This reservation is a mixed one, with a total of 215 hectars and it is located within Dubova Comunne, between Ogradena Valley and Ogașul Turcului. In this area, Danube crosses the narrowest and the most grandiose part of Danube Gorge.

The Danube Gorges refers to the clough between the mouths of Plavisevita River and Ogradena River, forming two individualized units: The Small Gorge and The Large Gorge, divided by a semicircular bay, Dubova Docks.

Danube Gorges flora contains many Mediterranean elements mixed with Central Europe ones. Down the steep walls there are beech trees, carpin, “mojdrean”, the jugaster of the boilers, or trilobate maple and the turkish hazel. In the sunny areas grows “cerul” together with tomentose oak, holm and wild lilac. In shady areas, only at 120 m altitude grows yew (taxus baccata), which is tertiary relict and natural monument.

Other protected plants of the reservation: tulipa hungarica, fleur-de-lis, campanula of the Gorges, red soapwort, “cornutul”, “colilia” etc.
Illustrative of this reservation area are the reptiles: testudo hermanni, vipera ammodytes, lacerta viridis and bats in caves.

Karst topography is well represented by both surface (lapiezuri, doline, uvale) and depth forms (there have been identified 7 caves totalizing 2155 m in length, Ponicova Cave being the most important). At Ponicova Cave entrance, the river with the same name create some short and wild gaps and a natural bridge about 25 m long and 6-8 m height. This cave has a total length of 1666 m, crossing from Ciucarul Mare to The Danube.

The access to the reservation is made by car from Orșova – Eselnița – Dubova or by boat from Orșova.