Kolkheti National Park

Located in western Georgia, Kolkheti National Park stretches across the Kolkheti coastal plain between the mouths of the Tikori and Supsa rivers, encompassing the eastern coastline of the Black Sea and the Lake Paliastomi basin. The park spans five administrative regions—Zugdidi, Khobi, Senaki, Abasha, and Lanchkhuti—and is part of two historic regions of Georgia: Samegrelo and Guria.

Established between 1998 and 1999, the park covers an area of 28,940 hectares, with protected wetlands extending over 33,710 hectares. It incorporates the former 500-hectare Kolkheti State Nature Reserve, founded in 1947, along with its surrounding wetlands, including Lake Paliastomi.

The park’s coastal zone, together with an adjacent marine area, forms one of the most important migration routes for African-Eurasian waterfowl and waders. Over 194 bird species have been recorded in the region, including 21 migratory species.

The park’s swamps and wetland forests provide critical habitats for endangered species such as the European otter, wild boar, roe deer, coypu, slowworm, banded newt (Triturus vittatus), Aesculapian snake, common tree frog, grass snake, marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus), dice snake, Artwin wood lizard, and European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Bird species found here include the Eurasian spoonbill, black-necked grebe, marsh sandpiper, great crested grebe, squacco heron, red-necked grebe, glossy ibis, great cormorant, lesser white-fronted goose, ruddy shelduck, great snipe, various waders, coots, ducks, gulls, terns, and the majestic white-tailed sea eagle. Several species listed in the IUCN Red List and Georgia’s Red Book, such as the crane, great white egret, and black stork, are also present.

The park’s warm, humid climate and abundant water resources support a rich biodiversity of flora, dominated by oaks, bearded alder, several species of willow, and common ash. Notable plant species include Rhynchospora alba, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, sphagnum mosses, Carex lasiocarpa, and evergreen Hedera colchica. Endemic tree species such as Quercus hartwissiana, Alnus barbata, Quercus imeretina, Quercus dshorochensis, and Pterocarya pterocarpa thrive here, along with aquatic plants like Nymphaea alba and vibrant rhododendrons (Rhododendron flavum and Rhododendron ponticum).

Kolkheti National Park, along with the broader Kolkheti lowlands, is considered the homeland of the legendary Kolkhi pheasant. It is an ideal destination for birdwatching, boating, diving, hiking, and horseback riding. The region’s wetlands, rich in biogeographical and paleogeographical significance, rank among Georgia’s most valuable and extraordinary natural treasures.

Kolkheti National Park Administration and Visitor Center is located at 222 Guria St., Poti, Maltakva District. X - 722952 Y – 4665569

Driving distance from Tbilisi to Poti 330 km (5h)

Driving distance from Batumi to Poti - 70 km (1 h)

The visitors center of the national park will help you organize a tour and cover these Tourist Trails:

Trail #1: Paliastomi Lake 9 km/1 h by pontoon boat

The route starts from the entrance of Paliastomi Lake. Tourists will see astonishing lakeshore scenery, impassable tall thickets of bulrush, secondary wet meadows and the thick cover of royal fern. From the birdwatching tower, one can observe migratory birds, some of which are rare species that seek out safe havens in the thickets of peatland vegetation.

Trail #2: Boat trip Paliastomi- Pichori 18 km/3 h by pontoon boat

The route starts at the entrance of Paliastomi Lake. Tourists will see the beautiful shores of Paliastomi Lake and an amazing view of the Pichori River mouth. At the resting areas, they have an opportunity to visit Kolkheti’s wetland relict forests, spread along the riverbank, wetland birds and wetland water lilies, the so-called "bedsheets". Sport fishing is allowed on River Pichori.

This route offers tourists a beautiful view of the Pichori River. At the resting areas, there is an opportunity to see Kolkheti’s wetland relict forests spread along the river bank and wetland birds. While motor-boating through the forest, visitors often describe their experiences as if they were trenching through some sort of jungle. Sport fishing is permitted by the park administration.

Trail #3: Churia River trail, 18 kilometers, 1-2 hours.

This trail starts at the visitor center. Visitors can walk through the Colchic forests famous for its endemic plants and trees. The place is attractive for the birdwatchers as well – one can watch several bird species (eagle, milvus, sparrow-hawk) from the observation posts during any season of the year.

Book private tours or contact us by following the link here.

Poti Half-Day Walking Tour

8-day The Charm of Western Georgia tour starting from Batumi