Sataplia Nature Reserve

სათაფლიის ნაკრძალი

A protected reserve combining a colorful karst cave, preserved dinosaur footprints and a glass viewing platform over forested hills. Its compact mix of geology and prehistory makes it an easy add-on to a Kutaisi visit.

Things to do

• Explore Sataplia Karst Cave — Walk the illuminated 300-meter path past colorful stalactites and stalagmites along an underground stream.
• See the dinosaur footprints — View genuine preserved dinosaur tracks under a protective pavilion, dating back around 120 million years.
• Stand on the glass viewing platform — Step onto the transparent skywalk cantilevered over the forested Colchian hills for sweeping valley views.
• Hike the forest nature trails — Follow the shaded loop paths through dense Colchic woodland rich in ferns, boxwood and endemic plants.
• Visit the museum pavilion — Browse exhibits on the reserve's geology, fossils and the dinosaur models displayed near the entrance.
• Photograph the panorama over Kutaisi — Catch the outlook toward Kutaisi and the surrounding lowlands from the reserve's ridge.
• Combine with a Kutaisi day trip — Pair Sataplia with nearby Prometheus Cave and central Kutaisi for a full geology-focused day.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Imeruli — The round Imeretian cheese bread native to this region, best eaten hot from a bakery in nearby Kutaisi.
• Ojakhuri — A hearty skillet of roasted pork and potatoes commonly served in local roadside restaurants.
• Mtsvadi — Georgian skewered grilled pork often cooked over grapevine coals at eateries around the reserve road.
• Lobio with mchadi — Spiced stewed kidney beans served in a clay pot alongside cornbread, a staple Imeretian comfort dish.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold by vendors near the reserve entrance as a snack.
• Imeretian wine — Try local Tsitska or Tsolikouri white wines produced in the surrounding Imereti vineyards.

Local customs & good to know

• Cave entry is guided only — You must join a scheduled guided group to enter the cave, so allow waiting time at busy periods.
• Bring a light jacket — The cave stays cool and humid year-round even when it is hot outside on the surface trails.
• Wear proper shoes — Paths and cave walkways can be slippery and uneven, so avoid sandals or smooth-soled footwear.
• Buy a combined ticket — The entrance fee covers the cave, dinosaur footprints and glass platform together, purchased at the main gate.

Nearby

• Bagrati Cathedral — 5 km
• Kutaisi — 6 km
• Tskaltubo — 7 km
• Gelati Monastery — 8 km