Just 8 kilometers from the city of Kutaisi, nestled atop Mount Sataplia, lies a remarkable corner of Georgia — the Sataplia Nature Reserve. Its name, translating as “a place where there is honey,” harks back to ancient times when wild bees made their home here and locals would climb the mountain in search of their sweet harvest. The reserve was officially established in 1939, though it would only reach its current boundaries some 18 years later. Spanning 354 hectares, much of Sataplia is cloaked in lush forest — a living tapestry of evergreen and deciduous trees that form part of the unique Colchic ecosystem.
This forest is no ordinary woodland. It shelters a stunning array of relict species such as yew, Colchic holly, boxwood, oak, hornbeam, chestnut, beech, fig, cherry laurel, and rhododendron. The foliage here is so dense that almost no sunlight reaches the forest floor, and thus, grass is virtually absent beneath the towering canopy. Sataplia offers more than just natural beauty — it is also home to rare geological and paleontological wonders, including architectural relics, the footprints of real dinosaurs, and the fascinating Sataplia karst caves.
The dinosaur footprints are etched into a slab of limestone, silent evidence of the Cretaceous period, dating back roughly 160 million years. These tracks were discovered in the 1930s by a local resident. For decades, they lay exposed to the elements, gradually eroding in the rain and wind. It wasn’t until 2010 that a protective structure was erected above the site. Today, a dedicated walkway allows visitors to observe and photograph this extraordinary archaeological marvel with ease. Enhanced by special lighting and an acoustic system, the site offers a multisensory experience that deepens the awe of encountering such ancient history. In the on-site workshop, you can even purchase replicas of the dinosaur tracks — a tactile souvenir of an unforgettable journey through time.
From there, guests can follow a forest path to an open-air exhibit where life-sized, realistic sculptures of dinosaurs await. These ancient beasts are not only photogenic but touchable, bringing a sense of wonder and interaction that delights visitors of all ages.
Equally spellbinding are the karst caves, natural wonders formed by the slow, patient erosion of rock by water. The Sataplia Cave extends nearly a kilometer underground, though only 300 meters are open for tours. It was discovered quite by chance by local historian Petre Chabukiani, who followed a tiny stream into a spacious subterranean chamber — one that opened into a chain of further halls, each more mysterious than the last. Entering this realm feels like crossing into a hidden kingdom, where the forms seem to belong to another world.
These karst caves are famed for their stalactites and stalagmites — sculptural formations of crystallized limestone created by the slow drip of mineral-rich water through rock. Though these “icicles” take millions of years to grow, the result is a hauntingly beautiful array of organic structures. One standout feature of the cave is a heart-shaped stalagmite that has become a symbol of hope and wishes. Visitors often place their hands in its hollow and make silent pleas to the universe. Imagination flourishes in this underground landscape, where every dripstone can become a dragon, a face, or a mythical creature if you look closely enough.
The caves are illuminated with colorful lighting, which adds a touch of fantasy — especially enchanting for children, though it may pose challenges for photography. If fortune smiles on you, you may even catch a glimpse of real bats fluttering through the cool darkness. Temperatures inside the cave hover around +14°C (57°F), so dressing warmly is advised.
To complete your exploration, head to the reserve’s panoramic viewing platform — a horseshoe-shaped terrace that dramatically juts out over the edge of a cliff. Visitors are asked to wear special slippers before stepping onto the fully transparent glass floor. The platform offers breathtaking views of Kutaisi and the surrounding countryside. Standing above the abyss, you may witness birds soaring beneath your feet or clouds drifting past at eye level. In such moments, body and spirit seem to merge in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the earth.
Getting There: From Kutaisi, take minibus route No. 45 departing from the central market. Alternatively, a day’s taxi rental allows you to explore both Sataplia and the nearby Prometheus Cave. As a recommendation: set aside at least two hours to explore Sataplia. It’s a destination ideal for families and combines beautifully with a visit to Prometheus Cave — though do keep in mind that children under 5 are not permitted in the latter.