Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti

• Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti comprises the historical and geographical areas of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti. Their respective centers are Zugdidi and Mestia.
• Nature highlights include the Colchian wetlands and lowland forests, as well as alpine landscapes, clear lakes, the Enguri River and its fast-flowing tributaries, and waterfalls.
• Activities range from boat trips and museum visits to a four-day hike from Mestia to Ushguli.

Kolkheti National Park protects and preserves the Colchian wetlands and lowland forests. Its administration offers boat trips for visitors at two locations: near Poti and Zugdidi. In Martvili Canyon, a natural monument in Samegrelo, there is a 300- to 350-meter stretch of the Abasha River where visitors can take boat rides. Both options offer experiences on the water, but take place in different landscapes.

Zemo Svaneti showcases a different side of nature: alpine landscapes, clear lakes, the Enguri River and its fast-flowing tributaries, and waterfalls are all part of the scenery. The road follows the Enguri Valley from the source of the Enguri to the border of Samegrelo. These geographical landmarks provide a clear point of reference for locating the valley on a map.

In Zugdidi, the museum in the two Dadiani Palaces preserves more than 44,475 antiquities. These include a personal possession and a death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Dadiani Palace is also home to a botanical garden: established in 1840, it covers 67 hectares.

Nokalakevi is a museum-reserve where visitors can walk through the history of antiquity. It preserves objects, the oldest of which date back to the 8th–7th centuries BC. The Church of the 40 Holy Martyrs, dating from the 6th century, is also located within the reserve. Visitors interested in historic sites will find several distinct points of interest here.

Upper Svaneti also holds a special place in cultural heritage: it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. Another striking structure is the Enguri Arch Dam, which stands 271.5 meters tall. In 2015, it was granted the status of industrial heritage of national importance.

For a longer hike, the route from Mestia to Ushguli covers about 57 kilometers and takes four days. This information helps you plan for the hike as a multi-day part of your trip. At the Enguri Dam, Enguri Attraction offers three tours of the facilities: a Walking Tour, a Short Tour and a Full Tour.

Regional cuisine can also be a focus of your trip. Svan dishes include Kubdari and Kupati, seasoned with distinctive Svan salt.

For further orientation, you can visit the pages on Poti, Mestia, Kirovi, Sugdidi, Chakvinji and Anaklia. For regional comparisons, see Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti and Kvemo Kartli.

Which areas does Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti comprise?

The region comprises the historical and geographical areas of Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti. Their centers are Zugdidi and Mestia.

How long is the hike from Mestia to Ushguli?

The route described is about 57 kilometers long and takes four days.

Which tours are available at the Enguri Dam?

Enguri Attraction offers a Walking Tour, a Short Tour and a Full Tour of the dam facilities.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.