When I decided to visit Tirana for the first time, I really wanted to see some of the Albanian countryside. I started doing some research online and this tour kept popping up on the various booking sites.
It looked interesting as it was a short day trip. It included seeing some scenery (a mountain and a lake) , hiking and lunch. Everything sounded ideal !
Logistics
I booked the tour on “Get Your Guide”. On occasions I have been unable to book tours as they only allowed bookings for groups of two people. As I travel solo I was delighted to be able to book this as a solo traveller.
This tour is also available on the other well known websites. The best known local tour group is “Dreamtours Albania”. They also have their own website so do consider booking directly with them.
https://www.dreamtoursalbania.com
It was considered low season when I went and it cost €19.80. This was a discounted price and I have seen it costing €25.00 at busier times. Even at the higher price, I think this is great value given the itinerary.
I received a text the night before with the pick-up time (9.25am) and a pin showing the central location. This was opposite my hotel where I had requested to be picked up.
The following morning I received a text from the tour guide, Orlanda, showing a photograph of the minivan she would be driving. I really appreciated receiving this as I was due to meet her where lots of taxis and private cars drop-off and pick-up. The number plate was clearly visible in the photograph.
Everything went to plan and I was collected in a modern minivan with seating for 8 passengers. Very quickly, everyone was collected. I appreciated that we didn’t have to wait for anyone. I was also pleased that the other guests were not all couples and were of mixed nationalities. Due to the different nationalities – English was the language used by Orlanda, who speaks at least 5 languages.
I was surprised at how much younger everyone else was than me – they ranged from 18-31. But I’ve probably hiked more mountains than everyone else put together so I didn’t let that worry me !!
First Stop – Coffee Break
During the first few minutes, Orlanda went through the itinerary. She had everyone introduce themselves. This was a nice touch and certainly broke the ice. The other people were from Serbia, Netherlands, England and Germany – so all Europeans.
I was happy we stopped for a quick coffee and bathroom break at a cafe attached to a petrol / gasoline station. A very good quality espresso cost 100 LEK (€1.00).
Next Stop – River
We next stopped at a small bridge to see the river “Terkuze”, a tributary of “Ishem”. I was glad we stopped for this brief photo opportunity. The river was a shade of blue, so the bank must not be very muddy. It also rushes at quite a speed through the rocky landscape.
We then continued our drive along a gravel road which did have some potholes. I have read lots of comments on how bumpy the drive was but it didn’t seem that bad to me. Maybe that was due to the quality of the car or our driver Orlanda or just because I have been on many roads off the beaten track. However, if you plan to drive yourself or you are a nervous driver or passenger, this is a consideration. You do need to stop and let other cars pass by on occasions.
Arrival at Lake Bovilla
Lake Bovilla is situated in the Dajti Mountain National Park. It’s about 15 km to the north east of Tirana. The lake is a reservoir supplying the water to Tirana. There are several land masses throughout the beautiful aquamarine coloured lake.
However, it’s not until you hike on Mount Gamti that you appreciate the scale and splendour of the lake.
There are several parking areas and you also see a modern restaurant off to the side.
Hiking Mount Gamti
The hike is short i.e. less than 30 minutes. It’s a little steep for about 2-3 minutes. It starts off with a stone pathway and then changes to rocks. I am short (1.58m) so there were a few times I had to watch my footing, but it was mostly easy. After a few minutes, iron steps with a handrail take you to the top.
I suggest you wear either light hiking boots or trainers to complete this hike. It also might be slippy when wet so caution is needed.
It’s well worth the climb as the view is amazing from the top. The mountain itself is rocky so you can find lots of rocks to sit on and to admire the view.
There are a few opportunities to climb further including a rock formation that juts out and overlooks the lake. This is a great photo opportunity (see the stranger I captured in image 1 below). I have climbed summits before so I didn’t feel inclined. I clearly was the smallest of the group and parts of it looked high. I enjoyed the scenery around me and relaxing as others had their “instagram” moments.
You can see several mountains around the lake including “Mount Maja e Gomtitit (1,268m)” and “Mount Mali i Bjeshit (1,268m)”.
Some information on Lake Bovilla
The water level can change during the year by 7-10 metres. The part with the greatest depth is estimated at 45 metres. Its construction started during the communist era in 1988 but stopped during its collapse (Communism, not the mountain). It finally recommenced in 1993 with some funding provided by nearby Italy. The reservoir was finished, full and operational in 1998.
Some websites and tours say you can swim in the lake during the summer months but other sites say swimming is forbidden.
There was a scare in 2001 when a bad odour and taste was identified. Some reforestation efforts, to protect erosion, were put in place and the issue was resolved.
Lunch
Lunch is available at a modern restaurant with great windows offering a panoramic view of the lake. Some people brought their own food and chose to have a picnic outside.
I had a greek salad and a glass of white wine. This cost 750 LEK (€7.50). I paid with cash but some patrons were paying by card. I understand they were having some connectivity issues with the card machine so I suggest you have cash with you.
Lots of fresh white bread was served with the huge and extremely fresh salad. The wine was also a generous pour. I throughly enjoyed this. Other people on my tour had meat dishes and other salads and everyone was praising the food.
Stop at the Dam
We stopped at the dam on the return journey. It was great to see this up close and it was an opportunity for a group shot. I don’t think I look that much older than my fellow tourists!
Return to Tirana
We were back in Tirana before 4.00pm. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was great to get out into the Albanian countryside, see some villages, mountains and the lake is really special.
This duration is ideal if you have limited time in Tirana. I think it’s excellent value, even if you pay a higher price than I did. Also, if you do have Orlanda as your guide – do tell her you saw this post and say Ciao from me !
If you enjoyed this post please read my Tips and Quirks on Albania – my observations based on my experiences.