Beautiful natural places in Georgia that are worth visiting. Vashlovani National Park.
The Vashlovani National Park and its entire nature protection area includes a State Reserve, a National Park and other unique natural monuments. There is a huge wealth of diverse species of plants and animals, many of which are listed in the "Red Book". Be sure to visit this place, there are many tourist routes.
🌿 Want to see Georgian nature from an unexpected side? Welcome to Vashlovani National Park — 🐾 a protected area with savannas, cliffs and real "jungles" of semi-deserts.
Vashlovani National Park is one of the most unusual and arid natural corners of Georgia. Unlike the dense forests and highland landscapes of other reserves, it has an almost deserted landscape reminiscent of a safari. Sandy hills, rare trees, deep gorges and dry steppes create a unique atmosphere, and the flora and fauna amaze with their diversity and adaptation to harsh conditions. This is a place where you can see graceful gazelles, ancient petroglyphs and feel far from civilization.
🏞️ About Vashlovani National Park
Vashlovani National Park is one of the most unusual corners of Georgia. Here, a real mini-savannah landscape rages with clay canyons, semi-deserts and rare species of animals.
- 📍 Location: southeastern Georgia, Kakheti, Dedoplistskaro municipality, on the border with Azerbaijan
- 🗓️ Status: founded in 1935 as a reserve, received the status of a national park in 2003
- 🌍 Area: about 25,000 hectares (together with the adjacent reserve - more than 44,000 hectares)
- 🏞️ Landscape: semi-desert, savannah, clay canyons, dry steppes and rare forests of pistachio and juniper
- 🌡️ Climate: arid, with hot summers and mild, little snowy winters
- 🔒 Purpose of creation: preservation of unique semi-desert ecosystems, rare and endangered species of flora and fauna
- 🚶♀️ Tourist area: several routes - hiking, jeep and bicycles, viewing platforms and shelters for observing animals
- 🦉 Features: the landscape resembles the African savannah, home to leopards, jackals, vultures, gunesh and other rare species
- 📱 Communication and access: mobile network coverage is unstable; it is advisable to agree on a visit with the administration
- 🗺️ Navigation coordinates: 41.2276° N, 46.3519° E
🌿 Unique flora and rich fauna of Vashlovani
The national park is distinguished by its amazing natural diversity. Despite its relatively small area, it combines deserts, semi-deserts, steppes, sparse forests and deciduous forests.
Such contrasts make the territory especially valuable for scientists and tourists. In addition, the park contains floodplain forests, rocky areas with drought-resistant plants, and rare foothill forests. Of the more than 600 plant species registered in the park, 28 are Caucasian endemics, and 5 are found only in Georgia.
The flora of Vashlovani amazes with its diversity and adaptation to the dry climate of the region. More than 700 species of plants grow in the park, among which there are rare, endemic and protected species. A unique feature of the park is the combination of various landscapes: from desert and semi-desert steppes to floodplain forests and rock xerophytes.
One of the natural treasures is the Alazani floodplain forest, where oak, aspen, ash, walnut and pomegranate grow in the wild. Here you can find the ancestors of modern cultivated plants: wild grapevine, apple, cherry, quince.
Of particular interest are Georgian and Caucasian endemics, such as Eichler tulip, Georgian iris, barberry and wild pear. In total, 28 Caucasian and 5 Georgian endemic plants are registered in the park.
The flora of Vashlovani is also rich in species from the Red Book of Georgia. Here grow Georgian maple, pedunculate oak, pistachio, Euphrates poplar and other rare trees that need protection.
Due to its unique biodiversity, the park remains an important object of botanical research and preservation of Georgia's natural heritage.
- Georgian maple (Acer ibericum)
- Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica)
- Persian walnut (Juglans regia)
- Pedunculate oak (Quercus pedunculiflora)
- Wild pistachio (Pistacia mutica)
- Sachokia pear (Pyrus sachokiana)
- Demetri pear (Pyrus demetrii)
- Black juniper (Juniperus foetidissima)
- Many-fruited juniper (Juniperus policarpos)
- Georgian oak (Querceta iberica)
- And other rare tree species
The fauna is surprisingly diverse, despite the arid climate of the region. Mammals, birds, reptiles and insects typical of both desert and forest-steppe ecosystems live here. Rare and protected species are found, including those included in the Red Book of Georgia, as well as representatives typical of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Vashlovani National Park is famous for its rich fauna, which is surprisingly diverse for such an arid region. Both common Georgian species and rare representatives of the fauna live here. Jackals, foxes, wolves, jungle cats and lynx can be found on the open plains and steppes. Porcupines hide in the bushes, and wild boars and even brown bears live on the slopes and in the gorges. In the evening hours, you can often see rabbits running across the paths.
Vashlovani is a real paradise for ornithologists. Burial eagles and black vultures soar above the park, and gypsy harriers, marsh harriers and buzzards live in the thickets of bushes. Pheasants live in the floodplain forests of Alazani, and bustards and little bustards fly here in winter. The "City of Swallows" deserves special attention - clay cliffs in which hundreds of pairs of these birds nest. Herons, cormorants, wild and red ducks, and white-tailed eagles can be seen near the water bodies.
Reptiles play an important role in the park's ecosystem: rare species of snakes, lizards, and turtles have been recorded here. The waters of the Alazani are home to a variety of fish species, from carp and pike perch to Caucasian chub and catfish.
The most interesting aspect is the fossilized fauna. In Bear Canyon, you can still find ancient remains of sea mollusks, indicating that sea waves once splashed here. Among the finds are fragments of prehistoric animals, including a southern elephant's shoulder blade, frozen in clay as a reminder of the distant past of this land.
🗺️ What is a must see in Vashlovani National Park?
Vashlovani National Park amazes not only with its landscapes, but also with its natural attractions. Here you can see unique canyons, rare groves, ancient traces and stunning panoramas - all this makes a visit to the park a real adventure.
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🎒 What to do in the park
Vashlovani National Park offers not only picturesque views, but also a variety of activities for travelers. From hiking through canyons to watching rare birds, there is something for everyone at any time of year.
🚗 How to get to Vashlovani Park
Vashlovani National Park is located in a remote and sparsely populated part of Georgia, so it is worth planning a trip here in advance. You can get there by car or with the help of an organized transfer - the nearest large settlement and the starting point of most routes is the town of Dedoplistskaro.
| City | Distance | Travel Time | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | 130 km | 2 hours | Minibuses from Isani Metro Station and Ortachala Bus Station (8:30 AM–4:30 PM, every hour) |
| Batumi | 515 km | 7 h 31 min | Car |
| Borjomi | 301 km | 4 h 17 min | Car |
| Telavi | 89.3 km | 1 h 43 min | Car |
| Kutaisi | 371 km | 5 h 22 min | Car |
| Gori | 227 km | 3 h 20 min | Car |
🔍 What to see near Vashlovani Park
Vashlovani National Park is not only a unique ecosystem, but also a great starting point for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the Kakheti region. In the vicinity of the park there are ancient monasteries, picturesque gorges, unusual geological formations and historical settlements. When planning a trip, be sure to include these interesting places in the route - they will help you feel the atmosphere of the region more deeply and make the trip even more intense.
Niko Pirosmanishvili State Museum
Georgian and Russian self-taught artist, one of the prominent representatives of primitiv…
Bodbe Monastery
The Monastery of St. Nino Bodbe, located in Sighnaghi, is one of the most significant spi…
Fortress city of Khornabuji
Khornabuji is a majestic medieval fortress city that stands in eastern Georgia, just a cr…
St. Ellia's church
On a hill in picturesque Kakheti, in a cozy corner of Dedoplistskaro, stands the Elia Mon…
Temple of the Ascension of the Lord Ozaani
The Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Ozaani is a majestic structure, immersed in hi…
🏡 Where to stay near Vashlovani Park
When planning a trip, it is important to choose a convenient place to stay in advance. In the vicinity of the park, especially in the town of Dedoplistskaro, you will find guest houses, cozy hotels and eco-lodges where you can relax after a busy day in nature. Many of them offer home cooking, transfer to the park and assistance in organizing tours.
Choose between comfortable guesthouses in Lagodekhi and cozy family hotels in Dedoplistskaro.
| Name | Type | Address | Price per night | Distance from the park |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse Vashlovani | Guesthouse | 92 Vashlovani St., Lagodekhi | from ~$40–$50 | ≈ 1 km from the park entrance |
| Lagodekhi Inn | 3★ Hotel | Lagodekhi, city center | from ~$65 | ≈ 30 km |
| Guesthouse AISI | Guesthouse | Lagodekhi | from £17 (~$22) | ≈ 30 km |
| Savanna Guest House | Guesthouse | Khornabuni, Dedoplistskaro | from $40 | ≈ 5 km |
| Guest house Meri Poppins | Guesthouse | Hereti St. 105, Dedoplistskaro | from $31 | ≈ 7 km |
| Teo's Cottages | Cottages | Dedoplistskaro | from $43 | ≈ 7 km |
🍽️ Where to eat near the park
After walking along the scenic trails and observing the wildlife, you will certainly want to refresh yourself. In the vicinity of the national park you can find cozy cafes, local canteens and family restaurants serving fresh produce, homemade pastries and traditional Georgian dishes.
| Name | Type | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café Gurjaani | Café | Chavchavadze St., Gurjaani | A cozy café with traditional Georgian cuisine. Popular among locals. |
| Restaurant Dedoplistskaro | Restaurant | Dedoplistskaro Center | Serves dishes made with fresh local ingredients. A good spot for lunch after a walk. |
| Wine House | Wine Restaurant | Suburb of Dedoplistskaro | Georgian wines, appetizers, and a homely atmosphere. Wine tasting available. |
| Khinkali House | Family Café | Near Dedoplistskaro Bus Station | Affordable and tasty food — khinkali, khachapuri, soups. Quick service. |
🎁 What to bring from Vashlovani National Park
A visit to Vashlovani is not only an experience of wild nature, but also an opportunity to take a piece of this unique region with you. Here you will find original souvenirs that preserve the spirit of Kakheti and the originality of Georgian culture.
- 🍯 Honey from Kakheti — natural, aromatic, from wild flowers and acacia.
- 🧂 Traditional spices — utskho-suneli, Svan salt, khmeli-suneli.
- 🍇 Homemade wine — Kakhetian, aged in qvevri, with a rich taste.
- 🧵 Handicrafts — carpets, wicker baskets, clay pottery.
- 🌿 Tea from mountain herbs — mint, thyme, St. John's wort, collected in the surrounding area.
- 🐑 Woolen products — socks, mittens, scarves, knitted by locals.
- 🐚 Fragments of fossils (only legally acquired!) — a reminder of the prehistoric past of the region.
- 📸 Postcards and photo albums — with views of desert landscapes, fauna and canyons.
- 🕊️ Souvenirs with park symbols — magnets, badges, T-shirts with rare animals.
- 🧴 Natural cosmetics — based on grape seed oil and herbs.
🧳 Travel checklist
Before you set off on a journey through one of the wildest and most unique corners of Georgia, make sure you have everything you need with you. Below is a short list of things that will definitely come in handy on the road and on the routes.
📌 Guide
- Contact the park administration before starting your route
- Registration is mandatory when visiting Mijinskure, Takhti-Tepe, and Kakliskure
- Bring a copy of your ID or passport
- These zones are accessible only by 4x4 vehicle
- Wear long pants and high-ankle footwear
- Carry enough food and water
✅ Allowed
- Move along marked trails on foot, by horse, or vehicle
- Conduct scientific or educational activities
- Use picnic and camping zones
- Observe wildlife and nature
- Take photographs and shoot videos
🚫 Prohibited
- Carry firearms
- Enter with pets
- Damage park infrastructure
- Collect natural or cultural objects without permission
- Introduce non-native species
- Move quickly in poor visibility conditions
- Start campfires outside designated areas
💡 Tips from the Madloba catalog
Planning a trip to Vashlovani National Park? We have collected some useful tips for you that will help make your trip comfortable, safe and memorable.
🗓️ Choose the right season for your trip
Spring and autumn are the mildest months in Vashlovani, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer can be too hot, especially in semi-desert areas.
📞 Plan ahead and check the availability of routes
Some trails require registration and special permits, especially those that pass through border areas. It is better to contact the Visitor Center in advance and check the availability of routes.
📍 Use offline maps and downloaded tracks
Some areas of the park do not have a stable connection. Download offline maps and routes to avoid getting lost and not being dependent on the Internet.
🤫 Respect nature and keep quiet
Many animals are active only in silence. If you behave calmly, there is a chance to see rare species, such as the white-tailed eagle or the jungle cat.
🎒 Take everything you need with you - there are no shops nearby
Vashlovani is a remote natural area, and the nearest infrastructure can be tens of kilometers away. Take water, food, a first aid kit, navigation and chargers in advance.
❓ Frequently asked questions about Vashlovani Park
Before heading to a National Park, travellers often have a lot of practical questions – from access and routes to safety and infrastructure. We’ve collected the most common ones to make planning your trip easier and more relaxing.
🐾 Do I need to get permits in advance?
🚗 Can I enter the park with a regular car?
⏳ When is the best time to visit?
📶 Is there mobile signal and how do I navigate?
🐕 Can I bring pets?
💵 How much is the entrance fee and rental?
🔒 Can I stay overnight in the park?
🐻 Are there dangerous animals?
🥾 Are there marked trails and maps?
🧭 Do I need a guide?
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«Красивые природные места в Грузии, которые стоит посетить. Национальный парк Вашловани».
Что можно сказать о статье.
✅ Положительный момент статьи: Из данной статьи можно выделить положительный момент в том, что на территории природоохранной зоны Вашловани находится множество уникальных памятников природы, которые являются домом для многих редких уникальных видов растений и животных. Создание таких природоохранной территории имеет целью сохранения естественного состояния природной экосистемы и создания условий для выживания и воспроизводства редких видов растений и животных, распространенных на этой территории. Кроме того, здесь имеется множество туристических маршрутов, которые позволяют людям наслаждаться красотами природы и погрузиться в историю этой местности.
✅ Отрицательный момент статьи: Из отрицательных моментов статьи можно выделить отсутствие информации о возможных экологических проблемах, с которыми сталкиваются природные объекты на территории Вашловани. Также не указаны меры, принимаемые для сохранения и восстановления природных экосистем, защиты редких видов растений и животных. Кроме того, не упоминается о том, какие меры принимаются для контроля и управления туристическим потоком, чтобы минимизировать негативное воздействие на природу и животный мир.
Несмотря на положительные и отрицательные моменты статьи, я благодарю автора на каталоге Мадлоба за интересную и полезную статью!!
Но тут уж у каждого свои предпочтения и свое мнение.