Side: Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake

If you’re visiting Side and craving a break from the usual beach days, you’ll find this Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake offers a compelling mix of adventure, local culture, and stunning scenery. While we haven’t personally been on this tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an experience packed with off-road thrills, authentic village encounters, and memorable landscapes.

What we love about this tour is its off-the-beaten-path charm—driving through rugged terrain in a convoy of jeeps, exploring tiny villages like Iklar, and discovering waterfalls that look straight out of a postcard. The lunch in the mountains is also a highlight, offering not just good food but a chance to relax amid nature. Plus, knowledgeable guides like Johnny Cash (yes, that’s his actual nickname) and driver Ahmet make the journey both fun and informative.

A possible consideration for travelers is the rough and bumpy ride—the jeeps are not new and the off-road sections can be dusty, wet, and loud. This tour requires a certain level of physical comfort, especially if you’re not used to bumpy rides or water fights that leave you soaked. It’s best suited for those seeking an active day with plenty of outdoor adventures rather than a relaxed sightseeing trip.

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to experience rural Turkey firsthand, and are ready for a day of fun, dust, and scenery. Families with kids, adventure seekers, and anyone interested in local culture will find this trip well worth the time.

Good To Know

• Authentic village visits provide insight into local traditions and daily life.
• Off-road driving offers thrilling views and access to places other tours can’t reach.
• Delicious mountain lunch offers both scenic beauty and tasty Turkish fare.
• Guides and drivers like Johnny Cash and Ahmet are highly praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
• Multiple stops include waterfalls, dams, and a small zoo, adding variety to the day.
• Dust, water fights, and bumpy roads are part of the fun but require a good sense of adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Full Experience: A Deep Dive

Morning Pickup and Transport

The day begins with hotel pickup from one of four convenient locations: Çolaklı, Kızılcağ, Evrenseki, or Side. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the various stops and activities without feeling rushed. The pickup is smooth, and the group size tends to be manageable, fostering a cozy yet lively atmosphere.

The transportation is in sturdy jeeps, driven by guides well-versed in both local geography and storytelling. The guides are praised for their friendliness and sense of humor, which keeps the energy lively from start to finish.

Off-Roading in the Taurus Mountains

Once underway, you’ll quickly notice that the highlight of this tour is the off-road adventure through the Taurus Mountains. These rugged roads mean you’ll be bouncing and jostling, and you’ll likely get dusty—so packing sunglasses, a scarf or bandana, and perhaps some water to stay cool is wise. We loved the way the guides kept the atmosphere light, turning the bumps into fun water fights with supplied water bottles (many reviewers mention this as a blast).

Travelers have noted that the jeeps aren’t exactly luxury vehicles—they’re functional, but the focus is on the experience rather than comfort. The rough terrain and loud music create a party vibe, making the bumpy ride part of the charm. One reviewer mentioned that water fights and dusty roads add an element of playful chaos, which is perfect if you’re looking for an active, energetic day.

Village Visits: Sartlar and Iklar

The tour takes you into small Turkish villages, where life is slow-paced and centered around tradition. Visiting Iklar, guests learn about local customs and religious practices at a village mosque—an authentic window into rural Turkish life that many travelers find charming and enlightening.

Lydia, who brought her young children, appreciated the guides’ attentiveness: “Joseph, our driver, was absolutely amazing because the kids were so young he checked regularly to see if they were okay.” This kind of care makes the experience feel personal and family-friendly.

In Oymapinar, you’ll have the chance to taste traditional Turkish gözleme (a type of flatbread stuffed with various fillings) at a centuries-old house—an authentic snack that adds flavor to your cultural journey. Reviewers highlight this as a memorable moment, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere and delicious homemade food.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Waterfalls and Nature Stops

One of the tour’s standout destinations is the Manavgat Waterfall, where you can marvel at the wide cascade of the Manavgat River. The roar of rushing water and the lush greenery surrounding it make for fantastic photos and a peaceful break amid the day’s more energetic activities.

Other stops include the Oymapinar Dam and Green Canyon, where scenic walks and photo opportunities abound. At Green Canyon, the landscape is truly breathtaking—reviewers describe it as a “must-see” for nature lovers. You might also find it amusing that the tour includes a quick visit to a small zoo, where you can possibly hold a baby lion—a fun, if somewhat touristy, way to end the day.

Lunch at the Gölba Restaurant & Hotel is another highlight. Guests consistently praise the food—simple but tasty Turkish dishes served in a mountain setting, providing a well-earned rest after hours of adventure.

The Water Fight and Final Stops

Throughout the day, water bottles are refilled for the famous water fights between jeeps—an unexpected but highly praised feature. As one reviewer put it, “You’ll be drowned with water because of the water fights during the rides,” but in a good way, adding to the fun and cooling you down in the heat.

The last stops include Bucakeyhler, where you can relax and take photos, and the drop-off points are conveniently the same as the pickup locations, making for a seamless end to your adventure.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around 7 hours, with hotel pickup, guided commentary in multiple languages, insurance, and lunch included, this tour offers excellent value. The real draw is the combination of adrenaline-pumping off-road driving, cultural insights, and spectacular scenery—elements that many other activities in the region can’t match at this price point.

The reviews reflect satisfaction with the overall value. Guests mention how the guides’ friendliness and the well-organized stops make the experience memorable, and the inclusion of lunch and all taxes means no hidden costs.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Tour

• Wear comfortable clothes suited for bumpy rides and dust.
• Bring a bandana or scarf to protect from dust and to participate in water fights.
• Pack water to stay hydrated—although bottles are provided, bringing extras might be smart.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, a sun hat, and swimwear if you plan to take a dip or enjoy the waterfall.
• Be prepared for active participation—this isn’t a sit-back-and-relax type of tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventure seekers who don’t mind getting dusty, families with children who enjoy lively outdoor activities, and anyone interested in experiencing authentic village life. If you love scenic drives, stunning waterfalls, and mountain views alongside a touch of fun chaos, you’ll be in your element.

However, if you’re pregnant, or prefer a more relaxed, less bumpy experience, this tour may not suit you. The tour’s lively atmosphere and physical activity levels are best suited for those who enjoy a bit of rugged fun.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup from your hotel’s security gate is included from four designated locations in Side.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

What should I bring? Pack a sun hat, swimwear, sunglasses, and a bandana or scarf for dust protection. Water bottles are provided, but bringing extra can help.

Are the jeeps comfortable? Not exactly luxury vehicles; they’re functional and rugged, with loud music adding to the lively atmosphere. Expect bumpy rides.

Can children join? Yes, families with young children have enjoyed this trip, but note that it’s quite bumpy and active. Bring extra care for little ones.

Is lunch included? Yes, a mountain-view lunch at Gölba Restaurant & Hotel is part of the tour, offering Turkish dishes in a scenic setting.

Will I get wet or dusty? Be prepared for both. Water fights are part of the fun, and dusty roads are common, so dress accordingly.

Is this suitable for pregnant women? No, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women due to the bumpy rides and active nature.

What’s the main highlight? The off-road adventure and village visits stand out, offering a mix of adrenaline, tradition, and incredible scenery.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking ahead ensures your spot, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Jeep Safari Adventure with Lunch at Green Lake offers a lively, authentic taste of Turkey’s countryside. Its combination of bumpy off-road fun, cultural insights, and breathtaking scenery makes it a standout experience for those craving a full day of outdoor exploration.

You’ll love the friendly guides, the scenic stops, and the chance to get your hands muddy in the mountains or soaked in water fights. The included lunch and seamless logistics make it great value for money, especially for adventure lovers and families alike.

While the rough terrain isn’t for everyone, those prepared for a bit of dust and excitement will find this tour a memorable highlight of their Turkish holiday. It’s a lively, well-organized adventure that mixes nature, culture, and fun—an experience you’ll remember long after you leave the mountains behind.

You can check if your dates are available here: