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The birdwatching was superb and we greatly enjoyed the visit to the monastery. Both restaurants in Tbilisi were wonderful. The itinerary was excellent as we visited diverse habitats to see the various special birds of Georgia.
D.W, London, April '24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Georgia in Spring
Tour Code: GEO03A 9-day birdwatching tour to Georgia in search of the special montane birds of the high Caucasus Mountains and lowland species of the central Georgian steppe.
9 days
from
£3,395
£3,395
Land only price
from
£2,995
£2,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Arriving in Tbilisi, we journey north to the village of Kazbegi in the heart of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, our base for three nights. Alpine species will be one of the highlights here as well as the spring raptor migration – over 30 species have been observed passing through a nearby gorge. Leaving Kazbegi, we will enjoy a leisurely drive back to Tbilisi, exploring the spectacular Jvari Pass and other sites en route. Next we travel east, venturing out into Georgia’s vast open steppes where we will be based for two nights in the historical town of Sighnaghi. Here, amongst the open grasslands and reed-fringed lakes we will search for a range of special steppe and waterbird species, before ending our tour in the plains of Shiarki and the remote Vashlovani National Park.
- Listen for the haunting curlew-like call of the Caucasian Snowcock
- Great Rosefinch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart & Wallcreeper around Kazbegi
- Search for Caucasian Black Grouse in superb mountain scenery
- Enjoy resident Saker, plus migrant Pallid Harriers & Demoiselle Cranes on the Shiraki Plains
- Chukar, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Tawny Pipit & Menetries’ Warbler, Vashlovani National Park
- Birds and flowers at the David-Gareja monastery complex near the Azeri border
Grading
The walks are mostly gentle however some of the viewpoints require a short walk up inclines.
The mighty snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains sweep eastward from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea forming an imposing natural frontier between the vastness of the Russian Federation to the north and the Republic of Georgia. Winter snows and fierce winds make the higher elevations of these mountains an inhospitable and barren habitat, forcing many of the specialised birds which breed in the high peaks to retreat to the lower slopes and valleys where conditions in the winter are less severe. With the onset of spring, however, the increasing warmth of the sun gradually melts the snow cover to release the high pastures and crags from their icy winter blanket allowing these hardy mountain denizens to return. During this transition from winter to spring, the northern Georgian village of Kazbegi has acquired a reputation for being a perfect location from which to see many highly prized Palearctic rarities before they ascend higher into the mountains and are lost from view. This exciting tour is timed to coincide with this short period when most of the desired species can readily be found close to the village.
Arriving in Tbilisi, we quickly leave the city behind and journey north for approximately two hours to the village of Kazbegi, located in the heart of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and our base for the next three nights. The village lies in a beautiful valley at an altitude of 1,800 metres and offers easy access to a tantalising variety of high alpine species. Caucasian Snowcock betray their presence with curlew-like calls from the rocky crags above our hotel, whilst the scrubby areas of Blackthorn on the outskirts of the village often hold plump Great Rosefinches and stunning Güldenstädt’s Redstart, the latter the largest, and arguably the most beautiful, of a genus well noted for its attractive colours. Nearby cliffs are the haunt of Wallcreepers, whilst riverine vegetation is likely to hold good numbers of migrating passerines, including Wryneck and Red-breasted Flycatcher. If the weather allows, an afternoon will be spent watching the raptor migration through the gorge, where over 30 species of raptors have been observed.
With the aid of 4-wheel drive vehicles we will journey up to the picturesque 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, in a quest for Caucasian Black Grouse, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Caucasian Chiffchaff and Twite, with the chance of possibly encountering the powerfully built endemic East Caucasian Tur (which is closely related to the Ibex).
After three nights in Kazbegi, a very leisurely drive back to Tbilisi sees us stopping frequently to view the spectacular Jvari Pass for White-winged Snowfinch, and several other sites for Green Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher and Krüper’s Nuthatch, before arriving in good time to enjoy a night in the capital.
Travelling east, we venture out into Georgia’s vast open steppes, where shallow reed-fringed lakes provide the chance of Dalmatian Pelican, Grey-headed Swamphen and Pygmy Cormorant amongst a variety of waders which may include both Broad-billed and Terek Sandpipers. The beautiful 6th century rock monasteries of Davit Gareja offer a fabulous setting in which to search for Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Nuthatch, and Pied and Finsch’s Wheatears, whilst the historic town of Dedoplistskaro, with its breathtaking views of the Greater Caucasus range, is an ideal base for our 2-night stay. Exploring the surrounding steppes and riverine forest bordering the Lori River, we hope to encounter Eastern Imperial Eagle, Black Francolin and even Common Pheasant, a native bird in this region, as well as colonies of Roller, Lesser Kestrel and Bee-eater.
From Dedoplistskaro, we will drive through the vast agricultural plains of Shiraki to Vashlovani National Park. The plains provide an important stopover for migrant Demoiselle Cranes and Pallid Harriers, as well as excellent habitat for resident Saker. Vashlovani National Park is a wonderfully wild area stretching all the way to the Azeri border. The park is notable for its unique badland-like landscapes of desert, semi-desert steppe vegetation and deciduous forests, which support a wide range of birds, mammals and plants. Although rarely seen, mammal species include Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Persian Gazelle, Indian Porcupine and even Caucasian Leopard. From an avian perspective we are likely to encounter a range of steppe species, as well as good numbers of Black and Griffon Vultures.
After visiting Vashlovani National Park, we return once more to Tbilisi. Here we will enjoy an excellent farewell dinner, reflecting on our many happy memories of this fascinating country and its spectacular birdlife, before returning to the airport for our flight home.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart UK
Day 2
Arrive Tbilisi & drive to Kazbegi
Day 3/4
Kazbegi
Day 5
Tbilisi
Day 6/7
Dedoplistskaro
Day 8
Vashlovani National Park; overnight Tbilisi
Day 9
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Simple hotel in Kazbegi; standard tourist hotels elsehwhere. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food included
Reviews
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Really enjoyed spending long days out of doors in a range of habitats. Loved everything - honey buzzards migrating, wide range of different raptors , some fabulous buntings ( black- headed and rock), great views of wallcreeper, hearing and seeing snowcock. The list goes on and on!
U.W, Surrey, April '24 -
The contrast between the Caucasian mountains and the desert area was fantastic. For both of us a highlight was the final morning in Kazbegi - beautiful blue sky and fresh snow on the mountains. Beyond our expectations!
C & A.S, Buckinghamshire, April '23 -
Seeing the Caucuses Mountains and the Steppe environments. They were amazing. Also seeing Bearded Vulture and Caucasian Snowcock are real highlights. Local guide Nika was superb as was Richard. They communicated well and this really made sure we had a really good time. I was very satisfied it was a great trip.
L.J, London, April '23 -
The local guide, Nika, had designed a most impressive trip, filling our week with a lot of interest. He is an excellent spotter, as is Richard, and often went down the line setting our scopes on birds or animals we simply couldn't see. We covered mountains and steppe, hugely different and interesting terrains. 4 hotels, all looked after us well. Kazbegi was particularly nice. Thoroughly enjoyable trip.
C.W, Suffolk, April '23 -
This was my first experience of travelling alone & the apprehension I felt before travelling proved unjustified. We saw all the hoped for Caucasian bird species in stunningly beautiful surroundings. In addition we had superb weather though I don't think Naturetrek can take the credit for that! I enjoyed the non birding visits to monasteries etc. and the opportunity to see the rural way of life in the steppes. Dachi our local guide was a superb birder & lovely personality.
VM, Wirral. April 2019
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 16th Apr – Fri 24th Apr
SPACES
£3,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Tour Leader: Chris Griffin
Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide!
Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!
Sun 26th Apr – Mon 4th May
SPACES
£3,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
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