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Stay safe in Georgia

Is Georgia a dangerous country? Quite the opposite, but still, safety issues shouldn't be understimated - the danger usually lurks where you the least expect it. The mountain rescue system is only being developed and phone coverage in remote mountain areas is virtually non-existent. Therefore, it's usually better to be self-sufficient.

During hiking in Georgia, one should watch out for several hazards. Some of them are relevant to any trekking trip, other's are more area-specific. Here is the short and incomplete list of troubles you can encounter.

Bears

Staple on the list of worries of hikers heading into the mountains, yet the real threat they pose (at least in Georgia) is often overestimated.

Hogweed plants

This invasive plant species, native to the Caucasus contains phototoxic juices that can cause nasty burns

Storms

There are not many things that command so much respect in the hearts of hikers as a nice, old-school thunderstorm. One can outwrestle a bear, escape from the roaring river, but the lightning? Boom and you are done.

Shepherd dogs

Shepherd´s dogs can be quite a nuisance, especially in eastern Georgia, where they protect flocks of sheep.

Snakes

Another, not so pleasant representatives of Georgian fauna. However, as with other animals, they will rather scare you than actually do some harm as they are shy and avoid humans whenever possible.

Crazy drivers

Not directly related to hiking but I still think it belongs here. Because, paradoxically, one of the most threatening things about hiking in Georgia is reaching the actual mountains.