As part of the Madatapa Managed Reserve, the lake holds the distinction of being a protected Ramsar site. One of the most important breeding and staging grounds for waterbirds in Georgia. The shallow Madatapa Lake is home to the endangered Dalmatian pelican. The lake’s plentiful population of Paravan common carp also makes it an important destination for fishing. The 885 hectare lake, at 2,108 meters in altitude, is located on the south-easten end of the Javakheti Plateau, near the Armenian border. Make it a day to remember by adding in a hike to the top of Madatapa Mountain, with picnic on the banks of the river, or a pleasant bike ride. It is located near Zhdanovi, within 5 km of the Armenian border.