Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma

A Thrilling Mix of Adventure at Simitli: Rope Garden, Zipline, and Rafting on the Struma

In the scenic Blagoevgrad Province, just a short drive from Sofia and Bansko, you’ll find a compact adventure hub that offers a full-day thrill—or rather, about 3.5 to 4 hours of nonstop action. This tour, led by friendly guides like Ivan and Nikolay, combines white-water rafting, a challenging rope park, and a zipline ride all in one convenient location. The rafting center on the Struma River is well-organized, with private parking, clean changing rooms, and hot showers, making it a hassle-free way to spend a few hours chasing adrenaline.

What we really like about this experience is the seamless combination of different activities—you can switch from floating down the river to climbing ropes, then soaring across the canyon on a zipline, all without the need to change locations. It’s designed for adventure lovers who want multiple experiences in one trip. Another highlight is the expert guides who speak several languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, ensuring safety and fun for diverse groups.

A consideration to keep in mind is the physical nature of the activities. While the tour isn’t suitable for very young children or those with certain weight or height restrictions, it’s ideal for active travelers with a sense of adventure. Also, since transportation to the site isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your arrival or arrange a transfer.

This tour suits families with older children, groups of friends, or adventurous couples looking for a combination of water and aerial fun. If you’re seeking a way to explore Bulgaria’s natural beauty while also getting your heart pounding, it’s a great pick.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Multiple Activities in One Location: Rafting, ziplining, and rope park make for a varied, full-day adventure.
• Expert Guides & Safety Focus: Guides speak multiple languages and prioritize safety with thorough briefings.
• Flexible Timing & Equipment: Unlimited time in the rope park and all necessary gear provided.
• Convenient Facilities & Parking: Private guarded parking, changing rooms, and hot showers enhance comfort.
• Optimal Location: Close to Sofia and Bansko, avoiding difficult mountain roads.
• Age & Weight Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 130 cm or those over 110 kg, and not recommended for over 70 years old.

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Rafting Base “Rafting BG”

The adventure begins at the Rafting BG base, easily accessible via a side turn from the main E79 highway. This central spot is well-equipped with private, guarded parking, so you won’t need to worry about leaving your car. Upon arrival, you’ll find changing rooms, lockers, and hot showers, setting a comfortable tone for your day of fun.

The Rafting on Struma River

The highlight for many is the rafting experience—which is often described as “the best rafting in Bulgaria”. The river’s trace through the Kresna Gorge is renowned for its challenging yet manageable rapids, offering a stimulating ride with a mix of calmer stretches and exciting white-water sections.

Your guides, like Ivan, will give a safety briefing before heading into the water. You’ll be provided with full gear—neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, helmets, and life jackets—to keep you warm and secure. The tour offers different lengths of river run, usually around 10 to 13 km, depending on water levels, which means you get a solid amount of time paddling and floating.

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What Makes the Rafting Special

Many reviews note that the location’s natural beauty adds to the thrill, with stunning views of the gorge and the river’s clear waters. One visitor mentioned, “We loved the way the guides explained everything clearly, making it fun and safe for everyone.” You may even have a chance to swim or jump off rocks into the river at designated spots—adding a splash of spontaneity to your trip.

Rope Park & Zipline: Climbing & Flying High

After the river, it’s time to test your agility in the rope park, which features 24 elements spread over two levels, with the highest parts reaching 5 meters above ground. The unlimited time allows you to take your time navigating the obstacles—perfect for those who want to challenge themselves or just enjoy the views from above.

The zipline ride kicks off above the Struma River, providing an exciting ride as you soar across the gorge. The equipment, including a climbing seat, security lines, helmet, and gloves, is supplied, ensuring both safety and comfort.

Why the Rope and Zipline Add Value

This part of the tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy heightened perspectives of Bulgaria’s rugged landscape. The thrill of flying across the canyon with the river below gives a sense of liberation and fun that’s hard to match.

Facilities & Safety

The tour emphasizes safety, with guides running thorough briefings before any activity. For those looking for an adrenaline rush with a safety net, this setup reassures with trained personnel and quality equipment.

Post-Activity Comforts & Logistics

Once your adventure concludes, there’s a organized transfer back to the starting point, ensuring your journey is smooth. You’ll also have access to hot showers, toilets, and WiFi, making it easy to freshen up and share your stories.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, flip-flops, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the rope park.
• What to Expect: A physically active experience with options for both safe and more extreme adventures—flipping the raft or jumping into the water are available but optional.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 130 cm, over 110 kg, or those over 70 years old, so check your fitness level beforehand.
• Timing & Duration: The total activity lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, but the actual river time can vary with water levels.

Authentic Feedback from Visitors

Many travelers appreciated the organization and friendliness. One reviewer noted, “The guides are very experienced and made us feel safe, even when flipping the raft!” Others loved the variety of activities, highlighting how they could swim, jump, and fly in one trip.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This adventure is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of water sports and aerial challenges. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a fun, active day that combines Bulgaria’s stunning natural landscapes with adrenaline-pumping activities. Families with older children, groups of friends, or couples seeking a memorable outdoor experience will all find something to enjoy here.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re craving a multi-faceted outdoor adventure close to Sofia or Bansko, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of rafting, rope park, and zipline provides a variety of thrills, all in a well-organized setting with experienced guides. The facilities and safety measures make it suitable for many, though it’s not for the very young or those with mobility or weight restrictions.

What makes this experience stand out is its location—near the picturesque Kresna Gorge—and the professionalism of the guides. It’s a fantastic way to get a dose of Bulgaria’s natural beauty while satisfying your adventure spirit. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself physically or just want a fun day outdoors, you’ll likely find this tour a rewarding choice.

FAQ

Is transportation to the rafting center included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer or drive yourself to the start point, which is located next to the gas station on the main E79 highway.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total tour lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, including safety briefings, activities, and transfers back to the starting point.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all necessary gear—neoprene suits, shoes, helmets, and safety lines—are provided. You should bring a towel, flip-flops, and appropriate clothing.

Is this suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 130 cm tall, but not recommended for those under that height or over 110 kg. It’s also not suitable for travelers over 70 years old.

Can I do the activities if I’ve never rafted or ziplined before?
Absolutely. The guides provide thorough safety briefings and instructions, making it accessible for beginners.

What should I wear for the activities?
Bring a bathing suit or shorts, a T-shirt or thermal shirt in cooler weather, and sandals or flip-flops for after the activity. Biodegradable sunscreen is recommended to protect the environment.

This adventure at Simitli offers a balanced dose of nature, thrill, and convenience—a memorable way to experience Bulgaria’s scenic landscapes while satisfying your craving for adrenaline. Whether you’re seeking a fun family outing or an energizing day with friends, it’s a trip that promises plenty of excitement and authentic fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: