Vashlovani Protected Areas: A Georgian Safari
Vashlovani Protected Areas are in the far southeast corner of Georgia, in the Kakheti region, next to Azerbaijan. They have some of the most unique and beautiful natural scenery in the country. The area was first a Strict Nature Reserve in 1935 to protect unique woodland ecosystems. In 2003, it became Vashlovani National Park, which greatly increased the size of the protected area. These areas are often compared to African savannas or North American badlands. Together, they keep an unusual arid and semi-desert climate that is very different from the rest of Georgia.
[Image of Vashlovani National Park badlands]
The landscape is made up of dry, sparse woodlands dominated by pistachio and juniper trees, large steppe plains, deeply eroded canyons and gorges (“khevi”), sharp ridges, and strange geological formations known as “Alesilebi” or badlands. These are complex networks of tiny clay hills and ravines that have been carved by wind and water erosion. Takhti-Tepha is unique because it has active mud volcanoes and bubbling gryphons that spew mud and gas. The Alazani River marks the northern limit, which is very different from the dry areas around it, which are caused by relict floodplain forests (gallery forests) that provide important habitat corridors. The climate is strong continental and semi-arid, with very hot, dry summers when temperatures can reach 40°C or higher and nice, somewhat dry winters. There aren’t many places to get water in the park, especially in the summer. This makes it a hard but rewarding place to visit.
The main purpose of creating Vashlovani Protected Areas was to protect these unique dry and semi-dry habitats, the plants and animals that live there, the amazing geological formations, and important paleontological sites that show fossils of ancient species. There are a lot of different species in the area, some of which are very rare. The poisonous Blunt-nosed Viper is one of many reptiles. Other notable animals include the Striped Hyena (which is very rare), the Brown Bear, the Wolf, and the Golden Jackal. Vashlovani is known for its birds, especially raptors that breed in places like Eagle Gorge (Artsivis Kheoba). These include Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Imperial Eagles, and Black Storks. There are still hopes and plans for the return of the Goitered Gazelle, which used to live in these steppes.
[Image of Takhti-Tepha mud volcanoes in Georgia]
A trip to Vashlovani that is well-planned is an adventure. The park’s rough terrain and bad roads require 4WD access, which may not be possible after it rains. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit because the weather is warmer and the flowers are in bloom or the leaves are changing color. Some places require special permits to enter because they are near the border. You can get these permits at the Visitor Center in Dedoplistskaro, the main gateway town, along with park entrance and service fees. Hiking, 4WD tours, birdwatching, and photography are some of the activities that focus on the park’s unique terrain and wildlife. Dedoplistskaro has more options, but the park does have basic places to stay at certain campsites and visitor shelters. The Georgia Agency of Protected Areas does a good job of balancing the needs of conservation with the needs of controlled tourism. This helps with problems like water scarcity, possible grazing effects, and climate change.
Basic Identification
Official Name:
Vashlovani Protected Areas (ვაშლოვანის დაცული ტერიტორიები). This includes Vashlovani National Park (ვაშლოვანის ეროვნული პარკი) and Vashlovani Strict Nature Reserve (ვაშლოვანის სახელმწიფო ნაკრძალი), as well as a lot of Natural Monuments, like Eagle Gorge, Takhti-Tepha, and Alazani Floodplain Forest. The main topics of this article are the National Park and the areas that can be reached from it.
Types of Protected Areas:
A complex protected area that includes a strict nature reserve (IUCN Ia), a national park (IUCN II), and natural monuments (IUCN III).
Founded:
1935 for the Strict Nature Reserve and 2003 for the National Park.
Managing Body:
The Georgia Agency of Protected Areas (APA) is in charge.
Location and accessibility
Location:
Georgia; Kakheti region; Dedoplistskaro town. Along the Alazani River, Azerbaijan and Georgia are neighbors in the far southeast.
Maps and coordinates:
The Visitor Center (Dedoplistskaro) is at about 41°27′ N, 46°06′ E. Central Park Area: 41°15′ N, 46°30′ E.
Gateway Town:
The main gateway town and the place where the Visitor Center is located is Dedoplistskaro. Sighnaghi and Telavi are regional hubs that are a little farther away.
Getting There:
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive from Tbilisi to Dedoplistskaro. You need a four-wheel drive car with a high clearance to get into Vashlovani. The roads inside the park are not paved, are not even, and may become impassable after it rains. Public transportation goes to Dedoplistskaro, but not all the way into the park. It is highly recommended that you hire a local driver in Dedoplistskaro who has the right car. At the Visitor Center, you can get border zone permits ahead of time for some places.
Size and physical description
Area:
There are 35,292 hectares (352.92 km²) of protected areas in Vashlovani. The area of Vashlovani National Park is 25,114 hectares (251.14 km2). The Vashlovani Strict Reserve is 10,143 acres (101.43 km2).
Topography:
The land is dry and semi-desert with steppe plains, badlands (called “Alesilebi”), canyons (like Eagle Gorge and Pantishara Gorge), isolated ridges and mesas, and the Alazani River floodplain. The elevation is pretty low, from about 100 meters (the Alazani River valley) to 800 meters.
Geology and Main Features:
Mostly made of sandstone, clay, and limestone that are breaking down. The Takhti-Tepha mud volcanoes, Eagle Gorge cliffs, Pantishara Gorge, Datvis Khevi (Bear Canyon), and many paleontological sites with petrified remains of ancient creatures are some of the most interesting things to see.
Hydrology:
The Alazani River runs along the north and northeast sides. The Pantishara River runs through part of the park. In general, water is scarce; there are only a few streams or springs that flow all year round in the core dry areas. Dali Reservoir is to the west of the protected areas. There are small lakes close by, like Kochebi.
Climate:
Semi-arid, dry, and continental. The summer is very hot and dry, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 40°C. In the winter, which is mostly dry and warm, there is sometimes frost or light snow. The winds can be strong. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the best times to go.
What is the goal and why is it important?
Reason for Designation:
To protect Georgia’s unique arid and semi-desert ecosystems, which include rare arid light woodlands (pistachio, juniper), steppe habitats, relict Alazani floodplain forests, unique geological formations (badlands, mud volcanoes), important raptor nesting sites, and important paleontological finds.
Main Ideas:
High ecological value for plants and animals that live in dry places. Geology, paleontology, and ecology are all very important fields of science. Unique landscape value, with views that can’t be found anywhere else in Georgia. Value for adventurous natural tourism in terms of recreation (4WD, hiking, and seeing wildlife). Ways to learn.
International Recognition:
A place may be considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) if it has a lot of raptors and other types of birds. Part of the Emerald Network, which is a group of places in Europe that are especially important for conservation.
Biodiversity (Plants and Animals)
Ecosystems and habitats:
include arid light woods (pistachio and juniper), semi-desert steppe, shrublands, riparian (floodplain) forests along the Alazani, cliffs and canyons, badlands, and mud volcanoes.
Main Plant Species:
The main types of plants are pistachio (Pistacia mutica), several types of juniper (Juniperus spp.), Georgian maple (Acer ibericum), ash, elm, oak, poplar, willow (in floodplain forests), and different grasses and shrubs that can survive drought (e.g. Christ’s thorn). In the spring, there are also wildflowers that only last for a short time.
Most Common Animal Species:
Mammals: Brown Bear, Grey Wolf, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Lynx, Wild Boar, Badger, Fox, Hare, and Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena). Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) has been reintroduced in the past and is currently being reintroduced. Birds: There are a lot of big birds of prey, like the Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard. The Black Stork nests in Eagle Gorge. There are also smaller birds like the Pheasant, Chukar Partridge, Black Francolin, and others. Reptiles: There are a lot of different kinds, like the Blunt-nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetina), a few lizards, and a few snakes. Amphibians are less common when it’s dry. Fish that live in the Alazani River.
Endangered or Near-Threatened Species:
Leopard is one of the endangered or near-threatened species that are on national or international lists. It is thought to be extinct in the region, but sporadic reports and signs suggest that it may still be present. Striped Hyena, Goitered Gazelle, Egyptian Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Black Stork, and Blunt-nosed Viper.
Information for Guests
Visitor Center(s):
5 Baratashvili St., Dedoplistskaro town. Open every day. Gives out maps, displays, permits, tours, rental gear (tents, sleeping bags, binoculars), and information. It’s important to see this first before going to the park. There are ways to get in touch with the APA on their website.
Hours of Operation and Seasons:
The park is open all year, but the best times to go are in the spring (April to May) and the fall (September to late October). There isn’t much water, and the summer months (June to August) are very hot. It can be cold in the winter, and the weather can make roads bad. The Visitor Center is open during normal hours.
Fees and permits:
Fees and permits are needed to get in. Includes the cost of entering the park and the cost of camping or staying in a shelter each night. You need a border zone permit to go to places near the Azerbaijan border, like Mijniskure and Takhti-Tepha. It’s free, but you have to apply in advance at VC with your ID or passport. Pay your fees at the Visitor Center. It is highly recommended or even required to pre-register or book, especially for shelters.
Paths and Trails:
Many marked paths for hiking and 4WD cars: Eagle Gorge (Artsivis Kheoba): A short (1–2 hour) walk to the cliffs where vultures nest. Khornabuji Fortress and the Takhti-Tepha Mud Volcanoes Warning: You can drive 4WD to the lookout and take a short walk around the volcanoes. Needs permission to cross the border. 4WD path through different kinds of land, with shelter nearby. 4WD road to the river, the riparian forest, and the border zone. Accommodations are available. Needs permission to cross the border. Path to Kochebi Lake Viewpoint. Routes can be short (a few hours) or long (a few days) if you combine locations. The difficulty level is usually moderate to hard, depending on the terrain and weather. Maps are available at VC.
Things to do:
include educational tours, geology and paleontology tours, camping, photography, birdwatching (which is great), wildlife viewing, hiking and trekking, and 4WD driving tours.
Accommodation:
There are basic tourist shelters (bunk beds, a stove, and an outdoor toilet) and designated campsites (you need to bring your own tent) in the park. You have to make a reservation at VC. There are a few basic hotels and guesthouses in Dedoplistskaro.
Facilities:
Basic bathrooms at campsites and shelters. There are places to have picnics. The park doesn’t have any reliable natural water sources, so guests HAVE to bring enough water—several liters per person per day. Most places don’t have good cell phone coverage. There are information boards set up in important places.
Tip for safety:
Bring a lot of water. A 4WD car is very important. The summer will be very hot. Rain makes roads very hard to drive on or even impossible to drive on. Let the Visitor Center know what time you plan to return and how you plan to get there. Learn about snakes that can kill you, like the blunt-nosed viper. Even though there are big predators around, you probably won’t run into them. Just follow normal wildlife safety rules. Follow the rules and get the right permits for the border zone. VC’s emergency contacts have been given.
Rules and Policies
Code of Conduct:
Stick to Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the paths and roads that are set aside for you. Don’t hurt plants or bother animals. Throw away all your trash in the right way (take it out).
Prohibitions:
Starting fires is completely against the law in dry areas because of the high risk of fire. You can’t hunt. There are likely rules about fishing or you need a license. Don’t give food to animals. You can’t collect rocks, plants, or fossils. You probably need special permission to use drones. There may be limits on pets. No driving on dirt roads.
Zoning:
The area has Natural Monuments, a National Park with limited access on certain paths, and a Strict Nature Reserve where entry is not allowed. Follow the signs and directions from park staff and VC.
Management and Conservation
Management Body:
The Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia (APA) is in charge of managing the area, and the local government is in charge of Dedoplistskaro.
Conservation Efforts:
include ranger patrols to stop poaching and enforce rules. Following important species and habitats. Possible habitat control for bringing back gazelles. Keeping trails up. Management and teaching visitors.
Problems and threats:
Climate change is making things drier, causing water shortages, and increasing the risk of fires. Grazing too much in areas that aren’t very good for it or grazing illegally. Stealing animals. Soil erosion. Trash, noise, and damage to roads are some of the bad effects of tourism that aren’t properly managed. Water for animals. The chance of invasive species.
History and Culture
A short history:
There are famous paleontological sites in the area where you can find Miocene animal fossils, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes. In the past, the area was used a lot for transhumance, which is when sheep graze in a semi-nomadic way. The Strict Reserve was established in 1935, and the National Park was established in 2003.
Cultural Importance:
The park itself doesn’t have any important buildings, but there are some nearby sites of interest, like the remains of the Elias Monastery and the Khornabuji Fortress (outside the park near Dedoplistskaro). The area’s history includes its pastoralist culture.
Unique Features and Interesting Facts
- Georgia’s only place that looks like the American badlands and the African savanna.
- Includes active mud volcanoes (Takhti-Tepha).
- Eagle Gorge is home to many species of large raptors and Black Storks that nest there.
- The dry uplands and the lush Alazani River floodplain woodlands (Mijniskure) are very different from each other.
- A rich paleontological history, with some important fossil finds.
- Because it is close to the border with Azerbaijan, trips there have a political angle.
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