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Description
Though one of many lakes on the Javakheti Plateau Madatapa Lake should not be skipped when visiting this area. Like Khanchali Lake to the Northwest, Madatapa is quite shallow which provides good foraging locations for many species. During autumn thousands of Glavata Patka, Kržulja, Patka Žličarka and Liska use the area for staging. Prutka Migavica, Krivokljuna Prutka, Pršljivac and Crnokrila Prutka use the edges and shores of Madatapa for foraging. Ružičasti nesit and Kudravi nesit regularly forage here and there have been sightings of Sivoglava sultanka. The first Bijela lunja and Pacific Golden Plover for Georgia were found here.
Details
Access
You can reach Madatapa Lake by travelling from Ninotsminda to the Southeast, towards the Armenian border. You'll cross several interesting looking small villages like Gorelovka and Epremovka. After Epremovka Madatapa will be visible on the left (East) side of the road. Just after a small wooded area you can park the car and walk 400m towards an elevated hide. The path towards this hide is accessible with a 4x4 too. A viewpoint that is accessible for wheelchair users can be found by driving through the village of Zhdanovakani and follow the road that leads South on the shore of the lake. Just 600m Southeast of the last house you can get an excellent view of the lake. Another viewpoint can be found in the village of Sameba, just South of the lake.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , LakeConditions
Wet , FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
This area is home to a group of native Russians called the Doukhobors. The Doukhobors were exiled here in the 19th century. The Doukhobors had a particular style of architecture of which some houses still remain in this area. Especially a house in Gorelovka is in good condition and worth a stop on the way to Madatapa Lake. Look for turquoise doors on the East side of the road in the center of Gorelovka.