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The beginning of the trail. Walking along the canal you will reach the observation tower (which was under construction in 2026)
We recommend that you have some kind of hiking shoes (not flip-flops), as the road can be dirty, especially after rains. While walking, you can already enjoy the fantastic view of the mountains.
If you come here by bike, you will have to leave it at the beginning of the journey, so you can only walk along the trail.
BIODIVERSITY
The Ispani Peatlands represent a pristine habitat untouched by human influence. This area is home to numerous rare plant species, many of which are unusual for Kobuleti. During avian migration seasons, these wetlands serve as a vital stopover site for resting birds.
Ten mammal species have been recorded in the Kobuleti Protected Areas. Along the canals and riverbanks lives a globally threatened species included in the IUCN Red List - the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Among small mammals and rodents, species such as the Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Least weasel (Mustela nivalis) are found here. Five amphibian species are recorded, including the Common toad (Bufo bufo) and the European green toad (Bufotes viridis). The ponds located within the modified secondary wetland meadows of Kobuleti Managed Reserve host the Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and the Northern banded newt (Ommatotriton vittatus). Ten reptile species are present, including the Dice snake (Natrix tessellata), Armenian lizard (Darevskia armeniaca), and sand lizard (Lacerta agilis).
Here, white moss, or sphagnum (Sphagnum) is found, where elements of Colchic flora grow alongside northern species. These include the long-blooming Yellow azalea (Rhododendron luteum), Pontic rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), and Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos). Thriving on the moss cushions are the Royal fern (Osmunda regalis), orchid and Caucasian beak-sedge (Rhynchospora caucasica). You will also find the rare inundated Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata) and the Colchic water-lily (Nymphaea colchica).
Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, Kobuleti Protected Areas are rich in nesting, migratory, and wintering birds. Countless birds can be observed here during spring and autumn. The tall wetland vegetation along the canals and ponds provides habitat for waterfowl, including various species of ducks, geese, and others. The surrounding forests offer shelter to nocturnal species, such as the Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). The Western marsh harrier also inhabits this area. In total, 276 species of nesting, migratory, and aquatic birds have been recorded here.
The same peat moss sphagnum
The Ispani bogs are covered in a moss carpet that absorbs 25 times its weight in water like a giant sponge. Unlike typical bogs, Ispani produces no methane or bad odors; instead, its living moss and peat layer actively capture and permanently store carbon dioxide.
Here is a wooden flooring path that forms a circle. The diagram says that it will take 1,5 hour to complete it, but in practice, an adult can complete it at a calm pace in about 30 minutes.
And yes, besides the silence, the wonderful view of the mountains is already in front of you.
In sunny weather, do not forget to bring a hat and water.
BIRDS
Kobuleti Protected Areas lie along the world's third-largest migratory corridor for birds of prey, used annually by thousands of birds for resting and wintering. In spring and autumn, Kobuleti's wetland ecosystems serve as one of the main .or birds migrating between Africa and Eurasia. For this reason, April and October are considered the ideal months for birdwatching.
The area provides opportunities to observe notable species such as Great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor), Lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor), Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), Woodchat shrike (Lanius senator), White stork (Ciconia ciconia), Great white egret (Egretta alba), and Grey heron (Ardea cinerea).
During the summer, the colorful European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a striking presence in the Ispani peatlands, where it arrives to breed. It feeds on a variety of insects, including bees, wasps, and flying ants - hence its alternative common name, "bee-eater."
The Hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a winter visitor to the region. Harriers possess unique hunting habits, gliding low and gracefully over the ground in search of young ducks and small mammals. During summer, they migrate north to construct their nests and raise their chicks.
Visitors to the area can also observe various species of ducks, geese, birds of prey (eagles, buzzards, harriers), and songbirds.
There is a trail map and signs, but by and large there is only one road, so you will not get lost in it.
Stunning mountain views, fresh air, peace and tranquility
FAUNA
Kobuleti Protected Areas represent one of Georgia's most unique wetland ecosystems. It encompasses the Ispani Peatlands (Ispani I and Ispani II), which are designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Kobuleti Protected Areas are particularly vital for migratory and breeding waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, wetland-dependent mammals, as well as rare species of fish and invertebrates.
Kobuleti Protected Areas lie along the world's third-largest migratory corridor for birds of prey, used annually by thousands of birds for resting and wintering. In spring and autumn, Kobuleti's wetland ecosystems serve as one of the main stopovers for birds migrating between Africa and Eurasia. For this reason, April and October are considered the ideal months for birdwatching.
The area provides opportunities to observe notable species such as Great grey shrike (Lanius excubitor), Lesser grey shrike (Lanius minor), Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), Woodchat shrike (Lanius senator), White stork (Ciconia ciconia), Great white egret (Egretta alba), and Grey heron (Ardea cinerea). Visitors to the area can also observe various species of ducks, geese, birds of prey (eagles, buzzards, harriers), and songbirds.
The main species inhabiting Kobuleti Protected Areas include the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Golden jackal (Canis aureus), European badger (Meles meles), European hare (Lepus europaeus), Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), and Coypu (Myocastor coypus). The otter is considered one of the best indicators of ecosystem health. Its presence signifies high water quality and abundant food resources.
The marshy environment provides ideal conditions for amphibians. Inhabiting this area are the Common toad (Bufo bufo), European green toad (Bufotes viridis), European tree frog (Hyla arborea), Pool frog (Pelophylax esculentus), and Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris). Amphibians play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.
Inhabiting the waters associated with the marshes and reservoirs are the Northern pike (Esox lucius), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), and Crucian carp (Carassius carassius).
Reptiles and amphibians represented here include the Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica), European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), Striped lizard (Lacerta strigata), European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus), Northern banded newt (Ommatotriton ophryticus), and the Slow worm (Anguis fragilis). Non-venomous snakes such as the Dice snake (Natrix tessellata) are also found in the area.
Kobuleti Protected Areas are considered one of the most vital ornithological and wetland conservation zones in Georgia.
FLORA
Kobuleti Protected Areas represent a unique natural complex in Georgia, characterised by its wetland ecosystems and peatland flora. The territory incorporates the Ispani I and Ispani II peatlands, which are recognised as wetlands of international importance and listed under the Ramsar Convention.
The vegetation cover of Kobuleti Protected Areas differs significantly from other regions of Georgia. It includes:
Extensive covers of sphagnum (peat) mosses;
Plants of northern (boreal) origin, preserved in Colchis since the Ice Age;
Colchic relict species;
Rare and endangered plant species.
The Kobuleti peatlands are exceptional as they serve as a refuge for plants surviving since the glacial epoch, store peat accumulated over thousands of years, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation, and represent one of the southernmost sphagnum peatlands in Europe and the Caucasus.
Sphagnum mosses form the foundation of Kobuleti peatlands. These plants retain vast amounts of water, form peat layers, and create a unique acidic environment where only specialised vegetation thrives. In some areas, sphagnum domes reach up to 4 meters in height
ISPANI PEATLANDS
The most important ecosystem of the Kobuleti Protected Areas is the living percolation peatlands. These peatlands date back to the ice age, where royal fern, yellow azalea and sedge flourish together with tundra-like northern species (sphagnum, rhynchospora, moor grass). These peatlands are considered to be the simplest type of wetlands globally and are classified as "ideal" types of wetlands because they are continuously supplied by atmospheric precipitation. These simplest wetlands form a transitional form between boreal and tropical wetlands, where peat formation continues today.
Sphagnum, like a sponge, absorbs water, it can absorb 25 times more atmospheric precipitation compared to its weight. It possesses the ability to filter absorbed water, which helps to balance excess water and serves as protection against floods. Furthermore, it absorbs excess minerals and pollutants (nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals) from surface groundwater and accumulates them in the peat layers. It also absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is why these peatlands are called "landscape filters."
Kobuleti's warm climate and abundance of precipitation create the best conditions for peatland vegetation, that's why sphagnum never stops growing here, and the process of peat formation continues uninterrupted.
KOBULETI PROTECTED AREAS
Kobuleti Protected Areas are located in Adjara, 2 km from the Black Sea coast. Spanning 782.7 hectares, they encompass the Kobuleti Strict Nature Reserve (316.4 ha) and the Kobuleti Managed Reserve (466.3 ha). Established in 1999, the protected areas aim to preserve unique wetland ecosystems of high international significance, which serve as vital habitats for waterfowl.
Kobuleti Protected Areas hold immense national and global importance. The territory is characterised by ancient living ecosystems, pristine nature, and ongoing evolutionary processes of flora and fauna.
Recognised as a wetland of international importance, the area has been protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1996. Furthermore, in 2021, alongside Kolkheti and Mtirala National Parks and Kintrishi Protected Areas, Kobuleti Protected Areas were inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List under the serial property "Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands."
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