From Our Ancestors' Hives to Our Hands: Continuing the Beekeeping Legacy

At Kajak.mk, we have many unique stories that can be read—but also visited, experienced, and tasted. One such story that will inspire you to start your car and head to the Maleshevo region is the story of the Bee Farm, Shu-Mi.

We spoke with Boris Shuperliski, one of the key people responsible for continuing the family tradition of beekeeping and honey production. Boris is our new local hero who, as of today, is part of our Gastronomy section—and you can get in direct contact with him with just one click HERE.

Boris tells us that the love for beekeeping in his family has been passed down through many generations. They have records showing that their ancestors were engaged in this craft as far back as 1836. From Grandpa Gjorgji, to Grandpa Mile who lived to be 116, to Grandpa Jovan—one of the pioneers of modern beekeeping in Macedonia and former Yugoslavia—their late father Mihail, and all the way to today.

The apiary has a stunning location. It is nestled deep in the Maleševo Mountains, accessible only on foot or by off-road vehicle. Their bees have been thriving here for as long as Boris can remember. The area is pristine and untouched by civilization—there’s no electricity, no internet, no phone signal, and no paved roads or inhabited places within a 27-kilometer radius. One important detail Boris highlights is that there are no orchards, no agriculture, and no pesticide spraying nearby. The place is called "Široki Dol," and historically, it was the site of a Roman settlement.

Boris says the region is rich in ancient, deep oak forests, surrounded by meadows filled with wild teas, various herbs, and plants that contribute to producing honey of the highest possible quality—honey that has already won numerous gold medals at international competitions.

At the moment, they are focused on producing top-quality honey. It comes in two forms: liquid organic raw honey for the Macedonian market, and a premium packaged version of organic raw honey intended for the international market, which is sold crystallized or creamed.

Boris says that the apiary is open to tourists. The property includes a weekend house where visitors can stay overnight, and there's a pool that rarely operates but is filled with natural spring water coming from 70 meters underground. Most importantly, they offer guests the chance to visit the apiary and observe or learn about the entire honey-making process. Visitors can even extract honey directly from the beehives, and those who lend a hand are rewarded—with honey, of course. Getting to the location is an adventure in itself, as Boris uses vintage vehicles from 1968, including six Land Rover 109s, which are a true attraction for guests.

So far, they have had quite a few visitors, mostly hikers, as they also enjoy trekking themselves. However, for those who aren't physically prepared to reach the destination on foot, there are alternative ways to get there—by bike, ATV, cross motorcycles, and similar vehicles.

Boris shares that there is no better feeling than tasting honey and pollen (or perga) directly from the bees, and this experience is further enhanced by the delicious homemade food prepared by their mother.

If you wish to get in touch with them, click HERE.