City of Side: Jeep Safari Tour

Exploring the Side Jeep Safari Tour: A Practical Guide to Authentic Mountain Adventures

Thinking about a day out that combines nature, culture, and a good dose of fun? The Side Jeep Safari Tour offers just that—a seven-hour journey into the rugged landscapes around Antalya Province. With Land Rover Defender Jeeps leading the way, you’ll explore waterfalls, villages, and stunning viewpoints, all while enjoying local food and lively off-road action. This tour has earned a strong 4.7 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews, and it’s easy to see why.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? We love the way it balances adventure with cultural insights. The off-road ride is exciting and bumpy enough to get your adrenaline flowing, but not so intense that it’s overwhelming. Plus, the chance to visit Manavgat Waterfall, explore Roman aqueducts, and have a traditional Turkish lunch in the mountains is truly special.

One thing to consider is the timing and group size—it’s a full-day tour starting from around 8:30 am, and limited to small groups of up to 10 participants. If you’re not a fan of long, bumpy rides or are traveling with very young children or pregnant women, you might want to think twice. Otherwise, this is perfect for families, friends, or anyone craving an authentic, active day in Turkey’s natural scenery.

This tour’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic views, and cultural touches in one package. If a mix of adrenaline, tradition, and nature sounds like your ideal day, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Authentic adventure: Off-road rides in rugged terrain with knowledgeable guides.
• Cultural insights: Visits to local villages, historical aqueducts, and a mosque.
• Stunning scenery: Waterfalls, Green Canyon, Green Lake, and panoramic mountain views.
• Family-friendly fun: Water wars, mini aqua park, and a relaxed lunch.
• Value for money: At just $24, it includes transport, lunch, guide, and insurance.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What to Expect on Your Side Jeep Safari

This tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups between 8:30 and 9:00 am, giving you a good start before the day heats up. The first stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, a popular spot for photos and a quick nature break. Entrance costs are minimal (about 1 TL for adults), and reviews mention that this is a good way to stretch your legs after the bumpy ride to come.

Next, the adventure shifts into high gear with an off-road show featuring the distinctive Defender Jeeps. These vehicles are perfect for off-the-beaten-path exploration, and travelers have described the ride as bumpy, fast, and thoroughly fun. Expect music, some standing around, and plenty of dust—reviewers say the guides, like Yasin and Ahmet, are very friendly and knowledgeable, often explaining the history of the Roman aqueducts or pointing out local wildlife.

The journey then continues to Green Canyon, where a bird’s eye view of the dam and the scenic Green Lake await. You’ll have an opportunity to explore the Roman aqueducts—a fascinating remnant from Turkey’s past—adding a dash of history to your mountain adventure. One reviewer mentioned their favorite part was the view from the dam top, which provides a perfect photo spot and a chance to appreciate the scale of this natural and man-made marvel.

A highlight of the trip is the visit to a local family’s house in Oymapinar Village, where you can sample Turkish pancakes and chat with villagers. This authentic experience lets you connect with local life and taste traditional flavors. It’s an unmissable chance to see how people live in the countryside away from tourist spots.

Post-lunch, there’s a relaxing two-hour break at a mountain restaurant, offering a choice of chicken skewers or fresh trout, accompanied by rice, salad, and fries. The food is noted for its quality and flavor, with reviews mentioning the delicious homemade tastes. During this downtime, there’s also access to a mini aqua park with slides, which the kids (and the young at heart) love.

The final part of the day involves a cultural stop at a local mosque, giving insight into daily community life, before returning to Side around 4 pm. The whole experience lasts about 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day out.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Pickup in Side
Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup, ensuring you don’t need to worry about transportation. The limited group size means more personalized attention and easier interactions with your guides.

Stop 2: Green Canyon
A one-hour visit to this stunning natural site offers panoramic views of the dam and the canyon, perfect for photos and soaking up the scenery.

Stop 3: Oymapinar
A one-hour break at the village allows for a relaxed stroll, a quick chat with locals, and sampling Turkish pancakes. Many reviewers appreciate this authentic touch, seeing it as a highlight of the trip.

Stop 4: Oymapinar Dam
A quick 30-minute visit grants you stunning views of the dam and Green Canyon, with some lucky travelers mentioning the impressive scenery from above.

Stop 5: Green Lake and Lunch
Enjoy about an hour at Green Lake, a peaceful mountain spot, before settling in for a hearty two-hour lunch break. The meal options of chicken or fish are well-reviewed and good value.

Stop 6: Waterfalls & Return
The last hour includes a visit back to Manavgat Waterfall, wrapping up the day with some natural beauty and a chance to relax before heading back to Side.

Arrive back at your hotel around 4 pm, with plenty of memories and photos to show for it.

The Authenticity and Value of This Tour

At just $24 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a professional guide, lunch, and insurance, making it a worry-free way to explore the mountains. The inclusion of a small group size (up to 10 participants) means you’re more likely to get personalized attention and a comfortable experience.

The guides are repeatedly praised for their friendliness and knowledge, adding layers of context and humor that make the journey more engaging. The off-road ride is a major highlight, offering thrills for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline. Plus, the cultural stops—local village visits and the mosque—allow travelers to connect with authentic Turkish life.

Reviewers also mention the fun water fights during the “water wars,” which occur in the hotter months and are perfect for families or groups looking for playful entertainment. The mini aqua park with slides is another fun add-on, especially appreciated by children.

While the tour is quite active and involves some bouncing along rough terrain, most travelers say the experience is worth the bumpy ride and the occasional dust. It offers a balanced mix of nature, adventure, and culture—a solid choice for those wanting more than just sightseeing from a bus.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a lively outdoor experience. If you enjoy adrenaline-filled rides, scenic viewpoints, and authentic village visits, this tour hits all those marks.

However, it might not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to the off-road nature of the ride. Also, travelers who prefer a more relaxed or less bumpy day may want to consider other options.

Overall, it’s a fantastic value for those who want to see a different side of Turkey—mountains, waterfalls, and local life—without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Side, with timings set between 8:30 and 9:30 am.

How long is the tour?
The full day lasts about 7 hours, ending around 4 pm, with multiple stops along the way.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for walking and sitting in jeeps. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the sun.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Turkish lunch with options of chicken skewers or trout is included. Drinks are not included but can be bought separately.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids generally enjoy the water wars and aqua park, but note that the ride can be bumpy and lively, so very young children should be considered carefully.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance fees for waterfalls (around 1 TL for adults) and optional DVD photos are not included.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and German, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Is there any age restriction?
Pregnant women are advised not to participate due to the off-road aspect. Otherwise, the tour is suitable for most ages.

Final Thoughts

The Side Jeep Safari Tour offers a genuine taste of Turkey’s natural beauty combined with engaging cultural interactions. The scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and village visits make it a well-rounded day. The thrill of off-road driving and the fun water fights keep the mood lively and memorable.

For travelers craving adventure with a cultural twist, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially good value, with all essentials covered for just $24. The small-group size and friendly guides ensure a personal touch and plenty of chances to ask questions or snap photos.

While it’s not for the faint of heart or those seeking a slow-paced day, it’s perfect for active explorers, families, and anyone wanting to experience Turkey’s countryside in a fun, authentic way.

In summary, if you’re after a day of exploration, scenic views, and a touch of adventure, the Side Jeep Safari is a fantastic choice—offering genuine fun, cultural insights, and great value all rolled into one memorable trip.