Lion Park & Jeep Safari from Side – Big Cats, Green Canyon Tracks, a Lake Swim & a Boat Ride
Two of this coast’s favourite family outings lie right on Side’s doorstep: the Lion Park near Manavgat and the hills of the Green Canyon just inland. This full day links them – keepers and big cats first, then a jeep convoy with water fights, lunch and a swim at the emerald lake, a short boat ride and a foam party before the drive home.
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Operating days
- Daily
- Pickup
- 08:00 → 16:30
- Destination
- Green Canyon
Close to home, all day long
Pickup is at your hotel in Side – on the west or east beach, or at the nearest point the vehicle can reach near the old town – by bus or directly by jeep. Because both the park and the canyon lie inland from Manavgat, the transfers are short and most of the day belongs to the programme. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
The day in four chapters
- Lion Park: lion families, bears, monkeys, raccoons and deer, shown by the keepers
- Optional photo session with the young lions, paid on site
- Jeep tracks into the Green Canyon hills, panoramic stops and water fights between the cars
- Lunch at the emerald lake – chicken, pasta, rice and salads – with time to swim
- A short boat ride on the lake, then music and foam, with quiet seats if you prefer
Pack for a wet day
You will almost certainly get wet, so wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel and keep your phone and camera in a waterproof bag. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses complete the kit. Drinks and the lion photo session are paid on the spot, so carry some cash. The order of the programme can change with the park’s schedule. If the canyon wins your heart, come back for the Green Canyon jeep safari from Side, a whole day devoted to the canyon.
Highlights
- Lion Park visit with lions, bears, monkeys and deer
- Off-road jeep safari through the Green Canyon
- Water fights between the jeeps
- Lunch and swimming at the emerald Green Lake
- Short boat trip on the lake
- Foam party with music
Hotel pickup from Side
Pickup times depend on where your hotel is and change from season to season, so we confirm your exact pickup time by WhatsApp or e-mail after booking. Please be ready at the hotel entrance 5 minutes early.
Hotels we pick up from in Side
- Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
- Club Melas Privé
- Megasaray Resort Side
- Barut Hemera
- Adalya Bliss
- Novum Garden Side Hotel
- VONRESORT Golden Coast & Aqua
- Voyage Sorgun Hotel
- Liu Resorts
- Barut GOIA
- Side Star Beach Hotel
Your hotel is not on the list? No problem – just tell us its name when booking and we will arrange your pickup.
Itinerary
-
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in Side – we confirm the exact time after booking.
-
Lion Park
Arrival and free time with optional photos.
-
Animal walk
Lion families, bears, monkeys and deer with the keepers.
-
Jeep safari
Off-road drive into the Green Canyon with photo stops.
-
Water fights
Fun water games between the safari jeeps.
-
Lunch & swimming
Lunch by the Green Lake and time to swim.
-
Boat trip
Short boat ride on the emerald lake.
-
Foam party
Music and foam fun before the return.
-
Return transfer
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Alanya, Side and Manavgat
- Professional guide and experienced safari drivers
- Lion Park and zoo entrance
- Jeep safari through the Green Canyon
- Short boat trip on the Green Canyon lake
- Lunch (chicken, pasta, rice, salads)
- Water fight games and foam party
Not included
- Drinks
- Photo session with the young lions (approx. €10, paid on site)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips (optional)
Good to know
Good to know
- Protect cameras and phones during the water fights.
- The foam party is optional – quiet seats are available.
- The order of the programme may change depending on the park’s schedule.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for your phone
- Cash for drinks and optional photos
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lion Park entrance included?
Yes. Entrance to the Lion Park and zoo, the jeep safari, the boat ride and lunch are all part of the day; only the photo session with the young lions is extra.
How far are the park and the canyon from Side?
Both lie inland from Manavgat: the Lion Park is roughly 15–20 km from Side, and the Green Canyon lake is well under an hour’s drive.
Is it suitable for small children?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly days on offer; the foam party is optional and there are quiet seats away from the music.
Will we get wet?
Almost certainly – between the water fights, the swim and the foam, a waterproof bag for your phone is a must.
What is for lunch?
Chicken, pasta, rice and salads by the lake; drinks are bought separately at the restaurant.
