Guide To Vashlovani National Park: Georgia's "Savannah" Few Travellers Know About

Tucked away in Georgia’s far-flung eastern flank lies Vashlovani National Park—a brash, sun-baked sweep of land that feels more like the Wild West than the Caucasus. This is Georgia at its most rugged and remote, where deserts brush shoulders with badlands, and crooked pistachio trees stand guard like sentinels over yawning canyons and cracked, golden earth. Spread across 25,000 hectares, Vashlovani is a living relic of time—a place that once slumbered beneath the waters of the Sarmatian Sea some five million years ago.Key Features And AttractionsNestled in Georgia’s eastern frontier, Vashlovani National Park is a striking mosaic of arid landscapes, dramatic geological formations, and rich biodiversity. From jagged cliffs and savannah-like plains to bubbling mud volcanoes and ancient ruins, this protected area offers a truly unique blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue.Diverse LandscapesVashlovani’s terrain is one of its most remarkable qualities. Visitors can traverse through a surprising range of ecosystems within a relatively compact area. Expect vast badlands with clay-rich soils, deep canyons carved by millennia of erosion, elevated plateaus offering sweeping views, and scattered deciduous forests. This striking topographical diversity gives the park a cinematic quality—raw, remote, and ever-changing.Mud VolcanoesOne of the park’s most unusual attractions are its active mud volcanoes. These slow, gurgling eruptions of cold mud bubble up from beneath the earth’s surface, forming lunar-like craters and domes. They’re fascinating geological phenomena and offer excellent opportunities for photography and scientific curiosity.In The WildVashlovani is home to around 46 species of mammals, making it one of the most wildlife-rich regions in the country. Among the more elusive inhabitants are golden jackals, red foxes, wolves, Eurasian lynxes, porcupines, and brown bears. Perhaps the park’s most celebrated resident is the Caucasian leopard—a species once thought extinct in Georgia, rediscovered in 2003.Birdwatchers will find a haven here, with over 100 native bird species nesting or passing through the park. Iconic sightings include the majestic imperial eagle, the black vulture, pheasants, and the rare black stork. The varied landscape provides ideal habitats for both birds of prey and smaller migratory species.Botanically, the park is a treasure trove. Its most iconic plant is the wild pistachio tree (Pistacia atlantica), often spaced apart in neat, orchard-like rows that have earned the park its name—“Vashlovani” stems from vashli, the Georgian word for apple. In spring, the park bursts into colour with wild peonies and a variety of orchids, including endemic species found nowhere else in the world.Historical SitesWhile Vashlovani National Park is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and rare ecosystems, the region also offers a rich cultural and historical backdrop. Although the park itself contains few historical landmarks, several significant sites lie within easy reach and add depth to the experience. Just a short drive from Dedoplistskaro, the 5th-century Khornabuji Fortress, founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, towers above the landscape, while the nearby Church of St. Elias Tezbiteli, dating from the 5th–7th centuries, offers a quiet place of reflection. Further afield, the Bodbe Convent and Khirsa Monastery, both from the 6th century, house important religious relics. Art lovers can visit the Niko Pirosmani House-Museum in Mirzaani, celebrating Georgia’s iconic painter. Other notable sites include the 10th-century Domed Cathedral of Ascension near Ozaani and the 18th-century Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral in Samreklo. Together, these landmarks enrich any visit to Vashlovani with a deeper sense of place and heritage.Natural Areas Within And Around The ParkVashlovani’s charm lies not only in its striking core landscapes but also in a wider network of remarkable natural areas that enrich both its ecological diversity and visitor experience.Among the highlights is Eagle Gorge, a narrow limestone canyon known for its steep, towering walls and sweeping views. Popular with hikers and birdwatchers, it’s one of the best places in the park to spot raptors soaring overhead — a fitting tribute to its name.In contrast, Samukhi Valley offers a green oasis amidst the surrounding semi-desert. Peaceful and biodiverse, it’s home to species such as deer, wild boar, and reptiles, and provides an ideal setting for nature walks and quiet observation.To the east, the Alazani River winds along the park’s natural border with Azerbaijan. Its lush, meandering banks support a thriving ecosystem and offer tranquil spots for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply enjoying the view.Just beyond the park’s edge lies the Chachuna Managed Reserve, a rugged expanse of semi-desert terrain, forest patches, and striking rock formations. Often included in extended visits to Vashlovani, it’s a refuge for rare reptiles, birds of prey, and uniquely adapted plant life.The park in Georgia also features dry riverbeds, winding canyons, and the expansive Dedoplistskaro Plateau — a windswept highland that completes the area’s dramatic natural tableau. Together, these landscapes create a patchwork of ecosystems that make the Vashlovani region one of Georgia’s most compelling and untamed destinations.Outdoor Adventures In VashlovaniVashlovani National Park offers a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and wildlife lovers alike. Hiking is one of the most popular ways to explore the park, with trails suited to all abilities — from gentle walks to more challenging treks — each offering a chance to experience the region’s diverse and dramatic terrain. Wildlife viewing is equally rewarding, with opportunities to observe elusive predators, curious reptiles, and a variety of mammals in their natural environments. For birdwatchers, the park is a true haven, home to over 100 native species including imperial eagles, black storks, and other rare birds — so be sure to bring binoculars. Meanwhile, photographers will find no shortage of inspiration, from sweeping landscapes and jagged cliffs to intimate wildlife encounters. The Information: Vashlovani National Park, GeorgiaGetting ThereThe closest airport to Vashlovani National Park is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), located in the capital city of Tbilisi. From here, you can travel to the park by car or public transport. The park is approximately 130 km east of Tbilisi. Mini-buses run from Tbilisi's Ortachala bus station to Dedoplistskaro, the closest major town to the park. From Dedoplistskaro, you'll need a 4WD vehicle to access the park, either through private arrangement or a tour. Best Time To VisitThe best time to visit Vashlovani National Park is during the spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (September to mid-November). These seasons offer moderate temperatures, making it comfortable for hiking and exploring the park's unique semi-desert landscapes. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot, and winter can have limited access due to weather conditions. EntryTo enter Vashlovani National Park, visitors must obtain two permits: a national park permit and a border police permit. The national park permit, which involves a fee, grants access to both Vashlovani and the adjoining Chachuna Managed Reserve. The border permit, required for travel in areas close to the Azerbaijani border, is free of charge. Both permits are arranged through the Visitor Centre in Dedoplistskaro, and visitors must notify the centre of their plans at least three working days in advance, providing details of their itinerary, passport, and vehicle.At the Visitor Centre, you’ll need to collect the necessary paperwork and pay any applicable fees, including those for entrance, vehicle access, and camping. The free border permit must then be collected separately from the Border Police Station in Dedoplistskaro.When entering the park, be sure to carry your passport and vehicle documents at all times. Several parts of the park, such as Mijniskure, Takhti-Tepa, and Kakliskure, are remote and accessible only with a high-clearance off-road vehicle.Other RulesYou will need permits for park activities like camping and fishing, issued by the Dedophlistskaro office, and another for traveling along the TET route, which requires a permit from the Georgian Border Police in Tbilisi. Visitors are expected to follow all park regulations, including staying on designated trails, refraining from littering, and respecting both wildlife and the fragile environment. Careful planning and adherence to these guidelines help ensure a safe and responsible experience in one of Georgia’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.Omalo Travel Guide: Georgia’s Remote Frontier Village In Tusheti