Rhodes: Self Drive 4×4 safari – Pick ups South

Rhodes’ rugged south offers a captivating landscape that’s perfect for a self-drive 4×4 safari. This tour, offered by Bumpy Rhodes Safaris, promises a full-day adventure in a small group, letting you explore the island’s diverse terrain on your own terms. You’ll cruise through olive groves, riverbeds, and mountain roads in a Suzuki Jimny, with plenty of opportunities to take in stunning views, enjoy local cuisine, and relax at a hidden beach.

What I find particularly appealing about this experience is the freedom it offers—you’re behind the wheel, shaping your journey, rather than being herded onto a bus. The route includes a good mix of off-road driving and smoother asphalt stretches, giving you a taste of Rhodes’ natural beauty and some authentic local flavor. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to Monolithos village for lunch with a view is a real highlight.

That said, there are some points worth considering. The tour is labeled as a self-drive, which means you’ll need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. If you weren’t hoping to share the driving, be aware that unless your vehicle is reserved as a 4-seater, you might be swapping behind the wheel with other participants. Also, part of the route can become impassable due to branches or other obstacles, as noted by a guest who experienced a lot of asphalt on what was supposed to be a mountain adventure. Still, even with these minor hiccups, most travelers appreciate the scenic drive and the chance to see Rhodes from a different perspective.

Key points / Takeaways

• Self-Drive Freedom: You’re in control of your journey, with the chance to explore at your own pace in a Suzuki Jimny.
• Diverse Landscapes: Expect to see riverbeds, hills, forests, and mountain roads, making for a visually impressive drive.
• Authentic Local Stops: Lunch in Monolithos offers spectacular views, and visiting small villages like Asklipion adds cultural charm.
• Active and Relaxing Balance: The day combines off-road adventure with peaceful beach time—perfect for those wanting variety.
• Guided Support: The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, who offers insights and keeps the experience smooth.
• Practical for Adventurers: With a duration of about 8 hours and a small group size (limited to 15), it’s an intimate and flexible experience.

Discovering Rhodes’ South in a Self-Drive Jeep Safari

Exploring Rhodes often means sticking to the well-trodden paths of Lindos or Rhodes Town, but the self-drive 4×4 safari in the south grants you a completely different perspective. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel, the adventure begins as you follow the eastern coast passing Lindos, Pefkos, and Kiotari. The journey quickly reveals the island’s varied scenery—olive groves, riverbeds, and hills—that are hard to appreciate fully from a bus window.

The true highlight of the day is the opportunity to take the wheel of a Suzuki Jimny, a compact, capable 4×4 perfect for winding mountain roads and off-road patches. Whether you’re a confident driver or a cautious novice, the experience is designed to be accessible, provided you meet the minimum age and licensing requirements. The guides, including the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Bumpy Rhodes Safaris, help you navigate the route while sharing interesting tidbits about local culture and nature, making the journey educational as well as thrilling.

An Itinerary Full of Scenic Variety and Cultural Touches

The tour’s route is carefully planned to maximize scenic variety. You’ll start by following the river to the small village of Profilia for a refreshment stop. From there, the ascent begins as you climb towards the highest mountain on the island, Ataviros, driving mountain roads with panoramic vistas that are worth every second behind the wheel. Passing through Rhodes’ renowned wine-producing region adds a touch of local flavor, and the stop at Monolithos village for a scenic lunch is a memorable highlight. The restaurant offers not just tasty local dishes but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the more peaceful parts of the day is the shaded forest drive in the afternoon, where you can appreciate Rhodes’ natural beauty while enjoying views of the west coast and the small islands dotting the horizon. Afterward, you’re rewarded with a swim at a secluded beach—perfect for cooling off after a day of driving and sightseeing.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Bring

The price of around $84 per person is quite reasonable considering all that’s included: hotel pickup and drop-off (from designated locations), petrol, a seat in the vehicle, a tour guide, and insurance. The tour is designed as a small-group experience, with a maximum of 15 participants, which helps keep it intimate and flexible.

In terms of essentials, you’ll want to bring comfortable shoes for walking and off-road driving, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and plenty of water. Although lunch and refreshments are not included, the lunch stop at Monolithos is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy local cuisine with a view.

The Reality of the Route and Some Caveats

One thing to note is that the route can sometimes be affected by weather or natural obstacles. A review mentions that “a large part of the tour was impassable due to branches on the mountain,” leading to more asphalt driving than anticipated. While the guides do their best to adapt, this is a reminder that off-road adventures depend on natural conditions, and some parts may be less accessible than expected.

Plus, as it is a self-drive tour, drivers need to be 21 or older with a valid license. If you reserve a vehicle that isn’t a 4-seater, sharing the driving might be necessary, which could be a fun way to meet others in your group but also means taking turns at the wheel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to steer their own vehicle and experience Rhodes’ countryside firsthand. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, small villages, and mountain vistas, but don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. The tour appeals especially to curious explorers keen on authentic local culture, spectacular views, and a mix of active and relaxing moments.

Keep in mind that it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, as the drive involves some rough patches and mountain roads.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

For $84, this self-drive safari offers a lot of value—an 8-hour journey through some of Rhodes’ most picturesque scenery, with the freedom to explore at your own pace and the thrill of driving a capable 4×4. The inclusion of a guide, insurance, and hotel pickup makes it a hassle-free way to see the island’s natural beauty with minimal planning.

The lunch in Monolithos is a definite high point, with stunning views and good local food. The opportunity to swim at a secluded beach adds a relaxing finish to an energetic day. The experience is especially suited for independent-minded travelers who enjoy driving and discovering hidden corners of a destination beyond the typical tourist spots.

While natural obstacles may limit some parts of the route, most guests find the scenic vistas, the personable guides, and the chance to steer their own adventure outweigh these minor inconveniences. If you’re looking for a unique, authentic Rhodes experience that combines nature, culture, and a dash of adventure, this safari could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners or only experienced drivers?
It’s designed to be accessible for a range of drivers, as long as you’re at least 21 with a valid license. Keep in mind that some mountain roads may be challenging, but guides are there to help you navigate safely.

Can I share driving with others?
Yes, if your vehicle isn’t reserved as a 4-seater, you might end up sharing the driving duties with other participants.

What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a camera. It’s a full-day adventure, so be prepared for both sun and some physical activity.

Are meals included?
Lunch is not included, but you’ll stop at Monolithos for a scenic meal with excellent views. Refreshments are also not covered, so plan to bring some snacks or buy locally.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a small, friendly environment and more personalized attention.

What happens if the route becomes impassable?
Guides will do their best to adapt, but natural obstacles like branches can impact the route, possibly leading to more time on asphalt.

Is there any age restriction?
Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with significant back problems.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, with starting times varying; check availability when booking.

Is insurance included?
Yes, third-party and liability insurance are included.

How do I get picked up?
Pickup details are sent via WhatsApp the day before the tour from designated locations near your hotel.

This Rhodes self-drive safari offers a chance to see the island from a fresh perspective—driving through landscapes that are hard to access otherwise, with the flexibility to stop, explore, and enjoy at your own pace. It’s a solid choice for those who love adventure, scenic drives, and authentic local encounters beyond the usual tourist trail.