Mieke Dhondt

Dear Ricardo, Endrid and staff members of Zbulo

Two weeks ago, we came to Albania to do a hiking in its beautiful mountains and we had a marvelous time. Once again – we were there also two years ago – we could count upon the experience and support of your guides during 8 days of walking. We agreed upon a schedule in advance, a schedule that was adapted without any problems where it was necessary, due to weather circumstances or our slow walking style. The guides, all three of them, Vladimir (in North Macedonia), Nikola (Pelister National Parc) and Anton ( high Scardus trail ), were very friendly and helpful and became true friends in such a short period. They walked slowly with us, giving us the time to enjoy the environment, to take a rest every now and then, to take pictures, and they gave us lots of interesting information about the country and its history. We were very lucky and pleased that they spoke English, so we could easily communicate and they acted as interpreter for us with local people we met or we were staying with.

About the accommodation nothing but praise. We received a warm welcome everywhere, and all be it sometimes basic, it was always clean and the people did their very best to make it comfortable for us. So nice to learn how normal everyday life in the little villages is going on. The food they cooked was delicious, but far too much in some cases, we couldn’t eat it all but we felt they put their heart in it. Should we choose a “best” and a “worst”, well, the homestay in Rabdisht and Cerjan were glorious, the lesser place was the first evening in Velestevo, not because of the house, it was very OK, but because of the food. We received fish (we asked for fish) in frige boxes. Certainly it was not possible otherwise there, but it could be an idea to give people the opportunity to cook something for themselves with some fresh meat or fish and vegetables, as there is a little kitchen available.

Last but not the least we were also very pleased with the transport to our different destinations, for ourselves as well as for our luggage. Even in a thunderstorm on the mountain in the Pelister National Parc we were happy to see the jeep coming very quickly to our rescue. It couldn’t have been better. The coordination between guides and drivers was perfect.

Thank you a lot and let’s hope we can come again ! In case of, we won’t hesitate to recommend Zbulo to our friends and relatives.

Mieke, Katrien, Bart and Anne-Marie