Embark on an unforgettable journey with packrafting on the Bença River, an exquisite gem nestled in the heart of Southern Albania. Renowned for its crystalline waters and the picturesque landscapes of mountains, canyons, and pastures, the Bença River promises a thrilling adventure for all nature enthusiasts. Beyond the adrenaline-fueled excitement of paddling, this expedition offers a unique chance to explore two significant monuments. The Bênça Aqueduct, perched above the Bênça Canyon, and the Ali Pasha Tepelene Aqueduct stand as marvels of engineering and cultural heritage, dating back about two centuries. The aqueduct, with its approximately 20 arches atop a stone bridge spanning the canyons of the Bênça River, was a groundbreaking construction, surviving the test of time. Serving as a water distribution system over a distance of 7 km to the city of Tepelena through a ceramic network, remnants of its former glory still emerge, despite being currently in a state of partial ruin. Adding a historical layer to the adventure is the abandoned Bença Prison, a relic from the era of communism, aptly known as the Albanian Alcatraz. Constructed in 1960 with a capacity for around 70 individuals, this "reserve" prison was intended for wartime scenarios, isolating anti-party elements in a high-security environment
Meeting Point and Preparation: The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a warm welcome at Agriturizm "Lord Bajron" on the edge of the Vjosa River, serving as both the meeting point and the picturesque endpoint of the packrafting excursion. Conveniently, guests can park their cars for free at this location. Here, the Albania Rafting Group team will provide professional packrafting costumes, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the adventure.
Travel to Departure Point: The excitement kicks in as we board the Albania Rafting minibus for a 30-minute scenic journey to the departure point. En route, we'll take a delightful 20-minute stop to explore the historic Ali Pashe Tepelene Aqueduct, a remarkable cultural monument dating back 200 years.
Packrafting Adventure: The true adventure commences at the edge of the Bença River, where the expert guides from the Albania Rafting Group will equip you with all the necessary clothing and provide comprehensive instructions. The chosen mode of transportation—packrafting and kayaking—is intentional, as the gentle flow of the Bença River makes it accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of skill level. For approximately 2 hours and across 8 kilometers, you'll navigate the river, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of wild forests, canyons, and towering mountains.
Scenic Finale: The grand finale awaits as the Bença River gracefully merges with the last wild river in Europe, the Vjosa, creating a stunning natural spectacle. This confluence marks the endpoint of our exhilarating journey, where the waters then flow into the Adriatic Sea.
Post-Adventure Relaxation: After the thrilling packrafting experience, we'll make a stop at Agritourism Lord Byron. Here, you can change into dry clothes, and all participants will gather for a shared moment of relaxation and camaraderie. Enjoy a delectable lunch featuring products sourced from Agriturism Lord Byron, providing a perfect conclusion to an action-packed day.
The Packrafting in Bença River adventure is not just about conquering the rapids but also about immersing yourself in the natural and cultural wonders that Southern Albania has to offer. Join us for a day filled with excitement, beauty, and the joy of exploration.
Packrafting trips in Albania do not provide high level of difficulty, but every visitor should consider:
Be healthy and have consulted the doctor during the year.
In absolute terms, the person should not have diseases and complications following:
Cardiac disease of any kind
Hypertension
Flake out or lose of feeling of any kind
Problems of the spine and muscular system that reduce the physical possibility of safety.
Problems with breathing apparatus
Nerve Problems
Pregnancy
Problems with eyes (severe myopia, retinal detachment, glaucoma)
Be under the influence of pharmaceutical drugs, drugs, alcohol.
There are no limits of age and weight for the low levels: Class II All Year Long
Our guests are our priority.
Our trips are scheduled and well organized, but we can adapt to your needs and schedules as giving you the best experience is crucial to us. We also can be forced to make some changes to our trips depending on weather condition and availability. In case of special needs let us know and kindly complete the form below.
Everything that it is not mention on the scheduled trip is not included, such is: coffee, other kind of drinks or other foods. Although you are going to feel like tipping the guides at the end of a beautiful trip, we don’t want you pulling out the wallet every minute.
- Packrafting equipment
-Professional guide
-Packrafting 2 hours
- Local organic lunch
-Transfer around Benca river
The Albania Rafting is the best choice if you are looking for Albania Tours, Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning, River Hiking, Off Road Tours, SUP, Snowshoeing, Snorkeling and many other adventure activities in Albania.