8-Hour Canyoning, Bigazi Waterfall

8-Hour Canyoning, Bigazi Waterfall, 8 hours, rated 4.6 across 150 traveller reviews.

Overview

This full-day trip from Berat takes you canyoning in Osumi Canyon at Bigazi Waterfall, with around 3 to 4 hours actually spent inside the canyon. The day starts at 09:00 AM in Berat, followed by a drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes through southern Albania with views of Mount Tomori. There is a short 10-minute stop in Bogova Village before the final 20-minute drive to Çorovodë, the gateway to the canyon.

Once there, your guide hands out wetsuits, helmets and harnesses, runs a full safety briefing and equipment check, and the canyon portion begins between 11:00 and 11:30 AM. Inside, you wade through clear water, swim in natural pools, jump into basins and complete four rappels down waterfalls, then finish with a short hike to the exit.

The guide leading the trip is a member of the Albania Rescue Team. After the canyon, the group sits down to a traditional Albanian lunch before the drive back to Berat. Transport from Berat is included, though you can also drive yourself to Çorovodë and meet the group there at 11:00 AM.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in BeratMeet your guide in Berat at 09:00 AM. Two pickup locations are offered.
2. Drive toward the canyonA scenic drive of about 1 hour and 20 minutes through southern Albania, with views of Mount Tomori along the way.
3. Stop in Bogova VillageA short 10-minute break to enjoy the fresh mountain air and prepare for the adventure ahead.
4. Arrive in ÇorovodëContinue about 20 minutes to Çorovodë, the gateway to Osumi Canyon. Guides hand out wetsuits, helmets and harnesses, followed by a safety briefing and equipment check. Self-drivers can meet the group here at 11:00 AM.
5. Canyoning at Bigazi WaterfallBetween 11:00 and 11:30 AM the canyon adventure begins. You spend 3 to 4 hours walking through clear water, swimming in pools, jumping into basins and doing four rappels, ending with a short hike to the exit.
6. Traditional Albanian lunchAfter the canyon, the group relaxes over a traditional Albanian lunch.
7. Return transferAt the end of the day, transport returns to two drop-off locations.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you arrive prepared, since you will spend several hours in and around water.

• Shoes are on you. Shoes are the one item not included, and the listing specifically suggests sports shoes. Wear a pair you do not mind getting wet, since you will be walking through water for much of the canyon section.
• Bring the basics. Pack a change of clothes, a towel and sunscreen. A waterproof camera is recommended, and the operator provides photos and videos of the adventure, so you may not need your own gear for every moment.
• Nervous beginners cope. Reviewers often credit the guides' clear instructions and patient manner for how safe they felt on a route with four rappels. One reviewer said they had no problem abseiling long distances despite their nerves, and another noted anxious members of the group stayed calm thanks to the guide.
• Wait at the ropes. Some travellers reported waiting at the rope sections while the group goes through each phase of the canyon. Reviews describe the guides as friendly and supportive throughout, so the pauses are more about pacing than anything else.
• Lunch is included. A traditional Albanian lunch and water are both included. One reviewer mentioned the meal came as a nice surprise, since they had not realised food was part of the day.
• Health limits apply. The listing states the tour is not suitable for people with physical problems, heart conditions or pregnancy. It is otherwise pitched at families, children, couples and groups of friends.

Common issues. Some travellers reported long waits at the rope sections, and one reviewer felt the group was too large, which slowed the descents at the big cliffs. One reviewer also noted some wetsuits had seen better days, and another felt the canyon portion was shorter than canyoning trips they had done elsewhere. The listing rules out the tour for anyone with physical problems, heart conditions or pregnancy, and shoes are not provided.

Common Questions