This is an unusual adventure in Serbian Eldorado, near Debeli Lug. Indeed, you will have the impression that you are in the Sahara and the Amazon and not in the heart of Eastern Serbia!

From unique culture to captivating natural aesthetics, Eastern Serbia has it all! Known as a pearl of untouched nature, this part of Serbia is rich in beautiful waterfalls, mountains, caves, pits, and outgrowths. Full of places where you stop and wonder. You cannot decide if they are real or if you are dreaming. But Eastern Serbia also contains a large percentage of copper, molybdenum, selenium, gold, and other precious metals. Nature in that part of Serbia is disturbed by deforestation. But also, there are formations of mine plants in Majdanpek and Bor. One of these places is called Valja Fundata.

This place looks like a desert due to the visual effect. It was named Pustinjac or a desert-like place. And who would say there is a desert in Serbia? The surroundings of Majdanpek have the highest percentage of forests in Serbia: 72 percent. The place where you start this adrenaline adventure is called Debeli Lug, seven kilometers from Majdanpek towards Belgrade. Also, it is crucial to mention that you need a special permit to enter and stay in Pustinjac.

Nevertheless, you do not have to worry about us because we have you covered!

By the way, this is not the only place for such a landscape in Serbia. There are a few rainforests in Serbia. However, these rainforests are very different from tropical ones because they are smaller. Yet, they resemble the same beauty in their way. But only the rainforest and the “desert” Pustinjac with the canyon of the river Pek and the Valja Fundata area include the fantastic adventure with a professional guide that I talk about in this article.

Other rainforest places in Serbia are the Vinatovača rainforest in the Kučajske mountains – state protection level 1, Beljanici, and the rainforest Felješana.

Every step made in the sand will make you think you are in the largest hot desert in the world. There may appear to be lions, antelopes, tigers, and zebras too! However, you won’t see those animals because this is in Eastern Serbia. And this incredible desert will be the beginning of the adventure. The elevation is 541 meters above sea level, and the elevation of the bottom is about 340 meters. That means quite a thick layer of sand to walk on! There are a few exciting views: Shos, Breza, and part of Veliki Krs.

Then, the trail leads downhill along the old asphalt road to the pumping station “Pustinjac” from where Debeli Lug and a part of Majdanpek are supplied with water. The canyon of Veliki Pek begins there. Veliki Pek canyon resembles a unique rainforest and specific fauna. Already with the first encounter with the water of this gold-bearing river, you will experience a tremendous switch! The ambiance will transfer from the desert to the jungle in less than an hour. Or from the Sahara to the vast rainforests of the Amazon! All that in the middle of Europe and not in South Africa!

In other words, Sahara and the Amazon are closer than you ever thought!

From 30+ degrees, you will come to a pleasant cooling by trampling the water first to the ankles, then to the knees. After that, the first cold shivers will reach your upper part, where the human body is most sensitive to cold. In a situation like that, it will be best for you to sail into the waters of Veliki Pek with your whole body. Until you are overwhelmed by the hormone dopamine, you cannot take a smile off your face! You swim, splash, and feel like a child on a trampoline. Ah, that beauty of life!

Of course, for those who are less brave, there are easier paths. These paths are the ones where you will get as wet as possible. So this means that this adventure is suitable for all. It is adapted to every physical condition as long as you know how to swim! Overall, in the end, you will feel like you are at least 30 percent younger, prettier, lighter, and relieved of all worries! Water does miracles, especially in a fun and unique adventure like this!

At the exit from the canyon, you come to a cave vault. You cannot pass it through, but completing the route with another natural phenomenon is nice. And as you can see, Eastern Serbia is full of natural phenomena! They are all around!

Photo by Dejan Ristov

Pustinjac or Valja Fundata is the only sandy desert in this part of the Balkans and Europe in general. As I mentioned, you do not have to cross another continent to experience this magnificent place. Or, if you are already coming from another continent, come here and admire such beauty and natural phenomena that Mother Nature created. Besides, the canyon of the river Pek will amaze you due to its specific and unique flora. But also the climate, which is a rainforest in its characteristics. Then next to the desert.

You will experience a few continents in one place! How cool is that? This place is a real hidden gem in the heart of Europe, in Eastern Serbia.

To put it differently, Africa, South America, and Asia – all in one! So the Rainforest Feljšana and river Zlatni Pek are perfect spots for canyoning. So what are you waiting for? Adventure calls, and you shall answer!

No matter if you are a couple and you are looking for a romantic and adventurous getaway in the heart of nature. Or if you are a family who loves to bond with each other more and has some fun in natural surroundings. You can be a company that loves to reward its team and work on their productivity, provide them some time out of the office, and help them strengthen their relationships. But also, you can be a single soul, a part of a company team who knows this epic adventure is perfect for the whole team. Or someone who feels the same: materialistic things are mainstream and soulless! The best gift is to gift an experience that will be there in someone’s heart for a lifetime!

This adventure is for you no matter which category you think you fit in! Book your spot and explore the gems of Eastern Serbia in the surreal natural setting of a few continents combined!