Experience an exceptional birdwatching adventure in Georgia, one of the most fascinating and least explored regions of the Western Palearctic. Situated between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers a unique combination of habitats that make the country a true paradise for birdwatchers: towering mountain ranges, semi-arid steppes, high-altitude wetlands, Caucasian forests, and volcanic lakes that serve as key migration hotspots.
During this 11-day journey, we will explore some of the country’s finest birding locations, from the mountains of Kazbegi, where we will have the chance to observe species such as the Great Rosefinch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Caucasian Black Grouse, and Caucasian Snowcock, to the eastern steppes of Dedoplistskaro and the spectacular semi-desert landscapes of Vashlovani National Park. We will also visit important wetlands such as the Javakheti lakes and Kumisi Lake, areas that are especially rich during the spring migration period.
The tour is designed to maximize opportunities to observe emblematic Caucasian species and birds associated with the great Eurasian migration routes. We will search for raptors such as vultures, eagles, and falcons, as well as steppe birds, waders, pelicans, Caucasian passerines, and a wide diversity of waterbirds. Each day will combine birding sessions during the best hours of activity with strategic transfers between highly contrasting habitats.
This tour is ideal both for experienced birders and wildlife photographers, as well as for people who are new to birdwatching or simply wish to discover a still little-visited destination with spectacular landscapes and enormous ornithological potential. No previous experience is required: throughout the trip we will share basic identification tools, birdwatching techniques, and insights into bird behaviour so that everyone can fully enjoy and learn from the experience.
You can view the complete itinerary information by downloading the PDF from the website
Day 1 - Pick-up at Tbilisi International Airport and transfer to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)
Day 2 - Kazbegi: Elia Church and surroundings
Day 3 - Kazbegi: Georgian Military Highway and Dariali Gorge
Day 4 - Transfer to the steppes of Dedoplistskaro, Eagle Gorge Canyon
Day 5 - Vashlovani National Park
Day 6 - Chachuna Nature Reserve, Dali Reservoir and mud volcanoes
Day 7 - David Gareja Monastery, Krtsanisi Forest and transfer to Tbilisi
Day 8 - Kojori Forest and the Javakheti Lakes
Day 9 - Vardzia cave city and Khanchali Lake
Day 10 - Return to Tbilisi: Kumisi Lake and farewell dinner
Day 11 - Transfer to Tbilisi International Airport
End of the tour
Accommodation for all days in a double room (single room supplement of 240 euros)
All ground transportation
All daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Entrance fees to estates, nature reserves, and national parks
Icaro Birding Experience guide: Luis Mario Arce
Local guides
Personal travel insurance
Georgia bird checklist
Shared list with eBird users
International flights
Minibar consumption and room laundry services
Personal expenses and phone calls
Extra drinks during meals
Cancellation insurance
Anything not expressly specified in the “What’s included?” section
OTHER ASPECTS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING THE TOUR
The start times of each day will generally take advantage of the early morning hours in order to make the most of the day.
Some transfers between different areas may be long, but there will always be short stops to use the bathroom, stretch the legs, and, in passing, observe some birds.
We will always travel by minibus and, on occasion, also by 4x4 vehicle, with ample luggage capacity.
Our walks will be easy, even in mountainous areas. Practically all bird surveys will be carried out along dirt tracks.
Our tour will take place during the spring season, and therefore the weather will be mild, except in high mountain areas where temperatures will be lower.
All hotels and accommodations have electricity, private bathrooms, and hot water.
In general, Wi-Fi will be available in all accommodations, although sometimes only in common areas.
Meals will usually be taken in restaurants, hotels, or lodges, but also in the field or during excursions.
On some nights we will carry out short night outings to observe raptors and nocturnal mammals.
LUGGAGE AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that each person brings a backpack to carry optical equipment (binoculars, cameras, etc.) and a suitcase for clothing and other personal items.
We also recommend never checking in the backpack containing optical equipment to avoid unnecessary loss or damage.
Clothing should generally be light to avoid heat, although it is advisable to always bring long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to avoid insects. It is also necessary to bring clothing for colder temperatures, especially in mountain areas early in the morning and late in the day.
It is important to bring suitable footwear for walking on dirt terrain.
Power outlets in the Caucasus are the same as ours, type C, meaning two round pins (the same as in Europe).
If you have any questions, just send us an email at info@birdingicaro.com.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The currency in Georgia is the Georgian lari (GEL), and its current exchange rate is 1 euro = 2.8 GEL.
Currency exchange can be done upon arrival at Tbilisi airport, either at exchange offices or ATMs with a credit card.
There is no need to declare any form for bringing in foreign currency amounts below the equivalent of 10,000 euros.
DOCUMENTATION
No visa is required.
It is very important to carry a valid passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of entry into the country.
RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
To reserve a place, you must first pre-register on the website by filling out the form and following the indicated steps.
Once you receive the reply email, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and passport number to arrange personal travel insurance, and make an initial payment of 500 euros by bank transfer to the account provided in the email.
The account holder should be listed as Icaro Birding Experience SL, and your full name must be included as the payment reference.
Once this initial payment has been made (and not before), your place will be fully confirmed.
The remaining balance of xxx euros as the second payment, or if you choose a single room adding the 240-euro supplement, must be transferred to the same bank account before the departure of the tour, when the organizers indicate.
Cancellations must always be communicated in writing, either by email or any other means.
For more information, please consult the cancellation policy set out in the website regulations.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING FLIGHTS
As soon as the minimum number of participants required to run the tour has been reached, a notification will be sent to proceed with booking the flights. If any participant purchases flights before receiving this confirmation from us, Icaro Birding Experience S.L. will not be responsible for the cost of those flights in the event of the tour being cancelled. The tour will begin at Tbilisi International Airport and will also end at the same Tbilisi Airport.
Aeropuerto Internacional de Tbilisi TBS
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