It is centred on a granite extrusion combined with limestone outcroppings to form a labyrinth of steep slopes; deep, narrow gorges, massive rock cliffs, and huge waterfalls.

Djendema Reserve shelters beech and fir forests and large meadows with unique sub-alpine grassy species and communities.

It has a total area of 16.1 km2 and is the highest reserve in the Balkan Ranges, encompassing a wild and inaccessible section of the central part of the mountain.

Many rare wildlife species have found their last refuge in this impenetrable natural forest, which is home to an unusual community of Siberian juniper, myrtle-leaf rhododendron and blueberry, as well as the only known location of Urumov’s campion in the world.

The Northern Djendem is home to the Balkan chamois (alpine goat), brown bear, grey wolf, red deer, roe, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and wallcreeper.