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Nature reserve
Artvin
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
NatureMaçahel, officially the Camili Basin, is a valley hidden at the foot of the Karçal Mountains in Borçka district of Artvin, right on the Georgian (Adjara) border. Under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, the basin was declared Turkey's first Biosphere Reserve on 29 June 2005, placing both its natural and cultural values under international protection.
Nature & Biodiversity
The roughly 27,152-hectare reserve spans an extraordinary elevation range, from 350 metres at Camili village to 3,414 metres at Karçal Peak. About 65 percent of the surface is forested; the Camili-Efeler (1,453 ha) and Camili-Gorgit (490.5 ha) nature protection areas, designated in 1998, shelter some of Europe's oldest temperate rainforests, with monumental old-growth stands almost untouched by human hands. Annual rainfall exceeding 1,500 mm creates a humid refuge for 990 plant taxa and 23 endemic species. Because the basin stayed isolated behind the mountains for centuries, it is the world's foremost gene centre for the genetically pure Caucasian honeybee (Apis mellifera caucasica); the organic honey produced here is the region's emblem, prized for both conservation value and income. It is also an important corridor for brown bear, roe deer, chamois, capercaillie and migratory raptors.
Culture & Settlement
Six villages (Camili, Efeler, Kayalar, Düzenli, Uğur and Maral) form a living cultural landscape built on timber granary architecture and guesthouse-based eco-tourism. Agencies favour Maçahel for its pristine nature, UNESCO prestige and the boutique appeal of limited, deliberately low-density access.
Visiting & Route
An average visit runs 4-6 hours as a day trip, but a 1-2 night stay is recommended to feel the valley's spirit. In guided programmes Maçahel is usually paired with Borçka Karagöl as a distinct nature-walk and beekeeping-experience day. Nearby highlights include the Maral (Şahankaya) Waterfall, the Gorgit relict forest, Borçka Karagöl Nature Park and central Artvin. Valley panoramas, timber granary houses and waterfalls are the strongest photo spots.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereAbout 20-25 km from Borçka, but 2-2.5 hours due to the rough, narrow road; the route runs via the Karagöl/Cankurtaran pass. Reached by private car or minibuses departing from Borçka. The road is mostly closed from November to April due to snow and landslides; the roughly 2,700-metre Maçahel Tunnel project aims to resolve winter access.
- ParkingCamili and the other villages have limited, unmarked open-air parking at village squares, in front of guesthouses and at visitor points; advance arrangements are recommended for large groups.
- Coach accessLarge tour coaches cannot enter the basin due to the narrow, steep and partly unpaved road; access must be by midibus, minibus or 4x4. Groups are usually transferred from large coaches to smaller vehicles in Borçka.
- AccessibilityDisabled access is very limited; forest trails, waterfall walks and village roads are uneven and unmaintained, unsuitable for wheelchairs. Access is largely limited to vehicle-reachable viewpoints and village squares.
- Photo spotsThe valley panorama facing the Karçal Mountains, timber granary village houses, the Maral (Şahankaya) Waterfall, the trails of the Gorgit relict forest and the beehive gardens are the strongest photo spots.
- Suggested routeOn the same-day route as Borçka Karagöl: morning at Karagöl, afternoon spent on the Camili villages and a Maral Waterfall nature walk combined with a beekeeping experience.
Nearby Places
Tours that include this place
Tours that include this placeNo published tour features this place just yet — but we can build one around you, with no obligation. AI Concierge
No published tour features this place just yet — but we can build one around you, with no obligation. 