Packraft the Tara River in Montenegro
A mini-expedition navigating the white waters of Europe’s longest canyon, pitching up in remote spots along the way
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotelsMeals
All meals throughout the tripTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All packrafting gear, safety equipment and camping gear, with national park permits and river taxes taken care ofSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tackle a riotous packrafting journey down the stunning Tara River Canyon, traversing crystal clear rapids flanked by sheer cliffs
Learn how to packraft from expert guides as you immerse yourself in this natural adventure playground, spotting wildlife as you go
Camp your way down the Tara River, sleeping on riverside beaches along the Montenegrin and Bosnian border
Key Information
Day 1
Prepare for the adventure ahead
Driving
Touch down at Podgorica Airport, meet your host and settle in for the scenic drive through Montenegro. Reach Žabljak, on the edge of Durmitor National Park, check in to your hotel here and chat through the adventure to come with your guides and fellow adventurers – all the while soaking up the surroundings. Tuck into a traditional cooked dinner at the restaurant here to kick things off in style.
Day 2
Intro to packrafting and the expedition begins
Packrafting
Drive through stunning mountain scenery to the put-in spot near Žabljak, where your host will give you a crash-course in packrafting. You'll learn how to paddle efficiently, how to manoeuvre the raft and how to stay safe on the river. Have a few practice paddles in the calm section here at the put-in spot, before preparing the packrafts with everything you'll need for the next three days. Setting off on the water, the liberating feeling of being far from civilisation – carrying everything you need to be self-supported – will hit you straight away, as you tackle the first few kilometres. The canyon is part of a large wilderness area and you'll have chances to spot chamois and deer, or if you're extremely lucky, wolves or bears. Stop for lunch on the banks and grab a swim in the river if you like, before paddling further downriver this afternoon, navigating rapids and learning how to read the river to pick lines. Your first night in the canyon is spent camping on a beach, pitching your tent a few yards from the water and settling in for dinner and a memorable sleepout in this stunning spot.
Day 3
Deeper down the canyon
Packrafting
Wake up to the sound of river rumbling through the canyon, brew up some coffee and tuck into breakfast on the banks before packing down camp and cracking on with the expedition. You'll journey deeper into the canyon, with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls flanking you as you go. You'll make regular stops during the journey on both days to stretch your legs, have a snack, enjoy some waterfalls and wild swim at the calmer sections. Your second night in the canyon is spent camping over on the Bosnian side of the river.
Day 4
Big rapids to the finish line
Packrafting
Driving
The final day of the expedition is full of adrenaline all the way to the finish line. Hit the water and get ready for the biggest rapids of the trip as you tackle the fastest section of the river, a 6km long run with a number of class III rapids. By now you'll be at home on the river and in the packraft, and had plenty of practice at controlling the raft down rapids. Your expert guides are on hand to help, and if anyone feels uncomfortable on any rapids there are ways to skirt around them on foot via the banks of the river. Finish the final stretch of the packrafting route down to the Bosnian border crossing, which marks the end of your expedition. Pack down the gear and hop in the van for the drive back through Montenegro to Nikšić, the second largest city in Montenegro and your host's hometown. Check in to a hotel and grab a well-earned shower. Head out and enjoy a celebratory dinner and drinks in town to toast an epic mini-expedition successfully completed - your host knows the best spots in Nikšić.
Day 5
The adventure ends
The trip comes to an end this morning as your host drops you off at Podgorica Airport in time for onward flights (these generally depart in the morning, depending on your destination). If you are staying on in Montenegro you can enjoy a lie-in at your hotel and check-out later in the morning to continue your travels or be dropped off in Podgorica.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Podgorica Airport
12:30 on Day 1
Ends
Podgorica Airport
08:00 on Day 5
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Podgorica Airport and transfer you through the country to your overnight accommodation, a two-hour drive away. On the last day of your trip, your host will transfer you from your accommodation to the airport in Podgorica in time for your flight home. These generally depart in the morning from Podgorica to the UK.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 5. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date, your host can arrange private airport transfers from the airport. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are numerous direct flight options to Podgorica with various carriers from London and Manchester in the UK, and various other hubs across Europe. Travellers from the west coast of North America will generally transit through major hubs such as London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts on the trip will vary from omelettes, oats with fresh fruit, breads with meats, cheeses and jams, plus tea, coffee and juices. Lunches will be light and picnic style, especially on days 2 and 3, when you'll likely to be provided with a pie, fresh fruits and chocolates, which you may wish to supplement with other snacks if you'd like. Dinners will be hearty pasta dishes to fuel your escapades, roasted vegetables, meat dishes with rice and potatoes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger information form.
What is the accommodation like?
Žabljak
Your launchpad for the expedition is Hotel Zlatni Bor in Zabljak – you'll spend the night here preparing for the expedition before your time on the river. This 3-star hotel has a backdrop of the Durmitor Mountains. You'll stay in same-gender, twin-share rooms with a private bathroom.
Camping
You'll spend two consecutive nights camping on the banks of the Tara River during the expedition section of the trip, on the border between Montenegro and Bosnia. This is a memorable part of the adventure: after epic days on the water, you'll pitch your tent for a couple of nights camping under canvas. You'll sleep in twin-share expedition tents with inflatable sleeping mats provided. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag or hire one from your host – see the Kit List and Optional Extras for further details. There are toilet and shower facilities a 10-minute walk away from your first camping spot, and a 1-minute walk away at your second campsite.
Nikšić
Your final night of the trip after three days out in the wild on the Tara River will be spent in Nikšić, the second largest city in Montenegro and the hometown of your host. Here you'll stay at Garni Hotel Atrium in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms – a welcome slice of comfort and hot showers after your wild camping exploits.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You don't need any packrafting experience. Full instruction is provided, with an introduction to packrafting and a practice run on the river on the morning of Day 2, before you start the mini-expedition later that day. Packrafting here can be done by anyone with average fitness levels, it's more important that you have a sense of adventure and feel comfortable being in a remote environment for three days and two nights. You'll be on the water for a lot of the time, and while there are plenty of stops to stretch your legs and have a break from the rafts, you'll need to keep pushing on to the finish line on Day 4.
What will I need to carry?
For the expedition part of the trip, you will leave your excess luggage and anything you don't need in the accompanying vehicle, which will be locked securely away. You will be given dry bags to pack your clothes, sleeping bag and personal items for the three days and two nights of the mini-expedition.
Average temperatures from May to October are generally in the mid-20s (°C) but can reach into the 30s(°C) in July and August. Note that temperatures do drop in the evenings by several degrees. High up in the summits you may also encounter cooler conditions and stormy weather cannot be ruled out at any time of year. Although your host will do their very best to run the itinerary as scheduled, this will be always subject to safe weather conditions.
Amazing adventure
We travelled as a group of 6, celebrating a special birthday and had the most incredible time pack rafting. Our guides, Gigo and Baki, were patient, knowledgeable, and kind, committed to our safety and making sure we had fun. Tara Canyon was simply stunning, the food was homemade and delicious and the people we met, warm and welcoming. Overall an unforgettable experience.
Take me back!!
Had the absolute best time on our pack raft holiday. The guides were lovely, so generous with their time, very knowledgeable and great company. Pack rafting down the river Tara is both beautiful and serene, and accelerating and fun! Views and rapids were both on point. Food as a vegetarian was really good, didn’t feel like an after thought at all (which is often the case). Would love to book again or return to Montenegro for another type of adventure holiday.
Tara River Adventure - exciting and beautiful
We were 6 ladies looking for an adventure and chose the 3 day rafting and wild camping on the Tara River. I can honestly say it was one of the best times I have ever had! Gigo and his colleague Baki really looked after us and made us feel safe at all times, as we were all novices. They are knowledgable, kind and patient and such lovely people to spend time with. You need a moderate level of fitness and you will have the time of your life
Packraft extravaganza!
Loved the trip from start to finish. Better than we hoped. Scenery was stunning, the “adventure” component was adventurous, the distance was manageable and equipment was perfectly adequate. Food was basic, although tasty, sufficient and well prepared. Guides were excellent. Met some fun people and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Stunning adventure down the Tara River
Montinegro is truly a beautiful place to visit and no better than the Tara River. This is possibly the clearest River I have ever seen! The adventure took us down winding rivers, Rapids and stopping at a lovely wild camp and private campsite on route. We were safely guided down by our guides and we'll supported by drivers and camp support team.
An undiscovered gem
The Tara River is a beautiful unspoilt spot in Montenegro! The pictures don't lie how stunningly clear the water is alongside the forest of green. The guides are professional and take extreme care with your safety while not being overly protective. The route along the river combined the best of the rapids and beauty of the canyon. The food exceeded expectations all being locally sourced and prepared in a traditional way, great to experience the local culture. Highly recommend to anyone keen to be on the water
Big shout out to the
Big shout out to the guides they look after you every step of the way and also great fun. The nature on the river is unbelievable and pristine, what a fantastic trip
Itinerary Activities
- 3 days of packrafting along the Tara River
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights camping
- 2 nights in hotels
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 4 tasty breakfasts
- 3 light picnic lunches
- 4 hearty pasta dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Podgorica Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Podgorica Airport on Day 5
- Transfers during the trip
Equipment
- All packrafting and safety equipment
- All camping gear
Permits
- National park permits and river taxes
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline, shared between the group:
- €5-10 euros per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Packrafts, paddles and all safety gear
- Wetsuits
- Tents and sleeping mats
- All expedition cooking equipment for your time camping on the river
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings at camp
- Thermals (merino best)
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses with strap (for while on the river)
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals for camp
SLEEPING
- Sleeping bag (3-season)
- Travel pillow
OTHER
- Small dry bags for valuables/phone/camera etc.
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system (optional - if you wish to fill up from streams and waterfalls on the expedition part)
Sleeping bag hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag hire
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Private airport transfer - Podgorica to Zabljak
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Podgorica to Zabljak
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 28kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline, shared between the group:
€5-10 euros per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You will need to bring reusable water bottles and/or a water bladder to carry water with you on the expedition and other activities on this trip. There are two taps with safe drinking water on the expedition section (from Day 2 to Day 4) – so you can fill up in the morning at Camp Grab and then again at the two taps on the expedition. Your host will bring along a support raft for groups of six or more, which will carry additional water for the group. Generally speaking, the water from the streams and waterfalls that flow into the Tara River is drinkable; however, it cannot be completely guaranteed that there is no bacteria in the water, so if you wish to fill up from these sources on the expedition for some added wild factor, we advise that you bring your own water filter: have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
You can leave excess luggage in the accompanying vehicle while you are on the mini-expedition part of the trip. Your host does not have storage options in Podgorica at the start of the trip.
Your host knows Montenegro incredibly well having guided rafting, packrafting, kayaking and SUPing trips on rivers throughout the Balkans for many years. They will monitor the conditions and make alternative plans if required, but this is a rare occurrence. In the very unlikely scenario that the Tara is not raftable, your host will pivot to another river canyon in different part of Montenegro for a very similar expedition.
There are different size packrafts available which have a passenger weight range of from 50kg to 130kg, not including luggage.
Depending on the size of the group there will be 2-4 guides on the trip. This equates to one guide per 3-4 people, depending on the water levels throughout the season.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday 11th June 2025
to Sunday 15th June 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 2 spots available at 5% off
Wednesday 25th June 2025
to Sunday 29th June 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 2 spots available at 5% off
