Jeep, Quad or Buggy? How to Choose the Right Safari in Alanya
Sit back in a 4x4 or take the wheel yourself? Here is how the safaris around Alanya differ – and which one suits your group.
Behind Alanya’s beaches rise the Taurus Mountains, with forest tracks, mountain villages, rivers and canyons. The best way to explore them is on a safari – but there are several kinds. The main question is simple: do you want to be driven, or do you want to drive yourself?
Being driven: the jeep safaris
On a jeep safari an experienced driver steers the 4×4 while you enjoy the views, the water fights and the stops. It is the most relaxed option and suitable for the whole family.
- Alanya jeep safari – forest tracks, a mountain village, lunch by the river and a swim in the cool Dim River. The classic choice for a first safari.
- Sapadere Canyon jeep safari – east of Alanya, with a walk along a canyon full of waterfalls and ice-cold pools. Perfect on very hot days.
- Green Canyon jeep safari – off-road through the mountains combined with a boat trip on the emerald lake.
- Lion Park and jeep safari – lions in the morning, off-road fun and the Green Canyon in the afternoon: a full family day.
- Night safari – sunset over the sea, dinner in a mountain village and a campfire under the stars.
- Cabrio safari – no off-road tracks but an open-top bus through villages and orchards, with the Manavgat Waterfall: the gentlest option.
Driving yourself: quad and buggy
If you want to steer through mud holes and streams yourself, choose a quad or a buggy. After a short instruction you ride in a group behind the guide on forest tracks in the Taurus foothills.
- Quad safari – a motorbike-style ride: lively and close to nature. Drivers must be at least 16 years old; younger children can ride as passengers on a double quad.
- Buggy safari – a steering wheel, roll cage and seat belts make it feel like a car. Drivers must be at least 18; children can join as co-drivers.
What to wear
All safaris are dusty, and on quad and buggy tours you will get muddy. Wear clothes that may get dirty, closed shoes and sunglasses, and bring a scarf or buff against the dust plus a change of clothes. For the jeep safaris with swim stops, add swimwear and a towel. Leave valuables at the hotel.
Our recommendation
Families with young children and anyone who wants to relax: choose a jeep safari or the cabrio safari. Adrenaline fans aged 16 or over: the quad. Couples and friends who prefer four wheels: the buggy. See all safari tours for details and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can children join a safari?
Yes. Children of all ages can join the jeep and cabrio safaris. On quad and buggy tours, children ride as passengers with an adult – drivers must be at least 16 (quad) or 18 (buggy).
Do I need a driving licence for the quad or buggy?
No, a driving licence is not required. After a short instruction you drive in a group behind the guide on off-road tracks; drivers must be at least 16 (quad) or 18 (buggy).
Which safari is the least dusty?
The cabrio safari mostly uses tarmac roads, and the Sapadere Canyon and Green Canyon tours include cool water stops. On quad and buggy tours dust and mud are part of the fun.