Albanian Wild Tracks offroad tour

Albania
September 16th – 25th 2024

Type – standard offroad tour
Duration – 10 days
Wild camping (+ 2 nights in hotels)
Covering approximately 1.000 km
Technical difficulty – 3-6/10
Scratching rate – 1-4/10
Payment instructions will be mailed to you upon registration

The Balkans peninsula is the last oasis of unrestricted 4×4 offroad travel in Europe. It’s wild and beautiful mountainous terrain harbours some of the most picturesque and dynamic offroad trails, many of which were previously known only to smugglers and local shepperds. They reach more than 2500 m in height, descend into the deepest canyons, cross mighty rivers, and pass through muddy mazes of virgin forests in a way that represents a true adventure you’d normally have to search for in the distant corners of the world. Albania is the most rugged and wild of the Balkan countries, and this tour introduces you to all of Albanian most precious natural jewels.

Price per vehicle with driver and passanger – 1.489 €

Video from the Albanian Wild Tracks 2021 tour

Where?

Approximate area of the tour

The tour will start from Shkodra resort near Koplik in the north, in the direction of our first goal, the Theth national park. After visiting the magnificent Theth valley, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Albania (where we spend our first night), we take an exhausting, but beautiful, 50 km long rocky road out to the south, in order to continue the roundtrip of Albania in a clockwise direction.

Our next major attraction is the Lura national park in northeast of Albania, known for it’s magnificent mountain lakes (we will camp beside one of them). After a trip through Lura we continue in the direction of Peshkopi, and then head on towards Shebenik-Jablanice national park, perhaps the most magnificent one in the eastern part of the country, featuring some of the highest glacier lakes in Albania. That is a point where we will start a very engaging, zig-zag pattern through central part of the country.

The second part, through the mountains of southern Albania, will be no less engaging, raising the definition of wilderness and offroad challenges to a completely new level. Southern Albania also features many notable highlights, such as the Tomorrica and several other riverbed trails, the ancient town of Voskopoje or the thermal springs of Benja, ending the tour after almost two weeks camping on a magnificent beach of the Ionean sea, giving you a true mediterranean, fitting experience to enjoy after all the mountain excitement. Those who have arrived by the port of Durres will need about 2 hours of driving along good quality coastal roads to return to the ferry on the last day (day 13), while others can enjoy a prolonged stay at the seaside, if they’ve reserved more free time after the tour.

During those ten days we will drive through landscapes of breathtaking beauty, on trails that are at moments challenging, stretching over vast uninhabited areas, We’ll cross several rivers on our way, drive through sandy riverbanks, as well as conquer some very rocky mountain trails. We’ll navigate muddy paths deep in the ancient forests of south Balkans. Throughout the tour we’ll camp in remote wilderness areas far from any sign of civilization, free from restrictions and rangers. The dynamic, everchanging landscapes will make this a true offroad adventure, which is guaranteed to fulfill every true overlander’s dream!

Video of previous Balkans Wild Tracks tour, which included Greece and south Albania

Accomodation

During the tour we’ll be sleeping on nice natural campsites in total wilderness, often near rivers, streams or lakes. Our average time of arrival to campsite is around 17:00, and morning departure time will be around 9:00. Athough these are wild and remote areas, risk from wildlife is only theoretical, so you can be relaxed during camping, requiring no extra protection. However, you’re advised to have warm clothing and warm, good quality sleeping bags, because in the high mountains temeperatures can drop to single digits during the night, even in the summer (we’ll often camp above the altitude of 1000 m). To make camping more comfortable, you should have folding tables and chairs, as well as cooking equipment for food, mobile refrigerator (12 V), etc. Three times during the tour we will sleep in some discrete, out of the way hotels. We’ll stop for resupplying food and fuel every 2-4 days of the tour (whenever our trail passes by a major town). The participants normally prepare their own food during the tour, but on occasions there will be an opportunity to eat in restaurants.

I’ve seen enough, take me directly to booking!

Tour requirements

Minimum requirements for Albanian Wild Tracks offroad tour

AT tyres recommended, MT optional
a shovel
1 or more kinnetic ropes for recovery, and (at least) 1 shackle
camping gear (a rooftop or classic tent, or conditions to sleep inside the vehicle)
basic tools for car repair and maintenance
insurance green card (required for Albania)

You should also consider

Protective sheets over your paint (in case you mind contact with branches)
A moderate lift – makes you more relaxed and safer when crossing obstacles
a winch – speeds up and simplifies recoveries, if you get stuck

We expect you to…

Be flexible and relaxed – it can be helpful in handling unexpected events, such as route changes due to weather conditions or damaged trails, vehicle breakdowns or other event beyond our control. We will be thankful for your help in the daily preparation of the campsite (gathering firewood, building the fire, setting up stuff, etc.), as well as your readiness to help fellow overlanders in solving problems on the trail.
Understanding and tollerance is the key to building a good mood on the tour!

Tour price covers

Included in the tour price

dual GPS navigation systems in the guiding vehicle(s)
all fuel and other expenses for the guiding vehicles
personal counceling before and during the tour
GPS tracks in GPX format
technical assistance in tricky situations by the guides
accomodation costs for two hotel nights
handheld dualband radios during the tour

NOT included in the tour price

individual fuel and toll costs
individual food and drink expenses
servicing expenses by third parties
individual accomodation expenses before and after the tour (on your way to Albania)
ferry tickets, either on arrival to Albania, or on lakes in Albania
other individual expenses

What else you should know about the tour?

As the tour time approaches, we’ll supply you with detailed access instructions to our meeting point in the Durres port as well as Koplik, including necessary coordinates and GPX/KML tracks. Please secure that you have your travel insurance before starting the tour. We expect you to arrive with a vehicle in good technical conditon, which can endure two weeks of serious offroading. This tour is not for total offroading beginners – some previous experience would be beneficial. During the tour a chance to refuel will be available each 250-300 km. As credit cards are rarely taken in shops and petrol stations in Albania, you’re advised to exchange some cash upon arrival in order to have local currency for your expenses during the trip. Fuel prices in Albania are similar to prices elsewhere throughout Europe.

In case you can’t continue the tour due to a serious defect on your vehicle, we will do our best to connect you with skilled mechanics who may be able to repair the vehicle quickly on the spot or in nearby workshops (at your expense). In case you have to be delayed for some days due to a lack of parts, we will supply you with a new meeting point along our route, so that you can rejoin the tour when your vehicle is functional again.