Full-Day Private Safari to Mud Volcanoes and Chachuna
Duration
Full-day
Max People
4
Min Age
3+
Pickup
Dedoplistskaro
Overview
Mud volcanoes? Even the name sounds unreal. But seeing these bubbling craters up close is even weirder. Still, this journey isn’t about mud volcanoes alone. They’re simply the final spark in a day loaded with landscapes, wildlife, and stories from one of the most overlooked regions of Georgia.
While driving, the area opens in layers: steppes, bright arid hills, savannah-like woodlands, river canyons and floodplain forests that hug the Iori’s winding path. This is a place where nature still feels wild and unpolished. where raptors circle overhead, bee-eaters and rollers flash neon colours through the air, and the riverbanks reveal last night’s stories only if you can read it via animal footprints.
This tour is visual, atmospheric, and deeply informative. Perfect for birders, photographers, naturalists, geology lovers, and anyone who wants to see a different face of Georgia.
Our safari adventures balance the thrill of off-road driving with frequent scenic stops and light hikes, ensuring you get up close to the area’s hidden gems. We pride ourselves on flexibility; we can adapt the route to match your specific interests or the unique rhythm of the seasons. Whether we are chasing the best golden-hour light for a photo or adjusting for seasonal wildlife migrations, we tailor the journey to ensure you see place at its absolute best.
Mud Volcanoes Tour Highlights
- Walk among bubbling craters and lunar textures of Mud Volcanoes.
- Encounter a rich biodiversity of Chachuna Reserve that impresses even non-wildlife enthusiasts.
- Learn about natural and cultural history that shaped this remote corner of the country.
- Capture unforgettable photos and memories of diverse landscapes and unique formations.
Cost Includes / Excludes
- English Speaking Nature Guide
- Transportation with 4x4 car
- Entry Fee and Preparation of permit
- Spotting scope and binoculars
- Drinking water / Coffee
- Lunch-box (available as an optional add-on)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks
Tour Plan
We begin our journey heading south. As we pass Elia Mountain, the urban landscape quickly fades into the vast, rolling steppes. Don't be fooled by the silence—this road is full of surprises. Every curve and hilltop offers a new perspective on this ancient, rugged terrain, and bushes may hide eyes focused on you.
We stop near the sheer vertical slopes of the Kotsakhura Range. These heights, once home to ascetic monks, now serve as a fortress for Vultures. High above, you might see them catching the thermals, while the shadows in the caves likely hide nesting pairs watching the valley below. Using a professional spotting scope, we will "enter" their dwellings to get a spectacular view without disturbing their peace. Witnessing these prehistoric-looking birds in their natural home is always an unforgettable experience.
We step out of the car and shift our gaze from the grand horizon to the hidden details at our feet. We become trackers—looking for the stories written in the sand, fill scents of nature. Carved by powerful seasonal currents, the path is covered in a mosaic of colourful pebbles. It’s a quiet, picturesque corridor that allows you to feel the scale of the nature surrounding you.
Next, we enter the lush Iori floodplain, a "gallery forest" that provides a dense, green sanctuary amidst the dry hills. We’ll discuss the history of the Chachuna Managed Reserve and the delicate balance of this habitat. Our main goal here is the Black Francolin—a bird of striking beauty—but stay quiet, as wild boar and lynx also call these riverbanks home.
Emerging from the badlands and arid forests, Dali Lake appears like a mirage. While the reservoir altered the river’s natural flow, it has become a vital sanctuary for numerous species. We will drive across the dam, enjoying the panoramic views.
Note: In the summer months, we can take an hour to swim and escape the steppe heat.
We reach the edge of the world—a small hill near the Azerbaijan border where the earth literally bubbles. Takhti-Tepha Mud Volcanoes offer a weird, lunar landscape that feels prehistoric. It is a quiet, picturesque place where the wide horizon makes you feel small.
Our drive back follows a different path, ensuring the adventure doesn't end until we reach the city. The late afternoon light is the best time for spotting movement in the grass. Keep your cameras ready; on this road, the return journey is an attraction in itself.
Tour Map
What to Consider
- Border Permit: Since part of the route passes within 5 km of the Azerbaijan border, a special permit is required. We’ll arrange it once we receive the necessary documents from you.
- Weather: Tour may be postponed or cancelled in case of extreme weather, with a new date arranged by mutual agreement.
- Etiquette: Please respect the natural environment — keep noise to a minimum and follow all rules set by the park administration.
Your Guide to Vashlovani National Park
& Georgia’s Wildest Destinations!
Member of:
Contact Info
20% of Georgia is occupied by RuZZia
We stand with Ukraine!
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.