HIDDEN GARDEN OF MAÇKA’S NATURE

From the mountain ranges of Maçka, the Değirmendere River flows and meets the sea in Trabzon, forming a rich basin nourished by the steep valleys of the Meryamana, Zigana, and Galyan streams. This unique region, with its aligned mountains and green highlands, offers a distinctive flora and fauna, vibrant wildlife, and the serene beauty of the glacial crater lake (Çakıl Lake), fed by the Deveboynu Glacier at an altitude of 3,082 meters.
The area is also home to historical treasures such as ancient castles (Ğurğur Castle, Livera Castle, Aşağı Kale), sacred temples (Ziyanın Kayası), renowned monasteries (Vazelon, Sumela, Kuştul), churches, chapels, and arched stone bridges (Kınalı Bridge, Maçka Bridge, Taş Bridge). Additionally, war trenches, historical architecture (mosques, mansions), old paths (Anabasis, the Priest’s Road), mythological stories, the traditional sound of the kemençe, local architecture, cultural festivals, and enduring traditions all enrich this remarkable landscape.
With a sustainable eco-tourism approach, this natural haven offers visitors local flavors, accommodation options, caravan and tent camping, and various outdoor activities—making it not just a destination, but a sanctuary for the soul.

We are nature lovers and strive to keep our love and awareness of nature alive by living in harmony with it in the simplest way, blending this bond with our own cultural values. Our efforts come from a deep desire to repay our debt to nature.
We do not promise comfort. We promise challenge. Our purpose is to remove you from noisy and stressful environments and reconnect you with nature. We believe that true service quality does not come from luxurious settings, expensive systems, or excessive equipment, but from simplicity and sincerity.
Children are our future. If we truly want to protect nature, we know that planting trees or dedicating ourselves alone is not enough. We want to introduce our children to nature, help them know it, love it, and grow up to protect it.

Respect for people and nature:
No matter the culture, civilization, race, or philosophical belief, it brings us happiness to see individuals who have embraced respect for the environment and camping rules coming together in harmony, united in the color of peace.
Our favorite job is to interpret and share nature in its original form, using the knowledge we have gained over time.
We aim to make sustainable the integration of forgotten life techniques, starting from the most primitive methods, into today’s eco-tourism.

Knowing that the path to providing the refreshing taste of water drunk after a long day and the deliciousness of food eaten with hunger is a difficult one, we have embarked on this journey to address this gap in our region. We offer all these experiences to those who wish to meet in the calm and peaceful embrace of nature.
In order to sustain eco-tourism, we generate our energy from the sun and wind as part of our environmental mission. Therefore, we kindly ask you to use electricity efficiently.
We value the sustainability of our camp, where you can fully experience the beauty nature offers in a peaceful atmosphere. We believe this can only be achieved with respect for both people and nature.

THE ROAD OF THE ANABASIS

The Road of Anabasis (also known as The Return Route of the Ten Thousand) stretches approximately 40 kilometers from Maçka to Tekes Hill (İskobel). Starting in Maçka, the trail takes you through cobblestone Livera roads and stone-walled alleys, where you can walk among historic castles, chapels, churches, mansions, traditional houses, granaries, stone mills, and fountains. After passing the village center, the route winds along the slopes of dense spruce forests, revealing spring waters, forest meadows, highland pastures with traditional houses at altitudes reaching 1,800 meters, and panoramic views that touch the heart of local culture and architecture.

As you gaze upon the Sumela Monastery (Meryamana) from across the valley, the mystical depths of history come to life in your imagination. This ancient path, with its captivating beauty in every season and sweeping views over valleys, offers not only a soulful connection with nature in its purest form but also endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. With a history spanning 2,500 years, it is truly a journey through time.

The Anabasis Route also serves as a tourism corridor, connecting to other key attractions in the region—such as Kuştul Monastery, Sumela Monastery, the ruins of Santa, and Çakıl Lake Glacier—via hiking trails. Group trekking and off-road safari tours can be safely organized under suitable weather conditions with the guidance of our experienced local guides.

Trekking (Nature Walks):
Livera Camp, located along the historic ANABASIS Route, offers short and long trails suitable for all ages, guided by experts who know the area well. These trails through spruce forests allow you to safely enjoy the serenity of nature.
We recommend bringing appropriate clothing and gear (Waterproof Hiking Boots, Rain Jacket, Gaiters, Trekking Poles, etc.).

Paragliding:
Fly safely with our certified pilots and enjoy the thrill of soaring above Maçka, absorbing its historical atmosphere and seasonal beauty from a bird’s-eye view. For paragliding pilots, take-off and landing zones are available between 400 and 2,500 meters.

Photo Safari:
Capture the timeless beauty of Sumela Monastery from above, explore architectural treasures from various historical periods, and photograph the lush valleys shaped by centuries of rainfall, wild nature, the distant Black Sea on the horizon, and clouds beneath your feet.

Birdwatching:
Observe and photograph migratory birds passing through the region as well as local bird species unique to the area.

Fishing:
Experience the joy of catching red-spotted trout in the crystal-clear streams running through the untouched forest valleys, where colorful pebbles line the riverbeds.

Survival in Nature:
If you’re ready to forage for your own food and spend the night deep in the forest, we can organize survival activities as part of a guided program.