Sofia Struma River Rafting Tour: A Detailed Look
If you are after something different from city sightseeing while visiting Sofia, Bulgaria, so too it’s almost a trip down the Struma River for a rafting escapade could just be the thing you’re searching for. It offers a nice break, anyway, from history lectures, a dash of thrill, is that and some great countryside views. I gave it a go recently, yet and here’s the lowdown on my time, rather including what you can expect, very some stuff about staying safe, very and if it’s something I’d recommend.
Booking and Getting There: What to expect
Setting up your trip very much starts online. A handful of companies run these excursions, yet so I looked over what each offered, that before making my selection. What was quite important was the pick-up place in Sofia, anyway, along with the reviews, as I wanted one that felt legit. Post-booking, I had clear instructions of where and when, in some respects plus some advice on what to bring – like your essentials like a towel and a change of clothing.
The ride itself takes about one to two hours. You head southward from Sofia, apparently seeing the terrain transform as the landscape rolls by. So, you tend to see farmlands, little villages, seemingly plus the rising Rila Mountains on the far-off skyline, which is pretty pleasing. So too it’s almost worth noting that the meeting spots often have spots, that or places nearby where you can grab snacks, is that in case you forgot.
Gearing Up and Safety Procedures: Are you in good hands?
At the rafting hub, the staff greet you. So, they’re mostly quite amiable, in some respects keen to get you set for a great time, virtually plus there’s often quite a mix of languages spoken, apparently so things are simple to follow even when there are other nationalities. You get kitted out, yet usually this includes a wetsuit, very a helmet, and your buoyancy aid, anyway so check the sizes because very, very, ill-fitting equipment makes your rafting run less comfy. A crucial safety talk follows. This bit’s so important, is that so listen up!
They go over some different rafting commands, that what to do should you take a spill, anyway plus how to assist others. Could be too it’s worth verifying with the tour company what their safety record is, anyway plus that their equipment gets regular inspection. They are typically glad to tell you, typically ensuring you that, alright everyone is comfortable.
Hitting the Rapids: How challenging is the raft trip?
The Struma’s typically graded as a Class III river. Basically, what it comes down to is that it provides exciting yet secure for newbies, too it’s almost yet offers just about enough excitement that, anyway, for more experienced folks, anyway, it provides some kicks, apparently so I wouldn’t get worried about it being something too hard. Anyway, the sections may vary given rainfall and season, as a matter of fact yet expect bouncy water, seemingly stunning rock formations, seemingly plus a good drenching!
So too it’s almost important that, anyway the guides give commands clearly, very ensuring everyone oars as one. If your vessel mates aren’t paddling hard, very you will definitely notice it and things become far more tiring! During quieter spots, that just drink in that amazing scenery. Towering rock cliffs loom close, that and you tend to view such lush vegetation edging the riverside banks. So, depending on the company, in some respects there might be a pit-stop, actually so you can take pictures, anyway grab refreshments, now or maybe even take a brave leap from a rock. You might even get too it’s almost lucky enough to spot such local animals along the shores, anyway like your diverse bird species. Typically the stretch taken goes somewhere for about 2 to 3 hours on the water, could be so it’s plenty of river time!
Post-Rafting and What to expect
Once finished, could be you’re typically ferried back to base where, in a way you may change into dry garments and that the changing areas can sometimes feel busy depending on the group sizes, so check in advance or take a lightweight changing poncho. Something that’s too it’s almost awesome? Pictures! Such firms will get photos as you descend the stream. It means, basically you have some proof for boasting back home, very that you got soaked doing something memorable!
Most rafting organizers often give trips returning to Sofia. What you might discover anyway, as a matter of fact, is how, anyway everybody bonds throughout the river rafting part! Typically you might’ve started the morning not being knowledgeable with others, virtually yet being triumphant over rapid stretches gets a camaraderie only adventure activities often promote. The drop off is mostly at the pick up spot, so really getting home to your accommodation for warm refreshments seems like a slice of heaven.