About this tour
When Ngaio from the crew booked this private hike, we got dropped straight into Mtirala National Park's ancient subtropical forest—lush, moody, and gloriously quiet. A quick 4x4 drive from Batumi's beachfront chaos gets you there, then you're on foot through the Chestnut trail with a licensed guide, stopping at a mountain lake and a proper waterfall. The whole thing runs 5–6 hours at a pace that suits you, not a tour group. It's proper forest—moss, ferns, cool air—and a world away from the coast.
Highlights
- Lake swim mid-hike if you visit in summer months
- Waterfall as the final payoff after steady forest walking
- 4x4 vehicle ride through park interior with photo stops
- Licensed guide who knows the trails and local shortcuts
- Mountain coffee break overlooking the lake, not rushed
- Subtropical forest so thick you forget the seaside exists
- Trekking poles supplied—saves your knees on descent
- Suitable for fitness levels from moderate to strong
What to expect
You'll meet your guide in Batumi and ride inland in an air-conditioned 4x4, climbing into the park's verdant core within minutes. The driving section includes a few stops to shoot photos and catch your breath—the landscape shifts fast from beach town to genuine old-growth forest. Once you're on the Chestnut trail proper, you're hiking steadily uphill through ferns and moss, with the guide setting a pace that works for your group size (it's private, so just you and yours).
Around halfway, you'll hit the lake—proper enough to wade or swim if it's summer and warm enough. This is where the coffee break happens, no rushing. Then it's onwards to the waterfall, which sits in a clearing and genuinely impresses. The hike back is downhill but still steady; your legs will know they've worked. The whole day feels remote, even though you're close to civilisation.
What travellers say
- Private tour means no crowd rhythm, just your pace
- Certified guide navigates trails confidently, knows shortcuts
- Lake swim opportunity in summer months breaks up hiking
- Trekking poles included saves knees on steep descent
- Subtropical forest feels genuinely remote near a city
- Coffee break at the lake, not a rushed pit-stop
- Lunch not provided—plan food before or pack snacks
- Steady uphill hiking; not a casual stroll for all fitness
- Mist and rain obscure views; weather-dependent experience
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a proper escape from Batumi's beachfront hubbub. The private setup means no tour-group crowding, no set lunch stops eating into your time, and a guide who adjusts pace to you. The forest itself is lush and cool year-round, so it's a solid call on hot days. Summer adds the lake-swim option. Trekking poles are included, which matters on the descent.
You'll do genuine hiking—the trail climbs steadily and your legs will feel it. Lunch isn't provided, so pack snacks or eat before you leave Batumi. Early start is likely (drives from town happen best in morning). The park can get misty, which is atmospheric but limits photo clarity. Bring proper walking shoes and expect muddy sections after rain. Not for young kids or anyone uneasy on uneven ground. Summer is busier; shoulder seasons quieter. The cable car and zip-line are separate add-ons, not included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.