleti Protected Area offers favourable conditions for educational and scientific tours as well. The tourist season lasts from May to October here.

MTIRALA NATIONAL PARK

On Mtirala mountain in Chakvi at the altitude of 1,381, the annual rainfall levels reach 4,000-4,500 which is the highest across Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

The mountain slopes are distinguished by their biodiversity here. While the variety of plants attract many visitors, there are those who prefer zip lining and adventures to the observation of vegetation.

Mtirala National park was established in 2007. It covers 15, 698 hectares, including Kobuleti, Khelvachauri and Keda municipalities in its territory. Almost entire park area boasts forests and groves, as well as Paleogene period flora from around 25-50 million years ago. 284 types of plants and 95 animal species inhabit the territory which also includes endemic and relict specimens. Some of them are enlisted in the ‘red list’ of Georgia.

Some picnic and camping sites are arranged in the park as well. Hiking trails are entirely road-marked, allowing overnight hiking tours.

The park administration is located in Chakvi borough, 12 km from Kobuleti. The visitor’s centre is situated 15 km away from Chakvi, in Chakvistavi village. The park offers hiking, riding, scientific and ecotour opportunities to the visitors.

Read blog ⇒ 7 must-see places at Mtirala

MACHAKHELA NATIONAL PARK

MachakhelaNationalPark is one of the youngest parks in Georgia. It was founded in May 2012 and covers 8,733 hectares in Machakhela valley.

Machakhela is a transboundary river, bordering Turkish Jamil Biosphere Reserve which creates prospects for transboundary cooperation.

95% of the park territory is covered by broadleaf forests: Chestnut, redwood, oak, hornbeam and alder groves. Hazelnut, Georgian nut, yew, rhododendron, elm tree, iris and other species also grow here. Two walking trails are integrated with vehicle routes. The season lasts from May to October.

The local endangered species include Caucasian honey bee, brown bear, Caspian snowcock, Caucasian salamander.

Machakhela can be a compelling destination for those who take interest in natural and cultural heritage. The purpose of creating this national park was to protect the local architecture, monuments of cultural heritage and traditional agriculture.

The park administration address is: Khelvachauri municipality, Adjarisaghmarti village.

Before planning your tour in the national park, we recommend visiting the website www.apa.gov.ge and agreeing on the tour details with the representatives of the visitors’ services at the protected area.

Read blog ⇒ 6 mysteries of Machakhela Gorge and some reasons that make you decide to go there