At the basin of the Toponica river, and the extraordinary gorge formed by it, on the slopes of beautiful Kalafat mountain, hides Samar cave, a beauty of south-eastern Serbia.
Tour plan:
Departure from the hotel at 09:00 a.m. Accompanied by a local guide, we head east towards Niška Banja and further into the Kalafat Mountain. Although geographically small, this area is rich in cultural and historical sites, as well as protected natural treasures of great significance. Today, we explore one of its most remarkable features.
Samar cave, also known as Milutin’s Cave, is named after the man who played a crucial role in its study and introduction to Serbia and the world. Milutin Veljković, a renowed Serbian speleologist, spent an astonishing 464 days inside the cave, setting a world record for the longest underground bivouac and earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The cave is also notable for significant paleontological discoveries, including remains of prehistoric bears and lions. Together with other caves in the area, it forms a unique cave system which is protected as a natural monument.
Exploring Samar Cave is a true adventure. The total length of all its passages is 3197 m. The main passage, which features four sump narrowings known as “doors,” extends for 1,940 meters. It is a tunnel-like formation that, at certain points, resembles breathtaking canyons, making the journey through the cave even more spectacular. After the adventure, we return to Niš, arriving in the afternoon, where the program concludes.
NOTE: Our passage through the cave depends on precipitation and overall weather conditions. If conditions allow, we can traverse the entire cave. The journey takes approximately three hours and requires appropriate equipment and experience. Entering the cave alone, or without proper gear and a guide, is strictly prohibited.
Departure dates for season 2026: April 25 and May 10
Details:
- Transportation,
- Entrance to the cave,
- Equipment,
- Guiding service,
- Travel organization expenses.
- Meals,
- Personal expenses.
Sneakers or climbing shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, and—most importantly—a good mood! It’s also a good idea to bring energy bars, snacks, refreshing drinks, and a bottle of water. Pack everything in a small backpack.
A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.
According to the Serbian Law on Tourism (Article 79), for one-day excursions (trips shorter than 24 hours), protection is not provided in terms of travel guarantee.
The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.
