Makhuntseti Waterfall

The Makhuntseti waterfall drops around thirty metres over a rock face in a side valley off the Adjaristsqali river inland from Batumi, into a pool that people swim in through the summer, and it is reached in a few minutes from the road. What makes the stop worth more than the fall alone is the bridge a short distance away: a single stone arch thrown across the river without mortar, of the medieval Adjaran type traditionally associated with the reign of Queen Tamar, still standing and still walked across. Wine and honey are sold at stalls along the road, and the valley continues up toward Keda and the Goderdzi pass.

What you actually see

• A thirty-metre waterfall - the drop into its pool beside the road.
• The medieval arched bridge - a mortarless single span over the river.
• Roadside wine and honey stalls - the local trade along the valley.
• The Adjaristsqali valley - the route inland toward Keda.

When to go

May to October; the fall is strongest in spring and swimming is possible in summer. Half a day from Batumi. Weekends are busy with day trippers.

Honest expectations

It is small and takes twenty minutes; the visit is really about the drive and the bridge. Rocks around the pool are slippery. The site is crowded on summer weekends and the stalls are pushy. There are no real facilities.

Nearby

Keda is up the valley; Batumi lies west.