The 4x4 Off-Road Safari is a 4-5 hour guided expedition into the Dhëmbel and Nemërçka mountains above Përmet, Albania, on the edge of the Vjosa Wild River National Park. For €50 per person, a rugged 4x4 driven by an expert local guide climbs steep mountain tracks to remote stone-built villages and a summit viewpoint over the Vjosa Valley. The price includes the vehicle, driver-guide, and a traditional mountain picnic with Pasterma, Shqeto, and Raki at 1,200 meters. Suitable for all ages, no fitness required.
*We actively monitor the Nemërçka mountain fault lines and soil saturation. Departures are strictly regulated based on overnight rainfall to ensure a safe, premium traversal.
Trade the asphalt for an authentic off-road expedition through the Vjosa National Park territory. Our 4x4 Safari takes you deep into the Dhëmbel and Nemërçka mountain ranges, fording shallow river beds and climbing high-angle dirt trails inaccessible to standard vehicles.
The itinerary includes curated stops at historic stone-built villages and high-altitude pastoral camps. Guests engage directly with local mountain shepherds and secure panoramic vantage points over the Vjosa Valley, offering a culturally rich, high-adrenaline experience without the physical exhaustion.
A true expedition requires authentic sustenance. At 1,200 meters above sea level, our guests partake in a curated pastoral picnic. We prioritize hearty, traditional mountain fare—featuring locally cured Pasterma and rich, slow-cooked Shqeto sourced directly from village farms—paired with artisanal small-batch Raki to cut through the crisp alpine air.
Looking to conquer both the mountains and the water? Pair this off-road expedition with our signature Half-Day Vjosa Rafting Descent.
Load into the 4x4s at our Përmet center.
Leave the asphalt and climb steep, rocky shepherd paths.
Explore historic stone architecture and meet friendly locals.
Reach the ultimate viewpoint for photos before descending.
The 4x4 Safari departs from our base camp in Përmet town center, where you'll be loaded into the off-road vehicles before leaving the asphalt for steep mountain tracks into the Dhëmbel-Nemërçka range. Përmet sits on the SH75 highway within the Vjosa Wild River National Park, making it an easy base for exploring both the river valley below and the mountains above — including the dramatic City Stone rock formation, visible from several points along the route. No personal vehicle is needed; round-trip transport from Përmet is included in the tour.
The 4x4 Safari runs primarily from April through October, when the Nemërçka mountain tracks are dry and clear of snow. Late spring (May-June) brings green pastures and wildflowers across the high meadows, while summer (July-August) offers the clearest long-range views over the Vjosa Valley toward landmarks like Leusa Church. Autumn brings cooler air and golden colors in the valley below. We monitor trail conditions closely and may adjust the route or pause departures after heavy rain or early snowfall, when the mountain tracks become unsafe for off-road travel.
Beyond sunglasses, a light jacket, and comfortable closed-toe shoes, pack a hat for sun protection at higher altitudes, where the mountain air can feel cooler and breezier than in Përmet. A camera or phone is essential for capturing panoramic views over the Vjosa Valley and the stone villages along the route. Bring a small amount of cash if you'd like to purchase handmade items from village shepherds, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the ascent. Since the safari includes a mountain picnic, no food needs to be packed — just come with an appetite for Pasterma, Shqeto, and Raki.
Back in Përmet, don't miss the City Stone, a legendary rock formation overlooking the town and the Vjosa Valley — many of the safari's mountain viewpoints offer a different perspective on this same landmark. The historic Leusa Church, a Byzantine-era church with panoramic views, sits on a hillside above town and pairs naturally with the safari's mountain theme. For a different kind of adventure, the Sopoti Waterfall is a hidden cascade tucked into the mountains above Përmet, reachable via a separate hike.
Our trained local guides do all the driving.
Yes! It's a true off-road adventure.
Absolutely, great for all ages.
You don't need to — a curated mountain picnic with local Pasterma, Shqeto, and Raki is included at 1,200 meters above sea level.
Departures depend on weather and trail conditions. We monitor the Nemërçka mountain tracks closely and may adjust the route or reschedule if snow or heavy rain makes the trails unsafe.
The safari departs from our base camp in Përmet town center, where you'll load into the off-road vehicles. Round-trip transport from Përmet is included — no personal vehicle needed.
April through October is best, when the Nemërçka mountain tracks are dry and clear. Summer (July-August) offers the clearest long-range views over the Vjosa Valley, while late spring brings green pastures and wildflowers.
Beyond sunglasses, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes, bring a hat, a camera for the panoramic views, and a reusable water bottle. Since a mountain picnic is included, you don't need to pack food.
The safari's mountain viewpoints offer striking views toward the City Stone and the Vjosa Valley. Both the City Stone and Leusa Church are easily visited separately from Përmet, either before or after your safari.
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