Side & Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey · 7 Hours · From €35 per person
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Duration
7 Hours
Pickup
08:30
Price per person
35€
Adult
1
Child
0
Total amount
35€
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Side & Manavgat Off-Road Adventure · Updated for 2026
Side Jeep Safari 2026: A Full-Day Off-Road Adventure Into the Taurus Mountains
Trade the beach towel for red dirt trails and pine-scented mountain air. This full-day jeep safari climbs into the Taurus Mountains foothills above the Turkish Riviera — with free hotel pickup from Side, Manavgat, Titreyengöl, Sorgun, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Kızıla&gcedil;aç, Kızılot and Okurcalar, a stop in a mountain village, a swim under a spring-fed waterfall, and the region’s famous mud-and-water fight to finish the day.
- Full-Day · 6–7 Hours
- Free Hotel Pickup
- Small Groups Welcome
- Licensed Local Operator
Quick Answer
A Side Jeep Safari is a full-day, guided off-road tour that leaves the coastal resorts of Side and Manavgat and climbs into the Taurus Mountains foothills by 4×4. Tours typically run 6 to 7 hours, include hotel pickup along the Manavgat coastline, and combine off-road driving with a mountain village stop, a natural swimming spot, and the region’s famous mud-and-water fight. It suits active travelers and families with children old enough for a bumpy ride, but isn’t the best fit for anyone with back or neck problems, or travelers prone to motion sickness.
Duration
6–7 Hours
Physical Level
Moderate
Best Season
April–October
Pickup
Free, Coastal Hotels
Hour-by-Hour
What Actually Happens on a Side Jeep Safari
Six stops, one long day of dust, water and mountain air. Pickup is by jeep, not bus — the same 4×4 that takes you up the mountain collects you from your hotel.
- 09:00
Hotel Pickup — By Jeep, Not Bus
Your off-road jeep collects you directly from your hotel in Side, Manavgat, Titreyengöl, Sorgun, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Kızıla&gcedil;aç, Kızılot or Okurcalar. No transfer bus and no vehicle swap at a parking lot — the jeep you’re picked up in is the one you ride up the mountain in.
- 09:45
Convoy Briefing & Off-Road Climb
A short safety briefing at the meeting point, then the convoy leaves the coast road and starts climbing into the Taurus Mountains foothills on dirt track.
- 10:15
Mountain Village Stop
A break in a working mountain village for tea and a look at everyday rural life away from the coast.
- 11:00
Green Lake Boat Ride
A calm boat trip on the turquoise water of Green Lake, the reservoir behind Oymapınar Dam — a quiet contrast to the dust of the drive up.
- 12:15
Natural Spring Swim Break
Time to swim in cold, clear mountain spring water. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes.
- 13:15
Lunch Included
A traditional lunch at a local restaurant, included in the tour price — no extra payment needed on the day.
- 14:30
Mud & Water Fight
The day’s playful finale — expect to get properly wet and muddy. Leave phones and valuables in the jeep or a dry bag.
- ~15:30
Return & Hotel Drop-Off
The convoy heads back down to the coast; drop-off times vary slightly by hotel.
Before You Go
What to Bring — and What to Leave at the Hotel
Dust, mud and Mediterranean sun reach further than most people expect on the Manavgat backroads. Pack light and pack smart.
Bring This
- Swimsuit, worn under your clothes
- A full change of clothes for the ride home
- Closed-back shoes or sandals with a strap
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A small towel
- A little cash for the village stop
- A sealed dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
Leave at the Hotel
- Jewelry or a watch you’d hate to lose in the mud
- White or light-colored clothing
- Flip-flops or slides — they come off on rough ground
- Unprotected electronics (cameras, tablets)
- Large bags or suitcases — only a small daypack fits in the jeep
Phone protection tip: the mud-and-water fight is unpredictable, and dust from the off-road climb gets into pockets and bags. Even a “waterproof” case can fail under direct mud. The safest option is to leave phones and cameras zipped in the jeep during the fight itself, or use a fully sealed dry bag.
Traveling with children? The off-road sections are bumpy and the pace is active. It’s a good fit for most school-age kids, but check the minimum age and any health restrictions when you book.
Choosing Your Off-Road Adventure
Jeep, Quad or Buggy Safari — Which One Is Right for You?
SideKickTours runs all three. Here’s an honest side-by-side so you book the one that actually matches your day.
| Jeep Safari This Tour | Quad Safari | Buggy Safari | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per person) | From €35 | From €40 | From €45 |
| Duration | 7 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Route Distance | ~120 km | ~30 km | ~30 km |
| Who Drives | Professional guide | You | You |
| Lunch Included | Yes | No | No |
Choose Jeep Safari if…
You want a full day out, prefer to relax while a professional handles the driving, are traveling with family or a mixed group, or want lunch included in the price.
Choose Quad or Buggy Safari if…
You specifically want to drive yourself, only have half a day free, or are after a shorter, higher-intensity adventure rather than a full-day tour.
FAQ
Side Jeep Safari 2026: Common Questions
How much does the Side Jeep Safari cost?
Shared tours usually start from €20–25 per adult. Children (approx. 3–11 years) pay a reduced rate, while infants under 3 are often free. Private jeeps start from €150–200 depending on group size.
How long does the Side Jeep Safari take?
Most tours last 6–8 hours door-to-door (typically around 7 hours). Hotel pick-ups begin between 08:20 and 09:30, with return around 15:00–16:00.
What is included in the tour price?
Hotel pick-up & drop-off, off-road jeep ride, lunch, professional driver/guide and travel insurance are usually included. Many packages also include the Green Lake boat trip. Drinks, photos and waterfall entrance are typically extra.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional lunch (grilled chicken or fish, pasta, salad and bread) is included in most packages. Drinks are extra.
Can I drive the jeep myself?
No. For safety reasons only professional drivers operate the jeeps. You sit back, enjoy the views and join the water fights.
Is the Jeep Safari suitable for children?
Yes for most families. Children under 3 are generally not allowed. Ages 3–11 are welcome at a reduced rate. The tour includes bumpy roads, loud music and water fights.
Is it suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?
No. The off-road sections are bumpy and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with back, neck or serious medical conditions.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bandana or scarf (for dust), closed shoes and a spare set of clothes. Expect to get both dusty and wet.
Are there water fights on the tour?
Yes. Water fights between the jeeps are one of the biggest highlights. If you prefer to stay dry, this tour may not suit you.
Is the Green Lake / Green Canyon boat trip included?
In many packages yes. Some cheaper options replace the boat with extra free time at the restaurant or pool. Always check the specific tour description.
Where can I get picked up from?
Free hotel pick-up is available from Side, Manavgat, Titreyengöl, Sorgun, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Kızılağaç, Kızılot, Gündoğdu, Kumköy and most surrounding resorts.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain rarely stops the tour. In case of severe weather the operator usually offers a new date or a full refund.
Is the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee included?
Usually not. The waterfall entrance is an optional extra that you can pay on the day if you want to visit.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks during lunch and throughout the tour are extra. You can bring your own water bottle.
Are photos or videos included?
No. Professional photographers often join the tour and offer a paid photo/video package (usually on a USB stick).
Do I need to book in advance?
In high season (June–September) yes. Booking at least one day ahead is recommended. Many operators offer “reserve now, pay later”.
Is the Side Jeep Safari safe?
Generally yes. Professional drivers and well-maintained jeeps are used. Speed limits are followed, but it remains an off-road activity with some inherent risk.
Are private Jeep Safari tours available?
Yes. Private jeeps are available for families or small groups and start from approximately €150–200 depending on the number of people.
What is the typical itinerary?
Hotel pick-up → Manavgat Waterfall stop → off-road mountain roads → Green Canyon / Lake (boat + swimming) → riverside lunch → possible village stop → water fights → return to hotel.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most platforms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Always check the specific operator’s policy when booking.
Is the Jeep Safari worth it?
Most travelers rate it as one of the best days of their holiday thanks to the views, adventure and water fights. It is less suitable if you dislike getting dusty or wet.
Which languages do the guides speak?
English, German, Russian and Turkish are the most common languages spoken by the guides and drivers.
From
€35
per person
Side Jeep Safari 2026 — Check Availability
Full-day, 7-hour tour departing from Side and Manavgat hotels, with lunch and everything below included in the price.
- Hotel pickup by jeep, not bus
- Mountain village stop
- Green Lake boat ride
- Natural spring swim break
- Traditional lunch included
- Mud & water fight finale
Message us for live availability, exact pickup times, and group rates.
Beyond the Safari
Two Ancient Cities in These Same Mountains
The Taurus foothills your jeep climbs through aren’t empty of history. Pamphylian settlers used this exact terrain over 2,000 years ago — one city by the sea, one hidden in the pine forest above it.
By the Sea
Ancient Side
Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, Side takes its name from an old Anatolian word for “pomegranate.” Its Temple of Apollo — five marble columns still standing from around 150 AD — sits right at the harbor’s edge and is one of the most photographed sunset spots on the whole Turkish Riviera. It’s also exactly where every Side Jeep Safari begins.
Full guide to Ancient Side →
In the Forest
Seleukeia (Lyrbe)
Fewer visitors know a second Pamphylian city sits in these same Taurus foothills, in the pine forest north of Manavgat — a fortified hill city said to have been built by one of Alexander the Great’s own generals to guard Side from inland attack. Historians still argue whether its real name was Seleukeia or Lyrbe; either way, its gate, walls and Roman baths still stand today, reached through the same forest these jeep routes cut through.
Best Time to Go
When to Book Your Side Jeep Safari
The Turkish Riviera has a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and milder, wetter winters. Here’s how that actually plays out on an open-air, off-road tour.
Peak Heat
June–Aug · ~31–34°C daysThis is when the mud-and-water fight finale feels best. Dust rises fast on dry trails, so the shaded village stop and Green Lake boat ride are welcome breaks. It’s also the busiest stretch — book a few days ahead.
Sweet Spot
Apr–May & Sep–Oct · ~21–26°C daysComfortable for the off-road driving and the village stop. The natural spring will feel cooler than in summer but is still swimmable. Fewer tours on the road and easier pickup scheduling.
Off-Season
Nov–Mar · ~14–20°C daysThe rainiest months of the year on this coast. Mountain dirt roads can turn to mud after heavy rain — confirm directly with us whether the tour is running before booking in this window.
The Landscape
What Grows in These Mountains
The dirt track doesn’t just climb in elevation — it climbs through a real change of Mediterranean ecosystem, zone by zone.
Lower Slopes
Coastal Maquis
Low, tough Mediterranean scrub — wild olive, myrtle, thyme — the same tangle that lines this entire coastline.
Mid Slopes
Red Pine Forest
The scrub thickens into Turkish red pine forest — the same trees that reach the beach a few kilometers north at Sorgun.
Upper Slopes
Mountain Ridge
Rockier, more open limestone terrain, where the views open up over the coast and the Mediterranean beyond.
Keep an eye out, but don’t expect a safari: a convoy of jeeps isn’t quiet wildlife-watching, but tortoises crossing the track, birds of prey riding the thermals, and the occasional wild goat on a distant ridge are all genuinely possible. The Manavgat River itself rises in these same mountains, fed by the Beydağları range to the west, before reaching the sea near Side.
Photo Ops
Where to Get Your Best Shots (and When)
This is a fixed-schedule tour, so you won’t be chasing golden hour at every stop — here’s what to actually expect, camera-wise, at each point in the day.
~09:45
Mountain Viewpoints on the Climb
Wide shots of the coastline and the jeep convoy itself work best here. Shoot before the midday haze sets in — your phone’s ultra-wide lens is usually enough.
~11:00
Green Lake Boat Ride
This exact spot has its own detailed pro tips in our full photography guide (best angles, polarizer settings) — worth a quick read before you go, since midday light means more glare on the water than a sunset visit would. See the Green Canyon photo tips →
~14:30
The Mud & Water Fight
The action shot of the day. Waterproof your phone before this stop (see “What to Bring” above) or hand it to someone who’s staying dry on the sidelines.
Spending extra time in Side itself? Our full 2026 guide covers the Temple of Apollo at sunset, Tazi Canyon’s cliffs, and 13 more spots with exact GPS locations and camera settings.
Plan Your Trip
Pair Your Jeep Safari With…
One off-road day is a great start. Here’s what else fits naturally around it if you’re staying more than a few days.
Want More in One Day?
Rafting Super Combo
Jeep safari, rafting, quad and zipline combined into a single full-throttle day, if three hours of off-road isn’t enough.
See the Combo Tour →See It From Above
Hot Air Balloon
You drove through the Taurus foothills by jeep — see the same coastline and mountains from a balloon at sunrise.
See the Balloon Tour →A Water Day Instead of Dust
Green Canyon Boat Tour
The same Oymapınar Dam waters you glimpse on the jeep safari, this time as the whole point of the day.
See the Boat Tour →Relaxed Coastal Half-Day
Manavgat River & Sea Boat Tour
A slower-paced day on the water, straight from Side — a good rest day between two adventure days.
See the River Tour →
Avoid These
Common Mistakes When Booking
Small things people forget to mention or assume incorrectly — all easy to avoid.
Assuming Jeep Safari means driving yourself
That’s Quad or Buggy Safari. On the Jeep Safari, a professional guide drives — see the comparison above if you specifically want to be behind the wheel.
Not mentioning dietary restrictions before the day
Lunch is included, but not automatically customized. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, mention it when you book — not when the food arrives.
Staying quiet about back problems, pregnancy, or recent surgery
The off-road sections are genuinely bumpy. Telling us in advance means honest advice before you book, not a surprise mid-tour.
Wearing shoes or clothes you actually like
Between dust, mud and a water fight, nothing stays clean. Old shoes and a spare outfit for the ride home — see “What to Bring” above.
The Village Stop
What the “Mountain Village Stop” Actually Means
This isn’t a recreated tourist village — it’s a real, working settlement in the Taurus foothills where people farm, keep livestock, and have done so for generations. That changes how you should show up.
The Çay Ritual
You’ll likely be offered çay (Turkish black tea), served in small tulip-shaped glasses, often with sugar cubes on the side rather than stirred in. Accepting it is the polite move — it’s a genuine gesture of hospitality, not a sales pitch.
Photographing Respectfully
This is someone’s home, not a stage. Ask before photographing individual villagers up close, especially elders, and expect a friendly “no” occasionally — that’s normal and shouldn’t be pushed.
What You’ll See
Small stone-and-timber houses, terraced vegetable plots, goats and chickens, and often handmade goods (dried herbs, honey, textiles) laid out for sale — a fair way to put a little money directly into the local economy.
Why It’s Here at All
Villages like this have sat in these Taurus foothills for centuries, long before jeep safaris existed — many residents’ families farmed this same land back when Ancient Side and Seleukeia were still active cities nearby.
Group & Private Options
Traveling as a Group, or Want It Private?
Most guests join the standard group convoy, but that’s not your only option.
Standard Group Tour
You join other travelers in the jeep convoy — the default booking, from €35 per person. A natural way to meet people if you’re solo or a couple, and the most affordable option.
Private Tour
Book the jeep for just your own group — family, friends, or simply wanting privacy. Pricing depends on group size and season, so message us directly rather than assuming a flat rate.
Celebrating something, or traveling with grandparents and very young kids? Mention it when you book. A private tour lets you set a gentler pace than the standard group schedule, and we’re always happy to hear what you’re celebrating — we just can’t promise specific extras here since every request is different.
What’s for Lunch
What’s Actually on the Table
“Lunch included” can mean anything. Here’s what actually shows up over the course of the day — a proper restaurant meal, plus village hospitality along the way.
The Included Lunch
Plus: Village Hospitality Along the Way
Menus vary by season and by which restaurant is used that day. Have an allergy or dietary restriction? Mention it when you book, not when the food arrives — see “Common Mistakes” above.
The View
What You’re Actually Looking At Up There
The convoy stops at a couple of points purely for the view. Here’s what you’re actually seeing, in both directions.
Looking South
The Turkish Riviera
The coastline curves away in both directions, with Side’s small peninsula visible in the distance on a clear day. The Mediterranean itself changes color with depth — turquoise and pale near the shore, shifting to a much deeper blue further out. Closer to the base of the mountain, look for vast sheets of white plastic greenhouses covering the coastal plain — this stretch of Antalya province is one of Turkey’s biggest greenhouse-farming regions, growing tomatoes and peppers for much of the country.
Looking North
Deeper Into the Taurus
Behind you, more Taurus peaks recede into the distance — pine-covered on the lower slopes, rockier and paler higher up. It’s a useful reminder that the foothills your jeep is climbing are only the very edge of a range that runs for hundreds of kilometers along Turkey’s southern coast.
Responsible Adventure
Respecting the Land (and the People On It)
Off-road tourism can genuinely damage a landscape if it’s done carelessly. A few small things keep this route worth driving for years to come.
1
Jeeps stay on established tracks
No new routes cut through vegetation for a better photo — sticking to the marked track means less erosion, not more.
2
No soap or shampoo at the natural spring
It’s the same water other visitors — and local wildlife — rely on. Rinse off, don’t wash up.
3
The village is a neighborhood, not a photo set
Buy something from a local seller if you can, and ask before photographing people directly — see “Photographing Respectfully” above.
4
Whatever you bring up the mountain comes back down
No exceptions, even for something as small as a bottle cap.
