Madatapa Lake
Lake Shallow Georgian lake important for birdlife and flamingos
A highland lake in Samtskhe-Javakheti noted for wetlands and migrating waterfowl. Visitors come for birdwatching, fishing and drives across the plateau’s volcanic landscape.
Madatapa Lake is a shallow highland lake on the Javakheti plateau in Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region. It is notable as an important waterbird habitat on the plateau.
The lake is a natural feature of the volcanic Javakheti plateau and has been used locally for grazing, seasonal fishing and traditional land uses by nearby communities.
Madatapa lies on the Javakheti volcanic plateau in southern Georgia, within Samtskhe-Javakheti, close to the border area with Armenia and surrounded by upland steppe and pasture.
- Birdlife importance: An internationally important wetland for waterbirds, particularly known for supporting Dalmatian pelicans and other migratory species during breeding and migration seasons.
Tips for Visiting Madatapa Lake #
- Visit in autumn and winter migration seasons when the shallow lake attracts large numbers of waterbirds and gives the best birdwatching opportunities.
- Approach via Akhalkalaki or nearby regional roads and allow extra travel time - local rural roads can be rough and signage is sparse, so plan your route ahead.
- Bring binoculars and use elevated shore points or small hides where available - much of the interest at Madatapa is from the lake edge rather than long hikes, and shoreline vantage points yield the best views of concentrations of birds.
Best Time to Visit Madatapa Lake #
Late spring to early autumn is generally best for wildlife and comfortable conditions at Madatapa Lake; winters are cold and often ice-covered.
Weather & Climate near Madatapa Lake #
Madatapa Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (691 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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