Vashlovani Park Tour

Georgia Jungle Safari

Vashlovani National Park is one of Georgia’s most remote and spectacular protected areas, offering a dramatic contrast to the country’s famous mountain landscapes. Located in the far southeastern corner of Georgia in the Kakheti region, bordering Azerbaijan, this 251-square-kilometer park showcases a unique semi-desert and steppe ecosystem rarely seen elsewhere in the Caucasus. The landscape is characterized by dramatic mud volcanoes, colorful badlands reminiscent of the American Southwest, deep canyons carved by ancient rivers, and vast open plains dotted with pistachio trees and juniper forests. Vashlovani, which means “apple tree” in Georgian, is named after the wild apple trees that once grew abundantly here. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to endangered species including the Caucasian leopard, striped hyena, gazelles, and over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The area’s isolation and harsh climate have preserved its pristine wilderness, offering adventurous travelers an authentic safari-like experience in Georgia’s wild east.

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Vashlovani National Park – One Day Tour from Tbilisi
Departure from Tbilisi
- Very early start essential
- Pre-packed breakfast
- Full tank of fuel
- Head east via Kakheti Highway (E117)
- Distance to park: ~300km
- Drive through Kakheti region
9:00 AM - Arrive Dedoplistskaro (30 minutes)
- Last town before park
- Meet park ranger/guide (if pre-arranged)
- Register and pay entrance fees
- Stock up on water and snacks
- Fuel check
- Use restroom facilities
9:30 AM - Enter Vashlovani Area
- Switch to 4WD mode
- Rough roads begin
- Drive through steppe landscape
10:30 AM - Pantishara Mud Volcanoes (1.5 hours)
- First major attraction
- Active mud volcanoes with bubbling craters
- Walk around formations (20-30 minutes)
- Unique geological features
- Photography session
- Observe mineral-rich mud pools
- Colorful badlands backdrop
12:00 PM - Drive to Alazani Canyon (45 minutes)
- Scenic drive through semi-desert
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Gazelles, birds of prey, foxes
- Open steppe views
12:45 PM - Alazani Canyon (Eagle's Gorge) (1.5 hours)
- Spectacular 300-meter deep canyon
- Dramatic cliff viewpoints
- Alazani River far below
- Eagle nesting sites
- Panoramic photography
- Picnic lunch with canyon views
- Rest in shade
2:15 PM - Takhti-Tepa Fortress (45 minutes)
- Ancient fortress ruins
- Short hike to hilltop
- 360-degree views of park
- Historical exploration
- Photo opportunities
3:00 PM - Steppe Safari Drive (1.5 hours)
- Drive through open plains
- Wildlife observation from vehicle
- Look for:
  
  Gazelles (most common)
  
  Wild boar
  
  Jackals
  
  Tortoises
  
  Various bird species
- Pistachio and juniper groves
- Multiple photo stops
- Experience unique ecosystem
4:30 PM - Begin Return Journey
- Must start back to reach Tbilisi before midnight
- Exit park
- Quick stop at visitor center (if time)
5:30 PM - Dedoplistskaro (20 minutes)
- Restroom break
- Refreshments
- Fuel if needed
- Optional dinner stop
6:00 PM - Drive to Tbilisi
- Long return journey (6-7 hours)
- Sunset views over Kakheti
- Rest stops as needed

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 a one-day tour to Vashlovani National Park realistic from Tbilisi?
While technically possible, a one-day tour to Vashlovani is extremely challenging and not recommended. The park is approximately 300km from Tbilisi, requiring 6-7 hours of driving each way, which means 12-14 hours total in the vehicle. You'll need to depart at 5:00 AM and won't return until 11 PM-midnight, leaving only 4-5 hours for actual park exploration. This rushed schedule means you'll miss the best wildlife viewing times (dawn and dusk) and have limited flexibility. A 2-day minimum tour is strongly recommended to properly experience the park, enjoy wildlife watching at optimal times, and avoid exhaustion. If you only have one day available, consider closer destinations like David Gareja Monastery or Sighnaghi instead.
Do I really need a 4WD vehicle to visit Vashlovani National Park?
Yes, a 4WD vehicle is absolutely mandatory for visiting Vashlovani National Park. While the road from Tbilisi to Dedoplistskaro is paved and accessible by regular car, all roads within the park are rough, unpaved tracks with sand, rocks, and steep sections that are impossible for standard vehicles. The terrain includes sandy desert areas where regular cars will get stuck, rocky paths requiring high ground clearance, and remote sections where vehicle reliability is crucial. Attempting to visit without 4WD will result in getting stuck or damaging your vehicle.
What wildlife can I realistically expect to see in Vashlovani?
Goitered gazelles are the most commonly seen large mammals in Vashlovani, and you have a very good chance of spotting them, especially during early morning or late afternoon drives through the steppe. You'll also likely see various bird speciesincluding eagles, vultures, bee-eaters, and rollers—the park is home to over 200 bird species. Tortoises, jackals, and foxes are also relatively common. However, Caucasian leopards and striped hyenas are extremely rare and elusive—don't expect to see them even on multi-day visits. Wild boar are present but mostly nocturnal. The best wildlife viewing is during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when animals are most active and temperatures are moderate. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for the best viewing experience.
What's the best season to visit Vashlovani National Park?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit Vashlovani. Spring offers comfortable temperatures (20-28°C), blooming wildflowers, briefly green steppe landscapes, active wildlife including baby gazelles in May-June, and excellent migratory bird watching. Autumn provides similar comfortable temperatures, clear skies for photography, good wildlife viewing, and fewer tourists. Summer (July-August) is extremely hot (35-45°C) with harsh conditions, limited shade, and less active wildlife—it's not recommended for one-day tours. Winter (November-March) is cold (0-10°C) with shorter days and some roads may be difficult, but offers clear visibility and concentrated wildlife near water sources. For the best overall experience, plan your visit for late April through early June or September through mid-October.
What should I bring for a day trip to Vashlovani National Park?
For a Vashlovani day trip, bring plenty of water (3-5 liters per person minimum)—this is the most critical item as there are no facilities in the park and the climate is very dry. Pack a complete picnic lunch and snacks as there are no restaurants. Wear sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and long-sleeved, light-colored, breathable clothing to protect from intense sun. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, binoculars for wildlife watching, a camera with zoom lens, first aid kit, and fully charged phone with power bank. Essential items also include cash for entrance fees (no cards accepted), GPS or offline maps, toilet paper, wet wipes, and trash bags (pack out all waste). If driving yourself, carry a spare tire, basic tools, and extra fuel. The park is extremely remote with no shops, restaurants, or facilities, so come completely self-sufficient.

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Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1

Vashlovani National Park – One Day Tour from Tbilisi

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ Expand All

Is a one-day tour to Vashlovani National Park realistic from Tbilisi?

Do I really need a 4WD vehicle to visit Vashlovani National Park?

What wildlife can I realistically expect to see in Vashlovani?

What's the best season to visit Vashlovani National Park?

What should I bring for a day trip to Vashlovani National Park?

Gallery

Please select date