Side: Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake

Travelers looking for an exciting, authentic glimpse into Turkey’s countryside will find this jeep safari from Side a genuinely rewarding experience. It offers a perfect blend of off-road fun, cultural insights, and natural beauty, making it ideal for both adventure lovers and those eager to explore local traditions.

What makes this tour stand out are the scenic rides through the Taurus Mountains, the chance to see village life up close, and a delicious mountain lunch. Plus, the fact that it’s packed with diverse experiences—waterfalls, local villages, wildlife—means you get a full day of varied sights and activities.

One potential drawback? The ride can be quite dusty, loud, and bumpy, which might not suit everyone, especially travelers seeking a more relaxed experience. Also, since it involves off-road driving, it’s less suitable for pregnant women or very young children.

This trip suits those who want an adventurous, immersive day out with a good dose of nature and culture, especially if you enjoy spirited rides and scenic views. It’s also a fantastic way to see parts of the Taurus Mountains that are hard to reach by standard tours.

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Key Points

Authentic Cultural Encounters: Village visits and traditional Turkish bread offer real local flavor.
Spectacular Scenery: Expect stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and the Green Canyon.
Family-Friendly Elements: Guides take care of kids, making it suitable for families with young children.
Active Adventure: Bumpy off-road rides, water fights, and photo stops add excitement.
Good Value for Money: The tour includes lunch, transport, and multiple scenic stops.
Weather Preparedness: Bring sun protection, swimwear, and a bandana to cope with dust and heat.

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A Full Breakdown of the Experience

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Morning Pickup and Transportation

The day begins with hotel pick-up options from four different locations—Çolakl, Kzlaaç, Evrenseki, and Side—making it convenient no matter where you’re staying. The journey from your hotel is generally smooth, with the tour provider, TOURMANIA, ensuring a professional and friendly start. Expect to meet your small group of fellow adventurers and the guides, who speak Turkish, English, and German, making the experience accessible for many.

Off-Road Jeep Adventure in the Taurus Mountains

Once in the mountains, the real fun begins. The jeeps are not brand-new but are well-maintained, with drivers skilled at navigating rough terrain. This off-road ride is the highlight for many, with reviews praising the spectacular scenery and the energetic atmosphere created by guides Johnny Cash and others, who keep the mood lively with music and water fights.

Traveling through narrow mountain paths, you’ll witness panoramic views of Side and its surroundings, with plenty of photo opportunities. Be prepared for dusty conditions; many travelers mention taking bandanas or head wraps, and water bottles are readily available to refill for water fights—an ongoing highlight according to reviews. As one reviewer notes, “Water bottles supplied to have water fights with the other jeeps—great fun and much needed in the heat.”

Village Visits and Cultural Insights

The trip includes visits to villages like Sartlar and Iklar. Here, you can learn about traditional Turkish life, see local religious practices at the village mosque, and get a glimpse of rural customs that aren’t often visible on typical tourist routes.

A highlight for food lovers is the stop at an old house in Oymapinar, where you’re served gözleme—fresh, traditional Turkish flatbread that many reviewers describe as delicious. Lydia, a traveler with young children, appreciated the guides’ attentiveness, noting that Joseph, the driver, checked regularly to ensure the kids were okay, making the experience family-friendly.

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The Waterfall and Natural Beauty

Next, the tour takes you to Manavgat Waterfall, a wide, foaming cascade of the Manavgat River. It’s a scenic spot perfect for soaking in nature’s power and beauty. Many reviews mention how impressive the waterfall is, with some even suggesting that the landscape’s diversity really stands out.

A stop at Green Canyon follows, where you can enjoy an hour of walking, taking in the lush scenery and maybe snapping some photos of the landscape’s calm waters and cliffs.

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Lunch in the Mountains

Midday, you’ll head to Gölba Restaurant & Hotel for a well-deserved lunch. The meal is generally described as good, and the setting is picturesque, offering a break from the bumpy rides. Many travelers appreciate the value-for-money aspect, noting that lunch is included in the tour price—adding to the overall good deal.

Additional Stops and Zoo Visit

Post-lunch, the tour continues with brief stops for photos and exploration, including Deirmenli Köyü Yolu and Bucakeyhler. The final stop is a small zoo, where visitors can hold a baby lion and see local wildlife—an unexpected but delightful end to the day according to reviews.

Return and Drop-off

The journey concludes with the return to your hotel, with drop-off at the same four pickup points. The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day out.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, lunch, insurance, and taxes, which many reviewers see as fair for such a comprehensive experience. The guides are praised for their friendliness and multilingual skills, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and informed.

The inclusion of a traditional meal, combined with scenic stops and fun activities like water fights, makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an engaging adventure. Although you will get dusty and wet, many travelers like Alex, who said, “Water bottles supplied, water fights, and bumpy rides—this adds to the fun,” emphasizing the playful and lively atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection during the day.
Pack swimwear if you want to dip at the waterfall or Green Canyon.
Carry a bandana or head wrap to stay dust-free and comfortable.
Prepare for a lively, energetic ride—the jeeps are loud and bumpy, so don’t expect luxury but rather a thrill.
Family travelers should note guides like Joseph and Johnny Cash are attentive to children’s needs, making it suitable for families with young kids.
Budget for optional extras like DVDs of your photos if you’re interested, as these are not included.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 7 hours, including pickup, scenic stops, and lunch, with starting times varying depending on availability.

What locations do the pickup and drop-off points cover?
Pickup and drop-off are available from Çolakl, Kzlaaç, Evrenseki, and Side, with specific options based on your hotel location.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially since guides like Joseph focus on ensuring children are comfortable and safe. However, the off-road ride may be less suitable for very young children or pregnant women.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear if you plan to enjoy the waterfalls or Green Canyon, and a bandana to prevent dust inhalation during the dusty mountain rides.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional Turkish lunch is included, served at Gölba Restaurant & Hotel, and many reviewers rave about the quality and setting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving flexibility for last-minute adjustments.

Final Thoughts

This jeep safari combines adventure, culture, and nature into a full day’s outing that’s well worth the trip from Side. You’re not just riding in a jeep—you’re exploring mountain villages, waterfalls, and green landscapes that most travelers miss. The guides, especially Johnny Cash and Joseph, are praised for making the trip lively, safe, and engaging.

If you’re after a fun, active day with diverse sights, this tour is a fantastic choice—particularly if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy a bit of dirt, dust, and water fights. While it’s not a luxury experience, the authentic scenery, friendly guides, and delicious mountain lunch provide a real sense of the area’s charm and natural beauty.

This trip is perfect for those who want an energetic, memorable day out that offers a good balance of excitement and cultural insight. Just remember to come prepared for a bumpy, dusty adventure—and leave with plenty of fantastic photos and stories.