Zoo & Lion Park from Side – Lion Families, Animal Feeding & a Short Hop to Manavgat
Of all the resorts on this coast, Side is one of the closest to the Lion Park near Manavgat – so this half-day trip spends its time with the animals rather than on the road. A multilingual host introduces the lion families and the residents of the mini zoo, and at feeding time the children get to hand food to deer, raccoons and ostriches.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Operating days
- Wed, Sun
- Pickup
- 08:30 → 13:00
- Destination
- Side & Manavgat
A short hop from Side
The air-conditioned minibus collects you from your hotel – along the west or east beach, or at the nearest reachable point if you stay in the old town – and reaches the park near Manavgat after a drive of only about 15–20 km. Bring an ID or passport: the park registers every visitor at the entrance. The trip runs on Wednesdays and Sundays. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Inside the park
- Welcome and safety briefing before you meet the animals
- The lion families and the park’s other residents, with stories from your host
- Feeding round: deer, raccoons and ostriches eat from your hand under the keepers’ eye
- Rescued animals looked after by the park, with regular veterinary checks
- Free time for the photo corners, the souvenir shop and the shaded rest areas
Extras and tips
Photo sessions with young lions, monkeys or parrots and a short camel ride are optional and paid in cash inside the park, so bring a little cash if the children have their hearts set on them. Some paths are natural ground – wear comfortable closed shoes – and pack sunscreen and a hat. Please follow the keepers’ instructions whenever you are close to the animals. As the drive is short, you are back in good time for the rest of the day on the beach. Want lions and an off-road adventure in one go? The Lion Park & jeep safari from Side adds the Green Canyon, a boat ride and lunch.
Highlights
- Lion Park and mini zoo in one morning
- Animal feeding with deer, raccoons and ostriches
- Multilingual zoo host
- Optional camel ride and photo sessions
- Shaded rest areas – ideal for families
- Back at your hotel around lunchtime
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.
-
Arrival & briefing
Welcome at the Lion Park and safety information.
-
Photo session (optional)
Photos with young lions, snakes or monkeys.
-
Camel ride (optional)
A short ride around the park.
-
Feeding time
Feed deer, raccoons, ostriches and more.
-
Free time
Explore the park, souvenir shop and photo corners.
-
Return transfer
Transfer back to your hotel in Side.
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minibus
- Multilingual zoo host
- Lion Park and zoo entrance ticket
Not included
- Photo and video with lion cubs using your own phone (€15)
- Camel ride (€10)
- Photo with monkey (€10) or parrot (€5)
- Food, drinks and personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know
- Runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Some paths are natural ground – wear comfortable closed shoes.
- Please follow the keepers’ instructions when interacting with animals.
- Optional extras are paid in cash inside the park.
What to bring
- ID or passport for registration at the park
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Camera or phone
- Cash for optional extras
Frequently asked questions
On which days does the trip run?
On Wednesdays and Sundays; it is a half-day outing.
How far is the park from Side?
Only about 15–20 km, near Manavgat – one of the shortest transfers on this coast.
Is the entrance ticket included?
Yes, entrance to the Lion Park and the zoo is included; photo sessions and the camel ride are optional extras paid on site.
Do we need any documents?
Please bring an ID or passport – visitors are registered at the park entrance.
How does it differ from the Lion Park & jeep safari?
This trip is all about the animals and takes half a day; the jeep safari version fills a whole day and adds Green Canyon, a boat ride and lunch.
