Autumn 2019

1. Inside the National Park (Valbona Valley), there is only level 4-5 (Extreme) kayaking, plus the water is very low now, so (basically) there is NO kayaking possible (or sane) inside the Valley.
2. HOWEVER! There are over 20 kilometers of very nice kayak-able river below “Ura e Shtrejnt” (the canyon entrance of the NP) all the way past Fierza (the Ferry landing) towards Lekbibaj. These are level 3-2.
3. In case you are worried / wondering: There is plenty of water, even in October – Liridon just kayaked it all last week so he knows.  ALSO, we DO have splashguard/sprayskirts and some wetsuit equipment, so you can stay dry and warm even if it seems like a chilly day.
4. The river has something to offer any kayaker, whatever your skill level – from “I have never kayaked before” to “I am already an accomplished extreme kayaker” – and we are happy to share our knowledge of the river to find the right, safest stretch to suit you.

Descriptions:

1. Ura e Shtrejnt to Ura e Bujanit (9 km, level 2+).

We can put you in at the beautiful bridge of Ura e Shtrejnt – the stunning canyon after Bajram Curri on the way to Valbona, where everyone stops and takes pictures.  From here you can actually kayak about 100m upstream inside the canyon which at the moment has two waterfalls inside it (the first one you can go around, the second prevents you from going any further).  OR you can just set off downstream.  After almost 6km (2.5 hours), there is a possible take out at Ura e Valbones, where there is an old communist-era warehouse (and nothing else), or you can carry on downstream another 3 km to the final take out at Ura e Bujanit (which is close to our horses if you want to visit them too!).

Altogether, this should take about 4 hours, and is good for people with some experience as it includes some rapids (fast with small rocks), and a few deep parts where you might flip (so you need to know how to get out of the kayak if you go upside-down).

2. Ura e Gris to “Selimaj” (we’re not really sure what this is called – this is what Google maps says – it’s about 1.5km upstream from Fierza) (4 km, level 3+).

Also called the “Red Gorge” by foreign kayakers, this is nice stretch of season-round deep water, offering a dramatically different setting, passing between towering red mountains on a wider blue river.

Should take no more than 2 hours and is still for more experienced kayakers, as at level 3+ it starts to include some “dangerous bits.”  (Liridon’s highly technical analysis).

3. Komani Lake: Fierza to Breglumit Ferry landing to Telaj (8km, level 1-2).

Ah ha!  Something (beautiful!) for beginners!  We put you in from the Bridge at Fierza, where you can kayak 3 km (2 hour at MOST) downstream to the Ferry landing at Breglumit.  This is a nice wide (sometimes more than 100m wide!), calm stretch of river that even people who have done very little kayaking can enjoy.  When the weather is warm you don’t even really need a sprayskirt (splashguard thingie-bingie).

After this, if you are feeling really ambitious you can carry on for another (whopping) 5km to a take out near Telaj.  Here the views are TRULY stunning and you’re on the same route as the famous “Komani Lake Ferry”.  However, be warned:  Although the river is wide and peaceful, there is ABSOLUTELY no alternative take out, and you’re facing steep cliffs on the northern bank of the river – so there’s no way anyone to get to you to help you if you suddenly want to stop sooner.

If you want to try the whole 8km, it could take as much as 6 hours, so this is a full day (and costs a bit more!).

4. The Absolute Beginner, messing about option:

If you’ve never tried kayaking, and just want to “mess about it a boat” we know some nice safe places and Liridon can give you a little course and go with you to hold your hand (paddle, whatever).  Extra charge for the teaching.

Rates:

Half Day (4 hours) for 2 people:

Transport to put ins (meet and end up in Bajram Curri)…………………………………. 30€

Equipment rental (25€ per person x 2)………………………………………………………. 50€

River Guide………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30€

Full Day (8 hours) for 2 people:

Transport to put ins (meet and end up in Bajram Curri)…………………………………. 60€

Equipment rental (25€ per person x 2)………………………………………………………. 50€

River Guide………………………………………………………………………………………….. 50€

Optional Extras:

Picnic! (5€ per person x 2)……………………………………………………………………….. 10€

Extra pick up in Fierze (with Kayaks)………………………………………………………….. 15€

Transport to or from Valbona…………………………………………………………………… 25€

How to Kayak instruction………………………………………………………………………… 25€