Kolkheti National Park

Kolkheti National Park is one of the most fascinating natural reserves in Georgia, on par with the famed Vashlovani National Park. But while Vashlovani resembles a vast savanna, Kolkheti is something entirely different—a lush landscape verging on the tropical. In fact, remnants of ancient rainforests, dating back to the Tertiary Period, still thrive here.

To put this into perspective: the Tertiary Period began some 65 million years ago, just after the extinction of the dinosaurs. At that time, the planet was blanketed in tropical forests. Palm trees once grew even in Antarctica. It was during this age that Europe’s first tropical rainforests came into being. Over the course of the Tertiary, global temperatures gradually dropped. Around 35 million years ago, ice began forming in Antarctica, and by 1.8 million years ago, the era of glaciation had begun. Europe’s tropical jungles vanished, replaced by tundras and steppes as ice sheets advanced as far as Berlin and Crimea. Even the steppes along the Black Sea coast were transformed into icy tundras. The Caucasus was capped with glaciers.

Yet, miraculously, the Colchic Lowlands managed to preserve fragments of that primordial rainforest.

When the ancient Greeks arrived in Colchis around the 10th century BCE, they found an untamed wilderness of jungle and malarial swamps stretching all the way to present-day Abkhazia. Settlements were confined to the marshy outskirts and low foothills. Over time, the forests were cleared, the wetlands drained, and the once-lush Colchic Lowlands gave way to the ploughed fields and farmland seen today. But near Lake Paliastomi, a sliver of that ancient rainforest endures—a living museum of the Tertiary. These relic forests bear a striking resemblance to the equatorial jungles of Africa. Elsewhere in Europe, similar forests have long since decomposed into brown coal.

Today, approximately half of the park’s 15,742 hectares are covered in wetlands.

Kolkheti National Park is a dream destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts, hikers, and waterborne explorers. Visitors can observe rare bird species, admire exotic landscapes, enjoy picnic areas, fish in the tranquil waters, or glide silently through the wetlands by boat, canoe, or kayak. It’s an invitation into a world of ancient jungles and relict ecosystems. Accommodation ranges from tents and campsites to eco-shelters and guesthouses. Traditional Caucasian cuisine is served in cozy cafes scattered throughout the park.

Scientists believe the wetlands of Kolkheti National Park are part of an ancient, relict ecosystem estimated to be 10 million years old. These wetlands are a unique fusion of tropical and subtropical vegetation, intertwined with species typical of tundra and taiga marshes—offering a rare glimpse into a bygone biosphere.

More lagoon than lake, Paliastomi is partially separated from the Black Sea by sand dunes and a narrow channel, the Kaparchi. Positioned about 30 centimeters above sea level, the lake is fed by the freshwater Pichori River. Despite a slight influx of seawater, seasonal river floods restore the lake’s freshwater balance, making it a haven for dozens of fish species.

A remarkable archaeological discovery was made in 1961, when ancient artifacts were uncovered on the lakebed, suggesting the presence of a 2nd-century settlement. Some archaeologists speculate that this may be the long-lost site of the ancient city of Phasis, known to have been surrounded by rivers, a lake, and the sea on three sides.

The surface area of Paliastomi spans 18.2 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of just over 3 meters.

Kolkheti’s biodiversity is equally impressive. Nearly 200 bird species nest in the park, with migratory flocks passing through each spring and autumn. Some species stop here temporarily, others overwinter. Birdwatchers can spot wild geese and ducks, swans, pelicans, snipes, pheasants, and birds of prey.

The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including several snake and turtle species, as well as amphibians like tree frogs. Among mammals, there are 16 endemic species, such as the Caucasian mole, long-winged bat, Eastern European hedgehog, and others—six of which are listed in Georgia’s Red Book. Wild boars, jackals, otters, and roe deer roam the land, while offshore dwellers include bottlenose dolphins and porpoises.

More than 85 species of fish inhabit Lake Paliastomi, including freshwater and anadromous types such as pike, sturgeon, mullet, and mackerel.

Visitors to Kolkheti National Park can explore a variety of eco-trails and take water tours along Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori River. Opportunities for sport fishing and birdwatching are plentiful.

Three main water routes are regularly offered:

1. Lake Paliastomi Tour
A one-hour tour aboard a pontoon boat introduces travelers to the reed-fringed shores of Lake Paliastomi. Dense groves of royal fern and thick vegetation create a mesmerizing waterscape. The tour includes a stop at a viewing tower, ideal for birdwatching during migration seasons.
Route length: ~9 km.

2. Lake Paliastomi to the Pichori River Mouth
This three-hour boat trip departs from the lake and travels toward the river mouth, pausing along the way for a scenic picnic amid the wetlands and ancient woods. Visitors can observe native waterfowl, lotus-covered ponds, and even try their hand at fishing.
Route length: ~18 km.

3. Lake and River Tour by Motorboat
Over two hours, this excursion takes travelers through narrow river channels and into dense thickets reminiscent of miniature jungles. The route leads into the swampy heart of the Colchic forest. Designated picnic areas provide rest stops along the way. Upon request, sport fishing can be arranged with the park administration.

Kolkheti National Park is open year-round. The best times for birdwatching are early spring and late autumn, while kayaking and boating are most enjoyable during the warmer months.

Before planning your trip, it’s wise to check the weather forecast to avoid any surprises caused by rain or seasonal flooding.

The park’s visitor center is located in the city of Poti, at 222 Guriya Street—your journey into this verdant prehistoric world begins there.