# Makhuntseti Waterfall near Batumi > Makhuntseti Waterfall is a cascade of **around 50 metres** in the hills of Adjara, at the village of Zeda Makhuntseti, roughly 30 km inland from Batumi. It is **free** and open all year, day and night. An hour on site is plenty; with the drive and the medieval **Queen Tamar Bridge** across the road, it makes a half-day trip. Get there by minibus 77 from Batumi's old bus station, by taxi or on a tour. Web page: https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/makhuntseti-waterfall - City: [Batumi](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi), Georgia - YesGo score: 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 1 h - Opening hours: Open all year, any time — a natural site with no ticket office - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Free - Open: All year, no ticket office, no closing day - Height: About 50 m; the main visible drop is about 30 m - Location: Zeda (Upper) Makhuntseti, Keda Municipality, ≈ 30 km from Batumi - Minibus: No. 77 Batumi–Keda from the old bus station; 40–60 min; unofficially 1.5–3 GEL, cash - Taxi: 40–50 min; unofficially ≈ 30–40 GEL each way - Road to falls: ≈ 5-minute walk along a path - Queen Tamar Bridge: Across the road, ≈ 400–500 m away - Payment: Visa and Mastercard work widely in Batumi; the minibus, stalls and most cafés here take lari cash - Coordinates: 41.57494, 41.85831 - Facts checked: 30.10.2026 ## Key facts - **≈ 50 m** — tall — the highest and best-known waterfall in Adjara (source: Georgian National Tourism Administration (Georgia.travel); Visit Batumi; Georgian Wikipedia) - **Free** — to visit, with no gate or ticket office (source: Madloba.info; Tonkosti; Sputnik8) - **≈ 30 km** — from Batumi on the road to Keda and Khulo (source: Visit Batumi; Madloba.info) - **335 m** — above sea level (source: Georgian Wikipedia; Visit Batumi) - **Adjaristsqali** — the mountain river whose valley the falls drop into (source: Georgian Wikipedia; Visit Batumi) - **Keda** — the municipality that Zeda Makhuntseti belongs to (source: Georgian Wikipedia; Visit Batumi) - **5 minutes** — on foot from the main road to the pool (source: Georgia.travel; Georgia.to) - **Minibus 77** — runs from Batumi's old bus station towards Keda (source: Madloba.info; Georgian Holidays (Keda, Shuakhevi and Khulo minibuses); Tonkosti) - **≈ 6 m** — height of the Queen Tamar Bridge arch above the water (source: Georgian Wikipedia; Georgian Holidays; Sputnik8) - **Spring** — is peak flow: April to early June (source: Madloba.info; Sputnik8) ## How to get to Makhuntseti Waterfall from Batumi 1. From Europe Square, head to **Batumi's old bus station** — about 2 km across the old town, 25–30 minutes on foot or 5–10 minutes by taxi. You'll see the address given as 1 Mayakovsky Street or 1 Severian Achareli Street. 2. Board **minibus (marshrutka) 77 Batumi–Keda**; the windscreen sign reads "Keda" or "ქედა". Minibuses towards Shuakhevi and Khulo use the same road and work too. 3. There's no marked stop: tell the driver "Makhuntseti waterfall" when you get on. The ride takes 40–60 minutes; pay the driver in cash — unofficially 1.5–3 GEL. 4. From the road it's about a **5-minute walk** to the foot of the falls. Queen Tamar Bridge is across the road, another 400–500 m. 5. **Taxi**: Bolt works in Batumi and takes 40–50 minutes from the centre, unofficially about 30–40 GEL each way. Ask the driver to wait — finding a ride back from the valley is harder. 6. **Back to Batumi**: flag the minibus on the same road by the bridge, and ask the driver on the way out what time the last one returns — it changes with the season. ## What is Makhuntseti Waterfall? Makhuntseti is the tallest and most visited waterfall in Adjara, the region around Batumi. A small stream drops off a cliff above the **Adjaristsqali river** at the village of Zeda (Upper) Makhuntseti, in Keda Municipality, 335 metres above sea level, and lands in a wide pool surrounded by forest. Height figures vary. Georgia's National Tourism Administration, Visit Batumi and Georgian Wikipedia say **about 50 metres**; other guides give anything from 30 to 48. Stand at the bottom and the reason is obvious: the main column you see is roughly 30 metres, with upper ledges adding the rest. It's an easy stop rather than a hike. A short path leads from the highway to the pool, and the roadside is lined with cafés, grills and stalls selling mountain honey, churchkhela and chacha. That, plus a direct minibus, is why it is the classic half-day escape from Batumi — and the one Adjaran waterfall you can reach without a car. ## Is there an entrance fee, and when is it open? There is **no entrance fee** and no gate: the falls are a natural site, open every day of the year at any hour. You only spend money on transport, food and souvenirs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Batumi, but out here plan on **Georgian lari in cash** — the minibus driver, the honey stalls and most cafés by the road want cash. Daylight is the practical limit. The path and the rocks round the pool are wet and unlit, and the time of the last minibus back to Batumi shifts with the season, so aim to be on your way back before dark. ## Queen Tamar Bridge Across the road, 400–500 metres from the falls, a single stone arch spans the Adjaristsqali. Locals call it **Queen Tamar Bridge** (officially Makhuntseti Bridge). It has no piers and no railings; the arch rises about 6 metres above the water, it's roughly 25 metres long and about 2 metres wide at the crown. Its age is debated. Georgia's National Tourism Administration and Madloba date it to the 9th–10th centuries; Visit Batumi and Georgian Holidays say the 12th. Tamar's name is tradition — many arched bridges in mountain Adjara are linked to her reign. What is certain is that it's medieval and has survived centuries of earthquakes. You can walk over it, but the hump is steep and unfenced, so hold children's hands. In summer there is often a small sandy bank below, the best spot for a photo of the whole arch. ## Can you swim at Makhuntseti Waterfall? Yes — people take a dip in the pool at the base from **June to September**, but the water is cold even in a heatwave and the rocks are slippery. Don't jump in: the depth is uneven. Bring water shoes if you have them, and a dry bag for your phone, because spray reaches well beyond the pool. For the best flow, come in **spring (April to early June)** or after heavy rain. Summer means less water but swimming weather; autumn is the quietest, with the valley turning gold. Summer weekends bring tour coaches, so arrive before 10–11 am or on a weekday. ## What to see and photograph - **The pool at the base** — shoot from the rocks to fit the whole cascade in. - **The viewpoint at the end of the path** — the falls framed by greenery. - **Queen Tamar Bridge from the riverbank** — the arch with the mountains behind; softest light in the morning. - **The Adjaristsqali valley** — sit on the right side of the minibus heading out for gorge views. - **Roadside stalls** — mountain honey, churchkhela, homemade wine and chacha to take back. > **Ask about the last minibus first** Minibus 77 carries on to Keda and only stops at the falls on request. When you board in Batumi, ask the driver when the **last minibus back** passes Makhuntseti. Timetables shift with the season, and after it's gone you'll be relying on a taxi from a mountain valley. ## Is Makhuntseti Waterfall worth it? Worth it if you have more than two days in Batumi and want a taste of the mountains without a long drive: half a day, a cheap minibus, free entry and a medieval bridge next door. It also works well with kids, since there's almost no walking. Skip it if you have just one day in Batumi or you've already seen big waterfalls elsewhere — it's a striking but short stop, with little to do after an hour. In that case a guided mountain Adjara tour, where Makhuntseti is one of several stops along with wine or honey tasting, gives you more for the time. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Lari in cash for the minibus, honey and cafés - [ ] Shoes with grip for wet rocks - [ ] Swimsuit and towel in summer - [ ] Waterproof pouch for your phone - [ ] Asked the driver about the last minibus back - [ ] Half a day blocked out, including the ride ## Makhuntseti, the Botanical Garden or Gonio? | | Makhuntseti Waterfall | Botanical Garden | Gonio Fortress | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | What it is | Waterfall and medieval bridge in the hills | Subtropical garden above the sea | Roman and Byzantine fortress | | Where | ≈ 30 km inland | 9 km north, Green Cape | ≈ 12 km south, near the Turkish border | | Entry | Free | 25 GEL for foreign visitors | Paid ticket | | Time needed | Half a day with travel, ≈ 1 hour on site | 3 hours to half a day | 1–2 hours | | Effort | 5-minute path | Steep paths | Flat | | Best for | Nature, mountains, a summer dip | Plants and sea views | History | Makhuntseti is the only one of the three that takes you into the mountains. For nature by the sea, pick the [Botanical Garden](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-botanical-garden); for history, [Gonio Fortress](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/gonio-fortress). ## More water and nature around Batumi Places by the water around Batumi, scored by YesGo. - [Ali and Nino statue](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/ali-and-nino) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free - [Batumi Dancing Fountains](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-dancing-fountains) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free - [Batumi Boulevard](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-boulevard) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free - [Makhuntseti Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/makhuntseti-waterfall) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free ## A Batumi day: waterfall in the morning, sea at night Falls and bridge in the morning, back to town after lunch for the seafront, the Ali and Nino statue and the dancing fountains. Add it to your route — YesGo will set the times and walks. 1. [Makhuntseti Waterfall](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/makhuntseti-waterfall) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free 2. [Batumi Boulevard](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-boulevard) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free 3. [Ali and Nino statue](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/ali-and-nino) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free 4. [Batumi Dancing Fountains](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-dancing-fountains) — YesGo score 42/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free ## Don't confuse Makhuntseti Waterfall isn't in Batumi itself but in the hills of Keda Municipality. It's also not one of the famous canyon waterfalls of western Georgia — Kinchkha, Okatse or Martvili are in Imereti and Samegrelo, several hours away. And Queen Tamar Bridge is one of many old arched bridges in Adjara; this is simply the best known. ## Tips - See the falls first, then the bridge — the minibus back is easiest to flag by the bridge. - Buy honey and churchkhela on the way out so you're not carrying them to the pool. - In summer, arrive before noon to beat the tour groups. - Back in town, catch sunset on [Batumi Boulevard](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-boulevard) and end the evening at the [dancing fountains](https://yesgo.io/georgia/batumi/batumi-dancing-fountains). - Don't jump into the pool or off the bridge: the depth is uneven and the rocks are slick. - If you'd rather not deal with minibuses, a half-day guided tour often adds wine or honey tasting in a mountain village. ## Questions ### How do I get to Makhuntseti Waterfall from Batumi? Take minibus 77 (Batumi–Keda) from the old bus station: 40–60 minutes, unofficially 1.5–3 GEL in cash. Ask the driver to stop at the falls. A taxi takes 40–50 minutes. ### Is there an entrance fee? No. The falls are free and have no ticket office — you only pay for transport, food and souvenirs. ### How tall is Makhuntseti Waterfall? About 50 metres according to Georgia's National Tourism Administration and Visit Batumi; the main visible drop is around 30 metres. ### How far is Queen Tamar Bridge from the waterfall? Just across the road, 400–500 metres away. Everyone sees both on the same trip. ### Can you swim at the waterfall? People take a dip in the pool from June to September, but the water is very cold and the rocks are slippery. Don't jump. ### How long do you need there? About an hour for the falls and the bridge; half a day including the round trip from Batumi. ### When is the best time to visit? Spring for the strongest flow, summer for swimming, autumn for quiet. Go in the morning or on a weekday. ### Is it open in winter? Yes. It's a natural site with no gate, open all year; in winter the path is wetter and some cafés close. ### Can I pay by card? Cards work widely in Batumi, but the minibus, the stalls and most cafés at the falls take lari cash only. ### Is Makhuntseti Waterfall worth visiting? Yes if you have two or more days in Batumi and want an easy taste of the mountains. On a one-day visit, the city's own sights are a better use of time. ## How we checked The falls have no official website or ticket office, so free entry and year-round access were checked against Georgia's National Tourism Administration and three independent guides. Height figures range from 30 to 50 m: we lead with about 50 m (National Tourism Administration, Visit Batumi, Georgian Wikipedia) and note Madloba's 30 m as the main visible drop. The bridge's date differs between sources (9th–10th or 12th century), so we show both; its length is given as 20, 24 and 29 m, so we say about 25, while the 6 m arch height is confirmed by three sources. Minibus (1.5–3 GEL) and taxi (30–40 GEL) fares are unofficial guidebook figures — the operator doesn't publish them. The distance from Europe Square to the bus station was measured on OpenStreetMap. ## Sources - Georgian National Tourism Administration, Georgia.travel: "Makhuntseti Waterfall" — height, path from the road, open all year, bridge - Visit Batumi: "Makhuntseti Waterfall" — height, 335 m elevation, Keda Municipality, 30 km from Batumi - Georgian Wikipedia: "Makhuntseti Waterfall" and "Makhuntseti Bridge"; Wikidata Q20577326 and Q25543505 - Madloba.info: "Minibus 77 Batumi–Keda" (updated 24.09.2026), "Waterfalls of Adjara", "Makhuntseti waterfall: how to get there" - Georgian Holidays: "Makhuntseti Waterfall" — height, minibuses, bridge - Georgia.to: "Makhuntseti Waterfall" — path, travel time - Tonkosti (Russian travel guide): "Makhuntseti Waterfall and Queen Tamar Bridge" — minibus, taxi, distance to the bridge - Sputnik8: "Makhuntseti Waterfall and Bridge" — minibus, bridge dimensions, seasons --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. 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