Georgian Savanna

After breakfast, we leave Tbilisi and head east towards Vashlovani National Park. The drive takes about four hours. Along the way, we stop at the park administration to complete the entry formalities. We settle into a guesthouse in Dedoplistskaro and later enjoy a dinner together.

After breakfast, we drive to the ranch in the Eldari Valley, where riders meet their horses. The trail first leads through fields bordering the national park, then gently climbs into the hills. We gain elevation until we reach Black Mountain (800 m a.s.l.), the highest point of Vashlovani. Once there, we set up camp and enjoy our first camp dinner under the stars. The views are extraordinary. On one side, wide farmland stretches to the horizon; on the other, Vashlovani National Park, the Alazani Valley, and Azerbaijan spread out below us. In the distance, the Mingachevir Reservoir on the Kura River — the largest artificial lake in Azerbaijan — is also visible. We spend the night in tents. There is no shower at this camp.

Today is the longest riding day — about six hours in the saddle. After breakfast, we pack up camp and ride deeper into Vashlovani. Our destination is Mijnis Kure, a ranger station set on ancient, eroded hills. For much of the day, we ride along the Alazani River, which forms a natural border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Its banks are lined with groves of aspen, black poplar, and oak. The route is exceptionally varied. Narrow canyons, home to many plants and birds of prey, alternate with wide open areas that are perfect for long, joyful gallops at sunset. Many people compare this landscape to the Badlands of Colorado or South Dakota — and it’s easy to understand why. Upon arrival, we set up camp beside the river near the ranger station. A shower is available here. In the evening, we gather for dinner and a campfire. At night, the sky fills with stars, and in the morning we’ll be greeted by the view of a picturesque riverside beach.

Today we enter the heart of the savanna. The trail leads through a dramatic landscape of canyons and cliffs — one of the most striking parts of Vashlovani National Park. This area is popular with ornithologists, bird lovers and photographers, as both small birds and large birds of prey are often seen flying above us. We climb one of the cliffs to reach a viewpoint above the canyons, where we stop for lunch. After that, we continue riding. About 1.5 hours later, we reach a river and set up our next camp. Leaving unnecessary items behind, we ride on to another viewpoint — at a gallop. This is one of those moments you look forward to all day. From the viewpoint, we can see Azerbaijan, the Mingachevir Reservoir, and endless open landscapes. Back at camp, we will take care of the horses and then ourselves — using a field shower or swimming in the river. Dinner follows, and the evening is spent around the campfire under a sky full of stars. You may hear jackals in the distance, but they keep away, even if they smell food.

Today we spend about five hours in the saddle. In the morning, the trail follows rocky paths across the savanna. We ride at a walk, stopping at a border police post to register our presence. From here, we follow the edge of strictly protected areas — wild and remote land shaped by canyons and untouched vegetation. Access this part of the park is forbidden due to its unique natural value. These areas are also home to… leopards. Gradually, shepherd settlements appear on the horizon, and wild pigs may run between the horses’ legs — always an exciting moment. Around midday, we reach another ranger station, where we stop for lunch. After a break, we continue exploring the area on horseback. A long gallop takes us to a shepherd’s homestead, where — true to Georgian tradition — we are welcomed with warm hospitality, especially in liquid form. 🙂 After a short rest, we gallop back to camp. A shower awaits — in the shepherd’s hut. We won’t reveal how it works; it’s something you have to experience for yourself. The evening is spent with shepherds and rangers, with dinner and a campfire to end the day.

After breakfast, we ride along cliffs overlooking the park’s most valuable protected areas, then head back into the wild interior of Vashlovani. The landscape changes between rolling hills, canyon-cut ridges, and wide grassy plains — perfect for galloping. In spring, the area is green and full of life; in autumn, it turns into a golden savanna with wild pomegranates along the way. We stop at a shepherd’s hut for lunch and a short break, then continue toward the Pantishara ranger station. We set up camp in a spectacular spot with views into Azerbaijan and the city of Ganja. After dark, the distant lights remind us that the ride is slowly coming to an end and that we are returning to civilization. A field shower is available. We enjoy our final camp dinner and spend the night in tents.

Our final ride. We leave Pantishara and the beautiful landscapes of Vashlovani — but not before a few more hours in the saddle. Along the way, we stop at a viewpoint known as leopard territory. Sightings are rare, as the animals avoid people, but it’s always worth a try. By early afternoon, after 3–4 hours of riding, we reach the fields at the edge of the park and soon after arrive at the ranch in the Eldari Valley. We unsaddle the horses, thank them for the journey, and say goodbye to our guides. After lunch, we drive back to Tbilisi, arriving in the late afternoon. After check-in and a short rest, we head out for a farewell dinner at a restaurant.

The group leaves Georgia. All riders are taken to the airport in Tbilisi or to a bus stop (Kutaisi airport flights).