Side Jeep Safari – Taurus Foothills, Yörük Village & Green Lake

The Side jeep safari trades the beach for gravel tracks. Just a few kilometres behind the resorts of Side and Manavgat the Taurus Mountains begin, and our Land Rover convoy climbs from the coastal plain through pine forest and orchards to a summit viewpoint about 1500 metres above the sea. You never have to drive: experienced local drivers handle every bend, so the whole family can sit back and watch the landscape change.

Your day in the Taurus foothills

After pickup the jeeps gather at the safari station and set off together. An optional stop at the Manavgat Waterfall is possible (entrance extra). Higher up, the guide stops for photos over valleys that roll down to the distant sea. In a Yörük village you meet the semi-nomadic heritage of the Taurus and visit a mosque that is more than 650 years old – headscarves and wraps are provided for women who want to take pictures inside. The route also passes ancient Roman remains, whose story the guide tells, and orchards full of subtropical fruit.

Swim and lunch at the Green Lake

Around midday the convoy reaches the Green Lake (Yeşil Göl). First there is time to swim in the clear water, then lunch is served at a restaurant with a view over the lake. On the way back a small zoo with animals of the mountains is an optional extra stop (entrance extra) before the jeeps bring you back to your hotel in the afternoon.

• Land Rover 4×4 jeeps with experienced drivers
• Lunch, guide and hotel transfer included
• Easy for families: children aged 6–11 pay the child price, under-6s travel free
• Drinks, photos and the entrance fees for the zoo and the waterfall are paid on site

The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking. Want to steer yourself? Try the Side buggy safari. For a canyon and a boat ride on the same day, see the Green Canyon jeep safari.