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Have you ever heard of Mtirala National Park? I hadn’t! When I researched travel guides and scoured the internet before my trip to Georgia, there was little information out there about this park. Even Google Maps and Maps.me didn’t give me much clarity about how to get there and what to expect. Nonetheless, visiting Mtirala National Park is a great experience! That is why I have put together this guide with everything you need to know!
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia is a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a nation steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty. With a heritage dating back millennia, this small but resilient country has weathered countless storms, yet it stands proudly today as a symbol of enduring strength.
The capital city, Tbilisi, is a vibrant blend of old and new, where cobblestone streets wind through a maze of historic architecture, while modern skyscrapers and old Sovjet buildings reach for the sky. Georgia is known for its warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine, featuring a lot of amazing vegan Georgian dishes like Ajapsandali and Lobio.
As a conscious traveler, you will probably be drawn to Georgia’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Svaneti and around Kazbegi to the lush valleys of Kakheti, known for its wine production. The country’s ancient monasteries, like Vardzia and Gelati, offer glimpses into its spiritual past.
The Black Sea Coast of Georgia is a great place to have some beach time after spending time in the mountains. A lot of travelers head to Batumi and visit the Batumi Botanical Garden and laze on the beach but, there is a park nearby that is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists.
This is Mtirala National Park, and you can read all you need to know about it below!
Mtirala National Park, located between the territories of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri, and Keda, is a pristine natural wonderland that will surely enchant you with its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Spread over 15,698 hectares in the southwestern Adjara region, this protected area is a joy to explore for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Named after the abundance of rainfall it receives, “Mtirala” means “crying” in Georgian. The landscape of the park is characterized by dense, ancient forests shrouded in mist, a beautiful waterfall, and rushing rivers. Towering Colchian forests, with trees dating back centuries, dominate the landscape and harbor a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Mtirala National Park in Georgia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, thanks to its rich and pristine natural environment. 275 animal species reside in the park, with 66 of them included in the “Red List” of Georgia, and 12 globally endangered species are listed in the IUCN “Red List”.
Some of the notable wildlife species found in Mtirala National Park include brown bears, the Eurasian lynx, wild boars, red deer, and wolves.
The park is also a great place to spot amphibians and for birdwatching. Among the bufferlfies in the park are also a few globally endangered species like Oleanders, Sphinx, Scarlet tiger moth and the Apollo butterfly.
Obviously, hiking is the main thing to do inside the park. The park boasts a network of well-marked hiking trails that take you through its lush forests, leading you to hidden corners, cute bridges and viewpoints. But there are a few notable sights and activities worth mentioning too!
Mtirala National Park
As you come to the entrance of the park, you can find a few restaurants near the car park and also a few accommodation options. There is no ticket booth near the park and the entrance is free, however, you do need to cross the river to hit the hiking trails.
You will be charged a small amount of money to take a sort of roped cable cabin which takes you to the other side of the river. The sights and activities mentioned below are found at the other side of the river.
One of the most impressive sights inside Mtirala National Park is the Tsablnari Waterfall. Reachable by half an hour’s walk from the entrance of the park this waterfall will surely satisfy your senses.
Tsablnari waterfall
The waterfall is 28 meters high and can be reached by stairs leading to a small viewpoint. It is not possible to swim in the waterfall since the pool at the bottom isn’t deep enough.
If you travel to the park early enough, you will avoid other travelers and tourists, having the waterfall all to yourself.
Inside Tmirala National Park, you can find Tmirala Lake. Expectations are probably high when you hear a name like that, but don’t expect to find an actual lake.
Tmirala Lake is a nice beautifully blue-colored pool of water inside the park that looks more like a huge swimming hole instead of a lake. It’s a great place to take a refreshing dip after hiking but be aware that the water is icy-cold, even in the summer months!
Inside Mtirala National Park, you can find the largest zipline in Georgia. Via a 220-meter zipline, you can go on an exciting canopy tour through the forest.
The price for a ziplining adventure is 15 GEL/per person and this includes instructions from qualified guides and safety items like belts and helmets.
Just as you cross the river at the entrance of the park, you can find Mtirala’s Rope Park. This adventure activity offers two distinct zones, catering to both families with children and adventurous adults.
The trail for adults presents six elements designed to test your agility and nerve. To enter as an adult, you must meet a height requirement of 1 meter and 20 centimeters. The trail stretches over a 67-meter course.
Alternatively, the trail for families offers a slightly easier exploration of the park, encompassing 11 elements. Children must also meet the same height requirement, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. This trail stretches over 142 meters.
The entrance fee for the rope park is 15 GEL for children and 20 GEL for adults.
birdwatching tours can also be arranged inside the park. Information about these tours is hard to find online but the village of Korolstavi should be the starting point. for more information, you can call 577 10 18 89.
The easiest way to explore Mtirala National Park is on your own two feet. Tours on horseback are also arranged inside the park but, as vegan and conscious travelers, this feels like an unethical thing to do.
There are two distinct trails inside the park, the Tsablnari trail which takes one day to explore, and the Tsivtskaro trail which required to stay overnight inde the park.
If you want to visit Mtirala on a day trip, this hiking trail is the most obvious choice to choose for taking in the most important sights.
This trail runs along the gorge of the Chakvistskali and takes you to the Tsablnari waterfall and to Mtirala Lake. The trail is beautiful and, although a bit steep sometimes, is an enjoyable experience that takes you through pristine Colchic rainforest.
Pathways inside Mtirala National Park
The trail is a loop trail and you can choose to head to the lake first or hit the waterfall. It is advisable to arrive as early as possible to have these places for yourself.
Group tours, mainly local high school kids arrive during the day and things can get a bit more crowded and loud around the waterfall and the lake then. The zip line and rope park are located on this trail.
The Tsivtskaro trail is a two-day adventure that starts at the visitor center of the park. It’s a 16-kilometer walk that takes two days and is suitable for intermediate hikers.
Day one takes you through the forest to natural springs, where there is a picnic area and a tourist shelter that can accommodate 8 people.
On the second day, the tour runs along beautiful beech groves and springs, with picnic spots along the way for lunch.
The route passes by certain sections of the forest that are not allowed to be touched due to conservation reasons. If you want to go on this two-day hiking trip, it’s best to call ahead to investigate the possibilities (+995 577 10 18 89).
The best place which from to explore Mtirala National Park are the coastal towns of Chakvi and Tsikhisdziri or the city of Batumi. From Batumi and Tsikhisdziri, it takes about an hour to reach Mtirala National Park by car while it takes about 16 kilometers and 45 minutes from Chakvi.
If you have your own two wheels, you will have no issue reaching Mtirala National Park but do note that the road can be in bad condition and can get very narrow at some points making it hard to pass by oncoming traffic.
Public transport to Mtirala is hard to find although there should be one daily Marscrutka covering the route. If you don’t have your own wheels, the best option however is to go to the intersection of the E70 in Chakvia where this supermarket is located.
Unofficial taxis are waiting there for tourists who want to visit Mtirala National Park. Expect to be charged around 70 GEL for a round trip and three hours inside the park. It is possible to haggle this down to 40 GEL.
you can reach the taxi point in Chakvia by Marshrutka from Tsikhisdziri and Batumi and even from Kobuleti.
While there are accommodation options at the park’s entrance, chances are greater you will visit Mtirala National Park on a day trip from Batumi, Chakvi, or Tsikhisdziri by the Black Sea Coast.
Here are some great options!
Here are a few accommodations worth checking out in Batumi ranging from basic to boutique quality.
Hostal 47: If you are looking for a hostel in Batumi then nothing can beat Hostal 47. This hostel offers both mixed and female dormitory rooms and is hosted by a great owner named Lika.
Batumi Wonderland Guesthouse: A 15-minute walk from the city center is a quiet residential area, you can find this quirky guesthouse run by Lia. The Deluxe studio with a kitchenette is a great choice.
Kartuli Hotel: Looking for a place with a minimalistic design, yet all the comfort you need? Look no further than Kartuli hotel which is located on the 37th and 38th floor of a skyscraper.
Cabo Verde Boutique Hotel: If you don’t mind staying outside of the city center in Batumi then this boutique hotel only 1.5 kilometers from the south entrance of Batumi Botanical Garden is a gem.
Chakvi and Tsikhisdziri are two small towns by the black sea coast that are completely untouched by foreign tourism. They make an excellent choice if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path places to fully immerse yourself in the Georgian culture.
Guesthouse Achi: If you like to experience genuine Georgian hospitality, consider staying at Guesthouse Achi, located not far from Chakvi Beach. The hosts don’t speak any English but their children do. We were offered free wine and baked goods and had the time of our lives here.
Guesthouse Georgi: In Tsikhisdziri village, you can discover this guesthouse, which feels more like a homestay than a guesthouse. If you like to stay with a kind local Georgian family in a room with outstanding mountain views, don’t hesitate to book this guesthouse. If you do, say hi to Tedy from me (the dog)!
If you want to sleep at an accommodation closer to the entrance of Tmirala National Park, consider staying at Mtirala House, a local guesthouse surrounded by lush forest.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this guide to Mtirala National Park in Georgia. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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