This is one of the most common questions we get from you. It's also the number one misconception.
Swimming is not a requirement for participating in rafting. However, a life jacket, which is a mandatory part of the equipment and is provided to all participants by us, is.
The life jacket and helmet are the only mandatory equipment for rafting. With a life jacket, it's impossible to sink.
Swimming in the Tara River, in its so-called rapids, where actually falling out of the boat can happen, is almost impossible.
The Tara River is an extremely fast river, and that's precisely why it's attractive for rafting.
Swimming would only tire you out.
In case of falling out of the boat, the basic rule is to relax, turn your feet "forward" to push yourself away from any rocks, branches, obstacles, and wait for the river to push you to a calm area, where you can swim to the shore or the boat...the life jacket is mandatory equipment for this reason, and with a life jacket, it's absolutely impossible for anything to happen to you.
It's important to note that falling out of the boat or capsizing is extremely rare, and the chances of it happening to you are almost negligible.
To convince you, here you can watch a video of intentional jumps into the Tara River.
Although they share the same name, the Tara River and Tara Mountain are not the same. Tara Mountain is located in Serbia, near Zlatibor and Užice, while the Tara River, i.e., the RT rafting center, is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the city of Foča. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Tara Mountain to the RT rafting center.
The Tara River is, for the most part, a border river between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The last 25 km of the Tara River are the most attractive for rafting. The RT rafting center, like almost all other camps, is located at the very end of the Tara River, i.e., on the Drina River.
The Tara River and the Piva River, just 1 km away from our RT rafting center, form the Drina River. The place where the Piva River and the Tara River meet is called Sastavci.
If you are a citizen of the Republic of Serbia, you do not need a passport. You can also cross the border with a valid ID card. For children who, by law, cannot have an ID card before the age of 16, a passport is required to cross the border.
We remind you that the green card for cars has been abolished since 2021.
Rafting usually starts after breakfast, however, due to heavy traffic on the way to the starting point and on the Tara river itself, rafting can sometimes be organized in two shifts - after breakfast and after lunch. The tours are identical, only the schedule is different. If you prefer to be in the first group, simply let us know when making your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate you. Otherwise, we will assign you to a group.
Rafting preparations begin after breakfast, around 9:00 AM. You will go to the skipper room where our skippers will give you the necessary equipment for rafting. All equipment needed for rafting is provided by us, you only need to bring your swimsuit or shorts. The mandatory equipment for rafting includes a life jacket, helmet, and boots or shoes. Optional equipment includes a neoprene suit and anorak jacket.
Please bring your equipment with you to your room and put it on over your swimsuit/shorts. We remind you not to wear shirts, pants, socks... Neoprene suits are special suits designed to protect you from the cold water of the Tara river, which can be as cold as -5°C. The suits allow a small amount of water to pass through, which is then heated to the temperature of your body and creates an insulating layer that keeps you warm. In the summer months, when temperatures are extremely high, in July and August, you are not required to wear a suit, but a life jacket and helmet are mandatory. If you prefer, in the summer months you can wear just a swimsuit or shorts and similar, as well as a life jacket and helmet.
Each boat has a waterproof bag where you can put your necessary things. Although the bags are waterproof, we do not recommend bringing phones/cameras, etc. We remind you that we are not responsible for the loss or damage of phones and personal belongings on the boat. If you want to capture unforgettable moments while rafting, we recommend that you bring or rent a GoPro camera from us.
Also, all our skippers wear GoPro cameras on their helmets to capture the most interesting moments, and you can buy the recordings at the reception later. After you have put on your rafting equipment, we will gather on the main plateau in front of the restaurant, where we will take traditional pictures, and then we will read the rafting schedule.
Almost all camps, including our rafting center RT, are located at the end point of the rafting tour. Therefore, from our center to the starting point of the rafting, we go by our vehicles - usually vans. Vans usually have 8 seats, so we make lists that distribute you into which van to sit. The lists are only for van transport to the starting point and are not lists for boats.
From RT center to the starting point, there is about 1 hour of driving. Upon arrival at the starting point, your skippers will start with the final preparation of the boats and equipment. They unload the boats brought by your vans, check the equipment, and make a schedule of participants for rafting. Rafting boats come in different sizes and load capacities. They are mostly for eight participants + skipper, but they can be for six or ten participants as well.
After the schedule of participants for rafting, each skipper will hold a short briefing for their group on the rules of behavior on the boat, and your adventure called rafting begins. The duration of the rafting itself depends on the time of year, the speed of the Tara river, and your rowing skills. Generally, it lasts from 2 to 5 hours. As a rule, the water is faster in April, May, and early June, and rafting takes less time. For those who have already been rafting or want to try faster rafting, we recommend that they visit us during these months.
For those who are coming to us for the first time or want to try calmer rafting, we recommend that they visit us in July, August, and September. The Tara river is slower, the water is warm, and we make breaks for swimming, sunbathing, taking pictures, jumping, etc. These months are also recommended for rafting with children.
After 2-5 hours of rafting, the boats come to the base of the RT center. Again in the skipper room, where you took the equipment, you now return the equipment. After each use, all equipment is washed, disinfected, and dried for the next use. After returning the equipment, you can enjoy a warm shower and a delicious lunch or dinner.
Although rafting is an extreme sport, it is not dangerous. Of course, with respect for all procedures, rafting is entirely safe in all months. However, for those who are coming to us for the first time, we recommend choosing the months of July, August, and September.
As a rule, the water is faster in April, May, and early June, and rafting takes less time. For those who have already been rafting or want to try faster rafting, we recommend that they visit us during these months.
In July, August, and September, the Tara river is slower, the water is warm, and we make breaks for swimming, sunbathing, taking pictures, jumping, etc. These months are also recommended for rafting with children.
However, we want to emphasize once again that rafting is entirely safe in all months, and you are welcome whenever you want. Our skippers are highly experienced, we have all the equipment of top quality, and we guarantee you an unforgettable experience in any month.
Yes, but we do not recommend it. Each of our boats has waterproof bags where you can put things that are necessary for you. However, we do not recommend carrying phones/cameras that can be damaged, and the like. Although the bags are waterproof, they often open, and your phone can get damaged. We want to emphasize that we are not responsible for any damage or loss of personal items.
If you want to capture unforgettable moments while rafting, we recommend that you bring or rent a Go Pro camera from us.
FIRST OPTION
You can rent cameras at the reception. The rental price of the camera is 15€. You can mount the camera on your helmet (if you plan to rent a camera, when taking equipment from the skipper's room, ask for a helmet that has a camera holder). In this case, you record and take pictures of what you want. Important note - you need to have your own memory card. If you don't have it, you can buy it from us for 10€.
SECOND OPTION
Buying recordings from us, i.e., all our skippers carry Go Pro cameras on their helmets, recording the most exciting moments, and you can buy the recordings at the reception. The price of the recording is 15€. Important note - you need to have your own memory card or USB for transfer (you can buy the USB from us for 10€).
If you are staying in superior bungalows, you can leave your valuables in the safe. Superior bungalows have a safe.
In other cases, if you do not want to leave them in the room, you can leave your valuables in our safe at the reception. The service is free of charge.
Yes, rafting is completely safe for school-age children and depending on the water level of the river Tara, it can also be safe for younger children.
We note that we have all the necessary equipment for children and that our skippers are extremely experienced.
However, for rafting with children, we advise you to choose the months of July, August, and September... It is also desirable that these be working days, from Sunday to Friday, when the crowds are much smaller.
The Tara River is calmer, the water is warmer, and our skippers will adapt the rafting experience to our youngest participants. We will make breaks for swimming, playing in the sand, taking pictures, and the inevitable cave of Maša and the Bear. Also, at the end of the rafting, our youngest participants receive certificates of bravery.
Tip. Due to the long duration of the rafting, we advise you to bring a snack for our bravest ones. Breakfast pastries, an apple, mini sandwiches... we guarantee they will be very hungry.
Yes, our youngest participants have discounts on package deals.
Children from 0 to 3 years old stay with us for free and do not have their own bed.
Children from 3 to 10 years old have a 30% discount on all our package deals.
Children over 10 years old pay the full price of the package.
Yes. All of our equipment is washed and disinfected. We guarantee that all of our equipment is washed and disinfected after each user.
After you finish rafting, our skippers will first wash your equipment in a solution of plain water and asepsol/aseptan.
After washing, all clothing, equipment, helmets, and paddles are disinfected and left to dry. Drying the suits is best in an open, well-ventilated room, out of the reach of direct sunlight.
If this is not possible, the suits are dried in a room with air cannons.
The capacity of the RT center is large and we always have enough equipment to accommodate 300 participants at the same time. We have all the necessary equipment for all participants. The largest size of the suit produced is XXXL. It corresponds to a size of 2m and around 130kg…
We cannot stress enough how many times we have had incorrect weather forecasts. Due to the Tara River canyon and air currents, the forecast has been completely inaccurate on many occasions.
However, if the weather forecast turns out to be correct, rain is not an obstacle for rafting. We understand that maybe you didn't imagine your descent like this, but rafting is still held even in bad weather. Of course, if there is heavy rainfall, we will wait for it to pass and then start the adventure, but spring/summer showers are not an obstacle for rafting. We provide all the necessary equipment for rafting, and we also have anorak jackets (waterproof rain jackets).
Rain or bad weather are not valid reasons for cancellation. We have all the necessary equipment for rafting in bad weather, and our bungalows, as well as the restaurant, have heating. If you are not sure, choose the summer months, for example, July and August when the rain is rare and short-lived.
Of course, all reservations can be canceled or rescheduled for another date. You need to contact us at least 3 weeks before the planned arrival date, and we will gladly offer you a new date.
Please note that rain or bad weather are not valid reasons for cancellation. We have all the necessary equipment for rafting in bad weather, and our bungalows, as well as the restaurant, have heating. If you are not sure, choose the summer months, for example, July and August when the rain is rare and short-lived.
To reserve your spot, you need to make a payment of 50 euros per person to our accounts in Serbia (in dinar equivalent) or in Bosnia and Herzegovina (you choose, whichever is easier for you), and the rest is paid on the spot.
Reservations serve as confirmation of your arrangement, and if for any reason you need to reschedule your arrival, we kindly ask you to let us know at least 3 weeks before the scheduled arrival date, and we will transfer your money to a new date. Otherwise, the reservation or payment is retained.
We kindly ask you to understand that we take our job very seriously, and just as you would not want to be in a situation where after an agreement with us and a long journey, you come to us, and we tell you that there is no place, we also do not want to be in a situation where after an agreement with you, you do not show up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These rules apply only to individual reservations or smaller groups. For companies and larger groups, special reservation, payment, and rescheduling rules apply.
Bed sheets and towels are provided. As well as toilet paper, soap, and similar items…
We take great care of hygiene and cleanliness in our bungalows. We can absolutely guarantee that all bed linen is changed after each use and the bungalows and rooms are cleaned and disinfected.
We advise you to bring a towel for the pool, personal hygiene products, a hair dryer…
In case you forget a hair dryer, you can borrow one at the reception.
Superior bungalows have a hair dryer.
At RT center, there are three types of accommodation: Standard, Comfort, and Superior.
Standard accommodation does not have its own bathroom in the bungalow, while Comfort and Superior do.
Learn more about accommodation at RT center.
When you decide on one of our packages, you can make a reservation in several ways.
First of all, you can book directly on our website.
Next to each package, there is a button for booking. You need to fill in the fields related to the date of arrival, the number of people, and so on… after filling in the required information, your inquiry will be sent to us. If we have available capacities for the requested period, we will confirm your reservation, and you will receive instructions for payment by email.
To book a place, you need to make a payment of 50€ per person to our account in Serbia (in the dinar equivalent) or in Bosnia and Herzegovina (you choose what is easier for you), and you pay the rest on the spot.
Reservations serve as confirmation of your package, and if for some reason you need to postpone your arrival, we kindly ask you to let us know at least 3 weeks before the scheduled arrival date, and we will transfer your money to a new date.
Otherwise, reservations i.e. paid funds are retained.
You can also make a reservation by phone by calling one of the numbers on the website, by email, through inquiries, Facebook… we are very active on all networks and respond quickly.
In all cases, a necessary payment of 50€ per person is required to reserve your place.
Consumption of alcohol and illegal substances before and during rafting is strictly prohibited. Please take this warning seriously.
Rafting is an extreme sport, and a moment of carelessness can have fatal consequences.
Our skippers have our full support, and if they assess that you are under the influence of alcohol, you will not be allowed to participate in rafting.
In addition to your safety, skippers are also responsible for the safety of other participants on the boat. Once again, we emphasize that this ban must be taken seriously.
There will be time for relaxation with homemade brandy, wine, music, and good food after rafting. Our parties with live music are already well-known, and we can't wait to dance and sing together all night.
Yes, we have a large parking lot that is under video surveillance. The entire RT rafting center is covered by video surveillance. Also, we note that we are located on the main road Foča - border crossing Šćepan Polje (road to Nikšić).
The entire RT rafting center is covered by free WiFi. However, we advise you to leave your phones and talk, get to know each other. There are no strangers here, only friends who haven't met yet.
There is no need to bring your own food. Our kitchen and dishes are homemade, traditional recipes, calorie-rich, and mostly meat-based. However, we have a rich menu of pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. (And we know the difference between them.) We use a special fryer and grill plate to prepare this type of food, and ingredients are not mixed.
Please let us know your wishes when booking, and we will be happy to fulfill your requests.
Also, you can buy all kinds of drinks with us. We have a wide selection of juices, beers, spirits, wines…
Bringing food and drinks into the camp area is prohibited and sanctioned.
Please take this warning seriously.
This choice depends on you and what you want, our service is the same.
The difference between weekend and weekday dates is:
Yes, of course. A large number of our guests are passing through and want to try only rafting, maybe a meal.
In that case, it is enough to contact us a day or two in advance. If it is a couple of people or an insufficient number for a whole boat, it is necessary to come to the RT center in the morning, around 10 am, so that we can join you to our groups for rafting. We note that we organize rafting and most other activities every day and that we always have enough people for rafting.
If you are a larger group, say 8 people, and there are enough of you for one boat, we can organize rafting at a time that suits you or join our group for rafting again.
There is no minimum number of people for rafting, as the boats carry from 6 to 10 people, but you do not have to form a group. At the RT center, there are always enough people for rafting, and we organize rafting as well as most other activities every day. You can even be alone, and we will join you to other participants.
If you have any doubts about the arrangement or additional questions, feel free to contact us.