Ajameti Managed Reserve, Nature reserve in Baghdati and Zestafoni Municipality, Georgia

Ajameti Managed Reserve covers 4,848 hectares, including 4,723 hectares of oak forest, 93 hectares of hornbeam and 23 hectares of oriental hornbeam. It consists of two blocks: Ajameti Mukhnari (3,742 ha) between the Kvirila and Khanistskali rivers, and Vartsikhe (1,106 ha) on the left bank of the Khanistskali. The canopy is dominated by Imeretian oak, with Caucasian zelkova groves and a 60-species dendroflora.

Ajameti was first established as a protected area in 1935, covering 4,848 hectares. The Vartsikhe forest massif, 1,106 hectares on the left bank of the Khanistskali, was added in 1946 to protect Tertiary relicts such as Imeretian oak and Caucasian zelkova. The reserve is now a managed reserve.

The area sits near Vartsikhe, a settlement built atop ancient Rodopolis ruins, and Geguti, home to remains of a Georgian royal winter hunting lodge.

The reserve lies 15 km from Kutaisi, with two sectors: Ajameti Mukhnari between the Kvirila and Khanistskali rivers, and the Vartsikhe massif on the left bank of the Khanistskali. Access is from Baghdati and Zestaponi municipalities. Paths are unmarked; contact the reserve administration in advance for entry rules and a guide.

The oak groves are 120 to 200 years old, not over 250. The reserve also shelters a 1.5-hectare stand of Caucasian zelkova and the Hartvis oak, and its 60-species dendroflora includes the Imeretian oak and Pastukhov's ivy on Georgia's Red List.