City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour

The best part of this Köprüçay River buggy safari is that it feels like a proper outdoor adventure rather than a short ride around a car park. You follow rough tracks through Köprülü Canyon National Park, get dusty and wet, then stop by the river for a swim before driving back.

I like the long route and the simple setup. The advertised drive covers 20 kilometers, and many departures provide roughly 90 minutes to two and a half hours behind the wheel. I also like the river stop, which gives you a chance to cool off and rinse away the first layer of mud.

The main thing to consider is that the four-hour total includes transport, waiting, safety instructions, and the ride itself. Large groups can create delays, and you should expect dust, mud, wet clothes, and limited comfort on some of the transfer minibuses.

Key points at a glance

• A 20-kilometer route: Drive along tracks beside the Köprüçay River in Köprülü Canyon National Park.
• A swim break halfway through: Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to cool off in the river.
• Dust is part of the deal: Proper goggles and a face covering are more useful than ordinary sunglasses.
• Hotel transfers from six areas: Pickup is available from Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye.
• Good value at $42: The price includes transport, a guide, helmet, and buggy driving, but not food, drinks, photos, or extra protective gear.
• Best for active visitors: Children under 16 may ride only in the side seat, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant people, or people with mobility impairments.

From Side to Köprülü Canyon National Park

Your day begins at your hotel’s main security gate, not at the lobby or reception desk. Tour vehicles are not allowed inside hotel grounds, so you need to wait at the correct entrance. This small detail matters. If your hotel is not shown during booking, add its name in the special requests section and check that it falls within the service area.

The pickup network covers Side and several nearby resort areas: Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye. The exact transfer time depends on where you are staying and how many pickups are scheduled. From Side, the activity site is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away according to the timing given by several people who took the trip.

I would allow extra patience at the start. Some departures have involved waiting for other pickups, and one reported transfer ran very late after a missed collection. That appears to be an exception rather than the normal pattern, but it is a useful reminder to keep your phone nearby and confirm the pickup point clearly.

The minibuses are air-conditioned, which you will appreciate after the ride. Comfort can be less impressive. One vehicle was described as cramped, with very little legroom, so this is not the transfer to expect luxury coach space. The ride is short enough for most people to manage, but taller passengers may want to sit where they have a little more room.

Safety briefing, helmets, and choosing your buggy

At the base, you receive a short briefing on how to operate the buggy and how to follow the guide. You get a helmet as part of the price. The guides speak English, German, and Russian, and the operation has been described as friendly and well organized, with staff including Erkin helping run the experience.

The briefing is quick because this is meant to be an accessible adventure, not a technical driving course. You should still take the safety instructions seriously. The route includes bends, uneven ground, muddy sections, and stretches through or close to the river. Keep a sensible gap from the buggy ahead and do not try to pass simply to gain a better position.

You may find that buggies are arranged in a line, with the guide controlling the pace. People who want a little more freedom have found it better to ride toward the back, where there is sometimes room to catch up after slowing on a bend. That does not mean you should race. Passing other buggies has been called unsafe, and the guides may not allow it.

One point catches some people by surprise: drivers generally cannot swap halfway through the ride. If two people share a buggy, decide beforehand who wants to drive most. A passenger can still enjoy the ride, but you should not book on the assumption that both people will get equal time behind the controls.

Anyone under 16 must sit in the side seat rather than drive. The experience is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant people, or people with mobility impairments. A seven-year-old has enjoyed the ride from the passenger seat, and a 10-year-old has taken part with a parent, but the responsible adult should be comfortable with a rough, wet outdoor activity.

The first 10 kilometers beside the river

Once the group sets off, the setting quickly becomes the reason to choose this activity. The track runs through Köprülü Canyon National Park, with the Köprüçay River nearby and wooded mountain scenery around you. This is not a quiet nature walk. You experience the park through engine noise, splashing water, dust, and the steady movement of the convoy.

The first section is usually the most exciting because you are still getting used to the buggy. The controls are straightforward, but the surface changes often. Dry weather creates plenty of dust. Rain turns sections muddy and can leave you soaked. Even in warm weather, river crossings and wet ground can make the ride feel more like an off-road challenge than a sightseeing trip.

The advertised program describes a 10-kilometer drive to the halfway point, followed by a further section that brings the total to 20 kilometers. In actual time, the driving portion can vary. Some people have had around 90 minutes on the buggies, while others describe two hours or more. The four-hour duration includes door-to-door transport, so do not expect four full hours behind the wheel.

This variation is not necessarily a problem. The pace, group size, weather, and time spent gathering riders all affect the schedule. A smaller group may move more quickly. A busy departure may involve more stopping and waiting. If your main goal is maximum driving time, ask about the expected ride length before setting out.

The river swim and second half of the ride

About halfway through, the group stops for a short break beside the river. This is a practical pause as much as a scenic one. You can cool down, take a swim, and wash some of the mud from your face and arms before getting back on the buggy.

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to enter the water. Swimming is optional, so you can simply rest during the break if you prefer. The supplied information does not promise changing facilities, so I would wear swimwear under clothes that can get dirty and pack only what you are comfortable carrying around an outdoor activity site.

After the break, you continue along the remaining route. This is where the contrast between weather conditions becomes clear. On a wet day, you may be soaked from rain and muddy tracks. On a hot, dry day, dust becomes the bigger nuisance. Either way, the river stop gives you a welcome reset before the final section.

The route is the strongest part of the experience for anyone who wants scenery with their adventure. You get views of the park and river while actively moving through it, rather than simply looking at it from a bus. The tradeoff is that you will not spend much time quietly studying the surroundings. Your attention stays on the track, the guide, and the buggy ahead.

Dust, mud, and the gear you should bring

I would treat the clothing advice as essential, not optional. Wear old clothes and shoes that you do not mind ruining. The ride can leave you dusty, muddy, and wet from head to toe. Your swimsuit, towel, scarf, sunglasses, and extra clothing should be packed with this in mind.

The most useful extra is proper protective goggles. Ordinary sunglasses do not seal around the eyes, and dust can make it hard to see. Several people specifically wished they had brought goggles. The activity base sells goggles, face coverings, bandanas, and other equipment, but these items are not included in the $42 price.

A scarf or bandana over your nose and mouth also helps. Dust rises from the buggies ahead, especially when the group is moving over dry ground. A scarf is listed among the recommended items, and a fabric face covering is a practical choice. Sunglasses still help with glare, but they are not a substitute for goggles.

Use the helmet provided, and secure anything loose before setting off. I would leave valuables at the hotel unless the operator gives you a safe place to store them. The supplied information does not promise a locker or storage service.

Photos, food, and the end of the day

Guides take photos during the ride, often at scenic or muddy points along the route. When you return to the base, you can look through the pictures and decide if you want to buy them. Photos and DVDs are extra, not part of the tour price.

This is one optional cost that can be worthwhile if you want a record of the experience. Your own phone may not be convenient during the ride because of the mud and dust, and you may not want to risk damaging it. The price of the photo package is not provided, so check before agreeing to buy.

Food and drinks are also extra. A small amount of hot food and basic refreshments may be available at the site, but this is not presented as a full meal stop. I would eat before pickup or bring money for something simple. Do not assume lunch is included.

After the photo stop and any refreshment break, you board the air-conditioned bus back to your hotel. Drop-off is available in the same general areas as pickup: Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye. Again, expect to be dropped at the main security gate rather than inside the hotel grounds.

Is $42 good value?

At $42 per person, this is a solid value if you want an active half-day rather than a polished sightseeing excursion. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, helmet, and 20 kilometers of buggy driving. It also includes access to the river stop, though swimming itself is simply part of the break rather than a separate activity.

The value depends on how much driving time you receive. If your group spends around two hours on the route, the price compares well with the transport and organization involved. If your departure is crowded and you spend more time waiting, the experience may feel shorter than the headline four hours suggests.

Budget extra money for goggles, a bandana or mask, food, drinks, and photos. You do not need to buy every add-on. I would prioritize goggles over sunglasses, especially in dry weather. If you already own suitable eye protection and a face covering, your additional spending can stay low.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability. Those terms are useful if your holiday plans may change, but the key decision is still simple: you need to be comfortable with an off-road ride where getting dirty is part of the price.

Who will enjoy this buggy safari most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a lively break from beaches and ancient sites. It suits you if you like operating a vehicle, do not mind a little discomfort, and see mud as part of the fun.

It is also a good choice if you have only one free half-day for an adventure. The route combines transport, driving, river scenery, a swim stop, and return service without requiring you to arrange separate transport to the national park.

I would choose something else if you want a quiet nature outing, a guaranteed full four hours of driving, or a comfortable transfer. It is also a poor fit if dust affects your breathing or eyes, if you need accessible facilities, or if you are pregnant.

For families, check the seating rules carefully. Under-16s cannot drive and must sit beside an adult. Children under 3 cannot take part. Adults should also remember that a child passenger will experience every bump, splash, and stop in the route.

Should you book the River Quad Safari?

You should book this tour if you want mud, speed, river scenery, and a hands-on adventure for a reasonable price. The route through Köprülü Canyon National Park is more memorable than a short practice circuit, and the swim break gives the four-hour outing a welcome change of pace.

Book with realistic expectations. The transfer may be cramped, the group may wait before setting off, and the driving time can vary. Bring old clothes, swimwear, a towel, a scarf, and proper goggles. Decide who will drive before you leave, since swapping seats halfway through is generally not allowed.

For an energetic half-day from Side or nearby resorts, I think the strengths outweigh the drawbacks. You return dusty, wet, and possibly muddy, but that is exactly why this trip works.

FAQ

How long does the buggy safari take?

The stated duration is 4 hours, including hotel pickup, transport to the activity site, the buggy ride, the river break, and the return transfer. The driving portion can vary, with departures providing roughly 90 minutes to two and a half hours on the buggies.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available from Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye. The vehicle collects you at your hotel’s main security gate, not at the lobby or reception area.

Can I swim in the river?

Yes. The tour includes a short swim break around the halfway point. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to enter the river.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet, muddy, and dusty. Bring sunglasses, proper goggles if you have them, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf or face covering.

Can children drive the buggies?

People under 16 cannot drive and may only sit in the side seat. Children under 3 cannot take part. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant people or people with mobility impairments.

Are food, drinks, goggles, and photos included?

No. Food, drinks, extra equipment such as goggles, bandanas, masks, and suitable shoes, as well as photos and DVDs, cost extra. A helmet and the guided 20-kilometer buggy ride are included.