2 Day Vashlovani Tour

Georgia Jungle Safari

Vashlovani National Park, located in Georgia’s remote southeastern corner in the Kakheti region, offers one of the country’s most unique and dramatic landscapes. This protected area features striking semi-desert terrain, deep canyons carved by ancient rivers, mud volcanoes, and rare floodplain forests along the Alazani River. The park is a biodiversity hotspot where European and Asian ecosystems meet, home to endangered species like the East Caucasian tur, striped hyenas, and numerous birds of prey including golden eagles and griffon vultures. The landscape feels worlds away from Georgia’s lush mountain regions, with its arid badlands, colorful rock formations, and expansive views that stretch toward Azerbaijan

Overview

A two-day tour allows visitors to experience the park's highlights while accommodating the significant travel time from Tbilisi (approximately 4-5 hours each way). The itinerary typically includes exploring the breathtaking Eagle Canyon with its sheer cliff walls, visiting the otherworldly Pantishara mud volcanoes that bubble and ooze, and discovering ancient fortress ruins like Khornabuji that crown dramatic hilltops. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, particularly at dawn and dusk, and the remote location offers spectacular stargazing. Due to the park's rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, a 4WD vehicle and experienced guide are essential, and visitors should come prepared with adequate water, sun protection, and camping gear or arrange accommodation in nearby Dedoplistskaro.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Tbilisi to Vashlovani
Day 1:
6:00 AM - Departure from Tbilisi
- Meet your guide and board 4WD vehicle
- Drive east toward Kakheti region
- Distance: ~250 km to park entrance
8:30 AM - Breakfast Stop in Telavi
- Traditional Georgian breakfast at local café
- Fresh khachapuri, cheese, and coffee
- Quick walk around Telavi's main square (optional)
9:30 AM - Continue to Dedoplistskaro
- Drive through wine country landscapes
- Pass through villages: Gurjaani, Kvareli
- Landscape gradually becomes more arid
11:00 AM - Arrive in Dedoplistskaro
- Stop at Vashlovani National Park Visitor Center
- Register and obtain permits
- Brief orientation and safety briefing
- Stock up on water and supplies
12:00 PM - Enter Vashlovani National Park
- Drive on rough dirt roads into the park
- First views of semi-desert landscape
- Stop for photos at scenic overlooks
1:00 PM - Picnic Lunch
- Packed lunch at designated picnic area
- Enjoy views of the surrounding badlands
- Brief rest before afternoon activities
2:00 PM - Eagle Canyon (Artsivi Canyon)
- Hike to canyon viewpoint (30-45 minutes)
- Spectacular views of 300m deep canyon
- Watch for griffon vultures and golden eagles
- Photography opportunities
- Learn about canyon geology from guide
4:00 PM - Alazani Floodplain Forest
- Drive to the floodplain area
- Short walk through unique tugai forest
- Spot wildlife: wild boar tracks, deer, birds
- Visit observation point overlooking the river
- Possible sighting of gazelles in open areas
6:00 PM - Takhti-Tepa Fortress
- Visit ancient fortress ruins
- Sunset views over the park
- Historical briefing about the fortress
- 360-degree panoramic photography
7:30 PM - Set Up Camp or Check-in

Option A - Camping:
- Set up tents at designated camping area
- Prepare campfire (if permitted)
- Cook dinner or enjoy pre-prepared meal
Option B - Guesthouse:
- Return to Dedoplistskaro (45 minutes)
- Check into local guesthouse
- Hot shower and comfortable beds
8:30 PM - Dinner
- Traditional Georgian feast
- Local wine from Kakheti region
- Dishes: mtsvadi (kebab), lobio, fresh salads
10:00 PM - Evening Activities
- Stargazing (exceptional dark skies)
- Campfire stories about the region
- Wildlife sounds in the distance
- Early to bed for dawn wildlife watching
Day 2
Vashlovani Exploration & Return
5:30 AM - Wake Up Call

Coffee/tea preparation
Light breakfast (fruit, bread, cheese)
Prepare for early morning wildlife viewing
6:00 AM - Dawn Wildlife Safari

Drive through park during peak animal activity
Look for: gazelles, jackals, foxes, wild boar
Bird watching: eagles, bee-eaters, rollers
Stop at water sources where animals gather
Photography in golden morning light
8:00 AM - Return for Full Breakfast

Hearty breakfast at camp or guesthouse
Pack up camping equipment (if applicable)
Prepare for day's exploration
9:30 AM - Pantishara Mud Volcanoes

Drive to mud volcano area (rough roads)
Walk among the bubbling mud cones
Unique geological formations
Learn about volcanic activity
Take memorable photos of this rare phenomenon
Duration: 1.5 hours
11:30 AM - Mirveti Necropolis (Optional)

Ancient burial site with stone tombs
Archaeological significance
Brief 30-minute visit
12:00 PM - Lunch Break

Picnic lunch with park views
Rest in shade during hottest part of day
Hydration break
1:30 PM - Begin Exit from Park

Slow drive back through park
Final wildlife spotting opportunities
Stop at any missed photo locations
2:30 PM - Khornabuji Fortress

Medieval fortress on dramatic cliff
Climb to the top (moderate difficulty, 30 minutes)
Stunning 360-degree views
Historical context from guide
One of Georgia's most photogenic fortresses
4:00 PM - Depart for Tbilisi

Begin return journey
Scenic drive through Kakheti
5:30 PM - Wine Tasting Stop (Optional)

Stop at Kakheti winery
Sample local qvevri wines
Purchase bottles to take home
Duration: 45 minutes
6:30 PM - Continue to Tbilisi

Sunset views during drive
Rest in vehicle
8:30-9:00 PM - Arrive in Tbilisi

Drop-off at your accommodation
End of tour

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle) Transportation to and from!! Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible) All the required permits and paperwork

Price excludes

International Airfare Visa Charges Hotel Expenses(some packages do include hotel expenses) Your travel and medical insurance Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc Food and accommodations in Kathmandu Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

FAQ Expand All

Is Vashlovani National Park safe to visit?
Yes, Vashlovani is safe to visit with proper preparation and a qualified guide. The park is well-managed by Georgia's Protected Areas, and thousands of tourists visit annually without incident. However, the remote location and harsh climate require precautions: always travel with a 4WD vehicle, bring sufficient water (3-4 liters per person daily), and never wander off alone. Wildlife encounters are rare and animals generally avoid humans, but maintain a safe distance if you spot jackals, wild boar, or snakes. The park borders Azerbaijan, so stay within designated areas and follow your guide's instructions. Mobile phone coverage is extremely limited, so inform someone of your itinerary before departing. The biggest risks are heat exhaustion and dehydration during summer months, which are easily prevented with proper hydration and sun protection.
What is the best time of year to visit Vashlovani?
The optimal times to visit Vashlovani are April to June and September to October. Spring (April-May) is particularly spectacular as the desert blooms with wildflowers, temperatures are comfortable (15-25°C/59-77°F), and wildlife is very active. Autumn (September-October) offers pleasant weather, clear skies for photography, and excellent bird migration viewing. Avoid July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 35-40°C (95-104°F), making hiking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Winter (November-March) is possible but cold at night, with some roads potentially impassable after rain. Spring and fall also offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals are more active during moderate temperatures and congregate around water sources.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle, or can I visit with a regular car?
A 4WD vehicle is absolutely essential for visiting Vashlovani National Park. The park has no paved roads beyond the entrance area, and the terrain consists of rocky tracks, sandy washes, steep inclines, and areas that become muddy after rain. A regular sedan or 2WD vehicle will get stuck or damaged. Most visitors book organized tours that include 4WD transportation and an experienced driver who knows the routes. If you're driving independently, you'll need a high-clearance 4WD (like a Land Cruiser or UAZ), experience with off-road driving, GPS navigation, and detailed maps. The park administration can provide route information, but they strongly recommend hiring a local guide who knows the terrain, can navigate without clear signage, and can handle vehicle emergencies in this remote area where help may be hours away.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Vashlovani?
Vashlovani hosts impressive biodiversity despite its arid appearance. Commonly spotted animals include goitered gazelles (especially in open plains), golden jackals, red foxes, and wild boar. The park is renowned for birds of prey: griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, and short-toed eagles are frequently seen soaring above canyons. You'll also spot European bee-eaters, rollers, and various larks. Rare species present but harder to see include striped hyenas (mostly nocturnal), jungle cats, Caucasian agamas (lizards), and various snake species including the Caucasian viper. The best viewing times are dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Bring binoculars and be patient—wildlife viewing requires quiet observation at water sources and open areas. Your guide will know the best spots and can identify species. Remember that sightings aren't guaranteed as these are wild animals in a vast landscape.
Can I visit Vashlovani as a day trip from Tbilisi, or do I need two days?
While technically possible, a day trip is not recommended due to the 8-10 hours of total driving time (4-5 hours each way). You'd have only 2-3 hours in the park, barely enough to see one or two sites, and you'd miss the best wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. The long drive would be exhausting with minimal reward. A two-day tour is the minimum recommended to make the journey worthwhile, allowing you to see major highlights like Eagle Canyon, mud volcanoes, and Khornabuji Fortress, plus enjoy wildlife viewing during optimal hours. If you have more time, a three-day tour is ideal, offering a more relaxed pace, additional hiking opportunities, better wildlife photography chances, and time to explore nearby attractions like David Gareja Monastery. The two-day itinerary strikes the best balance between time investment and experiencing the park's unique landscapes and biodiversity without feeling rushed.

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Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Tbilisi to Vashlovani

Day 2

Vashlovani Exploration & Return

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ Expand All

Is Vashlovani National Park safe to visit?

What is the best time of year to visit Vashlovani?

Do I need a 4WD vehicle, or can I visit with a regular car?

What wildlife can I expect to see in Vashlovani?

Can I visit Vashlovani as a day trip from Tbilisi, or do I need two days?

Gallery

Please select date