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Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve
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The Kintrishi Nature Reserve is located in the Adjara Autonomous Republic of southwestern Georgia and stretches along the valley of the Kintrishi River. Established in 1959, it covers an area of approximately 13,893 hectares in the western part of the Lesser Caucasus. The region is known for its extremely humid climate and well-preserved Colchic rainforests, which host a variety of tertiary relic plants. Since 2021, Kintrishi has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage as part of the 'Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands' designation. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes, deep river valleys, and alpine lakes at higher altitudes, such as Lake Tbikeli. Historically, the protected area features old stone arch bridges from the Middle Ages that are still in use today. The biodiversity is impressive, including rare animal species such as the Caucasian salamander and the brown bear. The reserve plays a crucial role in protecting the regional climate and fragile forest ecosystems.
- Location: Georgia
- Nearby: Ozurgeti (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 88 | 96 | 68 | 61 | 70 | 68 | 72 | 121 | 140 | 139 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The completely wild reserve is typically accessed straight from the coastal town of Kobuleti; however, the final steep mountain approach deep into the dense forest absolutely requires a strong, capable 4x4 off-road vehicle due to the extremely rough, completely unpaved dirt tracks.
Best season
Late spring straight through to early autumn, roughly May to October, is definitively and by far the safest and absolute best time, as otherwise, severe winter snows and heavy, persistent torrential rains can render the steep mountain roads entirely completely impassable.
Terrain & paths
The genuinely sweeping landscape is chiefly characterized by very deep, completely precipitously dropping river gorges, extremely thick, perpetually highly humid old-growth forests, and narrow, sometimes exceptionally slippery and demanding remote wilderness trails cutting deep into the area.
What to bring
Very sturdy, completely waterproof hiking boots are an absolute strict must for every single visitor here, perfectly combined with highly adaptable layered clothing, strong insect repellent, and very sufficient self-supplied emergency rations of high-calorie survival food and extra water.
Parking
Very basic, strictly limited parking options exist mostly only right at or very near the small central visitor center, or at the absolute, dead end of the drivable vehicle track, long before the truly demanding and deep main hiking trails heading into the forest interior actually begin.
Safety
In the profoundly deep, sharply cut gorges there is very often absolutely no reliable mobile network coverage whatsoever; visitors should always explicitly inform someone of their exact planned routing and, for their own supreme safety, ideally hire an experienced, certified local guide.
Time needed
A sensible and proper, comprehensive visit usually strictly requires a totally full, physically exhausting day primarily due to the very difficult vehicle access, although for very well-trained and highly experienced hikers, significantly more demanding multi-day long trekking tours are definitely possible.
Geography
Facts
- The reserve was originally established in the year 1959.
- The total area is approximately 13,893 hectares.
- Lake Tbikeli is situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters.
- The UNESCO recognition took place in the year 2021.
- Several medieval stone bridges are located within the protected area.
- The annual rainfall can reach up to 3,000 mm.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Kintrishi Protected Area located?
It is located in the Adjara region, in the Kintrishi River valley, tucked away in the humid subtropical forests of the Lesser Caucasus.
What historical sights are there?
The medieval stone arch bridges, like the Tamari Bridge, which span the river picturesquely, are famous.
Is the area suitable for hiking?
Yes, there are trails through ancient yew and boxwood forests, leading up to the Tbikeli mountain lake at 2,200 meters.
What animal species can be observed here?
Brown bears, roe deer, and rare amphibians like the Caucasian salamander live in the dense forests.
What is the climate like in Kintrishi?
The climate is very humid and mild, leading to lush vegetation and the preservation of tertiary relict species.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: where is it located?
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve is located in Georgia.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kintrishi Strict Nature Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Kintrishi Nature Reserve is located in the Adjara Autonomous Republic of southwestern Georgia and stretches along the valley of the Kintrishi River.
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