Georgia Campervan Road Trip: Canyons, Waterfalls & Batumi Walk

Summary

Western Georgia campervan journey with hikes caves waterfalls and Batumi

You’ll drive your own campervan across western Georgia—hiking canyons, camping by Shaori lake under pine-scented air, riding boats through caves and Martvili canyon, tasting local snacks from new friends. With pickup options and all fees included, this is for anyone who wants to wake up somewhere new every day—and maybe get a little muddy along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from Kutaisi in our little campervan just as the sun started poking through that stubborn morning cloud — I could smell wet grass and diesel, which is a weirdly comforting mix if you grew up around old cars like me. Our guide (I think his name was Giorgi?) waved us off with a grin and some last-minute tips about Tskhrajvari’s trail being “not too bad unless it rains.” Of course, it rained. Not heavy though — just enough to make the rocks slick and the forest smell sharp and green. At the top, my boots were muddy and my legs wobbly but you could see all of western Georgia laid out below. I didn’t expect to feel so small up there.

Camping at Shaori lake was… well, colder than I’d packed for. The air tasted like pine needles and smoke from someone else’s fire drifting over. We met a couple from Tbilisi who shared their churchkhela (those nutty grape things) after laughing at our attempts to set up the awning without arguing. Next day we hit Motsameta monastery — tiny, perched above a river bend, monks moving quietly in the shadows. I tried to whisper inside but my boots squeaked anyway.

The boat rides in Prometheus cave and Martvili canyon were both surreal in different ways — one echoey and dim with water dripping from above (I kept ducking for stalactites), the other bright blue-green with kids yelling somewhere upstream. There’s something about drifting under those high stone walls that makes you want to talk less and listen more. Kinchkha waterfall was loud enough to drown out any thoughts anyway; spray everywhere, mossy rocks slippery as soap.

We hiked Okatse canyon (6 km felt longer on those switchbacks), then camped near Heshkili where an old woman handed us hot khachapuri wrapped in newspaper — honestly, that bread might’ve saved my mood after a long day. The Chalaadi glacier hike left my fingers numb but my head clear; I still think about that view down the valley when I’m stuck in city traffic now. Batumi was our last stop — palm trees, sea air, street music on Batumi Boulevard at night. We just wandered until our feet hurt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking, sightseeing, and camping

• Hiking at Tskhrajvari
• Visit Motsameta monastery
• Excursion and boat ride in Prometheus cave
• Visit Kinchkha waterfall
• Boat ride and walk in Martvili canyon
• Visit Enguri water dam
• 6 km hiking at Okatse canyon
• Camping at Shaori lake
• Camping in Heshkili
• Hiking to Chalaadi glacier
• Walking tour in Batumi
• Short hike to Mirveti waterfall
• Visit Makhuntseti waterfall

Top questions

How long is the hiking at Okatse canyon?

The hike at Okatse canyon is 6 km.

Is campervan rental included in this Georgia road trip?

Yes, campervan rental fee is included.

Are entrance fees or taxes extra?

No, all fees and taxes are included in the price.

What are some main stops on this Western Georgia trip?

Main stops include Tskhrajvari hike, Shaori lake camping, Motsameta monastery, Prometheus cave boat ride, Kinchkha waterfall, Martvili canyon boat ride, Enguri dam, Okatse canyon hike, Heshkili camping, Chalaadi glacier hike, Mirveti waterfall hike, Makhuntseti waterfall visit and Batumi walking tour.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

No specific meals are included but you’ll find local food along the route.

Is this self-driving or guided?

This is a self-driving expedition by campervan with local advice available.

Does it include pickup or drop-off?

Pickup options are available nearby via public transport connections.

Do I need special fitness for this trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for hiking sections.

What’s included

Your journey includes all entry fees and taxes throughout western Georgia’s sights plus your own air-conditioned campervan rental—so you can drive between canyons and lakes at your own pace—with public transport options nearby if needed and specialized infant seats available on request.