Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma

Simitli: Rope Garden, Zipline, and Rafting on Struma

If you’re craving an adventure-packed day in Bulgaria, the experience at Simitli offers a fantastic mix of adrenaline and nature. Located just a short drive from Sofia and Bansko, this combo tour combines the thrill of white-water rafting with the fun of a rope park and zipline—all on the same site.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the unlimited time in the rope park, the professional guides speaking your language, and the convenient location with quality amenities.

The only caveat? It’s not suitable for those with certain physical restrictions or very young children, so it’s best for those comfortable with moderate outdoor activities.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy active outings, want a taste of Bulgaria’s outdoor adventure scene, and appreciate well-organized trips that balance fun with safety.

Good To Know

• All-in-one adventure including rafting, ropes, and zipline in one location.
• Unlimited rope park access with 24 elements on two levels.
• Experienced guides fluent in multiple languages, prioritizing safety.
• Convenient facilities like private parking, changing rooms, showers, and WiFi.
• Optimal location close to Sofia and Bansko, minimizing travel stress.
• Duration around 3.5 to 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Simitli Adventure

The Setting: A Perfect Base for Action

The tour begins at the rafting center, conveniently located next to a gas station on the main E79 road. From the moment you arrive, the well-organized setup sets the tone—private, guarded parking, clean changing facilities, and comfortable showers all signal a smooth start.

The site itself is on the riverbank of the Struma River, renowned for its excellent white-water conditions. Kresna Gorge, just downstream, offers some of Bulgaria’s best river trace for rafting, characterized by exciting rapids and scenic canyon views. This makes it a favorite for adventure enthusiasts seeking both thrill and beautiful scenery.

The Rafting Experience: A White Water Thrill

Rafting is the main event here, with options to choose between a safe, controlled trip or a more extreme adventure—including the possibility of flipping the raft and swimming (if you’re feeling brave). Guides are experienced, with extensive knowledge of the river and safety protocols, and they speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, which helps create a friendly atmosphere.

Expect a run of 10 km or 13 km depending on water levels—when the water is high, the longer stretch promises even more rapids and excitement. Reviewers mention that the guides are thoughtful, ensuring everyone is comfortable, and the safety briefing is thorough before jumping into the river.

The equipment provided—neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, helmets, and PFDs—keeps you warm and protected against the chilly water. You’ll want to bring a towel, flip-flops, and your bathing suit or shorts, especially since you might want to swim in the deeper sections or jump from rocks into the river.

Many travelers appreciated the organized transfer back to the base after the trip, which is included in the package, leaving you free to relax without worries about logistics.

Rope Park: A Challenge on Two Levels

One highlight is the unlimited time in the rope park—a rare treat in adventure tours. Featuring 24 elements spread over two levels, the higher reaches about 5 meters above ground, providing a real challenge for those looking to test their balance and agility.

Visitors have praised the variety—some elements are simple, while others require more skill, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. The ropes are well-maintained, and there’s no rush—your time in the park is truly flexible, allowing you to take breaks or redo a tricky element.

The safety gear—climbing seats, security lines, helmets, and gloves—is provided and well-fitted. The staff is attentive, ensuring everyone feels secure while having fun.

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The Zipline: A Thrilling Finish

The zipline ride begins above the Struma River, giving you a chance to soar over the water and enjoy the stunning views. The experience is usually one ride included in the package, but reviewers say it’s enough to give an adrenaline rush and a great photo opportunity.

The zipline is well-maintained, and the staff ensures safety every step of the way. This activity is suitable for most guests, though younger children or those with certain restrictions might need to check specific requirements.

What Sets This Experience Apart?

• Location and Accessibility: Only 120 km from Sofia and 40 km from Bansko, it’s easily accessible without navigating the dangerous curves often found in Kresna Gorge. The central location means less travel time and more time for fun.
• Safety First: With a comprehensive safety briefing, top-quality equipment, and experienced guides, safety is clearly a priority. As one reviewer notes, “The guides are professional and make you feel secure, even during more extreme water sections.”
• Facilities and Convenience: The site offers changing rooms, lockers, hot showers, toilets, and free WiFi—features that add comfort to an active day.

What to Expect Throughout the Day

Your adventure starts early with a flexible check-in, as starting times vary. Once you arrive, a quick orientation sets the stage. After securing your gear, you’ll head down to the river for the rafting trip.

The rafting itself combines thrill and scenic beauty, with rapids of varying difficulty to keep everyone engaged. During the trip, there are designated spots for swimming and jumping into the river, which many find a refreshing break from the rapids.

Post-rafting, you can switch gears and head over to the ropes course. Here, you’ll take your time exploring the elements, with no pressure—just fun and challenge. The zipline wraps up the adventure, giving you a high-flying view of the river valley.

The entire experience lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, making it manageable even for a half-day activity. The tour ends back at the starting point, where you can unwind, shower, and review your photos (if you choose to buy some).

Price and Value Analysis

While the tour’s exact cost isn’t specified here, it’s clear that the package offers excellent value considering the full equipment, experienced guides, unlimited rope park access, and organized transfer included. For travelers craving a mix of water and land-based adventure, this combo provides a comprehensive, well-organized experience without hidden costs.

You get to enjoy the thrill of Bulgaria’s finest rafting route combined with fun challenges at the ropes and a zipline—all with safety and comfort in mind. For the price, you’re paying for convenience, safety, and access to top-quality facilities alongside authentic outdoor fun.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers, adventure seekers, and those looking to try multiple outdoor activities in one day. It’s especially good for families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a fun, social outing.

Keep in mind it’s not suitable for very young kids, those over 243 lbs (110 kg), or travelers over 70 years old. Also, if you prefer a very relaxed, sightseeing-focused day, this might be too intense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but you should inform guides if you’re not comfortable swimming. You can choose a safer, calmer raft trip.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, shorts, and a t-shirt or thermal shirt for cooler weather.

Are food and drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own food and beverages, as they aren’t included in the package.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides are fluent in English, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, making communication easy for most travelers.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the rafting segment?
The river track can be up to 13 km in high water and shorter when water levels are lower, offering different levels of excitement.

Is transportation to the site included?
No, travelers need to reach the starting point themselves; however, a transfer from the river is organized after the trip.

What is the recommended age?
Suitable for those over 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). Not recommended for children under this height.

What safety measures are in place?
Guides conduct safety briefings, and all equipment meets safety standards. There’s an option for more extreme rafting, including flipping and swimming.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the group nature of the activities makes it a great social outing for solo adventurers.

Overall, the Simitli experience offers a well-rounded, adrenaline-filled day with plenty of safety features, comfort, and scenic beauty. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting an active escape that combines Bulgaria’s best river adventures with forest challenges—all in one handy location.

You can check if your dates are available here: