About us &
Responsible
Travel
A local team passionate about Albania's wild rivers, people and places, and about exploring them in a way that keeps them wild for generations to come.
Explore wild rivers responsibly
Our Story
KayakingAlbania.com was born from a simple love of wild rivers and a belief in Albania's extraordinary potential for nature-based adventure. As a local team of kayakers, guides and outdoor enthusiasts, we wrote this guide to share the country's natural beauty, culture and warm hospitality — while caring for the places and communities that make it special.
We are based in Përmet, where we have paddled and guided on the Vjosa since 2012.
A More Responsible Way to Paddle
We believe adventure and conservation go hand in hand: good kayaking trips deliver rich, authentic experiences while protecting Albania's wild rivers and supporting the people who call these landscapes home.
Our Responsible Travel Principles
“Albania's rivers are a gift — our job is to explore them with respect, and help keep them wild, clean and welcoming for the future.”— The Kayaking Albania Team
Support for
Local Communities
We work with family-run guesthouses, local producers and small businesses, keeping tourism benefits in the river valleys and rural communities we visit.
How We Support Locals
We stay in family-run guesthouses in Përmet and the river villages, buy food for river meals from local producers, and hire drivers and support crew from the valley.
Protection of
Wild Rivers
We are committed to the long-term health of Albania's rivers — especially the Vjosa — by promoting their conservation, raising awareness and supporting initiatives that keep them free-flowing.
Our River Protection Work
We take part in river clean-ups with the Municipality of Përmet and the Vjosa Wild River National Park authorities, follow the park's rules on camping and fires, and carry out every piece of rubbish we find on the gravel banks.
Low-Impact
Travel Principles
- Travel in small groups
- Leave no trace
- Minimise waste and plastic
- Respect wildlife and local traditions
- Choose low-impact, nature-friendly logistics
Local Guides
This guide is written by experienced local guides with deep knowledge of Albania's rivers, nature and culture. Safety, skill and a genuine connection to the place come first.
Leave no trace: take every piece of rubbish home, camp on gravel above the waterline, and give nesting birds plenty of room.
Ready to Explore
Albania Responsibly?
Start with the field guide: when to go, what to bring and how to paddle Albania's rivers, lakes and coast the responsible way.
Plan Your Trip