Buggy Safari at the Taurus Mountains from Side

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of adrenaline to your trip around Side, Turkey, a buggy safari might just be the ticket. We’ve looked into this activity — offered by Tourmania — and while it’s not perfect, it has enough moments of fun that it’s worth considering, especially if you love the idea of exploring off the beaten path in a rugged, active way.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines scenic views with the thrill of a muddy, high-speed ride — a great combo for adventure seekers or those wanting to experience a different side of Turkey’s natural beauty. Plus, the safety briefings and family-friendly approach make it accessible to most people, even if you’re not a seasoned rider.

However, a point to consider is that this experience is quite straightforward; it’s not a deep cultural or historical tour, but rather a fun outdoor activity. It’s ideal for travelers looking for something energetic and hands-on rather than a relaxed sightseeing day. If you’re after a memorable adventure that gets you dirty and moving, this could be just right.

This buggy safari tends to appeal most to those wanting an active outing, with a flexible group size capped at 20 travelers, making it intimate enough to not feel overwhelmed. It’s a solid choice if you want to do something memorable, but don’t mind a bit of rough-and-tumble along the way.

Key Points

• Accessible for all skill levels: No license needed, and safety gear is provided.
• Includes scenic stops: Not just riding, but also exploring beautiful waterfalls and riverbanks.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for travelers aged 14 and above with moderate fitness.
• Price offers good value: At around $52 per person, it covers transport, gear, and a 1.5-hour buggy ride.
• Group size: Limited to 20 people, which helps keep the experience personal.
• Weather-dependent: Canceled if weather is poor, but full refunds or rescheduling are straightforward.

What the Tour Looks Like

Starting Point and Pickup

The journey kicks off with hotel pickup and transfer to the buggy safari park. This is a big plus because it means you don’t have to worry about finding your way there — especially helpful if you’re not familiar with the area. The pickup process is generally smooth, with reviews praising the attentive organization and clear explanations of what’s ahead.

The Scenic Drive and Waterfalls

Your first stop is at the Kursunlu Waterfalls, where you’ll spend around 1.5 hours exploring and enjoying the natural beauty. The waterfalls are a popular highlight, offering a serene contrast to the more rugged buggy ride. We loved the way this stop feels like a genuine nature escape, with the opportunity to take photos, relax, and stretch your legs. The included admission ticket means no extra costs here, which is a nice touch.

The Muddy, High-Speed Ride

After the waterfalls, it’s time for the main event — the buggy adventure. For about 1.5 hours, you’ll hop into sturdy quad bikes (no license needed), and follow guides through the pine forests and muddy riverbanks. Expect some streams to cross and plenty of dirt flying — so be prepared to get a little messy.

One review highlights, “Todo muy bien atendido, estoy súper contento y la recogida al hotel y la explicación de todo lo que vamos hacer, excelente todo,” which shows how smoothly everything generally runs. Riders of all experience levels are welcome, and safety gear like helmets is provided, ensuring some peace of mind.

End of the Tour and Drop-off

After your adventure, the group is taken back to the hotel, making for an easy and convenient finish. The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, with enough time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

What To Expect from the Experience

The tour emphasizes nature exploration, with scenic routes that showcase the Taurus Mountains’ lush greenery. You’ll feel the thrill of maneuvering a quad bike over uneven terrain, which can be a blast if you’re into outdoor activities. The muddy, fast-paced ride is what many reviews rave about — it’s messy, fun, and certainly memorable.

The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with participants as young as 14 allowed to join, making it a suitable outdoor activity for teens and adults alike. It’s also suitable for those with moderate physical fitness; the ride involves some physical effort but nothing overly strenuous.

What People Love

One of the biggest hits, according to reviews, is the scenic stop at Kursunlu Waterfalls. It offers a peaceful nature break, perfect for photos and relaxing after the adrenaline rush. Another strong point: the organizers’ professionalism and smooth logistics, which many travelers appreciated.

The Realistic Downsides

While the ride is certainly fun, it’s not a tour for those seeking cultural insights or a gentle sightseeing day. It’s more about the excitement and scenery. Also, since the weather can impact the activity, poor conditions might lead to cancellations, though the policies for refunds or rescheduling are straightforward.

Cost and Value

At about $52 per person, this tour offers a decent value, considering it includes hotel transfers, helmets, and 1.5 hours of buggy riding. If you enjoy outdoor adventures and are okay with getting a little dirty, this is a fair price for the memorable experience you’ll get.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who want to explore nature in an engaging way. It’s also fitting for those who prefer outdoor, hands-on experiences over museum visits or cultural tours. Given the safety measures and moderate physical effort, it’s a good choice for teenagers (14+) and adults.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a bit of outdoor excitement, it’s a perfect shared activity. However, this isn’t a relaxing scenic drive or a historical exploration — it’s a lively, muddy ride with scenic stops.

Final Thoughts

The Buggy Safari in the Taurus Mountains offers a fun, energetic outdoor experience that combines scenic beauty with a dash of adventure. You’ll enjoy the cool pine forests, splash through streams, and make lasting memories, especially if you’re into active holidays. The included stops and safety measures make it accessible and convenient, while the group size keeps things personal.

It’s a good pick if you’re after a day of physical activity, scenic views, and some mud-splattered laughs. Just remember to dress comfortably, expect to get a little dirty, and bring your camera for some great shots. For the price, it’s a solid way to break away from the usual sightseeing routine and do something a bit more exhilarating.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to get to and from the safari park without extra hassle.

Do I need a license to ride the buggy?
No license is required. The quad bikes are easy to operate, and safety briefings are provided before you start.

What’s the minimum age for participants?
The minimum age is 14 years, so it’s suitable for teenagers and up.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, with 1.5 hours dedicated to the buggy ride and additional time for stops.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing you don’t mind getting muddy works best. Helmets are provided, but bring sunglasses if you want eye protection.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Tours are weather-dependent. If weather conditions are poor, the activity might get canceled, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

If you’re craving an action-packed day with scenic views and a splash of dirt, this safari could be a highlight of your trip to Side. Just keep expectations realistic, dress for the outdoors, and be ready for a fun ride.