Batsara-Babaneuri State Reserve is located in Kakheti, in Akhmeta municipality. It was created in 2003 and includes the Batsara-Babaneuri Nature Reserve and Ilto Managed Reserve.
Batsara State Nature Reserve was first created in 1935. You can find it in the Pankisi Gorge, specifically in the gorge of the River Batsara Gorge on the right tributary of the Alazani River. It satands at 700-2,000 meters above sea level and boasts almost 270 ha of yew forests, the largest such mass of yew in the world.
Unlike othe rProtected Areas in Georgia, the Batsara-Babaneri Protected Areas does not have a well-arranged visitor center or exhibition hall, however you can find the administration in Akhmeta, at 105 Chavchavadze Street
The Bastara Strict Nature Reserve has a remarkably diverse fauna. In the dense yew and beech forests you can find Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Badger (Meles meles), Wolf (Canis lumpus), Golden jackal (Canis aureus), Caucasian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), Radde’s shrew (Sorex raddei), Wild cat (Felis sylvestris), and even Lynx (Lynx lynx).
Batsara is also an ideal habitat for winged animals. Bird watchers go to try and spot the endemic Caucasian chiffchaff (Phylloscopus lorencii), Bearded vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus), Black vulture (Aegypius monachus), and Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
Three reptile species in the reserve (of 14) are endemic. They include Caucasian lizard (Darevskia caucasica), Meadow lizard (Darevskia praticola) and Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini). The Colchic toad (Bufo verrucisissimus), Green toad (Bufo viridis), andl the Common Tree frog (Hyla arborea) are the most notable amphibian species hosted in the reserve.
If you wish to meet the forest’s population, move quietly while walking! If you're lucky, you may spot a Chamois or Wild boar! And did you know that the behavior of the Common Tree frog can help you forecast rain?
HOW TO GET THERE
From Tbilisi to Akhmeta through Gurjaani – 180 km. Through Gombori – 130 km. Please note that Gombori road is closed in winter due to heavy snow.
Batsara Nature Reserve is 25 km from Akhmeta. From Akhmeta you can take a minibus or private taxi (minibus - 2 GEL, taxi - 15-20 Gel, 30 min);
Traveling from Tbilisi? Minibuses leave every day from Ortachala, Navtlughi bus terminal, to Akhmeta (6 GEL, 2 hr); private taxi leaves everyday from Metro Isani Territory to Akhmeta (10 Gel, 1.5 hr).
Babaneuri Nature Reserve is 20 km from Akhmeta. Minibuses go from Telavi through Alaverdi straight to village Babaneuri (2 GEL, 45 min).
Administration contact person:
Vakhtang Giunaidze, Director of Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Areas Administration
TEL (+995) 577 96 11 99, E-mail: vgiunaidze@apa.gov.ge
Lika Kalmakhelidze, Ecotourism Specialist, Head office
TEL (+995) 577 90 72 72, E-mail: info@apa.gov.ge
WHERE TO STAY WHILE THERE:
Nazy’s Guest House is an enchanting family home, guest house and horse trekking business 2 hours drive from Tbilisi. It is located in the heart of the beautiful and wild Pankisi Valley in the mountainous region of north-eastern Georgia. This is home to the hospitable Kist community.
https://www.facebook.com/nazysguesthouse
Melissa guest house features free WiFi and views of mountain in Duisi. Guests can make use of a garden.
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGuestHouse/
Leila's Guesthouse is located in Joqolo and boast a lovely garden. All rooms feature a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a shared bathroom. Free WiFi and a shared kitchen are offered.