Vashlovani Nationalpark – Blog

Introduction

As an enthusiastic nature lover and traveller, I first explored Vashlovani National Park and its wildlife in 2016. On the recommendation of my friend Giorgi, we went there together in his off-road vehicle.

The first impression was stunning: I had never seen such a wide steppe in Georgia with such a variety of birds and unknown plants. The semi-desert-like landscape was completely new and impressive to me.

As a native of Svaneti, whose landscape is characterised by Caucasian mountain ranges and glaciers, I was particularly fascinated by the contrast to the park’s steppe-like surroundings. This difference gave me a completely new perspective on nature.

Since then, I have visited the park every year to enjoy the impressive surroundings, the diverse wildlife and the unique natural landscape. As a guide, I also regularly take guests interested in ecotourism on tours through Vashlovani National Park.

Where is Vashlovani National Park?

Vashlovani National Park, also known as the Little Africa of the Caucasus, is located in southeastern Georgia in the wine-growing region of Kakheti. The nearest town is Dedopliszkaro. The park extends to the border with Azerbaijan and forms the easternmost part of the country. Geographically, it lies on the Iori Plateau at an altitude of 100 to 900 metres above sea level.

The national park includes the Vashlovani Reserve, the Vashlovani National Park and the following natural monuments: the Eagle Gorge, the Alazani Valley and the mud volcanoes of Tachti-Tepa. In total, the area covers 35,292 hectares.

Flora and Fauna of the Park

Flora

There are about 700 plant species in Vashlovani, including: a variety of orchids (7 species), Georgian irises (Iris iberica), Eichler tulips (Tulipa eichleri), Maiko peonies (Paeonia maiko), wild vines (Vitis sylvestris) and other rare plants. Among the remarkable endemic plants in the Vashlovani Nature Reserve are Eichler’s tulip (Tulipa eichleri Regel), Georgian iris (Iris iberica Hoffm.), Georgian barberry (Berberis iberica) and Georgian wild pear (Pyrus georgica Kuthath).

Endemic species of Georgia found in the national park include: the regional bellflower (Campanula kachetica), the regional vetch (Onobrychis kachetica Boiss. et Buhse), the steppe peony (Paeonia tenuifolia L.), the Sakhokia wild pear (Pyrus sachokiana Kuth.) and others.

Fauna

The Vashlovani Reserve is home to a diverse fauna with 62 mammal species, 135 bird species, 30 reptile species, 20 fish species and 4 amphibian species. There are 8 species of predator. The fauna is also rich in bats: Myotisemarginatus, lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophushipposideros Bechstein), Mehely’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophusmehelyi).

There are many jackals, foxes, rabbits, wolves, lynx, wild cats, wild boars, porcupines and even bears. From an ornithological point of view, the Vashlovani Reserve is very rich.

The birds of prey of Vashlovani include imperial eagles, black vultures, griffon vultures, marsh harriers and buzzards. There are many partridges. Rare, but still found, is the francolin. And in the Alasanigi Gardens, which are already integrated into the national park, there are many pheasants.

Of the endemic animals of the Caucasus, the most widespread species are the Radde’s shrew (Sorex raddei), the green frog (Bufo viridis), the common toad (Bufo bufo), the tree frog (Hyla arborea), the marsh frog (Rana ridibunda), the gobi (Barbus mursa) and others. In the Caucasus, the snake-eyed lizard (Ablephorus pannonicus) is only found in Vashlovani National Park. The Transcaucasian hamster (Mesocricetus brandti) is also endemic to Iran and Anatolia. The Gobi barb (Barbus mursa) is endemic to the area.

Activities in the National Park

Horse Riding

Vashlovani National Park is a popular destination for horse riders and adventure seekers who want to experience the vastness of the Georgian steppe in the wild. Horse riding tours in Vashlovani National Park can be organised for one to seven days. A special feature is that longer tours in the park also include the beautiful Garedja semi-desert in Kakheti, which makes horse riding there even more fascinating.

On shorter horse riding tours in the park, visitors stay within the park boundaries and enjoy the surrounding nature. Overnight stays are in tents or huts.

Jeep tours

Vashlovani National Park is also a prime destination for jeep drivers who want to discover remote places and adventurous roads. Jeep tours through the park take one to three days and include the park’s main attractions. It is recommended to plan at least two days for a jeep tour through the park. However, day tours are also offered directly from Tbilisi to the park, where only the mud volcano Tachti-Tepa is visited. A 4×4 vehicle is definitely necessary to be able to drive on the somewhat difficult roads in the park.

Bird and wildlife watching:

Vashlovani National Park is particularly well known among nature lovers. In addition to botanists, who visit the park frequently, there are also many ornithologists. The diversity of bird species makes the park attractive for bird and animal watchers as well as wildlife photographers. Here you can find blue magpies, reed warblers, eagles, pheasants and many other species. A highlight is the wildlife viewing in the Samuchi plain, where gazelles live.

Photo trips

The park is also a very interesting destination for photographers. Of course, it is particularly recommended for landscape and wildlife photographers, but that’s not all. Near the park there is an abandoned Soviet military airport, which, as a lost place, offers interesting motifs.

Practical

If you are planning a trip to Vazhlovani National Park, there are a few things you should bear in mind to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

Permission

Since the park is located on the border with Azerbaijan, it is a border area that requires a special permit from the state authorities. This permit can be obtained from the park’s administrative centre. It is best to contact the staff by email or phone about two weeks in advance. They will then provide you with detailed information about this document.

Safety

Snakes

Safety is an important aspect to always keep in mind. Above all, you should know that there are poisonous snakes in the park. They are not deadly, but can cause serious injury. The basic rules are Avoid walking through tall grass. Stay under shady trees and avoid bushes.

Shepherd dogs

In the park, the shepherds live in their own apartments with Caucasian shepherd dogs. Stay away from these apartments and the flocks of sheep. It is advisable to take some bread with you to feed the dogs.

Weather/Rain

It rarely rains in the park, but if you do get caught in a downpour, you should stop driving and wait until the rain has stopped. The ground becomes very sticky and slippery, making driving almost impossible (and dangerous). In our experience, the rain does not last long and the ground dries quickly. So please do not drive when it rains.

Equipment

What do you need for Vasil Levski National Park? Above all, you should take enough water with you. This can be bought in Dedopliszkako in large bottles and taken with you. Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are ideal for wildlife and bird photography. Sturdy shoes and a windproof and waterproof jacket are important. A sleeping bag and a mattress are also recommended. If you want to camp, you will also need a tent. Note: camping is only allowed near the huts.

Overnight stay

It is possible to stay overnight in huts or tents. Make up your mind in advance and register at the administration centre.

Best time to travel

Vashlovani National Park can be visited all year round. However, it is not recommended to visit the park in summer, as it gets very hot then and temperatures can rise up to 40 degrees. The months of June, July and August should therefore be avoided.

For wildlife and nature lovers, the best time is from mid-April to mid-June, when the meadows are in bloom and many bird species are still in the area.

Wildlife of  Vashlovani NP in pictures

As a tour guide and keen photographer, I find the park particularly fascinating from a photographic point of view. In addition to the breathtaking landscape, it offers a wealth of opportunities to photograph various animal and bird species. Below you will find some of my pictures with corresponding captions.

Its majesty, the Kolkhi pheasant, a pearl of the Georgian nature, which can also be seen in the park.