Western Georgia isn't only the sea and Kutaisi but also green canyons with turquoise water, waterfalls and trails above the abyss. The best known are Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon, and near Okatse is one of the country's tallest waterfalls, Kinchkha. All three combine easily into a day trip from Kutaisi.
Martvili Canyon
Martvili Canyon (also called Gachedili) is in Samegrelo near the town of Martvili. A narrow gorge with sheer walls covered in moss and ferns and the emerald Abasha river inside looks almost like a jungle film set. Legend says the Dadiani princes once bathed here.
What to do:
- Boat ride. The highlight is a short inflatable-boat trip deep into the canyon, with a guide steering between the rocks to small waterfalls. Boats take a few people and the ride lasts 15–20 minutes; there can be queues in season.
- Walking trails. Wooden boardwalks and stairs run along the canyon with viewpoints over the falls.
- Swimming is generally not allowed — follow the signs.
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
Okatse Canyon
Okatse Canyon is in Imereti near the village of Gordi. Its signature feature is a hanging walkway fixed to the sheer canyon wall and a viewing platform that juts out over the drop. You walk on metal grating with the Okatse river roaring about a hundred metres below — a thrill, especially if you're a little afraid of heights.
Good to know:
- From the visitor centre a forest path of about 2 km (30–40 minutes on foot through a lovely park) leads to the start of the walkway; a local 4×4 can drive you for a fee.
- The walkway itself is a few hundred metres, and you return the same way.
- Allow 2–3 hours for Okatse.
- If you're nervous about heights, it's still safe, with railings and barriers — and no one makes you look down.
Kinchkha waterfall
Kinchkha is a tiered waterfall about 70 m high near Okatse. A trail leads from the car park, and viewpoints show the falls from above and the side. It's most powerful in spring and after rain; in summer the flow is weaker but the place is still beautiful.
Time: about an hour including the drive from Okatse.
Getting there
- From Kutaisi it's about an hour by car to Martvili Canyon and about an hour to Okatse; Martvili to Okatse is roughly another hour.
- Minibuses run from Kutaisi to Martvili, but a taxi is far easier for the canyon itself and for Okatse.
- A taxi for the day from Kutaisi is the most convenient way to see all three; agree the price beforehand.
- Tours from Kutaisi combine Martvili, Okatse and Kinchkha, sometimes adding Prometheus Cave.
- By car — good roads and parking at each site.
Sample day
- 9:00 — leave Kutaisi.
- 10:00 — Martvili Canyon, boat and trails.
- 12:00 — lunch in Martvili (Megrelian food!).
- 13:30 — Okatse Canyon.
- 16:00 — Kinchkha waterfall.
- 18:00 — back in Kutaisi.
Tickets
All three are part of Georgia's protected areas system and charge entry. The Martvili boat and the Okatse 4×4 are paid separately. Tickets are sold on site; arrive early in high season to avoid queues.
When to go
- Spring — the most water, fresh greenery, few visitors.
- Summer — peak season, hot and busy; come early.
- Autumn — golden forests and mild weather, one of the best times.
- Winter — some activities such as boats may not run; check in advance.
What to wear and bring
- shoes with good grip — boardwalks and rocks can be wet;
- a light jacket — canyons are cool and damp;
- water and snacks;
- cash in case cards aren't accepted;
- rain protection for your phone and camera on the boat.
Where to eat
Martvili and the canyon areas have cafés serving Megrelian food: try elarji, ghomi with sulguni, Megruli khachapuri and Megrelian kharcho. If you don't like spice, say so in advance.
Nearby
- Martvili Monastery on a hill above town with valley views.
- Prometheus Cave and Sataplia near Tskaltubo — add them if you have a second day.
- Kutaisi — with Bagrati, Gelati and the Green Bazaar.
In short
One day from Kutaisi and you'll float through the emerald Martvili Canyon, walk above the abyss at Okatse and see Kinchkha waterfall. Leave early, wear good shoes and don't leave Samegrelo without trying elarji.
