City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour

A Thrilling Ride Through Koprulu Canyon — With a Splash of Mud and Excitement

If you’re after an adventure-packed experience that combines adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a taste of local nature, this Buggy Safari Tour in Side might be just what you need. This guided 20-kilometer journey takes you along the rushing waters of the Koprucay River in the heart of Koprulu Canyon National Park. What I find particularly appealing about this tour is how it balances fun with natural beauty—plus, the reviews highlight how much people love the guides’ friendliness and the value for the price.

Two aspects stand out: first, the guides’ expertise and their ability to keep everyone safe while making the ride exhilarating. Second, the scenic river views, which give you an authentic taste of Turkey’s wild side. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour can be dusty and muddy, and the experience lasts around 4 hours, including transport and breaks. If you’re prepared for some dirt and a little waiting during busy times, this adventure offers great bang for your buck.

A possible consideration is that waiting times can extend if the group is large or if the tour is busy, but most reviews agree that the fun outweighs these minor inconveniences. Also, the hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to fit into your holiday plans, especially if you want a hassle-free way to explore outside Side. Just remember to bring your goggles, swimwear, and a towel if a river swim sounds appealing.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides like Erkin and his team ensure safety and fun while providing insights along the way.
• Natural Beauty: Marvel at the Koprucay River and the rugged landscapes of Koprulu Canyon, a true escape into Turkey’s wilderness.
• Value for Money: At $40 per person, you get 20 kilometers of buggy driving, hotel pickup/drop-off, helmets, and a memorable adventure.
• Active and Refreshing Breaks: The tour includes a swim stop roughly halfway, perfect for cooling off and enjoying the river.
• Preparation Tips: Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf. Consider buying goggles and masks on-site to avoid sand and mud in your eyes.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for ages 16 and up, making it a good choice for families with older children, but not for very young kids, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Entering the Landscape: What the Tour Looks Like

From the moment your hotel is pickup, you’ll know you’re in for a well-organized trip. It takes about an hour to reach the starting point in Koprulu Canyon National Park, a lush, rugged area famous for its river and natural beauty. The group size varies, but in reviews, most agree that it feels manageable—small enough for personal attention but large enough for camaraderie.

Once you arrive, the guides provide a quick safety briefing and explain how to handle your buggy. The buggy bikes are easy to operate, even for first-timers, with guides like Erkin ensuring everyone feels comfortable before hitting the trail. The first 10 km along the river give you a taste of the landscape—think lush greenery, rocky outcrops, and white-water views. The second half is all about the thrill—twists, turns, and splashes through shallow river crossings, with plenty of mud and dust to keep things lively.

The River and Scenic Highlights

You’ll love the views of the Koprucay River winding through the canyon. Many reviews mention how scenic and peaceful the surroundings are—despite the adrenaline rush. The swim break provides a refreshing pause where you can dip into the river, cool off, or just relax in nature’s embrace. It’s a simple but meaningful way to connect with the landscape you’re exploring.

The Final Part: Photos and Returning

Back at the base, your guide will show you the photos taken during your ride—often hilarious and full of action shots that capture your expressions and dust clouds. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in an air-conditioned bus, a comfortable end to a busy day.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This safari is best suited for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families with older children (16+). It’s ideal if you want a full, active day out with good value for money. Keep in mind, you’ll get dusty and muddy, so bring goggles and a towel for river swimming. It’s not for anyone with mobility issues, pregnant women, or very young children.

If you enjoy guided trips with friendly staff who know the terrain well, you’ll appreciate the expert guidance and the laid-back yet exciting atmosphere. Many reviewers mention how the staff goes above and beyond, making safety a priority, while still keeping the fun front and center.

Logistics: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 4 hours, including travel, a break, and the buggy rides, which typically cover around 20 km. Pricing is $40 per person, which offers excellent value considering the included hotel pickup, drop-off, helmets, and scenery. Be sure to check availability and starting times, as they vary during the day.

Transportation is straightforward: hotel pickups happen at the main security gate of your hotel—note, not the lobby—so plan accordingly. The group size can vary, but most reviews suggest it’s well-managed. For additional gear, you might want to buy goggles, face masks, or sunglasses at the site, especially if you want to avoid dust and mud in your eyes.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Packing wise, bring sunglasses to shield your eyes, swimwear and a towel for the river break, and a scarf for dust protection. The tour is not suitable for pets, and you should plan to wear appropriate shoes—closed-toe is best for safety and comfort.

Expect dust, mud, and splashes, especially if the weather is dry. As some reviews mention, goggles or face coverings are essential for comfort. The guides are friendly and professional, often speaking multiple languages including German, English, and Russian, ensuring clear instructions.

The Value of This Experience

At $40, this tour provides a full 4-hour adventure with expert guides, hotel transfers, and scenic beauty—a solid deal for anyone craving a mix of thrill and nature. Compared to other activities in the area, it offers more driving, more scenery, and a chance to really get out into Turkey’s rugged landscape.

Most reviews rave about how exceeded expectations the experience was, with many mentioning how fun it was to drive the buggies and how memorable the river swim was. The photos taken during the trip add a fun souvenir, and many travelers say they’d do it again.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for an active, fun-filled day that combines adventure, scenery, and an authentic outdoor experience, the buggy safari in Side fits the bill. It’s especially appealing for families with older kids, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager for a little thrill.

Just be prepared for some dust, mud, and waiting times during peak hours, and bring your gear to stay comfortable. The way guides like Erkin handle the group, making safety a priority while keeping the atmosphere upbeat, makes this a memorable experience worth considering.

This tour is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of Koprulu Canyon—with the added thrill of a buggy ride—without breaking the bank. It’s a top-rated activity for a reason, and many reviewers say it’s the highlight of their trip.

FAQ

How long is the buggy safari tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including hotel pickup, transport, the ride, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The price of $40 per person covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided 20 km buggy ride, and helmets.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there’s a short swim break halfway through the ride, so bringing swimsuit and towel is recommended if you want to take a dip.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf for dust. You may want to purchase goggles and face coverings on-site.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for those 16 and older. Kids under 16 can sit in the side seat but cannot drive.

How is the safety managed?
Guides give a quick safety briefing and provide helmets. Participants are instructed on how to handle the buggy, and guides like Erkin ensure everyone’s safe.

What is the terrain like?
Expect dusty, muddy, and uneven terrain with river crossings, twists, and turns through scenic canyon landscapes.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is a small selection available at the base.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any special gear I should buy?
Goggles or masks are highly recommended, especially if you want to keep dust and mud out of your eyes.

This buggy safari in Side offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and value. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush or just want to explore Turkey’s stunning landscape in an active way, it’s a memorable experience to consider adding to your trip.