work, but the reward is the feeling that you’ve really “mastered” the river. How a day on the water looks Rafting represents a genuine mini ritual. The day usually starts by gathering at the riverside campsite, where equip- ment is provided: helmet, life vest, wet- suit and paddle. Following a short brief- ing and meeting your guide, you are transported to the starting point. Every- one works as a team on the water. The commands are clear and you will quick- ly get into the rhythm. Breaks are made between the navigating of rapids to al- low participants to jump into the icy wa- ter, take photos or just soak up the seren- ity of the canyon. The completion of the descent is followed by the most beautiful part of the day: returning to the camp- site for lunch. This dining experience is often a serious affair: barbecued meats, homemade bread, curd cream, salads and, increasingly, excellent vegan options (grilled vegetables, baked beans, pies). The evening hours are reserved for music and fireside stories that always start with “do you remember those rapids...” for rafting: the river currents are strong, but not as extreme as in early spring; the weather is more stable and nature pro- vides full scenery. Water temperatures do remain low, but that only provides an ad- ditional feeling of freshness and adren- aline. Another plus is that there are no summer crowds. The camps are more re- laxed and the guides have more time to devote to their guests, while the whole adventure feels more personal, almost as if you’re part of a mini expedition. What you need to know The Tara isn’t only impressive visual- Why May is the ideal month May provides the perfect balance ly. It is also one of the last great European streams that remains almost complete- ly pristine. Its water is so clean that you can drink directly from the river in some places, while the water colour varies from turquoise to emerald, depending on the depth and light. The Tara River Canyon reaches a depth of up to 1,300 metres, making it is the world’s second deepest gorge after the Grand Canyon. Howev- er, unlike its American counterpart, here you find yourself inside the canyon, in
the water, as part of the landscape. The Drina has an almost mythical status around the region. Formed by the merging of the Piva and Tara rivers at the Šćepan Polje confluence, it has repre- sented a border and a bridge between cul- tures throughout history. It is green due to the specific composition of the river- bed and the reflection of the surrounding forests, while it has a deceptive current – with calm sections quickly giving way to more lively rapids. It is precisely this vari- ability that makes it ideal for rafting. And it is no coincidence that this river also in- spired Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić... The Ibar has a more “restless” nature. Its rapids in the section between Ušće and the Maglič fortress are often used for training and for rafting and kayaking competitions, while the configuration of the riverbed – with rocks, narrower sec- tions and sudden changes in current – gives it a dynamism that is particularly appreciated by more experienced rafters. The Ibar is also known for large tempera- ture fluctuations and quick responses to precipitation, meaning that the same sec- tion of the river can look completely dif- ferent from one week to the next. All three rivers are connected by their strong biodiversity. Their banks provide habitats for rare plant species, while their waters are home to trout, bream and oth- er sensitive species that only survive in extremely clean conditions. This is why rafting on these rivers isn’t only a sport and an adventure, but also a direct ex- perience of one of the healthiest ecosys- tems in this part of Europe. What else you can see while there If you’ve already made it all the way to Tara National Park, it’s worth slowing down and staying for at least one more
day. Apart from the famous Banjska Ste- na observation point, there are also view- ing platforms like Crnjeskov and Osluša, as well as dense forests that are rich in the relict Serbian Spruce (Picea omori- ka) species that grows exclusively in this area. Walks through this park provide a completely different perspective on the river that you’ve just conquered by boat. One must-see spot on the Drina is Perućac, a tranquil lake that was creat- ed through the damming of the river and is ideal for swimming, kayaking or sim- ply lazing for an afternoon. There’s also the famous Drina river house perched on a rock near Bajina Bašta. Representing a symbol of perseverance and local spirit, it has been destroyed by the river several times, only to be rebuilt each time. The valley of the River Ibar reveals a completely different historical dimen- sion. Just a few dozen kilometres away are the monasteries of Žiča, where Ser- bian kings were crowned, and Studenica, which is under UNESCO protection and boasts frescoes that are among the most valuable in Europe. Also nearby is the medieval fortress of Maglič, which occu- pies a spectacular location above the riv- er and is increasingly included in adven- ture tours. For those wanting to extend their stay, this region also offers hiking trails, cycling routes and local ethno-villag- es where you can sample authentic cui- sine and familiarise yourself with the area’s slower and quieter life rhythm. Af- ter a day spent raging on the water, this is perhaps the best contrast, offering si- lence, stunning views and the feeling that you’ve left everyday life in your wake. That’s why rafting in May is an excellent idea. A little frigid water, a little sunshine, a good team and the feeling that you’re in the right place at the right time.
Serbia » Srbija | 91
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