Rafting on the Rioni: Oni-Ambrolauri

Location

Racha is an immensely beautiful region of northern Georgia, full of natural and cultural delights, enchanting folklore, and scrumptious food. Its main towns are Oni and Ambrolauri.

River

The Rioni runs for 327 kilometers and flows exclusively through Georgia. As the country’s mightiest river, its source is on Mount Pasi, on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, and it flows down to the town of Poti, on the Black Sea.

Route

The route starts in Oni, which is located 830 meters above sea level, and ends in the town of Ambrolauri, 550 meters above sea level. The route is 26 kilometers long, and takes two hours and 20 minutes to complete.

The minimum age for rafting on this route is 18.

Difficulty and Season

The route falls under category 4 in spring – in this season, the current of the river is fast and harsh, and there are rapids, “stoppers,” and holes. It is slightly gentler in summer, at category 3, with the flow of the river being fast and comprising moderately complex rapids and holes.

Safety

• Boat

Rafting is done using special boats with six or eight seats.

• Equipment 

You will be provided with a lifejacket and a helmet on board the boat. Moreover, it is recommended to wear closed sports shoes, a long-sleeved thermal shirt, and pants or shorts, which will not become heavy when wet. 

For Beginners

There will be a professional instructor on the boat. Listen to their instructions about safety and technical details carefully throughout the whole trip.

You are not required to know how to swim.

• Useful information

You can pay in cash on location.