Sataplia: cave, dinosaur footprints and how to get there

Sataplia is a compact nature reserve near Kutaisi that packs several attractions into a small area: dinosaur footprints, a lit karst cave and a glass viewing platform over a cliff. That makes Sataplia easy to see in a couple of hours and simple to combine with the neighbouring sights of Imereti.

Why the reserve is famous

Sataplia lies on the slopes of the extinct Sataplia volcano, about 10 km north of Kutaisi. Its main scientific value lies in the Cretaceous dinosaur footprints discovered here back in 1933; today they are sheltered under a protective pavilion and shown to visitors. The name “Sataplia” itself means “place of honey”: wild bees have long lived on these slopes.

Dinosaur footprints on a stone slab at Sataplia — Cretaceous dinosaur footprints on a stone slab. Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The reserve’s second well-known feature is the karst cave. An underground river once flowed through it, and on its walls and ceilings are stalactites, stalagmites and other formations; for visitors they are lit with coloured light and reached along laid-out walkways.

Hall of the Sataplia karst cave with formations in coloured lighting — The cave's formations and stalagmites in artistic coloured lighting. Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

What to see

Besides the dinosaur footprints and the cave, Sataplia has a glass viewing platform - a balcony with a transparent floor that juts out over a cliff, opening up a panorama of the green hills of Imereti. Short forest trails run through the reserve, so a visit turns into a little walk with several “surprise stops”.

Panorama of the wooded hills of Imereti from the Sataplia viewing platform — The panorama of the hills of Imereti that opens up from the viewing platform. Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dinosaur skeleton under the glass dome of a pavilion at Sataplia — A dinosaur skeleton in the pavilion with the glass dome. Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

What to keep in mind when visiting

You go round the grounds along a set route, sometimes with a guide. The cave is cool and damp even in the height of summer - a light warm layer and comfortable, non-slip shoes come in handy, as the walkways can be wet. If you’re afraid of heights, bear in mind that the viewing platform has a glass floor and hangs out over the slope. It’s best to check the opening times and tour format in advance, especially in high season.

Beech forest on the slopes of Sataplia Nature Reserve — The reserve's beech forest, crossed by short trails. Photo: Paata vardanashvili / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nearby

Sataplia lies close to Kutaisi and is usually combined in a single day with the Prometheus Cave and Okatse Canyon. The easiest way to get around the sights of Imereti is by car - for how to rent one, see the car hire section; more places are in the things to see section.

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