5.0

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 GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • All accommodation2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotels
  • MealsAll meals throughout the trip
  • TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
  • EquipmentAll packrafting gear, safety equipment and camping gear, with national park permits and river taxes taken care of
  • Maximum group size: 12Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

…From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • 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

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Prepare for the adventure ahead

    Driving
    2hrs · 132km
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    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
    5-6hrs · 28km
    Wild camping
    Twin tent
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    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
    5-6hrs · 32km
    Campsite
    Twin tent
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    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
    4-5hrs · 14km
    Driving
    2hrs · 95km
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    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.

  5. Day 5

    The adventure ends

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 5 detail

    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.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Podgorica Airport (TGD)
Pick up
Podgorica Airport
12:30 on Day 1
Drop off
Podgorica Airport
08:00 on Day 5

Detailed Logistics

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.

Trip level explained

Level 4

Moderate-Challenging

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. The rapids are class 2-3: perfect for beginners whilst giving some adrenaline moments in the bigger class 3 sections.

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.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • 3 days of packrafting along the Tara River

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 2 nights camping
  • 2 nights in hotels

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 4 tasty breakfasts
  • 3 light picnic lunches
  • 4 hearty pasta dinners

  • Group arrival transfer from Podgorica Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Podgorica Airport on Day 5
  • Transfers during the trip

  • All packrafting and safety equipment
  • All camping gear

  • National park permits and river taxes

Where You'll Stay

Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.

  • Zabljak, Hotel Zlatni Bor, Twin Room, Accommodation Image

    Žabljak

    Stay

    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.

  • Tara River Camp South Bank, Ograđenica, Montenegro, Host: Balkan Expeditions

    Camping

    Stay

    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

    Stay

    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.

What You'll Eat

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…

Food and Dietary info

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.

Optional Extras

Equipment / Kit Hire

Sleeping bag hire
…

Transfers

Private airport transfer - Podgorica to Zabljak
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

5.060 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Itinerary
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Latest Reviews

  • Robert M.

    If this does not become your trip of a lifetime, it will certainly land in the top three! Our guides, Pava and Niki, were consummate professionals and simply wonderful people to share the adventure with. Novak and Julia, our support team—equally superb. Finally, our fellow trip mates? We bonded like family almost immediately. MBA truly brings together fun and like-minded people. There's little I can add for trip guidance other than a few thoughts. . . I would definitely rate this a Level 4 trip—you don't need prior paddling experience (though it helps), but you definitely want to be fit and ready for a challenge. I brought fingerless gloves for paddling (nylon bicycle gloves) which spared my hands some wear. Don't pass up this trip. It will change your DNA.

  • Paul E.

    Me and my partner did the 3 day pack rafting and it was amazing 👌 from start to finish, the guides pava and Nikki were great! A good laugh, really knowledgable and just all round really good people. Then there was Novak who set camp up and dismantled every day, a proper happy man really easy to talk to and then Julia who did the majority of our cooking and sent us packing with lunch’s every day bless 😂 The river and canyon itself is breathtaking, every where you look is beautiful. The camping set up/accommodation was bang on, the food was great and there was sooooo much of it, I’m a 16 stone builder and I did not go hungry at any point 😂 I would highly recommend this trip, it was flawless, the rapids were fun and people were great!

  • Shannon M.

    It was such an incredible experience that I’m still riding the high. I’m pretty sure it’s ruined the rest of my Europe trip because all I can think about is how I can do this again! Pava & Niki, our guides, were absolutely incredible, with an amazing support team behind them. Shout out to Novak & Julia! I really appreciated all the work everyone put in to make this such a special experience. We were also incredibly lucky to have an awesome group of strangers who somehow became like family almost immediately. The memories we made on this trip are truly one of a kind. From the absolute beauty of the Tara to the adrenaline rush of the rapids, I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment. I genuinely couldn’t recommend this trip more. I’m not sure how another adventure could possibly top this one, but I’m hopeful I’ll find something just as amazing. And I know I’ll be using Much Better Adventures to help me find it! Don’t think twice about doing this trip. I promise you, it’s worth it. 🏔️🛶

  • Paul S.

    What a great trip this was. Both of the guides were really fantastic and had our safety and enjoyment as their top priorities. The support crew were also amazing and ensured that all of our needs were fully catered for, leaving us to focus our energy on the river. Would highly recommend this trip.

  • Kaya B.

    My partner and I incorporated this trip as part of a wider Montenegro holiday and it was without a doubt the highlight of the entire 2 weeks, we would recommend it to everyone! Our thoughts: - Pava and Mio were brilliant guides. We always felt incredibly safe, never felt rushed and really enjoyed getting to know them over the 3 days. - Ivan was also amazing, and it was so nice to arrive to each camping spot with our tents already set-up and our bags safely transported. - The food was delicious and we never went hungry once. We are both big eaters/foodies and we both remarked on how well fed we’d been! You definitely don’t need to bring any extra snacks. - The scenery is stunning. The north of Montenegro is absolutely beautiful and so different to the south. Things to note: - Whilst you are camping both nights, both sites had toilet facilities and the second night we even had a hot shower. So you never feel too disconnected from creature comforts. - You definitely don’t need prior pack rafting experience for this trip, however I would recommend that you have a decent level of fitness and pack some ibuprofen as your arms/shoulders will be aching after all that paddling!

  • Peter S.

    The whole team on the trip were excellent & made our experience unforgettable. Would recommend this trip & local tour company as it's good for the soul.

  • Laura E.

    This was absolutely the best trip I have had the good luck to take! From start to finish, I was comfortable and safe (solo female from the US) while enjoying major adventure! The guides, Mio, Pava, and Danny were amazing, kind, and extremely capable. I had a lovely birthday surprise and slept like a princess-especially on the Bosnian border! Pro tip- the wetsuits are sleeveless and down to your ankles, I had a ((super cute)) floppy hat, long sleeve sun shirt and didn't need sun pants for rafting. Others wore bikinis and baseball caps. :) You are very lucky if you get the same guides we had-- if you can personally request Mio, Pava, and Danny I would because they made the trip super fun and very safe- I couldn't imagine better guides! xx

  • Reuben T.

    What a trip! unbelievable scenery, breathtaking views, hard to imagine so it must be seen! Had a brilliant few days on the river, with a great group and exceptional guides. Pava and Danny looked after us on the water while Mia grafted along behind the scenes to set camp and ferry our bags from site to site. Very well organised, would recommend this to anyone who likes abit of exercise/adrenalin/fun . Thanks again everyone in the group for making it sooo enjoyable!!!

  • Kathryn S.

    This trip was such an amazing adventure, I would go back in an instant. Firstly the place. The Tara river was stunning the whole way and the water was so blue and clear I think it will be hard to top this river. The packrafting I loved. It was well balanced between stretches of easy paddling to appreciate the views and sections that add some fun/challenge to the mix. Day 3 was definitely the bigger challenge but as long as you enjoy a bit of adventure you’ll be fine. No paddling experience needed but great if you do! And I always felt completely safe with the guides watching our back. From the first day at the black lake, to them driving us back to Podgorica and sharing the history of the scenery on the way, the guides were there every step of the way to make sure we knew what to do and were having fun. Big thanks to Mio, Pava, and Daniel for going out of their way to make it so magical. And lastly, the people, it was so easy to connect and great to share these memories with. One tip for packing: all you really need is swimwear, water bottle, carabiner, spf, sun hat, dry clothes for the evening, snacks. And for bags just one smallish rucksack/duffel and one small dry bag (if you have one). It can be easy to overpack for this but they provided all the gear. 100% recommend to everyone that wants a new adventure.

  • Michael K.

    What an amazing trip! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and I felt safe every step of the way thanks to our incredible guides. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

Customer Photos

5.060 reviews
  • 5 stars (59)
  • 4 stars (1)
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 60 reviews

  • Trip of a Lifetime!

    Robert M. August 2026
    If this does not become your trip of a lifetime, it will certainly land in the top three! Our guides, Pava and Niki, were consummate professionals and simply wonderful people to share the adventure with. Novak and Julia, our support team—equally superb. Finally, our fellow trip mates? We bonded like family almost immediately. MBA truly brings together fun and like-minded people. There's little I can add for trip guidance other than a few thoughts. . . I would definitely rate this a Level 4 trip—you don't need prior paddling experience (though it helps), but you definitely want to be fit and ready for a challenge. I brought fingerless gloves for paddling (nylon bicycle gloves) which spared my hands some wear. Don't pass up this trip. It will change your DNA.

  • Amazing trip!!

    Paul E. August 2026
    Me and my partner did the 3 day pack rafting and it was amazing 👌 from start to finish, the guides pava and Nikki were great! A good laugh, really knowledgable and just all round really good people. Then there was Novak who set camp up and dismantled every day, a proper happy man really easy to talk to and then Julia who did the majority of our cooking and sent us packing with lunch’s every day bless 😂 The river and canyon itself is breathtaking, every where you look is beautiful. The camping set up/accommodation was bang on, the food was great and there was sooooo much of it, I’m a 16 stone builder and I did not go hungry at any point 😂 I would highly recommend this trip, it was flawless, the rapids were fun and people were great!

  • Hang on, did this just happen?

    Shannon M. August 2026
    It was such an incredible experience that I’m still riding the high. I’m pretty sure it’s ruined the rest of my Europe trip because all I can think about is how I can do this again! Pava & Niki, our guides, were absolutely incredible, with an amazing support team behind them. Shout out to Novak & Julia! I really appreciated all the work everyone put in to make this such a special experience. We were also incredibly lucky to have an awesome group of strangers who somehow became like family almost immediately. The memories we made on this trip are truly one of a kind. From the absolute beauty of the Tara to the adrenaline rush of the rapids, I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment. I genuinely couldn’t recommend this trip more. I’m not sure how another adventure could possibly top this one, but I’m hopeful I’ll find something just as amazing. And I know I’ll be using Much Better Adventures to help me find it! Don’t think twice about doing this trip. I promise you, it’s worth it. 🏔️🛶

  • Fantastic mini-adventure

    Paul S. August 2026
    What a great trip this was. Both of the guides were really fantastic and had our safety and enjoyment as their top priorities. The support crew were also amazing and ensured that all of our needs were fully catered for, leaving us to focus our energy on the river. Would highly recommend this trip.

  • Fantastic trip!

    Kaya B. July 2026
    My partner and I incorporated this trip as part of a wider Montenegro holiday and it was without a doubt the highlight of the entire 2 weeks, we would recommend it to everyone! Our thoughts: - Pava and Mio were brilliant guides. We always felt incredibly safe, never felt rushed and really enjoyed getting to know them over the 3 days. - Ivan was also amazing, and it was so nice to arrive to each camping spot with our tents already set-up and our bags safely transported. - The food was delicious and we never went hungry once. We are both big eaters/foodies and we both remarked on how well fed we’d been! You definitely don’t need to bring any extra snacks. - The scenery is stunning. The north of Montenegro is absolutely beautiful and so different to the south. Things to note: - Whilst you are camping both nights, both sites had toilet facilities and the second night we even had a hot shower. So you never feel too disconnected from creature comforts. - You definitely don’t need prior pack rafting experience for this trip, however I would recommend that you have a decent level of fitness and pack some ibuprofen as your arms/shoulders will be aching after all that paddling!

  • The whole team on the

    Peter S. July 2026
    The whole team on the trip were excellent & made our experience unforgettable. Would recommend this trip & local tour company as it's good for the soul.

  • Trip of a lifetime!

    Laura E. July 2026
    This was absolutely the best trip I have had the good luck to take! From start to finish, I was comfortable and safe (solo female from the US) while enjoying major adventure! The guides, Mio, Pava, and Danny were amazing, kind, and extremely capable. I had a lovely birthday surprise and slept like a princess-especially on the Bosnian border! Pro tip- the wetsuits are sleeveless and down to your ankles, I had a ((super cute)) floppy hat, long sleeve sun shirt and didn't need sun pants for rafting. Others wore bikinis and baseball caps. :) You are very lucky if you get the same guides we had-- if you can personally request Mio, Pava, and Danny I would because they made the trip super fun and very safe- I couldn't imagine better guides! xx

  • Blown away!

    Reuben T. July 2026
    What a trip! unbelievable scenery, breathtaking views, hard to imagine so it must be seen! Had a brilliant few days on the river, with a great group and exceptional guides. Pava and Danny looked after us on the water while Mia grafted along behind the scenes to set camp and ferry our bags from site to site. Very well organised, would recommend this to anyone who likes abit of exercise/adrenalin/fun . Thanks again everyone in the group for making it sooo enjoyable!!!

  • The most BEAUTIFUL place with the BEST guides

    Kathryn S. July 2026
    This trip was such an amazing adventure, I would go back in an instant. Firstly the place. The Tara river was stunning the whole way and the water was so blue and clear I think it will be hard to top this river. The packrafting I loved. It was well balanced between stretches of easy paddling to appreciate the views and sections that add some fun/challenge to the mix. Day 3 was definitely the bigger challenge but as long as you enjoy a bit of adventure you’ll be fine. No paddling experience needed but great if you do! And I always felt completely safe with the guides watching our back. From the first day at the black lake, to them driving us back to Podgorica and sharing the history of the scenery on the way, the guides were there every step of the way to make sure we knew what to do and were having fun. Big thanks to Mio, Pava, and Daniel for going out of their way to make it so magical. And lastly, the people, it was so easy to connect and great to share these memories with. One tip for packing: all you really need is swimwear, water bottle, carabiner, spf, sun hat, dry clothes for the evening, snacks. And for bags just one smallish rucksack/duffel and one small dry bag (if you have one). It can be easy to overpack for this but they provided all the gear. 100% recommend to everyone that wants a new adventure.

  • An Incredible Experience

    Michael K. July 2026
    What an amazing trip! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and I felt safe every step of the way thanks to our incredible guides. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

  • Fantastic trip! Such a beautiful

    Louise B. July 2026
    Fantastic trip! Such a beautiful location and wonderful balance between peaceful paddling and enjoying the views with the adrenaline of the rapids! Felt very safe with the wonderful guides Daniel and Nikki and had excellent food every day.

  • Amazing from start to finish!

    Scott B. July 2026
    I'm not a dog, but WOW! Just one of the expressions from our amazing guides Daniel and Nicky who I am sure have left a lasting impression on the whole group. I cannot fault the organisation of the entire trip which was incredible from start to finish. The guides and the back end support crew could not have made our experience any better. A five star service that would be hard to beat. Well done to all of you and thanks for all the amazing memories x Our trip is akin to the photo where the clouds and the rock faces have made the shape of a heart; a moment in time that will always be loved and cherished.

  • Magical

    Ben C. July 2026
    Amazing. Don't hesitate to book. No need for hiking boots BTW, just a strong carabeen for a water bottle, maybe a rash vest, and plenty of sun cream. It's an awesome trip with amazing guides, I really couldn't fault it.

  • So much fun and lots of adventure!

    Kimberly C. July 2026
    This was a fantastic trip with an amazing group of people. Our guides were a lot of fun and knowledgeable about the river and how to successfully use a pack raft (thankfully).

  • Unforgettable Adventure!

    Oscar H. July 2026
    Had an absolutely amazing experience pakrafting across the Tara river led by Daniel & Nicol! The trip itself along the Tara river was absolutely breathtaking but the knowledge of our hosts, their fantastic leadership skills and the amazing logistics made this trip an all around excellent adventure. We had so much fun and this certainly isn't a trip I will forget any time soon. I highly recommend them!

  • An amazing trip with excellent guides

    Rebekah L. July 2026
    A brilliant trip! The Tara river and surrounding area is absolutely stunning. Huge thanks to our brilliant guides Daniel and Nikky who were endlessly enthusiastic and kind and made a superhuman effort to make sure we stayed safe and had fun while navigating the river. Logistics were flawless thanks to Ivan and Igor setting up our campsites. Would 100% recommend.

  • Fantastic Trip

    John R. July 2026
    One of the best trips I’ve ever done! The scenery on the river was simply breathtaking and the rafting was a lot of fun. Our guides, Danny and Pava, were super helpful and offered lots of great support and advice on the river. If you’re reading this thinking about booking this trip I strongly recommend you do it!

  • Fantastic Trip!!

    Helena D. June 2026
    Do not hesitate to book this trip! I had a fantastic time with the best group and guides amongst stunning surroundings. We had three days of action packed packrafting down the Tara River with lunch stops at beautiful beaches watching the crystal clear river flow by. The first two days of rafting featured class 1-2 rapids which were a good introduction to rafting and spaced out with calmer sections where you could float along and chat with your group. Day 3 of rafting was the most thrilling with various class 3 rapids and all of our group made it to the end with smiles on our faces. We had guides Danny and Pava with us on the river who were simply amazing, supportive and encouraging when I had a few nerves going into day 3. Mijo was also fantastic by setting up our camp spots and transporting all of our gear to each camp location. The guides and the people really made this trip and we were lucky to have such amazing weather. I didn't want this trip to end.

  • Paradise on earth!

    Tong Q. June 2026
    This trip was just fantastic. Could not have asked for a better way to escape the London heat wave! All 60km down the Tara River was so beautiful. The rafting was a good level of challenge and activity, but it wasn't too full on - beginner friendly and also plenty of opportunities to take it easy and float, as well as exhilarating rapids to take on. The guides were wonderful, not only really friendly and encouraging, but I've never felt so pampered on a camping trip before! From having our tents put up for us to a delicious BBQ on the beach, we were truly well looked after. The group was also top notch. We had people of all ages, vocations and from different places, but got on so well and I really feel like I've made new friends.

  • Surround sound beauty in the Tara River Gorge

    Roslynn C. June 2026
    To be frank I was a little apprehensive about this trip after booking it on a burst of joie de vivre after a couple of glasses of wine! However I’m so glad I did book it as it is one of the best things I have done. My husband and I are 55 and haven’t kayaked since 2015 ( sea kayaking ) and had only experienced river pack-rafting once for a day in 2016 in Croatia. In other words- it had been a while . I needn’t have worried. The guides are so good that by the end of the trip our guide Daniel ( recently imported from Patagonia and massive white water ) had me thinking I should be headline feature at Banff Film Festival!! Such is the level of confidence they manage to instil in you. All the guides were fantastic. Daniel was a ray of sunshine. Pava was cool,calm and collected with fantastic historical knowledge of Montenegro and the whole Balkan region. She was also very kind and went above and beyond , helping us out with onward travel connections and suggestions of where to visit in Kotor. Mijo was responsible for all the behind the scenes logistics like camp set up and made the best campfire I’ve ever seen ! Also - you are fed like a King from the moment you arrive . The food during the entire trip was delicious and the helpings huge ! We were in the minority as a couple so do not hesitate to come solo and also I should add that the only person who didn’t take a swim in the rapids was the one with zero prior experience so do not let that put you off either. Book it - you won’t regret it !

  • Amazing Experience

    Kayne J. June 2026
    The Tara River is an incredible place, with a great balance of fast-paced adrenaline and some slower more scenic moments. As complete novice paddlers and no white water experience we were a bit worried about the difficulty heading into the trip. We were completely comfortable the whole time, the level was very much achievable for beginners - and even the larger rapids on day 3 were manageable thanks to some excellent help from the guides on day 1 and 2 . . . We feel like we've not only had a great adventure, but learnt a new skill as well. For anyone seeking an extreme adrenaline rush / challenge, its worth being aware that there are lots of slower, floaty moments between rapids and only a few larger class 3 rapids. However, often these slower moments were the highlight, as they provide a great chance to take in the surrounding beauty of the canyon. We anticipated carrying loads of gear, given the camping nature of the trip. In reality, a third guide would actually pack up, transport and set up camp for us each day, so it was all ready when we arrived further along the river! The only thing we carried on the water was sunscreen and a water bottle! The group was great and bonding with them and the guides around the campfire is a real highlight of the trip. The guides, cooks and all staff involved were fantastic, making us feel comfortable and keeping everybody safe, but also were great company and fantastic people to get to know. We had so much fun and would highly recommend this trip!

  • Amazing beautiful river

    Thomas M. June 2026
    Such an amazing week, Pava and Daniel were incredible guides, so helpful and friendly, the food was delicious, the setting unbelievable.

  • Amazing trip!

    Georgina A. June 2026
    The company the trip was with (Balkan Expeditions) were great - could not do enough for everyone. They constantly consulted the group when out rafting and were so helpful with arranging onward connections afterwards. The food was fab and the logistics were all well organised. The kit list could be a bit clearer. For instance, we were encouraged not to take too much on the raft (we had a small dry bag with water bottle, suncream, and tissues for the bathroom) and then the day bag listed on the kit list was not for the raft but for putting the clothes we wanted to immediately change into once we got to the camp site. We were also provided a full wet suit, which had we known in advance would have meant we packed a swimming costume per day. It is also worth noting that the river is remote, with not a lot of road access. This meant if you wanted to stop then you have to packraft to a point where someone could drive to get you. This wasn’t an issue for us but just worth knowing in advance.

  • Unforgettable Adventure on the Tara River

    Ellen H. June 2026
    Three amazing days on the Tara River with 12 new friends and our amazing guides (Daniel, Nicki and Gigo). I am not an experienced white water rafter and I felt safe and comfortable to tackle the day 3 rapids with the help of our guides. The trip begins with easy paddling and gradually increases in intensity as you head down the river. The scenery is breathtaking. Tent camping was a great way to stay in nature, while our cook delivered delicious meals. This trip is great way to meet like minded people and challenge your sense of adventure on the water. I highly recommend!

  • Packrafting in Montenegro

    Nicola R. October 2025
    Excellent trip down the Tara canyon, brilliantly guided by Mirko and Ivan. Really fun group, well organised and packrafting was a lot of fun. Food at campsite was great.

  • Amazing trip, beautiful scenery, great fun!

    Carolyn H. September 2025
    Can’t recommend this trip highly enough! Such a fantastic canyon to paddle down - an ideal mix of exciting rapids, gentle paddling and stunning scenery. Ivan and Mirko were brilliant guides and looked after us so well. Great overnight spots and delicious camp food. A really fun adventure.

  • Excellent All Round!

    Ryan P. September 2025
    A great few days rafting the Tara River. Everything was well organised and the trip exceeded our expectations. Stunning part of the world.

  • Amazing trip - well organised

    Aaron M. September 2025
    Amazing trip - well organised and a perfect itinerary. Our guides and the team on the ground made it though, fantastic people who it was a pleasure to meet and share the experience with

  • Tuly a wonderful experience!

    Syed R. September 2025
    Firstly, thank you to Mio, Mirko and Ivan for a wonderful adventure trip! My best friend and I joined met amazing individuals to form our adventure group! The food was exquisite and truly authentic. The beauty of Montenegro is such that we will never forget. I created a photo album for my best friend! The kindness and effort from Mio and Mirko, especially as we all capsized in the rapids to rescue us, was nothing short of extraordinary! We laughed, bonded and made pleasant memories. I highly recommend this trip to any adventurers above beginner level. If you are a novice, then this trip is not for you. A reasonable degree of fitness is required.

  • An Unforgettable Adventure on the Tara River

    Tom G. September 2025
    This was a real adventure on Montenegro's Tara River. The trip was incredibly well-run with knowledgeable guides who had our backs throughout the journey. Being disconnected from screens in a real wilderness felt like stepping back in time. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was great getting to know new and old friends in such a unique and peaceful setting. This feels like an unexplored gem that will inevitably become more commercialized, so experiencing it now feels special. The final day was action-packed with challenging whitewater that's definitely not for the faint-hearted. We were definitely tested, but this also contributed to making some unforgettable memories.

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

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 (opens in new tab)
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system (optional - if you wish to fill up from streams and waterfalls on the expedition part)

FAQs

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 operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

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 as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

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.

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.

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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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.

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