If you're staying in Side and looking for a half-day of proper off-road fun, a buggy safari is one of the easiest adventures to slot into your holiday. You're right in the middle of the Side-Manavgat corridor, which sits just below the Taurus foothills where the trails run. This practical guide walks you through what the day is actually like, how pickup works, and what to bring so you turn up ready.
What a buggy safari from Side is like
A buggy is a two-seat side-by-side machine with a roll cage and proper seatbelts. Two people share one buggy for one price and take turns driving, so a couple, two friends or a parent and older child can go together and swap the wheel along the way. The route heads inland from the coast onto off-road trails in the Taurus foothills: dusty forest tracks, muddy bends and shallow water crossings. It's messy, loud and genuinely good fun rather than a polite sightseeing drive.
Every tour starts with a safety briefing and a short practice lap so you get a feel for the throttle, brakes and steering before you set off. A lead guide sets the pace at the front and a sweep guide follows at the back, so the whole group stays together and nobody gets left behind. Helmets are provided (and goggles for anyone on a quad). A water fight often breaks out near the end, so expect to finish wet as well as dusty.
Pickup logistics from Side
Free hotel pick-up and drop-off is included, so you don't need to arrange a taxi or hire car. A minibus collects you from your hotel or a nearby meeting point and brings you back afterwards. Departures run in the morning or the afternoon depending on the day, and the team will confirm your window when you book. From most Side hotels the transfer to the trailhead is short — you're only around a short drive inland from the coast — so you spend more time on the buggy and less time in traffic. The whole outing, including transfers, briefing and the ride, usually takes a few hours rather than a full day.
Who it suits, including beginners
No driving licence and no off-road experience are needed. The practice lap and the two-guide system mean complete beginners are looked after from the first minute, and because two of you share a buggy, a more confident driver can take the trickier sections while the other enjoys the ride. It suits couples, groups of friends and families with older kids who meet the operator's age and height guidance. If you'd rather stay drier and steadier, a quad is the calmer alternative; if you want the full side-by-side experience with a passenger, the buggy is the one.
What to wear and bring
- Old clothes you don't mind getting dusty and muddy — this is not the day for your best outfit.
- Closed shoes such as trainers; skip sandals and flip-flops.
- A change of clothes and a towel for after the water fight.
- Sunglasses, sun cream and water, plus a little cash for snacks or drinks.
- Leave valuables at the hotel; secure your phone if you bring it for photos.
When it runs and how to book
Buggy safaris run most of the year, so you can usually find a date that fits your stay whatever the season. Booking is simple: you get the best price by booking direct, and there's no prepayment. Reserve your spot free online and pay the guide on the day, which keeps things flexible if your plans shift.
Ready to lock in a date? Head over to the the Side buggy safari page to check availability and reserve, or browse all our tours if you'd like to compare adventures first. Book from Side, turn up in old clothes and closed shoes, and let the guides handle the rest — the Taurus trails are closer than you think.