Georgia has numerous natural wonders, among them mountains, valleys, and the Black Sea, but the turquoise blue waters at Martvili Canyon should definitely be at the top of your “must visit” list.
In the historical part of Samegrelo, a region in western Georgia, beautiful blue water flows between rocks, and tall trees line the banks of the water, displaying vibrant green moss year-round. It’s a popular spot for tourists, especially as a day trip from Kutasi, since it’s only around 50 kilometers from the city.
The Martvili Canyon gorge is 2.4 kilometers long, and some of its walls can range between 20-40 meters in height. There is a narrow, winding, sometimes slippery paved path, with safety barriers and overlook points, that offers breathtaking views both looking down at the waterfalls and later up into the forest above. The upper canyon offers visitors the chance to explore a little further on an inflatable raft, with lifejackets, oars and a guide provided. By opting for a boat ride, you get the opportunity to view the opposite side of the canyon with vine-draped waterfalls and rock walls that those walking don’t have the privilege to see. Note – the area doesn’t allow for swimming, no matter how hot it is the day you go!
The boat ride takes around 30 minutes and runs at 20 GEL per person. This is in addition to the ticket price to enter the attraction, which is 20 GEL for adults and 6 GEL for children aged 6-18. Interestingly, the ticket prices are cheaper for Georgian citizens than they are for foreign visitors.
The above is what most people do when they visit, but there’s an alternative for a more cost-effective, and arguably more enjoyable, visit to the canyons: Just a little further down the road from Martvili Canyon is Kaghu Waterfall. It’s a site that is easily accessible either by car or short hike. If one manages to find it without a tour guide, it’s free of charge.
The waterfall is composed of the same clear, blue waters as Martvili, but is a smaller area off the beaten path. It allows for swimming, and there’s a special spot behind the waterfall to sit and reflect. Since the water flows from the mountains, it’s always extremely chilly, even in the summer, so be prepared. To the left of Kaghu is a large collection of stones that makes for a good spot to take photos.
Leading up to the waterfall are vendors who sell fruit or snacks, so guests can enjoy something light during their trip. Alternatively, there are various picnic tables set up near the attraction so guests can pack food and enjoy a nice picnic outdoors in between dips in the water. There is also a bathhouse to change in before and after going for a swim.
Another spot that is relatively unknown in the Martvili Canyon area is Oghueshi Waterfall. Just a five-minute drive from Kaghu, Oghueshi is the ideal spot for those who want to go swimming. This attraction is a little tricky to get to – once parked, guests must ascend a narrow path of rocks to reach the swimming hole. It can be slippery at times, so it’s important to be cautious when moving along it.
Once at the bottom, there is a large array of stones perfect for sitting on to take in the surroundings. The swimming area is much deeper and larger at Oghueshi, allowing guests to swim back and forth across the large watering hole. Additionally, if guests are brave enough, they can swim to the waterfall and take a photo in front of it before the water pressure breaks on their skin.
On the way to Oghueshi, there is a noticeable spot a little further upstream to the left that is even deeper and has a small cliff for jumping. Near the waterfall to the right is also a suspension bridge that guests can walk across to view the water without getting wet, however, it is usually closed during and immediately after rainfall. Oghueshi and Kaghu waterfalls are both free of charge to visit.
All three canyons can get crowded in the summer months, which also leads to an increase in prices compared to other attractions and locations in Georgia. However, Martvili Canyon operates year-round and is still full of bright greenery even as winter approaches in the colder months.
Martvili is also a town offering various other attractions to visit, including the Martvili Monastery, the Salkhino Dadiani Palace, Oniore Waterfall and Toba First Cave, Abasha Waterfall, and Okatse Canyon. Definitely take the time to explore it all!
By Shelbi R. Ankiewicz
