Side: Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake

If you’re looking to escape the beach crowds and dig into a more authentic side of Turkey’s natural beauty, this Jeep Safari Adventure from Side offers a compelling mix of rugged off-road driving, cultural insight, and scenic splashes. For around 7 hours, you’ll traverse the Taurus Mountains, explore charming villages like Iklar, marvel at the Manavgat Waterfall, and enjoy a delicious mountain lunch.

What we love about this tour? First, the off-road jeep rides are exhilarating—driving through terrain where normal vehicles can’t go, with plenty of dust, bumps, and fun water fights. Second, the cultural visits to villages give a real taste of local life, especially with the chance to see a village mosque and try homemade gözleme in an old house.

A potential consideration? The trip involves quite a bit of bumpy off-road driving, so it might not suit travelers prone to motion sickness or those seeking a more luxurious, smooth ride. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

This adventure suits those who crave active, scenic, and culturally rich experiences, and who enjoy sharing laughs with guides and fellow travelers. It’s especially good for families, outdoor lovers, and anyone wanting to see the countryside beyond the typical tourist spots.

Key Points

Authentic Scenic Adventure: Off-road driving through the Taurus Mountains offers impressive views and a sense of real adventure.
Cultural Encounters: Village visits and local traditions give genuine insight into Turkish rural life.
Family-Friendly Fun: Many reviews mention how friendly guides and accommodating drivers make it suitable for children.
Active and Dusty: Prepare for a bumpy ride, water fights, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Value for Money: With hotel pickup, a guided experience, lunch, and multiple stops, this tour offers a lot for the price.
Well-Reviewed Guides: Guides like Joseph and Johnny Cash receive praise for their friendly, engaging manner.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Jeep Safari Experience

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Starting the Adventure

We begin our day with hotel pickups from Side, with four convenient meeting points, which helps avoid the hassle of finding the tour site. Once onboard, the journey into the Taurus Mountains quickly sets a tone of adventure—expect a lively group atmosphere, with loud music, dusty tracks, and plenty of excited chatter. The guides, fluent in Turkish, English, and German, keep the energy high and the information flowing, making the tour accessible for many travelers.

Off-Road Thrills and Scenic Views

The highlight for many is the off-road jeep ride, which takes you into areas inaccessible by normal vehicles. You’ll love the way the jeeps bounce and jostle, adding an element of thrill that keeps the adrenaline up. Reviews mention water fights between jeeps, which are not just fun but also a clever way to beat the heat—be sure to bring or buy a bandana to keep dust and dirt out of your face.

Expect plenty of stops for photos and short walks, like the Green Canyon stop, where you can stretch your legs and take in scenic views. The jeeps aren’t new, and some features like the speedometer might not work, but that hardly detracts from the fun. As one traveler noted, “it all adds to the experience,” making it a raw, unpolished adventure that’s part of its charm.

Village Visits and Local Life

The tour takes you through small villages like Sartlar and Iklar, where you can see traditional Turkish village life up close. Visitors frequently mention the warmth and friendliness of the locals—”we learned about their religious traditions at a village mosque”—and the chance to sample homemade gözleme at an old house in Oymapinar. These moments give a real depth to the day, far from tourist-heavy sites.

Some travelers comment on how guides make the experience engaging, checking in on children and ensuring everyone feels comfortable. For families, especially those with young children, guides like Joseph are praised for their patience and attentiveness. One review even mentions that the guides “checked regularly to see if they was okay,” highlighting the tour’s accommodating nature.

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Waterfall and Nature Highlights

Next, the Manavgat Waterfall offers a scenic pause with its foaming cascades—a perfect spot for photos and a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the region. It’s a broad waterfall, not a hidden secret, but undeniably impressive, especially when framed by the lush landscape. Many reviews mention the scenic landscape and the delight of encountering different natural features in one trip.

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Delicious Mountain Lunch

One of the tour’s standout features is the lunch at Gölba Restaurant & Hotel, set in a mountain location. Travelers often describe the meal as “great” and note the chance to relax amid mountain views. It’s a satisfying break after hours of off-road riding and exploring.

Additional Stops and Small Zoo

The tour wraps up with a quick visit to a small zoo, where visitors can see a baby lion and other animals. While reviews suggest some animals may look tired, the experience is brief and generally well-received as a fun ending to the day.

Practical Details and What to Know

The entire tour lasts about 7 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. The cost includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, lunch, insurance, and all taxes—making it a good value for a full day of activity and sightseeing. Drinks and souvenir photos are extras, so bring some extra cash if you’d like to buy a DVD of your photos or enjoy beverages during the day.

The tour is suitable for most ages, but not for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to the bumpy terrain. Travelers note that wearing sun protection and swimwear is advisable, especially if you plan to participate in water fights or take a dip near the waterfalls.

What to Bring

Sun hat and sunglasses to combat the dust and sun
Swimwear if you want to take advantage of water spots or the waterfall
A bandana or scarf to keep dust out of your face during off-road drives
Refillable water bottles, as staying hydrated is essential on hot days

Authenticity, Value, and Who Will Love This Tour

Many reviews highlight the friendly guides and the authentic experiences, like trying local bread and visiting villages. The mix of scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and adventure makes it a well-rounded day trip for anyone wanting more than just a sightseeing bus tour.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the dusty jeeps, lively water fights, and scenic stops contribute to a memorable, fun-filled day. For travelers who enjoy getting their hands dirty and enjoy a bit of adventure, this trip delivers on both excitement and authenticity. Families with active children, outdoor enthusiasts, or those curious about rural Turkey will find it particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

This Jeep Safari from Side offers a lively, engaging way to explore the Taurus Mountains and surrounding villages in a single day. You’ll experience the thrill of off-road driving, learn about local customs, and enjoy stunning natural scenery—all while sharing laughs with friendly guides and fellow travelers. It’s best suited for those who are looking for an active, informal adventure rather than a relaxed, luxury experience.

If you’re after a trip that combines scenic beauty with a touch of cultural authenticity, and you don’t mind a bit of dust and bumps, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially perfect for families, adventure lovers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Turkey—far from the crowded beaches and busy resorts.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Side, with four pickup locations for convenience.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 7 hours, with specific starting times depending on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention that guides are attentive to children’s needs, and families have enjoyed it, but expect some bumpy rides. Not recommended for very young children or pregnant women.

What should I bring?
Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear if desired, and a bandana or scarf to protect against dust. Refillable water bottles are recommended.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased separately during stops.

What’s the food like?
Lunch is served at a mountain restaurant and is generally described as good, with some reviews praising the quality and setting.

Can I buy photos or souvenirs?
Yes, optional DVD photos are available for purchase, and other souvenirs may be offered during stops.

This tour balances adventure, scenery, and culture in a way that’s both fun and authentic. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, cultural insights, or just a different way to enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty, this Jeep Safari adventure is a solid choice.