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Sataplia Nature Reserve

Forested reserve near Kutaisi with real dinosaur footprints, a lit karst cave, Colchic forest trails and a glass platform over the cliff.

Sataplia Nature ReserveSataplia Nature ReservePhoto: Aleksey Muhranoff, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sataplia Nature Reserve covers a forested limestone hill about 10 km north-west of Kutaisi. The name means place of honey, after the wild bees that once nested in its cliffs and caves. A single visitor trail links the main sights: a pavilion protecting fossil dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock, a karst cave with a lit route of about 300 m, and a glass-floored platform that juts out over the cliff edge, with views across the Imereti plain to Kutaisi. The surrounding Colchic forest is part of the experience.

The site is compact and well organised, and it works well for families. There is a small museum and a park of life-size dinosaur models that children enjoy. Paths are paved but involve plenty of steps. The cave is smaller than Prometheus Cave, so many travellers visit both on the same day; they are about 20 minutes apart by car.

History

The dinosaur footprints at Sataplia were discovered in 1933 by the local scientist Petre Chabukiani, who also campaigned for the area's protection. A reserve was created in 1935 and expanded to its present borders in 1957. The main cave, about 900 m long, had been found in 1925. Today Sataplia is run by Georgia's Agency of Protected Areas, with a modern visitor centre, cave lighting and a glass viewing platform.

What to see and do

  • Dinosaur footprints under a protective pavilion
  • A lit karst cave route of about 300 m
  • The glass viewing platform over the cliff
  • Colchic forest trails
  • Life-size dinosaur models and a small museum

How to visit

Getting there

About 10 km north-west of Kutaisi, 20 minutes by taxi. Prometheus Cave is about 20 minutes further on. There is no regular public transport to the entrance.

When to go

April–October. Plan 1.5–2 hours here.

Local tips
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail has many steps
  • Bring a layer for the cave, which stays around 14°C
  • In summer, arrive early before the tour groups
  • Combine with Prometheus Cave for a half day

Sataplia Nature Reserve: FAQ

Are the dinosaur footprints at Sataplia real?

Yes. They are genuine fossil footprints preserved in limestone, discovered in 1933 and now protected inside a pavilion. The life-size dinosaurs in the park are models.

Which is better, Sataplia or Prometheus Cave?

Prometheus has the bigger and more impressive cave. Sataplia adds dinosaur footprints, forest walks and a cliff viewpoint. They are only 20 minutes apart, so most people visit both.

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Nearby places

Straight-line distance from Sataplia Nature Reserve.

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