The Supsa River

The Supsa River: The Great River of Guria

The Supsa River (მდინარე სუფსა) is one of the most significant rivers in western Georgia and the main waterway of the Guria region. Originating at an altitude of 2,800 meters on the northern slopes of the Meskheti Range, the Supsa flows for 108 kilometers through the municipalities of Chokhatauri and Lanchkhuti before emptying into the Black Sea near the village of Supsa. The river drains a large, mountainous, and incredibly green basin, and its valley is the historical and cultural heartland of Guria.

The river’s journey begins in the high mountains and transitions across the fertile Gurian plain, part of the greater Colchian lowlands. The valley is densely populated with traditional villages and is a major agricultural area, known for its hazelnuts, corn, and historically, tea. In modern times, the river’s mouth has become strategically important as the site of the Supsa Oil Terminal, the endpoint of the Baku-Supsa pipeline. The Supsa is a river that connects Guria’s ancient pastoral traditions with its modern geopolitical significance.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Supsa River (მდინარე სუფსა)
• Location: Guria (Chokhatauri, Lanchkhuti, Ozurgeti municipalities).
• Length: 108 km (67 miles)
• Basin Size: 1,130 km² (436 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Mount Mepistskaro, Meskheti Range.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Black Sea, near Supsa.
• Main Tributaries: Gubazeuli, Bakhvistsqali.

📍 Geography & Course

The Supsa begins as a turbulent mountain river, carving a deep gorge. As it enters the plain, its flow becomes slow and meandering. The lower course of the river runs through the low-lying, marshy wetlands of the Kolkheti National Park before reaching the Black Sea.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The Supsa basin is rich in biodiversity. The upper mountain valleys are covered in pristine Colchic forests. The lower reaches and its delta are a critical wetland ecosystem, vital for migratory birds. The river itself supports a diverse fish population, making it popular for angling.

🏛️ History & Culture

The river flows through the heart of historic Guria.

• Principality of Guria: The river valley was the core of the historic Principality of Guria.
• Jikheti Monastery: Located in the mountains of the Supsa basin, this convent is an important spiritual center.
• Modern Significance: The Supsa Oil Terminal has made the river’s mouth a site of international economic importance since the late 1990s.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Fishing: The Supsa is one of the most popular rivers in western Georgia for fishing.
• Rural Tourism: The villages along the river offer an authentic experience of Gurian life, cuisine, and culture.
• Eco-Tourism: Exploring the wetlands near the river’s mouth as part of a visit to Kolkheti National Park.

🛤️ Accessibility

The Supsa River is highly accessible. It is crossed by the main East-West highway (E60/S2) and the main railway line near its mouth. Numerous local roads follow its course through the Gurian plain and foothills.