HOT SPRINGS, 4x4, and RAKI - ALBANIA ROADTRIP 🇦🇱 -- Australia to Scotland by road - Episode 95

Albania is renowned for it’s easily accessible off-road trails (potentially not generally considered off-road trails by the locals, just roads). The weather forecast was looking patchy though and as a lot of the tracks we’d planned to take involved riverbeds we had to do some planning. From Gjirokaster the central highway cuts straight north to Tirania. We were faced with two options; we could hug the coast and hope for some sunshine to enjoy the ‘Albanian Rivieria’, or head inland and explore the mountains. With little to do on the coast if the weathers miserable we opted for the mountains as the rain only makes the mountains more picturesque (and muddy). We left Gjirokaster late and, against one of our main principles, drove through the narrow winding country roads into the dark. For the exact reason we choose not to drive in the night the roads were filled with shepherds herding their flocks home after a day in the paddocks so careful attention was required. Our destination was a hot spring and, like the Blue Eye, we were surprised when we arrived to see a significant amount of other overlanders. We were also surprised to see, like the Blue Eye, how they seemed to congregate in mud pits and camp on top of each other? Not content on sleeping in a mud pit we drove the 150m back out and found a nice level dry patch to ourselves. As if it was waiting for us, almost simultaneously with us finishing setting up the skies opened and it bucketed down again. Thankfully unlike previous nights it was only rain and no wind so it was actually quite relaxing.
We had found since coming back on our journey that the canvas of the tent didn’t appear to be as waterproof as previous; this could simply be a result from sitting closed for so long. We’d left it up on several occasions to try and weather it again though it wasn’t overly successful. Before leaving Gjirkokaster we hunted down and found several cans of waterproofing spray so with the sun out now and the canvas dry we gave it a quick coat.
All packed up we made the short drive down through the swimming pool size puddles and mud holes to the hot spring carpark. It was already quite busy with tourists by the time we arrived though they were predominately around the bridge and adjacent hot springs. For several hundred metres up the river there are other hot springs of varying temperatures dotted along the banks . Not too keen to get in a packed public bath we headed upstream in search of some solitude. The trek up the river is quite easy and flat with the slowest part being the wading back and forth through the water. Due to the muddy colour of the water, navigating the submerged rocks was like a minefield, as careful as we could be Jolie still found a big one and re-broke her toe. Thankfully the bright aqua waters of the final spring was enough to momentarily distract from the pain. The spring feeds from the base of an overhanging rock face in a man made pool which sits several metres above the adjacent river. The blue water contrasts drastically with the brown river water as it flows down across the rocks. We had hoped for something around 50 deg C though it felt only 30. Still an incredible backdrop to have all to ourselves.
After a quick dip we headed back to the Troopy and started our journey on the ‘shortcut’ road to the town of Berat. This is a 60km track which cuts through the Fir of Hotova NP before rejoining the main road north. In theory this 60km dirt track should be a convenient, much more interesting route than the main road which heads in the other direction. That ‘shortcut’ theory is null and void though after a few days of heavy rain. The track was rutted and in pieces, the combination of the pourus soil and rain led to water retention on the track and it was either slippery or deep mud. This coupled with the combination of narrow path and drop off made for some ‘interesting’ and very slow driving. We managed to cover roughly 30kms over 2 hours that afternoon and were forced to push on nearly past dusk in search of a campsite. The terrain didn’t accomodate many flat open areas and those that were semi reasonable were inaccessible from the road. Thankfully as the light dipped we serendipitously came across a small soggy paddock and ducked off to set up camp.
Read the rest over on Patreon -

[@Tillerman56]

One of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to. Need to go back again....

[@TheWayOverland]

Likewise! We missed the coast unfortunately due to the weather so we'll be going back also.

[@bornforadventureie]

It must be an amazing feeling to drive through such a beautiful landscape. ❤

[@jasonpetersharpe]

Albania 🇦🇱 is 💕

[@TheWayOverland]

Sure is

[@robertprestwidge7819]

Just found you guys. Fantastic, thanks! 😊

[@impact4612]

I saw your video , when you came to my counyry (Pakistan). You had done a great job. And this video from albania is amazing ❤👍

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers! 👍🏻

[@fritzintroopy]

Great episode guys. Albania looks fantastic

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers, yep, it's got a good mix of everything.

[@vintageradioman]

Great to see you guy’s again have a safe journey.

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers!

[@theox9015]

beautiful video

[@mathafacka150]

Thank you incredible bountiful Albania

[@benzzmercedes1595]

Lovely Albania 🇦🇱🇦🇱

[@mohdnawas10]

Beautiful country. Friendly locals. Must visit place.

[@TheWayOverland]

Definitely!

[@MariaCCurry]

1200 ton bridge! with visible rust & holes - seems super old and sketchy but that scenery in absolutely gorgeous with the waterfalls! beautiful 💚💙

[@TheWayOverland]

It was probably the safest section of road we drove that day! haha

[@aletnortje8929]

As always a beautiful video! I have just decided that I will start a new tradition ... As soon as The Way Overland's video lands in my KZbin feed, my weekend starts. It is now just after lunchtime in South Africa, and I cannot think of a better way to start my weekend than with you TWO!

[@TheWayOverland]

Haha, alright, next weeks videos is coming out Friday at 0900 SAST. 🍻

[@stevestott1514]

Wow what absolutely wonderful video . Loved all the drone shots you did , and the ones in the canyon were awesome , And really loved all the shots of your troopy flexing along those tracks .( it’s amazing how having a drone can improve on the over all wonder of a area ) also the countryside and what a beautiful old town and fort , could spend days enjoying it . Thanks again for sharing your wonderful travel memories with us all your over landing friends . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :):)🍻👍🏼

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers Steve, glad you enjoyed the adventure through the South, the North is equally as impressive so stay tuned!

[@KOGiyli]

Born, raised, educated in Tirana and 25 years in US. I never visited these places, just seen them on TV and heard from people's stories.. It takes you guys to bring such beautiful videos to me and the world. I guess you learn to appreciate smth when becomes history.. Great job guys also commenting about Albanian people. Keep one people 45 years in chains of communism then after release you release a beast. Although this was more a phenomenon in the 90ies. Deep down Albanian people have great values and a crazy hotheads minority of individuals can not be identified nor represent the entire people or nation. Thanks again and hope you had a blast " from the past" and all great new things.

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers, Hopefully you get back one day to experience these incredible places first hand. Although our passage through Albania was rather brief we loved what we got to see and experience. We'll definitely have to return as we only scratched the surface!

[@KOGiyli]

I was there and stayed for 2 years in Tirana went to the city of Shkodra which is my parents and their parents and grandparents ( 4 generations ) birthplace. Our house is downtown next to Radio Shkodra build since 1369 or something like that. I miss the way Shkodra smells the shirok ( wet wind from Buna River and Lake of Shkodra. I have the same feeling and shirok smell here downtown Austin Texas which is very close with everything to Shkodra with one exception ( has long summers since May to October 😃 and little winter).. Next time you go visit Castle of Rozafa, Fototeka Marubi, Shiroke beach.. Please go see my house Nr 29 and meet my cousin. She is English teacher and would be able to show you. Use my last name and everyone will direct you by the door..

[@TheWayOverland]

Awesome, thanks for the tips and offer. Shame we missed the coast, wasn't the right season - next time. 1369, impressive! Cheers

[@KOGiyli]

Thanks again. When you get there for the first time, you are confused from the noise and erratic movement...Then you get used to it and you never want to leave

[@geri6943]

Wow thank you guys for visit my country ! Great job with video shotting you got some views that are amazing .i hope you had a good time in albania .

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks! We had a great time in Albania. 🇦🇱 👍🏼

[@VISTATREKKER]

Great trip guys. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWayOverland]

No worries, cheers!

[@GodisMyNo1]

Ah Raki hehe, no trip to Albania is complete without one raki shot

[@TheWayOverland]

Haha yeah, think we had one too many on that night!

[@overland.recon.wildling]

Thanks!

[@thisneurodiverselife]

Wow, I wish I had more time in Albania, such beauty. Thank you for sharing all your adventures, it's always great following where you two are. That road was insane, glad you had the troopy. One Life, One Search, Shane

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers Shane, yep the trusty Troopy pulled through again!

[@phillipstonehouse1381]

Fantastic vid! Many thanks. Loved the shot of the goats descending the steep hillside into a ravine. Albania was once considered wild and dangerous (and Albanians have not always enjoyed a positive reputation as immigrants in other European countries), but you guys seem to have passed through without difficulty, and it all looked peaceful, with towns well maintained. Looking forward to the next episode in this once ‘off limits’ country.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks Phillip, We had a great time in Albania, the people we met through our journey were very hospitable and welcoming, and the landscape and culture incredible. Thankfully we’ve found the general everyday people of countries more impacted by negative foreign public opinion are not a reflection of their government or the foreign trouble making minority, past or present who may be shaping these stereotypes.

[@BK-Woods]

You and your history lessons !!

[@Spiritualwarfare587]

U must know albanian cartels dont live in albania but mostly in eu and uk, they just send the money in albania to invest

[@BK-Woods]

@@Spiritualwarfare587 No one asked you, bozo!

[@ulikaplani1039]

Haben Engländer einen guten Reputation in der Welt?🤣🤣you make my day..!😁

[@johndiaz7240]

Eye candy delicious thanks

[@johnbancken2011]

Beautiful guys! We drove last september from Shkodër to Teth on the south route with oud Spinter 4x4. The roads are amazing, but I would not dare drive it with all the mud you had.

[@TheWayOverland]

Thanks John, yeah that road from Shkoder to Theth is slow going though thankfully with a rockier base than this track. You can relive your adventure on that track in a few episode time!

[@aviationfansalbania2332]

Nice video really

[@TheWayOverland]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@warwickadams6108]

ep 95 will forever been known as the ep where Jolie finally drove haha

[@TheWayOverland]

😂 Jolie drives a lot! Every driving drone shot actually which she actually like as it's usually on the good tracks.

[@wildliveunit292]

that's exactly the trail I meant, funny to see the places again :) enjoy the balkans :) an watchout for landmines in BiH whole country (Esp. mountain region), BiH/serbia border region, BiH/Croatia region and Croatia Backcountry (rural areas) sings are usually but up. PN for some maps of mine regions. No reason to panic, but good to know :) safe travels:)

[@TheWayOverland]

Hopefully it was a bit drier when you passed it! Thankfully no run ins with landmines during our time in the Balkans. Would've liked to explore more though our time in the BiH/Croatian region was limited. Haven't seen a landmine sign since out time in the Pamirs. Found it crazy how it's an accepted way of live that the shepherds would move their flocks casually behind the landmine signs.

[@nikola2georgiev]

In which month did you cross Albania ? Thanks. Very nice vid !

[@hangedman821]

Wow!!....do you guys listen to Crrow 777?

[@gasslgas]

Hi, I don’t understand where the hot springs are? Can you tell me? Thank you so much

[@itismegarry]

Did you guys drive that gnarly a.f offroad route to the blue eye?

[@TheWayOverland]

The one in the north? From Shkoder?

[@aviationfansalbania2332]

How you modify your suv? I have a Mitsubishi pajero 4x4 and I would like to make like yours a camper suv ? Great auto

[@TheWayOverland]

We cut the roof off and put a roof conversion kit on, not that we're aware of being available for a Pajero though a roof top tent and a draw setup in the rear is all you need.

[@mathafacka150]

Alaviu Albania

[@JohnHMoore]

Is that the first time we’ve seen Jolie drive?!?

[@TheWayOverland]

Haha, if I recall correctly you may have seen a brief shot of Jolie driving in Malaysia? She actually drives a lot, every off-road drone shot she'll be driving. Just a bit hard to film her and fly the drone!