Sataplia Nature Reserve, Imereti Travel Guide

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Explore dinosaur footprints, stunning caves, and panoramic views at Sataplia Nature Reserve, a unique Georgian treasure near Kutaisi.

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Sataplia Nature Reserve

Sataplia Nature Reserve, near Kutaisi, Georgia, offers a unique blend of natural history and stunning landscapes. Explore dinosaur footprints, a fascinating karst cave, and panoramic views from a glass-bottomed observation deck. The reserve's name, meaning 'place of honey,' reflects its history as a wild bee habitat.

A brief summary to Sataplia Nature Reserve

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sataplia Nature Reserve.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the trails and in the cave.
Visit during warm and dry weather for the best experience.
Tours are available in Georgian, English, and Russian.
The glass platform is not operational during rainy or snowy weather.

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Getting There

Taxi

From Kutaisi city center (e.g., the town square), a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Sataplia Nature Reserve. The ride is approximately 10 km and should take around 20 minutes. Expect to pay around 15 GEL for the trip.
Public Transport

While taxis are more direct, public transport is an option. Take a marshrutka (minibus) from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo and ask to be dropped off near Sataplia. From there, it may be necessary to walk or take a short taxi ride to the reserve entrance. The marshrutka fare is typically around 1-2 GEL. Remember to confirm the exact route and drop-off point with the driver.

Discover more about Sataplia Nature Reserve

Sataplia Nature Reserve, located just 10 km from Kutaisi in the Imereti region of Georgia, is a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The reserve spans 354 hectares and is known for its unique attractions, including preserved dinosaur footprints and the stunning Sataplia Cave.The reserve's history dates back to 1935 when it was founded to protect the recently discovered karst cave and dinosaur footprints by Petre Chabukiani. The name 'Sataplia,' meaning 'place of honey,' comes from the tradition of local people harvesting honey from wild bees that inhabited the mountain's caves.Visitors can explore the Sataplia Cave, a 900-meter-long cave featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites. A 314-meter section of the cave is open for tours, enhanced with lighting and audio effects. The Dinosaur Footprints Trail allows visitors to step in the tracks of herbivore and raptor dinosaurs that roamed the area millions of years ago. The glass-bottomed viewing platform offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The reserve is also home to the Sataplia Museum of Natural History, which showcases local geology, flora, and fauna.The Colchian forest, covering 98% of the reserve, features a diverse array of flora, including rare and endangered species. Wildlife includes jackals, foxes, squirrels, martens, badgers, roe deer, and wolves.