Region 3: MTKVARI VALLEY
17. Satovle beech forest and lakes
Coordinates: 41 o50’ N, 44o40’ E
Altitude: 800– 1463 m. a.s.l.
 Temperate. Summers are warm, winters reasonably cold and snowy. Annual precipitation 600– 800 mm (20 mm in January, 60 mm in April, 50 mm in July, 40 mm in October). Over 20 days with heavy rains per year. Around 50 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January /– 2, April/8, July/20, October/10. Mean maximum temperature (July)/ 34 o C.
 This site is a scarcely populated area covered with primary deciduous mountain forest, with dozens of ponds located at meadows above the forest line. The area lies in close proximity to Tbilisi (20– 25 km west from the center of the city), and is reachable both by foot (from village Tsodoreti) and by four– wheel drive. The area harbors plant and animal species superficially similar to those from central European mountains (e.g. Carpathians), but with a number of species endemic for the Caucasus. An especially high diversity of animals and plants can be observed in meadows and ponds located at the top of Satovle range.
 A common set of forest bird species includes peregrine falcon, goshawk, long– eared, scops, tawny, and eagle owls, greater spotted, lesser spotted, middle spotted, Syrian, green and black woodpeckers, wryneck, wood– pigeon, stock dove, raven, jay, various warblers and other songbirds. In the spring time Eurasian woodcock can be seen. Egyptian vulture can be seen frequently.
 The site harbors mammals including roe deer, wild boar, wolf, wildcat, brown bear, wood and rock martens, and badger. Bear prints can be seen in early spring and in autumn. Ponds along the ridge are breeding sites of three species of newts, among them the extremely attractive banded newt. The best time for watching amphibians is the second half of April and May. There are three endemic species of lizards, including Artwin wood lizard, Poretschinski’ s rock lizard, and Dahl’ s unisexual lizard in the area. Occasionally, sand viper can be seen. Common trees are oriental beach, Caucasian hornbeam, various maples, alder, rocky oak, bushes of berberis, and wild pear. An attractive flower is mountain lily (April).
 En route to the site, there are ruins of a small St. George’ s church. A zoroastric temple was built in this location in a pre– Christian time (i.e. before 3rd century AD) and was later transformed to a Christian church.
  Late March through May, September– December.
 The easiest way to reach the area is by four– wheel drive. One should first drive through the village Tsodoreti east of Tbilisi (ca. 30 minutes from Tbilisi center), then drive by small Tsodoreti lake (where banded and crested newts can be watched as well) to the peak of the mountain, passing a small village Tabaruki. One can return to Tbilisi along the Satovle mountain ridge and Mukhatgverdi village, crossing surroundings of a third small lake with newts, Chili– Tba. Alternatively, one can reach Tsodoreti by bus or mini– bus, departing several times a day from Saburtalo market area in Tbilisi (1 lari) or taxi (around10 lari) and walk to the ridge by foot, this will take about 5 hours each way.
 Best obtained in Tbilisi. Camping is possible. Take lunch with you.
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