Region 3: MTKVARI VALLEY
16. Kojori foothill deciduous forest
Coordinates: 41 o39’ N, 44o44’ E
Altitude: 600– 900 m. a.s.l.
 Summers are warm, winters mild. The climate is similar to other mountain areas in the Mediterranean region. Annual precipitation ca. 700 mm (30 mm in January, 50 mm in April, 40 mm in July, 40 mm in October). Over 30 days with heavy rains per year. Around 20 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January/– 2, April/8, July/18, October/8. Mean maximum temperature (July)/32 o C.
 This area is a well– known vacation place about a half– hour drive from downtown Tbilisi. It features primary hornbeam and oak mountain forests, and is situated at the eastern foothills of Trialeti range. There are plenty of berries and opportunities to scale the ruins of an old castle. Views of the lower currents of Mtkvari River and lake Kumisi are spectacular. In the surroundings are several small waterfalls along the mountain brook and rock outcrops with a number of endemic reptiles. The area harbors plant and animal species superficially similar to those found in Balkan mountains, but with a number of species endemic for the Caucasus. Especially interesting nature– watching sites are around ruins of the Kojori castle and along a small river, Kojoris– tskali.
 A common set of forest bird species includes peregrine falcon, goshawk, long– eared, tawny, and scops– owls, greater spotted, lesser spotted, middle spotted, Syrian, green and black woodpeckers, wryneck, wood– pigeon, stock dove, raven, jay, various warblers and other songbirds.
  At rocky outcrops along the brook, there are sites where one can watch large populations of parthenogenetic (unisexual) rock lizard (Darevskia dahli). In the same area, one can see Portschinski’ s rock lizard, sand lizard, slow worm, Transcaucasian sand viper, Transcaucasian racer, smooth snake, and, occasionally, mottled racer. Best time for watching reptiles is second half of April and May. Dominant trees are oriental and Caucasian hornbeams, rocky oak, field maple, bearded alder, etc. There are various berries and fruits: wild pear, wild apple, wild plum, cornel cherry (especially numerous), berberis, blackberry bush.
 Spectacular ruins of a medieval tower, Kojoris– Tsikhe. Kojori is a popular summer vacation place.
  From April through September.
 Minibuses leave several times a day from Freedom Square in the center of Tbilisi. Travel by car takes about 30 minutes each way.
 Best secured in Tbilisi. One who wishes to spend vacation in Kojori can rent a room in a village house for about 200 USD per month. Camping is possible. Many small restaurants are available along the road.
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