City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour

City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour offers an exciting way to explore Turkey’s natural beauty with a 4-hour guided buggy adventure in the Koprucay River area of Koprulu Canyon National Park. For just $40 per person, you get a mix of adrenaline, scenic views, and a chance to break away from the usual sightseeing routine. This tour is particularly appealing because it combines off-road driving with opportunities for refreshing river swims, making it perfect for adventure lovers who also want a touch of nature.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility of the route — a 20-kilometer trek that takes you along the river, with a midway break for swimming and relaxing. Plus, the guides’ friendliness and professionalism shine through in reviews, helping to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to bring proper gear such as sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel, and wait times can vary during busy periods.

This adventure suits families with kids over 16, groups of friends, or anyone craving a healthy dose of outdoor fun. If you’re comfortable with a little dust and mud, and eager to see some of Turkey’s stunning canyon scenery while actively participating, this tour might be your top choice.

Key Points

Adventure and Scenic Views: Combines off-road buggy driving with breathtaking natural scenery.
River Breaks Included: A swimming stop halfway through adds a refreshing twist.
Expert Guides and Safety: Guides speak multiple languages and keep safety a priority.
Value for Money: At $40, you get a substantial off-road experience, photos, and hotel transfers.
Suitable for Active Travelers: Not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
Additional Gear Recommended: Goggles, masks, and sturdy footwear enhance safety and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Buggy Safari Experience

Once you arrive at Koprulu Canyon National Park, the whole experience kicks off with a brief safety and driving instruction. You’ll be provided with a helmet, and guides will show you how to operate the buggies, which are straightforward for most drivers. For many, this is the highlight — a full 20-kilometer drive along the river, filled with twists, turns, and scenic vistas that make it well worth the price.

The route takes you through natural terrain, river crossings, and open landscapes. We loved the way guides, like Erkin and his team, kept the pace lively yet safe, ensuring everyone felt confident behind the wheel. This is not about racing but about enjoying the ride and the scenery.

Midway through, there’s a designated swimming break. You can dip into the river, which offers a welcomed cool-down after some dusty, muddy riding. Bring your swimwear and towel – some reviews mention the joy of getting a “mud bath” and actually enjoying it. If you’re up for it, you might find yourself getting thoroughly soaked — which is part of the fun.

Back at the start point, your guide will show you photos taken during the trip, capturing moments of thrill and laughter. The hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward — just remember, they pick up from the main security gate, not the hotel lobby.

For broader city exploration in Side, we've covered these other tours

The Real Value of the Tour

At just $40, this buggy safari offers more than just a drive — it’s about experiencing Turkey’s natural environment actively. Many reviews highlight the generous driving time—some travelers report being on the buggies for over 2 hours, which exceeds many expectations for this price point. The guides’ multilingual skills (German, English, Russian) also make the experience accessible and comfortable.

The tour’s flexibility is another plus. Should weather turn wet, the adventure still goes on, with some guests even mentioning how they got completely soaked and loved it. There are also small food and equipment options available on-site, which keeps you comfortable without feeling rushed or under-equipped.

Keep in mind that a good portion of reviews praise the friendly staff, safety measures, and organizational efficiency. This creates a relaxed environment where you can focus on the fun, instead of worrying about logistics or safety.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Part Special

Starting Point and Briefing: Your day begins with a quick safety briefing and instructions on how to operate the buggies. Expect a friendly, informative introduction that boosts confidence, especially for first-timers.

The Drive Along the Koprucay River: The main event is a 20-kilometer off-road drive that delivers adrenaline and scenic beauty. You’ll weave through rugged terrain, cross small rivers, and enjoy stunning views of the canyon and lush surroundings.

Midway Swim Break: Around the halfway mark, you’ll stop for a river swim. The reviews describe it as refreshing, with one guest mentioning how they enjoyed a “lovely mud bath,” highlighting how muddy and fun this part can be. Be sure to bring swimwear, a towel, and goggles — as one reviewer advises, “BUY THE GOGGLES” for better protection against dust and sand.

Final Leg and Return: After the swim, the adventure continues for another 10 kilometers. The final stretch is often praised for its twists and turns, offering a perfect balance of excitement and natural scenery. When the drive concludes, you’ll return to the starting point, where your guide shows you photos of the day.

Drop-off and Additional Photos: Post-ride, you can purchase or view photos taken during the trip, a nice memorabilia of the day’s adventure. The air-conditioned bus transfer back to your hotel wraps up the experience comfortably.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews underline how fun and well-organized the experience is. For example, one says, “We thoroughly enjoyed every second,” and another notes that guides are friendly and keep the ride feeling safe. Several travelers emphasize the value for money — saying that they received more driving time than expected and appreciated the scenic stops.

A recurring theme is dust and mud, which many see as part of the charm. One guest commented, “You should definitely prepare to get dusty and muddy,” but also mentioned that own goggles and masks improve the experience. For families, especially those with children over 16, the safe environment, guided instructions, and beautiful scenery make this a memorable outing.

Some guests have experienced minor delays due to logistics, like waiting for pickup, but overall, the efficiency and friendliness of staff shine through reviews. The small group sizes and professional guides contribute to a personalized, engaging experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips for Your Buggy Safari

Bring proper gear: sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and a scarf or mask to protect against dust.
Wear sturdy shoes: closed-toe shoes are recommended — flip-flops won’t cut it for the rugged terrain.
Book ahead: slots can fill up, especially during peak times.
Prepare for dust and mud: don’t expect a pristine experience; it’s part of the fun!
Consider bringing goggles: they make a significant difference, as noted by many reviews.
Check your hotel’s pickup availability: ensure your accommodation is within the service area or mention it in the special requests.

While in Side, here are other experiences we've covered

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers and families with kids over 16 who want more than just sightseeing. If you enjoy outdoor activities, driving off-road, and seeing Turkey’s beautiful canyon scenery, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable day out. It’s also very popular among adventure seekers who don’t mind getting a little dusty and muddy, as many reviews happily attest.

If you’re after scenic views, a thrilling ride, and a chance to cool off with a river swim, this buggy safari hits the mark. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically involved experience or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickups from the main security gate of your hotel.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, briefing, driving, swimming break, and return.

Can I swim in the river?
Yes, there is a designated swim break halfway through the ride. Bring your swimwear and towel for this refreshing pause.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf or mask are recommended to protect against dust and mud. Wear suitable closed shoes for safety.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak German, English, and Russian to accommodate diverse travelers.

Is there an age limit?
People under 16 are only allowed to sit in the side seat of the buggy, and children under 3 cannot participate.

What about safety?
Guides provide safety instructions, helmets are supplied, and most reviews mention feeling safe during the ride, thanks to attentive guides.

To sum it up, the City of Side’s Buggy Safari Tour offers a vibrant, active way to see Turkey’s stunning natural scenery. It balances adventure and relaxation, with scenic drives, river swims, and friendly guides, making it a worthwhile choice for those craving outdoor fun. While it involves some dust and mud, many find this part of the charm — a true adventure in the heart of nature. If you love off-road driving, scenic landscapes, and don’t mind getting a little dirty, this tour perfectly blends excitement with authentic natural beauty. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a memorable day that’s as fun as it is beautiful.