Makhuntseti Waterfall
Adjara's best-known waterfall, a short walk from the Batumi–Akhaltsikhe road about 30 km east of Batumi, close to a medieval arched bridge.
Makhuntseti Waterfall pours down a steep, forested cliff above the village of Zeda Makhuntseti in the Adjaristskali valley, about 30 km east of Batumi in Keda municipality. It is the easiest waterfall to reach in Adjara: a short walk from the parking area on the main road brings you to a viewing platform close enough to feel the spray. Stalls near the trailhead sell local honey, cheese, fruit and other farm products, and there is a summer cafe by the falls.
About 1 km away, the Queen Tamar Bridge crosses the Adjaristskali river in a single high stone arch. It is one of the largest of the medieval arched bridges that survive in Adjara and was last restored in 2008. Riverside cafes nearby serve Adjarian dishes, and boat trips run on the river in summer. Makhuntseti is the natural first stop on any drive into Upper Adjara toward Keda and Khulo.
History
The waterfall itself has no history to speak of, but the stone bridge nearby does. Like most of Adjara's arched bridges, it is attributed by local tradition to the reign of Queen Tamar (1184–1213) and is usually dated to the 11th to 13th centuries. Bridges like this carried the medieval trade road that ran up the Adjaristskali valley from the Black Sea coast over the mountains to Samtskhe in southern Georgia.
What to see and do
- Viewing platform at the foot of the falls
- Queen Tamar Bridge, a medieval single-arch stone bridge 1 km away
- Farm stalls selling local honey, cheese and fruit
- Riverside cafes on the Adjaristskali
How to visit
Getting there
Makhuntseti is about 30 km east of Batumi on the Batumi–Akhaltsikhe road, roughly 40 minutes by car. Minibuses from Batumi bus station toward Keda pass the village.
When to go
Spring and after rain for the most water; summer for the cafes. Plan 1–2 hours here.
- Arrive early in summer, before tour groups crowd the viewing platform.
- The rocks near the falls are wet and slippery.
- Walk to the Queen Tamar Bridge; it takes about 20 minutes.
- Continue up the valley to Keda or Khulo for a full day out.
Makhuntseti Waterfall: FAQ
How far is Makhuntseti Waterfall from Batumi?
About 30 km, roughly 40 minutes by car east along the Batumi–Akhaltsikhe road. Minibuses from Batumi bus station also stop in the village.
How long is the walk to Makhuntseti Waterfall?
Only a few minutes from the parking area on the main road. The walk on to the Queen Tamar Bridge, about 1 km away, takes around 20 minutes.
Tours that include Makhuntseti Waterfall
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Makhuntseti Waterfall.
