სათაფლიის ნაკრძალი
Dinosaur footprints, a karst cave, and a glass observation deck above Imereti
Sataplia Nature Reserve is a protected area 10 km from Kutaisi in the Tskaltubo municipality. Three attractions on one compact site: a hall with real dinosaur footprints over 100 million years old, a karst cave with stalactites, and a glass panoramic platform overhanging the Imereti Valley.
From central Kutaisi it's 15–20 minutes by taxi (10–15 GEL / ~$4–5). Often visited on the same day as Prometheus Cave – both sites are in the Tskaltubo district; a combined taxi runs 35–50 GEL (~$13–18).
Admission is 20 GEL (~$7) with a guided tour. The visit takes 1–1.5 hours. The site is compact with an easy trail – ideal for families with children.
From the visitor centre, a walking trail leads through Colchic forest – subtropical, humid, with moss-covered trunks and ferns lining the path. Life-sized dinosaur models are placed along the route – a hit with children, though made of polyester. The first stop is the pavilion housing fossilised dinosaur footprints: a stone slab shows clear tracks from both herbivorous and predatory dinosaurs of different epochs. The Sataplia dinosaur tracks differ from European counterparts.
Next comes the karst cave, roughly 400 metres long. It's smaller than Prometheus Cave but has its own highlight: coloured lighting picks out a stalactite shaped like a human heart – the most photographed feature. The cave was discovered in 1925 and is linked to wild bees – the name Sataplia translates as 'place of honey' (sat = honey). Wild bees still inhabit the reserve, and there's an exhibit dedicated to their habitat.
The route ends at a glass panoramic platform cantilevered over a cliff. It offers 360° views across the Imereti Valley – mountain ridges and green foothills stretch to the horizon. In rainy or snowy weather the platform is closed for safety. The entire loop takes 1–1.5 hours on a flat, well-maintained trail suitable for all ages.
Dinosaur footprints – fossilised tracks from herbivorous and predatory dinosaurs over 100 million years old
Cave – 400 m of karst passages with lighting and a heart-shaped stalactite
Glass platform – 360° panorama over the Imereti Valley, cantilevered over a cliff edge
Colchic forest – subtropical forest with ferns, mosses, and life-sized dinosaur models
Name – Sataplia means 'place of honey': wild bees still inhabit the reserve
Sataplia Cave was discovered in 1925 by local historian Petre Chabukiani. In 1933, fossilised dinosaur footprints were found on the territory – one of the first such discoveries in the Caucasus. The tracks belong to both herbivorous and predatory species from different geological periods and differ from those found in Europe. The site received reserve status in 1935.
During the Soviet era the reserve was used for scientific research into karst systems. After the USSR collapsed, infrastructure fell into disrepair. Major reconstruction took place in the 2010s: walking trails were built, the glass panoramic platform installed, dinosaur models placed along the route, and a visitor centre with exhibits was created. Today Sataplia is part of the Imereti Caves Protected Areas system alongside Prometheus Cave.
Entrance (guided tour included):
Foreigners (18+): 20 GEL (~$7)
Children 6–18: 5.50 GEL (~$2)
Children under 6: free
Additional:
VIP service (1–10 people): 100 GEL + ticket price
VIP service (11–20 people): 200 GEL + ticket price
Civil marriage ceremony: 100 GEL
Tickets at the visitor centre cash desk; card and cash accepted. Guide included – tours in Georgian, English, and Russian.
Entry only with a group and guide. Photography permitted. The glass platform closes in rain and snow. The trail is flat but has steps – comfortable shoes recommended. No pets allowed.
On site:
Visitor centre with ticket desk and exhibition hall
Toilets
Small café near the entrance
Parking: Free at the visitor centre.
Connectivity: 4G works on the grounds. Weak signal inside the cave.
Accessibility: The trail is flat and most of the route is manageable. The cave and glass platform have steps – not wheelchair accessible.
From Kutaisi (10 km, 15–20 min):
– Taxi – 10–15 GEL (~$4–5)
– Round-trip taxi with waiting + Prometheus Cave – 35–50 GEL (~$13–18) for both
– Marshrutka 35 to the end of Javakhishvili St. (0.40 GEL), then marshrutka 45 to Sataplia (leaves when 4+ passengers)
From Tbilisi (240 km, ~3.5 hours):
– By rental car or on an organised tour
– Marshrutka to Kutaisi (15–20 GEL / ~$6–7), then taxi
On site: 3-minute walk from the parking lot to the visitor centre. Everything is on one loop trail.
Season: April–October is best. The forest is green and the panoramic platform is open. The reserve also operates in winter, but the glass platform may close in rain/snow.
Time of day: Morning – fewer groups. Afternoon in summer the platform can be in harsh sunlight – not ideal for photos.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the full trail.
Avoid: Rainy days – the panoramic platform closes, and you lose a third of the experience.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
20 GEL (~$7) for adult foreigners, children 6–18: 5.50 GEL (~$2), under 6 free. Guide service included.
1–1.5 hours for the full route: dinosaur pavilion, cave, forest walk, glass platform. The trail is flat and easy-paced.
Yes, it's the standard combination. Both sites are in the Tskaltubo district. A round-trip taxi covering both with waiting costs 35–50 GEL (~$13–18) from Kutaisi.
Excellent for kids. Dinosaur models, real fossilised footprints, a lit cave, and a glass sky-walk – children aged 4+ will be engaged throughout.
The cave and dinosaur pavilion operate in any weather. The glass panoramic platform closes in rain and snow – that's the main loss.
Easiest option: taxi from Kutaisi (10–15 GEL / ~$4–5, 15–20 min). By public transport: marshrutka 35 + 45, but the second runs infrequently.
Sataplia's cave is smaller (400 m vs 1,400 m) and has no boat ride. But it offers dinosaur footprints, a museum, and the glass observation deck – a different experience.
Comfortable closed shoes. The trail is flat but parts of the cave are damp. Heels and flip-flops are not advisable.
