Georgia’s western Imereti and Samegrelo regions are lush and overgrown, with a multitude of river canyons and waterfalls to explore. Most people choose to visit Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon, along with nearby Khichka Waterfall, as a day trip from Kutaisi. It’s not my favourite day trip option by any means, but it’s still a nice experience.
The 14km-long Okatse Canyon is the most developed for tourism and features a suspended treetop walkway and glass viewing platforms. Pretty Martvili Canyon is a fairytale landscape of emerald pools shaded by thick forest that visitors can explore by kayak.
Okatse, Martvili and Khinchka all fall under Georgia’s equivalent of the national parks service and thus there are entrance fees involved. For a less-touristy (and free) alternative, head to nearby Balda Canyon instead.
