Madatapa Lake

Madatapa Lake is a shallow fresh-water lake in the southern part of the Georgian Samtskhe-Javakheti region, just a few kilometers north of the Armenian border. The lake, which covers an area of nearly 9 square kilometers, is part of the Javakheti plateau at an altitude of partially more than 2000 meters above sea level.

No matter what season you may visit in, always be sure to bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Even on a sunny day in July and August, the weather up here can change very quickly temperature-wise from comfortable to freezing cold.

Madatapa Lake is not only one of the largest lakes of the area, but also situated along the migration flyways of birds from Africa to Europe and back. More than 200 different species of birds can be found in the wetlands around the lake, many of which are internationally threatened, among them cranes, pelicans and special types of ducks, like the pochard.

Madatapa Lake, like other lakes in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, is a paradise for bird lovers with birdwatching towers along different hiking and walking trails around the lake. The lake and its wetlands form a protected area, which his called Madatapa Managed Reserve and has been one of the Javakheti Protected Areas since 2011. 

There are many interesting walking and hiking routes around the lake, one of them starts at the village of Sameba on the south end of Madatapa Lake and runs north along its eastern shore. At the foot of Mount Madatapa, which is more than 2700 meters high, there is a picnic area and a birdwatching tower, from which you can observe not only pelicans and cranes, but also get a spectacular view of the lake’s bay.

For detailed information on walking, hiking and biking routes, picnic and camping areas and equipment rental, visit one of the Javakheti Protected Areas Administration Buildings.

Madatapa Lake was historically known to be free of fish due to harsh weather conditions on the Javakheti plateau. The shallow lake is less than 2 meters deep and its entire body of water could freeze during winter. Nevertheless, since the mid-1990s, a growing population of carp has been taking over the lake. Whether the new inhabitants are thanks to milder winters or simply due to carp being introduced by humans is yet unknown.  

In 2020 Madatapa Lake was designated a protected Ramsar site. A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance due to its habitat in flora and fauna. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental environmental treaty established by UNESCO in the 1970s.

How to get there:
You can reach Madatapa Lake via the main road 11 from the city of Ninotsminda heading south via Gorelovka towards the Armenian border. The distance from Ninotsminda is 21 km, you have to allow approx. 25 min for the ride.  

Distances from major cities:
Ninotsminda - Madatapa Lake: 21 km

Important things to know:
Madatapa Lake is situated on the Javakheti plateau at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. No matter which season you come in, always be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring warm clothes. Even in summer the temperature on the Javakheti plateau can change very quickly from comfortable to freezing cold. 

You can birdwatchfrom various irdwatching towers along several hiking, horse riding and biking routes. For detailed information on activities, picnic and camping sites and equipment rental see one of the Javakheti Protected Areas Administration Buildings.

Picture credits: Javakheti Protected Areas Agency

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.