From City of Side: Adventure Jeep Safari Tour

If you’re thinking about adding a little adventure to your trip to Side, the Adventure Jeep Safari Tour might be on your radar. While it promises an exciting day exploring remote landscapes, waterfalls, and even a local village, it’s not quite the peaceful nature escape you might imagine. Instead, it’s a lively, fast-paced ride that offers a taste of the wild side of Turkey’s Taurus Mountains—sometimes with surprises that don’t quite match the description.

What we genuinely like about this tour is its value for money—at just $25 per person for around five hours, you get a packed itinerary with diverse experiences, from waterfalls to scenic viewpoints. The off-road adventure on powerful Land Rover Defender jeeps is a definite highlight, giving you plenty of adrenaline and a chance to feel like you’re truly exploring untouched areas. Plus, the visit to a local family’s house for Turkish pancakes adds a warm, authentic touch, offering a small glimpse into village life.

However, a possible snag is the accuracy of the description versus the reality. Some reviews reflect disappointment, describing the tour as more of a party atmosphere with loud music and swift drives that skip the stops listed in the itinerary. If you’re expecting a relaxed, culturally immersive experience, this might not be the right fit. It’s better suited for those craving high-energy adventure and fun rather than a slow, sightseeing-focused day.

This tour can be a good pick for travelers who enjoy off-road rides, scenic nature views, and a lively atmosphere. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, educational exploration of the region’s history and villages, especially if traveling with smaller children or seeking a peaceful day in nature.

Key Points

• Affordable price offers good value for a wide-ranging adventure.
• Off-road jeep ride provides adrenaline and excitement through rugged terrain.
• Mixed experiences include waterfalls, village visits, and scenic viewpoints.
• Some reviews report the tour is more party-like, with loud music and fast driving.
• Stops may not align exactly with the tour description, leading to disappointment for some.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or those expecting a quiet, traditional sightseeing day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Adventure Jeep Safari Tour

If you’re curious about what exactly this tour involves, here’s a detailed breakdown. Keep in mind, the experience might vary depending on the day and the group you’re with, but this should give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Pickup and Arrival

The tour kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel in Side between 8:30 and 9:00 am. The transfer is included, so you won’t need to worry about arranging transport—just be ready and waiting at the main hotel door. After meeting your fellow adventurers, you’ll hop into a Land Rover Defender Jeep, which already hints at the kind of rugged, energetic experience awaiting.

Manavgat Waterfall

The first stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, a popular spot for photos and quick admiration of the rushing water. The entrance fee is minimal—around 1 Turkish Lira for adults, free for children. It’s a pleasant start, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air before the more intense off-road section.

Off-road Green Canyon Expedition

Next, the journey takes a more adventurous turn. You’ll head into the Taurus Mountains toward the Green Canyon, exploring the area through a wild off-road drive on rugged terrain. This is where the power of the Defender jeeps really shines, providing a bumpy, exhilarating ride.

One of the unique features here is the chance to see the Akvaduks, the Roman-era aqueducts, which are fascinating relics that add historical flavor to the scenery. As you wind through villages, you’ll get glimpses of local life, with small houses and farmland lining your route. The driver’s skill at navigating uneven paths makes this part memorable, especially if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline.

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Visit to a Local House & Cultural Insights

Midway through, the tour stops at a local family’s house in Oymapinar. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Turkish pancakes—a simple but delicious gesture that highlights daily life in the area. You can also buy drinks if you wish, adding a small but meaningful cultural exchange.

Oymapinar Dam & Green Lake

From the village, the journey continues toward the Oymapinar Dam and Green Lake. This is one of the most scenic parts of the trip, offering panoramic views of the canyon and the dam structure itself. The highlight here is the “water wars”, a lively water fight among jeeps that’s a big hit with families and kids—if the weather is hot, it’s a refreshing splash of fun.

If you’re up for it, you can also get a bird’s eye view from the top of the dam, admiring the natural beauty of the canyon below.

Lunch and Mini Aqua Park

After all that adventure, your group will head to a restaurant for a two-hour break. The menu offers Chicken or Fish options, including chicken skewers, trout, rice, salad, and fries—solid, decent fare for recharging after a morning of activity.

Post-lunch, the fun continues with access to a mini Aqua park, complete with slides and swimming opportunities. If you’re traveling with children or simply love a splash, this part is a real treat. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy some downtime and cool off.

Cultural Visit: Mosque

To conclude the day, there’s a visit to a local mosque, which is a nice cultural touch that offers a glimpse into daily religious life. It’s an opportunity to understand more about the region’s traditions and meet local people.

End of the Tour

By around 4 pm, the tour wraps up, and guests are transported back to their hotels. The whole experience lasts about five hours, making it a full but not overwhelming day.

Honest Reflection: What You Should Know

While the tour offers a lot, some travelers have voiced frustrations. For example, reviews mention that the stops listed in the description aren’t always made—some travelers have reported that the actual experience involves racing past sites like the nomad village, aqueducts, and the mosque, instead of stopping for a closer look.

One review sums it up, saying, “Tour did not match the description. Announced stops were not made (nomad village, mosque, etc.).” Others have described the ride as more of a party atmosphere, with loud music and drinking, which might not suit everyone’s taste or expectations for a peaceful exploration.

The speed of the jeeps and the lack of safety precautions—like seat belts—have also been noted, especially when traveling with small children or those wanting a more relaxed trip. The broken speedometer and the loud music contribute to a chaotic vibe that appeals more to thrill-seekers or party lovers than to families or culture enthusiasts.

Who Is It Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys off-road adventures, lively atmospheres, and scenic viewpoints, you’ll probably have fun here. The price point makes it an accessible way to see a variety of sights in a short time. However, if you’re hoping for a slow-paced, educational, or cultural experience, you might find this tour a bit too hectic or superficial.

Final Thoughts

This Jeep safari from Side offers a cost-effective, energetic way to explore the Taurus Mountains and surrounding sights. The off-road rides are genuinely fun and provide a bit of adventure, and the visit to a local house adds a dash of authenticity. However, the discrepancy between the description and the actual experience, combined with the party-like atmosphere reported by some guests, means it’s not for everyone.

If you’re a traveler who values adrenaline, quick scenic glimpses, and a lively group experience, this tour could fit your style. But if you prefer a more relaxed, cultural, or quiet day out, you might want to look elsewhere.

Just keep in mind that the experience can vary, and it’s always good to have flexible expectations. Prepare for a high-energy ride, enjoy the scenic views, but stay aware that it’s more about fun and adventure than about thorough sightseeing.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for small children or families?
Some reviews mention that it’s not very family-friendly, mainly because the jeeps drive quickly and carelessly, and there’s loud music. If traveling with small children or pensioners, be aware it might not be the most comfortable or safe experience.

What is included in the price?
The tour price of $25 per person includes hotel transfer, lunch, insurance, and the jeep safari itself. Anything outside the set itinerary, like private expenses, isn’t covered.

Are there any stops for sightseeing?
Yes, you’ll visit Manavgat Waterfall, the aqueducts, and enjoy views of Green Lake and the canyon. However, some guests report that the stops are brief or not always made as described.

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 5 hours long, starting with pickup around 8:30-9:00 am and concluding around 4 pm.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes for outdoor activity and possibly a change of clothes if you want to participate in water fights. Sun protection, sunglasses, and water are advisable.

Is there any cultural element involved?
Yes, the visit to a local mosque and a family house provides cultural insights, though some may find the experience rushed or superficial depending on the day.

If you’re after a lively adventure with scenic spots, this Jeep safari could be a fun addition to your trip. Just go with open expectations and a sense of adventure—some surprises, both good and not-so-good, are part of the package.

You can check availability for your dates here: