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Description
West Morava breaks between Ovčar ('Shepherd', 985 m) and Kablar (889 m) mountains forming a gorgeous gorge with steep cliffs, strenuous mountain paths, and fabulous viewpoints. The area is protected by forming 'Ovčar-Kablar Gorge Nature Reserve' and 'IBA Ovčar-Kablar Gorge'. The gorge hides numerous monasteries and hermitages scattered in the hills, as priests, like birds, recognized a quiet and isolated place for their homes.
At the eastern, downstream side of the gorge is Lake Međuvršje ('Lake Between the Peaks'), an artificial lake with a dam and hydropower plant on the West Morava River. At the western, the upstream side of the gorge lies Ovčar Banja, a thermal spa on the West Morava riverside.
The steep cliffs of the gorge are home to birds of prey like Sivi Sokol, Zmijar, Škanjac and Suri orao, as well as their prey like Piljak and Hridna lastavica. Gavran is circling around mountain tops in groups. The West Morava River and Lake Međuvršje host Siva Čaplja, Velika Bijela Čaplja, Mala Bijela Čaplja, Veliki Vranac, Mali Vranac, Divlja Patka, Liska, Mlakuša, and Gorska Pastirica. Between the cliffs and the river is the forest with common forest species like Šojka, Plavetna Sjenica, Crnoglava sjenica, and Zeba.
Vodenkos can be found in the Dučalovački Potok mountain stream (a.k.a. Banjski Potok - "Spa's Stream") south of Ovčar Banja.
Details
Access
The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is easily accessible as the Miloš Veliki ('Miloš the Great') highway passes nearby. Take the exit at Pakovraće and continue towards Ovčar Banja and Požega. Here you can stop at Lake Međuvršje to look for waterfowl and then continue and turn left to Ovčar Banja. Note the turn is to the left, altough Ovčar Banja is on the right side of the road. At Ovčar Banja turn right to access an old narrow road built on the old railway route. This is your main path through this birding place, feel free to park on the roadside or small parking places along the way (marked on the map, click on a P in the map for directions).
About 800m from Ovčar Banja is a mountain hut Dom ('Home') with a restaurant and summer terrace on the West Morava river. Here is the best viewpoint towards Kablar cliffs, with birds of prey and Gavran flying around. Further down the road are several old tunnels, hiding nesting Hridna lastavica. Note that the tunnels are very narrow and without illumination, so be careful when driving or walking through them.
There is also an alternative, secret entry to the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, from the northeast, through the long and narrow Vidova tunnel (300m). This is actually my favourite entry. To access it start from the Ljubić suburbs of Čačak town and head west towards the Prijevor village. After passing Prijevor and at 10 km turn left towards Vidova village, after which the tunnel beneath Kablar mountain has been named. This turn is marked with a small turn table to 'Ovčar Banja' and can be easily overlooked. Do not be fooled by the 'Dead End' traffic sign at the tunnel entrance, but boldly continue through the tunnel. However, be aware that the Vidova tunnel is an old railway tunnel, not initially built for cars, and take extra care when passing through it. The tunnel is not illuminated, the road surface is in a very bad condition and it leaks water in many places. But at the other side of the tunnel you will be rewarded with the fabulous views of West Morava meanders.
If you are in good shape, you can also take a steep mountain path to Kablar's Peak and the famous viewpoint looking at West Morava meanders. The path starts at the mountain hut 'Dom', and passes near several other viewpoints and Saint Sava's Hermitage. It is 2 km long but covers 600m of elevation. If not in the best shape, Kablar's Peak is also accessible by car. From Ovčar Banja head to the west, enter the regional motorway to Požega, and pass through the tunnel. Only 300m after the tunnel exit, turn right towards the Rošci village. After 6.3 km, in Rošci village, turn right, and after an additional 1.2 km turn right again to the Kablar's peak. Park at the spacious parking place beneath the peak (also marked on the map).
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Canyon/cliff , RiverConditions
Rocky , Mountainous , HillyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Summer , AutumnBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Car , Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
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