Vashlovani National Park Day Trip: Wildlife & Canyons

Four canyons, two valleys, one day in Georgia's eastern wilderness

This 12-hour day trip from Tbilisi takes you into Vashlovani National Park, a 84,000-hectare reserve in Georgia's eastern region where semi-desert landscapes meet dramatic sandstone cliffs. You travel through Pantishara Valley's undulating hills and dry woodlands, walk through Mertskhlebis Kalaki (the city of swallows) where thousands of nests line a narrow ravine, explore Bear Canyon where fossilized remains of southern elephants and sea mollusks surface in the rock, and finish in Artsivi Gorge, a deep canyon known for its bird species. Private transport, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included; the journey suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Vashlovani National Park

• Travel from Tbilisi to Vashlovani Park
• Visit Pantishara Valley
• Explore Mertskhlebis Kalaki swallow nests
• Birdwatch at Alesilebi cliffs
• Discover Datvis Khevi (Bear) Canyon
• Look for wildlife and rare trees
• Explore Artsivi (Eagle) Gorge in evening
• Return to Tbilisi

The Experience

The day starts early from Tbilisi with pickup and a private driver who takes you east into Vashlovani. Pantishara Valley opens first—a landscape of softly rolling hills and steep inclines covered in dry woodlands, the kind of terrain that shifts the horizon every few steps. The guide walks you through it, pointing out the vegetation and the geological story written into the slopes.

From there you move into Mertskhlebis Kalaki, a narrow ravine where swallows have built thousands of nests into the cliff walls—the name means "city of swallows" and the sight of them stacked across the rock face is the reason people come. South of the valley, Alesilebi's expansive cliffs open up, a birdwatching vantage point where you can stand and scan for raptors and other species. The journey continues to Datvis Khevi (Bear Canyon), where the rock itself tells a deeper story: fossilized remains of southern elephants and sea mollusks embedded in the stone, evidence of an ancient sea. Traces of bears, wolves, wild boars and lynxes move through the park, and if you're patient, you might spot them or the exceptionally rare wild pistachio tree that grows here.

The afternoon closes in Artsivi Gorge, a deep and picturesque canyon where the bird life concentrates—eagles, vultures and smaller species that nest in the vertical stone. By evening you're back in the air-conditioned vehicle heading toward Tbilisi, having moved through four distinct canyons and valleys without arranging transport or navigation yourself.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Tbilisi with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• an English-speaking guide.
• all park fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by SelectGeorgia-For Holiday

Is this one for you?Book this tour to see four distinct canyons and swallow nests in one day—the pre-planned route and timing compress what would take multiple trips into a single 12-hour outing.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I see in Vashlovani National Park?

Bears, wolves, wild boars, lynxes and deer move through the park, along with an exceptionally rare wild pistachio tree. Birdwatchers find the most activity in Alesilebi's cliffs and Artsivi Gorge, where eagles, vultures and other species nest in the canyon walls.

What is Mertskhlebis Kalaki and why is it called the city of swallows?

Mertskhlebis Kalaki is a narrow ravine where thousands of swallows have built nests directly into the cliff walls. The name translates to "city of swallows," and the sight of the nests stacked across the rock is one of the day's main stops.

What can I see in Bear Canyon?

Datvis Khevi (Bear Canyon) contains fossilized remains of southern elephants and sea mollusks embedded in the rock, evidence of an ancient sea that once covered the region. The canyon also shows traces of bears and other wildlife that inhabit the park.

How long is this tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 12 hours from Tbilisi. Private transportation, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included, along with an English-speaking guide. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour suits all fitness levels. You walk through valleys and canyons at a pace set by the guide, but there are no technical climbs or strenuous sections required.

When does the tour start and how does pickup work?

Pickup from your Tbilisi hotel is included. The tour departs in the morning and returns in the evening after exploring the four main canyons and valleys.