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Uvac Gorge Nature Reserve

South West  >  Serbia

Spectacular canyon and nature reserve where you can see more than 170 species of birds. Hundreds of vultures can be seen easy in Uvac.

Added* by Adam Kaczko
Most recent update 31 March 2023

Description

Uvac nature reserve is is located in southwestern Serbia. The protected area is elongated and comprises the valley of the Uvac river, including the Uvac Gorge. The nature reserve is a canyon-like valley of the river, including the valleys of its tributaries. The river cut its bed deep into the limestone rocks and formed a narrowed gorge-canyon valleys with high and steep limestone cliffs. An average deep of the valley is between 200 and 300 meter. The Uvac gorge is especially known for its curving meanders which are cut in the canyon-like fashion. The main attraction in the reserve is the avifauna, with 172 bird species. The most important inhabitant of Uvac is the Griffon Vulture, of which hundreds live in the reserve, the biggest colony in the Balkans. Among the other birds you can see here are Eurasian Black Vulture, Goosander, Wallcreeper, Eagle Owl, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Nutcracker.

Details

Access

Nova Varos is the largest town in the local area and is 258 km away from Belgrade and is the best base from which to visit the Uvac Canyon. You can reach the town centre by bus from both Serbia’s capital, as well as Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica. Another option is to catch a train to Prijepolje, from which you would take a 30-minute bus ride to Nova Varos. Taxis from Nova Varos toward the Uvac Special Nature Reserve are inexpensive and shouldn’t cost more than 500 RSD. It is a safe place to visit.

Note: As it’s protected by the Serbian Government, the Uvac River Canyon is accessible only via an organised tour. Contact local authorities via office@uvac.org.rs to book your river tour (click on the P in the map to get directions or coordinates of the starting point by the dam wall). The costs is approximately 1,100 RSD (10€) and includes a tour of the Usac cave system. Some local guesthouse operators are permitted to conduct tours throughout the Uvac Canyon. These tours may be more expensive and can cover treks to lookouts which can take up to 3 hours.

Terrain and Habitat

Canyon/cliff

Conditions

Rocky , Hilly , Mountainous

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Car , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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