Article by Danijel Pendjer

When you decide to experience rafting on the river Tara, feel the wonders of intact nature and moments full of positive energy which you will bear in mind for a very long time, the following few lines will be in a position to assist you organize this extraordinary event: what to visit, which adventures not to miss as well as what things to bring with you, and finally how to get to the destination and organize transport.

Although the river Tara runs through Montenegro in all its length, some organisations from the Republic of Srpska exploit its capacities, too. That is why at the very beginning you’ll feel a double temptation as to which country, and thus what rafting camp to choose for your host.

Rafting on the Tara lasts from April 15 till the very end of September, as long as the weather conditions allow us. From the start towards the end of the season the inflow of water into the river-bed of the Tara gradually decreases, the same as the water level, since they are directly related to the quantity of snow that melts from the mountains through whose canyon the river Tara runs. If the winter has been cold and snowy, you ought to expect whitewater rafting on the Tara to be much more exciting.

April and May are certainly the most engaging months for rafting. The adrenalin rush on the Tara in April is something you can not feel in the rapids during other months, but considerably lower temperatures during this part of year should also be considered, which is why our recommendation is not to forget to bring several deciliters of quality homemade plum brandy (`prepecenica`). After sunset it can get chilly even when you are next to the fire with plum brandy, so, it is very desirable to have a bit warmer clothes and shoes.

Paradise on the Tara is in July and August. The temperature which typically reaches even 35 degrees Celsius by the river, which in this half of year gets its characteristic emerald glow, is simple to bear. A camera is one thing you would regret not to hold in your hands while being in such an ambience. When the night falls, although it’s summertime, the location of the camp and the immediate vicinity of the river can have an effect on the temperature. Fresh nights are perfect for sleeping, but to put it simply: `It’s never too much garments if you’re on rafting on the Tara.`

A camera, beer, lighter, cigarettes are some of the things some of us wouldn’t part from even when on water…but still, they ought to remain dry. A bit higher quality plastic bag will offer sufficient protection. Nevertheless, a plastic barrel with a lid is not a bad plan, either. A little bit more ingenious solution for cameras are plastic bowls for food. I am certain you are familiar with which ones I mean? You can buy them in `Chinese stores`…They are obtainable in numerous sizes, from the tiniest to the largest, so that your camera can undoubtedly be safe.

People who love nature and who are already in the national reserve Sutjeska should not waste time. The landscapes of mountain Zelengora are amazingly beautiful. Trnovacko, White and Black Lake are destinations which are positively a must see. The same goes for Orlovacko, Borilovacko, Kotlarnicko, Stirijsko and Jugovo Lake-the only artificial one.

When you are already reaching Trnovacko Lake, take a moment to see Perucica, and the sight of the waterfall Skakavac can be overwhelming. Visiting Perucica, the only remaining European forest, the same as the tours to the lakes, is a type of mountain climbing, which is why suitable clothes and shoes or boots are more than necessary. The danger of getting injured or falling down along the rocky path to Trnovacko Lake is big if you do not follow your guide`s directions or lack adequate equipment. The walking path through this unique area goes over terribly steep slopes and descents, which significantly slows down the pace, but will increase tiredness. Before you find yourself tired you ought to remember to pack a towel and your bathing suit that will be more than useful once you reach the lake, though their `big` weight on your back will surely get on your nerves. Before setting off an adventurer should fill their rucksack with a few sandwiches, a bottle of water, bathing suit, towel, an spare T-shirt and several sweets to eat in moments of tiredness, hunger, but of enjoyment, too.

When in nature you actually do not want your cell, and what`s more, it’s sure that over the most of the walking routes you will not be able to use them for the simplest reason that there’s no network. Except for some spots where the network exists.

Wild strawberries, cranberries and blueberries, depending on the part of year, are solely some of the refreshments that you’ll be able to come across. For people who love mushrooms a nice variety can be a real pleasure, but many alternative sorts of fruit and vegetables can be found,too. This area is full of drinking water, and therefore the mountain springs of cold water will quench your thirst when hiking and climbing.

As I have promised, now you recognize what to expect while overwhelmed by natural beauties, and adventures waiting to be experienced. It’s up to you which adventures to decide on apart from rafting tours on the Tara itself. There is one more issue I would love to advise you on and that is to take your passport for crossing the borders. And as for the border crossings… it may be interesting to know that during the tour to Trnovacko Lake, the walking route crosses the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The point is that, though the lake is in Montenegro, the most passable paths run through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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