Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Areas is located in Kakheti, on territory of Akhmeta municipality. It was created in 2003 and includes Batsara-Babaneuri Nature Reserve and Ilto Managed Reserve.

Batsara State Nature Reserve was first created in 1935. Batsara Nature Reserve is located in Pankisi gorge; namely, in river Batsara gorge at the right tributary of river Alazani. The nature reserve is located at an altitude of 700-2,000 meters above sea level. In the middle part of Batsara gorge there are remains of tertiary relict dendroflora, almost 270 ha stands of yew forests. Such size of yew stand cannot be found anywhere in the world.

Babanauri Nature Reserve was established relatively late, in 1961. Nature reserve is located in eastern part of the Caucasus Mountain, near village lower Alvani, Babaneuri and Laliskure. Area is located at an altitude of 380-1,100 m. The purpose of creation was to protect up to 240 ha Zelkova stands, which is part of the Red List of Georgia.

Ilto Managed Reserve includes the parts of the head of Ilto valley, which extends up to 900-2000 meters. It borders Batsara Nature Reserve to the east. The purpose of establishment is to protect and restore precious wood species and characteristic fauna. Such birds as buzzard, hawk, sparrow-hawk, eagle and even bearded vulture rarely occur in the managed reserve; and the mammal species like hedgehogs, martens, rabbits, badgers, jackals, foxes, wolves, wild boar, bear, deer, lynx and chamois. The otter is rather rare.

Batsara-Babanerui Nature Reserve allows visit for educational, non-manipulative scientific research and monitoring purposes.

Ilto Managed Reserve gives possibility to arrange botanical, educational and adventurous eco-tours.

How to get to protected areas ?

Batsara-Babaneri Protected Areas currently does not have well-arranged visitor center and exhibition hall, however administration is operating and is located in Akhmeta, Chavchavadze str. N105.

Distance:

• 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.

Visit in Batsara-Babaneuri Nature Reserve is allowed for educational, non-manipulative scientific research and monitoring purposes. 
 

Travel by public transport:

• Minibuses leave every day from Ortachala and Navtlughi bus terminal to Akhmeta (6 Gel, 2 hr);
• Private taxi leaves everyday from Metro Isani Territory to Akhmeta (10 Gel, 1 hr and 30 min);
• Batsara Nature Reserve is 25 km away from Akhmeta. Relocation is possible by minibus or private taxi  (minibus - 2 Gel, private taxi  - 15-20 Gel, 30 min);
• Babaneuri Nature Reserve is 20 km away from Akhmeta. Relocation is possible by minibus or private taxi (minibus – 1.5 Gel, private taxi  - 10-15Gel, 30 min);
• Minibus leaves from Telavi through Alaverdi straight to village Babaneuri (2 Gel, 45 min);
• Ilto Managed Reserve is 40 km away from Akhmeta. Relocation is possible by off-road vehicle. You can apply to protected area administration for hiring a vehicle.

Contact person:

Vakhtang Giunaidze, Director of Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Areas Administration 
Tel.: 577 96 11 99, E-mail: vgiunaidze@apa.gov.ge

Lika Kalmakhelidze, Ecotourism Specialist, Head office
Tel.: 577 90 72 72, E-mail: info@apa.gov.ge