Georgia's Most Beautiful Waterfalls: Where to Go by Car
Makhuntseti Waterfall Near Batumi
Makhuntseti Waterfall is located in Adjara and makes a great day trip from Batumi.
The waterfall falls from a height of approximately 50 meters, and the waterfall itself is just a few minutes' walk from the road. The famous Queen Tamar Arched Bridge is nearby, making it easy to see both attractions in one trip.
By car, it's especially convenient to travel here from Batumi: you can continue your journey through mountainous Adjara towards Keda and Khulo.
Kinchkha is one of Georgia's most impressive waterfalls.
Kinchkha Waterfall, also known as the Great Okatse Waterfall, is located in Imereti near the Okatse Canyon.
It is a massive multi-level cascade amidst high limestone cliffs and dense forest. The highest of the main cascades reaches approximately 70 meters.
Kinchkha is easily combined with a visit to the Okatse Canyon, and if traveling by car, also with the Martvili Canyon.
Martvili - Canyon, Waterfalls, and Turquoise Water
Martvili Canyon is one of the most popular natural sites in western Georgia.
Here, the Abasha River flows between green cliffs, creating small waterfalls and turquoise pools. You can walk along a designated trail through the canyon, or, if the weather is favorable, take a boat ride.
Getting here by car is especially convenient. Georgia's official tourism portal explicitly lists driving as the fastest and only direct way to reach Martvili Canyon. The drive from Kutaisi takes approximately 1–1.5 hours, and from Batumi, about 2.5 hours under normal conditions.
Oniore – for those seeking adventure
If you've already seen the popular tourist spots, you can head to Oniore Waterfall near Martvili.
This isn't a simple roadside stop, but a short journey. The car is parked near the start of the route, after which part of the journey is on foot through forest and mountainous terrain. A local guide is recommended for more challenging sections.
This route is well suited for those who want to combine driving with hiking.
Is it possible to see several waterfalls in one day?
Yes, and that's why a rental car is the most convenient way to explore Georgia's natural attractions.
For example, from Kutaisi, you could plan a route:
Kutaisi → Okatse Canyon → Kinchkha Waterfall → Martvili Canyon → Kutaisi.
And from Batumi, you could go:
Batumi → Makhuntseti → Queen Tamar Bridge → Keda → mountainous Adjara.
By public transport, such routes would require transfers and a taxi. By car, you choose your departure time, the length of your stops, and can change your route along the way.
Which car to choose
For Makhuntseti, Martvili, and most popular attractions, a regular car or crossover is suitable in good weather.
If you plan to travel deeper into the mountains, travel in winter, or seek out less touristy waterfalls, it's more convenient to choose an SUV or a car with good ground clearance.
Before traveling to mountainous areas, it's always worth checking the weather forecast and road conditions.
Rent a car for your trip around Georgia
On Cartome.ge, you can find a car for your trip around Georgia and instantly check availability for your desired dates.
You choose your rental dates, view available cars, and pre-select a car for a specific route—from a trip to Makhuntseti from Batumi to a longer trip through Imereti, Samegrelo, and Georgia's mountainous regions.
Traveling by car offers the greatest advantage: freedom. You don't have to fit in with a tour group: if you like a place, you stop, if you find a beautiful road, you turn off, if you want to spend an extra hour at a waterfall, you just stay.
This is exactly how Georgia should be explored.
Frequently asked questions about waterfalls in Georgia
Which waterfall in Georgia is the best one to visit first?
If you're in Batumi, it's a good idea to start with Makhuntseti Waterfall. If you're traveling from Kutaisi, a good option is the route through Okatse Canyon, Kinchkha, and Martvili.
Is it possible to reach Georgia's waterfalls in a regular car?
Popular destinations such as Makhuntseti, Martvili Canyon, and Kinchkha are usually accessible by car in good weather. For mountain roads, winter travel, and less touristy routes, a crossover or SUV is better.
Do you need all-wheel drive to visit waterfalls?
Not always. All-wheel drive isn't necessary for most popular routes in the summer. However, in winter, after heavy rains, or when traveling in mountainous areas, an AWD or 4x4 will be significantly more convenient.
Which waterfall is closest to Batumi?
One of the most popular options is Makhuntseti Waterfall in Adjara. It's easy to combine it with a visit to the Queen Tamar Arched Bridge and a further trip towards Keda and Khulo.