Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti: Nature, History and Rivers
Accommodation in Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti
Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti bring together two distinct historical and geographical areas: Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti. The landscape ranges from Colchian swamps and lowland forests to alpine nature, clear lakes, the Enguri River with its fast-flowing tributaries, and waterfalls. When planning your trip, it is worth choosing your focus first: nature and river landscapes, historic sites, or alpine surroundings.
File:Enguri River, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Georgia.jpg
Photo: Boris Kuznetsov via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Understanding the Region and Its Landscape
Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti comprises Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti; their centers are Zugdidi and Mestia, respectively. Upper Svaneti was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
In Zemo Svaneti, alpine nature, clear lakes, the Enguri River and its fast-flowing tributaries, and waterfalls shape the landscape. A hike from Mestia to Ushguli takes four days; the route described is about 57 kilometers long. Keep both details in mind when planning and decide whether a multi-day hike suits your travel plans. A road follows the Enguri Valley from the source of the Enguri to the border of Samegrelo.
Rivers, Wetlands and Boat Tours
Kolkheti National Park protects and preserves the Colchian swamps and lowland forests. The national park administration offers visitors boat tours at two locations: near Poti and Zugdidi. This is a distinctive way to experience the region’s waterscape, while Zemo Svaneti offers a different focus, with its alpine nature and rivers.
Martvili Canyon is a natural monument in Samegrelo. A 300- to 350-meter stretch of the Abasha River is open to boat trips there. The canyon landscape and boat tours in Kolkheti National Park are different experiences; when planning your trip, consider which of these focuses better suits your stay.
History and Culture
In Zugdidi, the museum housed in the two Dadiani palaces preserves more than 44,475 ancient objects, including personal belongings and a death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte. The botanical garden at Dadiani Palace was established in 1840 and covers 67 hectares. The museum and garden offer different perspectives on the history of collections and garden design.
Nokalakevi is a museum-reserve where visitors can walk through the history of antiquity. The oldest items preserved there date from the 8th–7th century BC. The Nokalakevi Museum-Reserve is also home to the 6th-century Church of the 40 Holy Martyrs. Those interested in historical collections and buildings can make these places separate focal points in their travel plans.
The Enguri Arch Dam is 271.5 meters high and was granted the status of an industrial heritage site of national importance in 2015. Enguri Attraction offers three guided tours of the dam facilities: a Walking Tour, a Short Tour and a Full Tour. The three formats differ in their names; choose the option that suits you based on your interest in the structure and its facilities.
Regional Cuisine
Svan dishes include Kubdari and Kupati, seasoned with distinctive Svan salt. The cuisine, too, offers a unique way to experience regional culture.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
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