Javakheti Highland Lakes Birding Tour with Nika Paposhvili
Spend 2–3 private days with Nika Paposhvili among Javakheti’s volcanic plateau lakes, marshes and grasslands for seasonal waterbirds and raptors.
About this tour
Javakheti is a high volcanic plateau of large lakes, marshes and open grassland in southern Georgia. Kartsakhi, Bughdasheni, Madatapa and Khanchali sit within the protected-area network, while Suldi Swamp and Lake Tabatskuri add further wetland character. A private two- or three-day format gives Nika Paposhvili room to select the most useful waters according to season, access, wind and changing levels.
Velvet Scoter is a defining regional interest at Tabatskuri, alongside Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans and a shifting assembly of ducks, grebes, herons, cormorants, marsh terns, waders and raptors. Cranes and grassland birds can broaden the day away from open water. Migration and breeding periods produce very different communities, so the target list is refined for the chosen dates rather than treated as a year-round promise.
Nika spends substantial field time in this highland region and adapts the route for birding or photography. One day may favour a lake circuit, another wetland margins and surrounding grasslands; the third can follow recent movements or return to the strongest site. Rapid weather changes are normal on the exposed plateau, making warm layers, waterproof protection and suitable footwear sensible even when the forecast looks settled.
Specialist private guiding and a route tailored to seasonal targets are confirmed. Price remains on request. Vehicle arrangements, accommodation, meals, permits, transfers and other costs are part of the trip only when stated in the final written proposal. The exact meeting point, lake sequence, walking level and daily timing are agreed after inquiry.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Begin at the most productive accessible waters for the date, scanning open lake, shoreline and wetland edges for scoters, pelicans, ducks and grebes. Nika balances coverage with the slower observation time needed for identification or photography.
Combine marsh or lakeshore birding with the surrounding open country for waders, cranes, breeding birds and raptors. Wind, water level and visibility determine the sequence, and the route can move between protected-area lakes when conditions favour a change.
Use recent observations and the first two days’ results to choose the final lake or grassland sector. Revisit a productive area or explore another accessible wetland for missed targets, then finish at the agreed endpoint.
Locations & map
- Javakheti highland lakes and wetlands - Ninotsminda Georgia (Conditions vary by season, elevation and daily weather.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available by request; the bird community changes substantially between migration and breeding periods.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Specialist private bird guiding - Guiding by Nika Paposhvili or a separately confirmed arrangement.
- Tailored daily birding route - Daily sites are selected for season, weather, access, target birds and photography goals.
Not included
- Unconfirmed transport, accommodation, meals and permits - Included only when stated in the final proposal.
- Flights and personal expenses - Not included.
Transport & stays
- Route-appropriate private vehicle Vehicle type and road access are confirmed after inquiry for the selected destination and group size. | Meet: Confirmed after inquiry. | Pickup: Pickup and transfers can be arranged in the final proposal.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can this tour be shortened or extended?
Yes. Nika normally recommends two to three days, and longer tailor-made programs can be arranged according to route and targets.
Can the trip focus on bird photography?
Yes. Dedicated photography pacing and site choices can be arranged after inquiry.
What is the current price?
Price is confirmed after inquiry because transport, accommodation, route, group size and inclusions are tailored.