City of Side: Buggy Safari Tour

Mud, river water, and a little engine noise make this a memorable half-day from Side. The Koprucay River route gives you more than a ride around a parking lot, with forest, river crossings, twists, and open-air fun in Koprulu Canyon National Park. I like the friendly, safety-minded setup, and I like that hotel pickup, a helmet, and guided driving are included. The main catch is that the actual buggy time can feel shorter than the advertised four-hour outing, especially once transfers and waiting are counted.

You should expect to get wet and dusty, not just a little splashed. The halfway swim is a welcome break, but sunglasses alone are not enough for the flying grit. Bring old clothes, proper goggles if you have them, and something to cover your nose and mouth.

The $42 price is fair for a four-hour trip with transport and about 20 kilometers of guided buggy driving, though the exact time behind the wheel can vary. This is best for active families, couples, and friends who want a playful outdoor adventure rather than a quiet visit to the national park.

Key points before you book

• Expect real mud and dust: You may come back wet, dirty, and smiling, so leave good clothes at the hotel.
• The river swim breaks up the ride: Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to cool off and wash away some mud.
• Goggles matter: Several people found sunglasses did not keep dust from their eyes. Goggles are available to buy, but bringing your own is wiser.
• Pickup is at the hotel security gate: Tour vehicles do not enter the hotel grounds, so do not wait in the lobby.
• The ride is guided and controlled: A safety briefing comes first, and the route includes river sections, bends, and rougher ground.
• Under-16s ride beside an adult: Children under 16 cannot drive their own buggy on this experience.

Why this buggy safari works so well from Side

Side is known for its beach resorts and ancient ruins, but the Antalya Province also gives you quick access to rugged river country. Koprulu Canyon National Park changes the mood completely. Instead of tiled promenades and hotel pools, you get dirt tracks, trees, water, and the sound of small engines working through the countryside.

I like this trip because it offers a bit of action without requiring a full day away from the coast. The package lasts about four hours, including the transfer from your hotel, the briefing, the ride, the swim stop, and the return journey. That makes it easy to fit into a holiday schedule.

The activity is sold as a 20-kilometer buggy safari. In practice, the exact riding time can vary. Some people describe about 90 minutes on the buggies, while others had two hours or more. Waiting for the group to form, hotel pickups, and the pace of the convoy all affect the day.

That difference matters. If you are paying mainly for a long driving session, keep your expectations flexible. If you want an entertaining half-day with transport, scenery, a swim, and a muddy outdoor activity, the price looks much better.

Hotel pickup from Side and nearby resorts

Pickup is available from Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye. Your pickup and return point is the main security gate of the hotel, not the reception desk or lobby. Hotels do not allow the safari vehicles onto the property, so this small detail can prevent a missed collection.

The minibus transfer is part of the value. The drive from Side to the activity area can take roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the hotel route and traffic. The vehicle may collect several groups along the way, so the four-hour duration should not be read as four hours of constant driving.

Transport quality can vary. One booking had a delayed pickup and another reported a cramped minibus, while many other outings had prompt, smooth transfers. I would be ready at the gate a little early, keep the confirmation details handy, and allow for some waiting if you are not among the first pickups.

If your hotel is not shown during booking, you can add its name in the special requests area. Service depends on whether the address falls within the operating zone.

At the Koprucay River base

Once you reach the facility near the Koprucay River, the staff organize the group and give a quick briefing. You receive a helmet, learn the basic controls, and get instructions for staying with the convoy.

This is not a free-roaming ride. You follow a guide along a set route, which helps the group stay together and reduces the risk of someone taking a wrong turn. The guided format also explains why speed is controlled and why passing other buggies is discouraged.

The operation has received strong praise for feeling safe and well organized. One family outing with a seven-year-old grandson was described as a great day, while another family called the activity a holiday highlight. Children can enjoy the experience, but anyone under 16 must sit in the side seat rather than drive.

The buggy seats are not a place for changing drivers whenever you wish. One person was disappointed that drivers could not swap after the break, but the rule is understandable. Changing seats on a moving group ride can create confusion and safety problems.

The first buggy section along the river

After the briefing, the group heads out for the first part of the route. The advertised outing covers 20 kilometers, with the course running along the Koprucay River and through the natural setting of Koprulu Canyon National Park.

The appeal is the mix of surfaces. You are not simply driving in a straight line. Expect bends, dusty stretches, wet sections, and river crossings, based on the route details and repeated descriptions of the ride. The scenery supplies the payoff between the bursts of action: trees, river views, and the rough natural setting of the park.

The convoy format means the pace may not always be fast. People who want to race will find the group rules restrictive, and that is a good thing. One person reported that passing other buggies felt unsafe, while another enjoyed finding a position near the back, where there was more room to fall behind briefly and catch up.

I would treat this as an adventure drive, not a motorsport session. You get the thrill of steering a buggy over uneven ground, but you also need to follow the guide and respect the pace of the group.

The dust is the biggest practical issue. A sunny day can send fine grit into your eyes, nose, and mouth. Sunglasses help with glare but do not seal around the eyes. Proper riding goggles are the better choice.

The same goes for your clothing. Wear old shorts or trousers, an old shirt, and shoes you do not mind getting wet and dirty. A scarf or fabric covering helps with dust. The provider lists sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a scarf among the useful things to bring. Bandanas, masks, goggles, and other items may be available to buy at the base, but you can avoid that extra cost by preparing ahead.

The halfway swim in the Koprucay River

About halfway through the outing, the group stops for a short swim break. This is one of the nicest features of the trip because it gives you a chance to cool down and rinse off the first layer of dust and mud.

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to enter the water. You do not need to swim to enjoy the stop, but skipping the water means you may stay gritty until the end. The break also gives you a chance to rest your hands and catch your breath before the second riding section.

The swim stop depends on weather and conditions. In cooler months, it may be less appealing, and wet weather can turn the whole outing into a muddier affair. That is not necessarily bad. One spring outing in rain was still described as highly enjoyable, but you should know that this is an outdoor activity with little protection from the elements.

Do not bring valuables that you cannot keep secure around water and mud. The supplied information does not promise storage arrangements, so pack lightly and follow the guide’s instructions.

The second section and return to base

After the break, you continue along the route and complete the remaining riding distance. The second half can feel more relaxed once you know how the buggy handles, though the group pace still applies.

The amount of time behind the wheel is the one area where the description and actual experience may not always match neatly. The tour advertises 20 kilometers, yet some people felt the drive lasted about 90 minutes, while others said they drove for at least two and a half hours. Transfer time, group size, waiting, and the day’s operating schedule likely account for much of this difference.

That does not make the activity poor value. You are also paying for transportation, equipment, a guide, access to the route, the river stop, and the convenience of a hotel return. Still, I would not book it expecting a precise four-hour driving marathon.

At the end, you return to the facility and can look at photographs taken during the ride. The photos are not included, and any DVD or photo package costs extra. Several people found the images good and reasonably priced, but buying them is entirely optional.

What the $42 price really includes

At $42 per person, the package sits in a useful middle ground. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, a helmet, and the buggy ride. You do not have to arrange transport to a remote activity base, which is a real saving of time and hassle.

Food and drinks are not included. A small amount of hot food and drinks may be available at the facility, but you should not treat lunch as part of the booking. Bring water if allowed by the operator, or plan to buy refreshments there.

Extra equipment is also excluded. Goggles, masks, bandanas, suitable shoes, sunglasses, and similar items are your responsibility. The key purchase, if you need one, is goggles. Multiple people found the dust difficult with ordinary sunglasses.

The photo and DVD costs are optional. I would decide in advance whether you want souvenir photos, so you do not feel pressured at the end. The operation has generally been described as low-pressure about extras, which is a welcome touch at an activity base.

The price makes the most sense for a group that wants an active outing and will use the full package. It is less compelling if you dislike mud, do not want to ride in a convoy, or mainly want to admire the national park quietly.

Who should book this adventure

I would recommend the safari to adults, older children, and teenagers who like hands-on activities. Families can enjoy it together, but remember that children under three are not accepted and anyone under 16 must ride as a passenger.

It also suits couples and friends who want something more playful than a standard sightseeing trip. The ride gives you a shared challenge, and the mud tends to remove any pressure to look polished.

You should reconsider it if you are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or dislike bumpy outdoor rides. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or children under three.

You also need to be comfortable with dust, water, and changing weather. A rainy day can mean more soaking, while a dry day can mean more dust. Either way, the right clothes make a big difference.

The live guide service is available in English, German, and Russian. That is useful during the safety briefing and for group instructions, especially when the route gets busy.

Practical packing list for a cleaner, happier ride

Keep your packing simple:

• Old clothes that can handle mud and water
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses, plus proper goggles if possible
• A scarf or face covering for dust
• Shoes you do not mind getting wet
• A small amount of money for drinks or optional photos

Do not bring pets. Avoid wearing anything valuable or difficult to clean. Your best outfit is the one you will not miss if it comes home stained.

The helmet is included, but other protective items are not. If you already own cycling or motorcycle goggles, bring them. They will likely serve you better than ordinary sunglasses.

Should you book the Side buggy safari?

Book it if you want a lively half-day with river scenery, guided off-road driving, and a chance to get properly dirty. The strongest reasons to go are the fun route, the swim break, the reliable inclusion of hotel transport, and the sense that the activity is run with safety in mind.

Skip it if you want a quiet national park visit, a guaranteed four hours of continuous driving, or a polished excursion with no waiting. The minibus can be cramped, pickup delays are possible, and the buggy time may feel shorter than expected.

For most active families, couples, and groups of friends, I think the $42 price is reasonable. Bring goggles, old clothes, and a good attitude toward mud. Do that, and this is the kind of outing that can become one of the more memorable days of a Side holiday.

FAQ

How long does the buggy safari last?

The advertised duration is four hours, including pickup, transport, the activity, and the return to your hotel. The actual buggy driving time can vary, with some outings lasting around 90 minutes and others lasting two hours or more.

How far do you drive?

The experience includes 20 kilometers of buggy driving along the Koprucay River route.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off take place at the main security gate of your hotel. Tour vehicles do not enter the hotel grounds, so you should not wait at the lobby or reception area.

Which areas have hotel pickup?

Pickup is available from Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı, Gündoğdu, Titreyengöl, and Kadriye. If your hotel is not listed, add its name in the special requests section.

Is swimming included?

A short swim break takes place around the middle of the route. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim in the Koprucay River.

What equipment is included?

A helmet and guided buggy driving are included. Goggles, masks, bandanas, sunglasses, suitable shoes, food, drinks, photos, and DVDs are not included.

Can children drive the buggies?

People under 16 can only sit in the side seat of the buggy. Children under three are not suitable for this activity.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option, subject to the booking terms.