Uvac Special Nature Reserve

Uvac Special Nature Reserve is a special nature reserve of category I in south-western Serbia, known for its successful project to preserve the griffon vulture. The elongated reserve comprises the valley of the Uvac river, including the Uvac gorge, and lies mostly in the municipality of Nova Varoš, with a smaller part in Sjenica. The gorge is known for its pinched meanders, which are often used in promotional tourist publications from Serbia. Geographically the valley is part of the Stari Vlah-Raška highland. Sjenica Lake, the reservoir on the Uvac, lies within the reserve.

Visiting Uvac

The canyon is home to one of the largest griffon vulture colonies in the Balkans, and the boat trip is the best way to see them soaring above the limestone cliffs. A typical outing takes about four hours: a cruise, a visit to the Ice Cave (Ledena pećina) and a short, steep walk to the viewpoint over the famous meanders (the Molitva). One operator starts at Uvac Lake at 9:30, asks for registration two to three days ahead and needs at least six people. Go to the viewpoint at sunrise, before the groups. Vultures are easiest to see in the warm hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). June to August is the most common advice; others like May–June and September–October for fewer crowds. Public transport is limited, so a car helps, and the area is reached from Nova Varoš or Sjenica.