The source of the Mzymta is in Lake Verkhny Kardyvach in Western Caucasus, at the height of 2,980 metres (9,780 ft).

The Mzymta flows in a narrow valley through Lake Kardyvach and forms several waterfalls, the biggest of which is Izumrudny (Emerald), 15 metres (49 ft).

Downstream of Lake Kardyvach, the river flows west and enters Sochi National Park.

In Esto-Sadok and Krasnaya Polyana the Mzymta flows through the first urban area, where some of the events of the 2014 Winter Olympics took place.

The Mzymta enters the Black Sea in Adler, where the rest of the Winter Olympics took place.