Chachuna Managed Nature Reserve

Chachuna Managed Nature Reserve is located in the Kakhetian land of Kiziki, in about 175 km from the capital and occupies about 5,200 hectares. The reserve stands out with a diversity of soils, including a wetland of about 24 hectares, which makes it an attractive habitat for a wide range of species of flora and fauna.

The riverbanks and the wetland are rich in reed and cane. Chachuna is home to endangered, rare and endemic plants, such as Georgian iris and Eichler tulips.

The fauna in Chachuna is one of the most diverse in Georgia, boasting species of Mediterranean turtles. Chachuna is a birdwatcher’s Mecca, with 82 bird species, among which 10 species are on the Georgian list of endangered species. Here you can see wild pigeons, turtle-doves, falcons, sparrow-hawks, magpies, partridges and Eastern Imperial eagles. The multiple caves in the limestone cliffs give shelter to gypses and Egyptian vultures, while juniper trees are popular among griffons. Chachuna has a large population of the beautiful black francolin.

Out of mammals some visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of several species of rodents, jackals, foxes, rabbits, jungle cats, lynxes, badgers and wild boars. Zoologists hope that the striped hyena that is one of the most rare animals and the only species of hyenas in Georgia still inhabits the Natural Reserve.

Apart from being important from biological point of view, Chachuna is also appealing to the lovers of traditional architecture. Khornabuji fortress and Ozaani Ascension Church (see above) are located within its boundaries. Other areas of interest include Kiziki – a town built by King Erekle II on the crossroads of several trade routes in the 18th century. The town has reached our age almost intact – walled and furnished with 23 towers and 5 gates.

The Natural Reserve offers botanical, photo and environmental tours, as well as bird and animal watching. Chachuna is equipped with a hostel fully furnished and reservable through travel agencies.



Tel: *8888;
Mob.: +995 577 90 72 72; +995 577 10 18 11;
e-mail: info@apa.gov.ge; nodartetelloshvili@apa.gov.ge;
www.facebook.com/protectedareas.ge