National Parks of Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo

One of the purposes of coming to this region is to uncover some of the lesser known backroads and wilder areas. Although the larger wildlife has remained elusive it has not in the least detracted from the mountains, lakes and rivers of that we have encountered. Snakes, on the other hand, have been much more evident and in three weeks we must have encountered at least ten of them crossing roads, paths and swimming across streams. Local fable tells of a breast-feeding snake that in the leaner months attaches itself to cows udders, and occasionally when the opportunity arises, to a woman’s breast. Have yet to spot it.
Lake Skadar NP sharing a border with Montenegro and Albania, Thethi NP in Albania, Galicica, Pelister and Mavrovo NPs in Macedonia, Sara in Kosovo and one of the three primeval forests left in Europe at Biogradska Gora National Park in Montenegro have all been on the route so far. We have managed to pitch tent in three of them without being arrested. The primeval forest was especially spectacular, driving through 60 m tall beech trees. It’s a perfect time to visit now, before Europe takes off on holiday in July and August. The parks have been empty and blissful.