You have booked your two-seat off-road buggy through the Taurus foothills behind Side, and now the only real question left is what to actually put on. Summer on the Turkish Riviera is hot, bright and dusty, and a buggy safari throws all three of those things at you at once. Get your clothing right and you will spend the whole ride grinning; get it wrong and you will be squinting, overheating or picking grit out of your sandals. Here is the honest, practical rundown for the summer months around Side, Manavgat, Belek and Antalya.
The one rule that matters most: dress to get dirty
This is not a beach club. Real off-road tracks in the Taurus foothills mean fine forest dust in the dry heat, and shallow water and mud crossings that will fan a lovely brown spray straight up the sides of the buggy. Even inside the roll cage, and even wearing goggles, you will finish the ride wearing a light coat of Antalya. That is part of the fun, but it means one thing above all: wear clothes you genuinely do not mind ruining.
Leave the crisp white holiday outfit, the new trainers and anything you would be sad to stain back at the hotel. Older cotton, dark colours and clothes that have already earned their scars are perfect. Dust and dried mud usually wash out, but there are no guarantees, so plan for the worst and enjoy the ride.
Tops: light, covered and breathable
The summer instinct is to strip down to as little as possible, but on a buggy that backfires. A thin, breathable T-shirt actually keeps you cooler and cleaner than bare skin, because it shields you from sun and blocks a surprising amount of dust and flying grit. A short-sleeve cotton or moisture-wicking tee is the sweet spot for a summer ride around Side.
If your skin burns easily, a light long-sleeve top is smarter still. You barely notice it in the airflow of a moving buggy, and it saves you from the fierce midday Antalya sun on your forearms. What you want to avoid is anything loose and flapping, or anything with long ties, drawstrings or a scarf that could catch. Fitted and simple wins.
Bottoms: shorts or trousers?
Both work, and it comes down to how much you care about your legs. Shorts are cooler and completely fine for the ride itself, since you are seated inside the cage with a seatbelt on. The trade-off is that your lower legs are more exposed to sun, dust and the odd splash of mud.
Lightweight trousers or three-quarter length bottoms give you more protection and a cleaner finish, which many riders prefer on the dustier summer tracks. If in doubt, a breathable pair of light trousers is the all-rounder. Whatever you choose, make it something flexible you can climb in and out of the buggy in easily.
Shoes: closed-toe, always
This is the non-negotiable one. Flip-flops, slides and open sandals are a genuinely bad idea on a buggy safari. You want a shoe that stays on your foot, protects your toes and copes with dust and a bit of water. Closed trainers or sport sandals with a proper heel strap are ideal.
Pick a pair with a decent grippy sole and, crucially, one you are happy to see caked in dried mud afterwards. Many regular riders keep an old pair of trainers as their designated adventure shoes for exactly this reason. Bare feet, heels and delicate summer footwear have no place on the trail.
What is provided, and what you should bring
You do not need to buy any special gear, and you should not turn up dressed like a motocross racer. The essentials are already sorted for you: a helmet and goggles are provided free, along with a full safety briefing, a practice lap, a lead guide and insurance. The goggles are the key bit for summer, because they keep dust and grit out of your eyes so you can actually enjoy the scenery.
What is worth bringing yourself: strong sunscreen applied before pickup, sunglasses for the transfer, and a hat or buff for standing around before and after the ride. A buff or light neck scarf tucked under the helmet is genuinely useful for keeping dust off your nose and mouth on the drier stretches. Bring water too; summer in the foothills is thirsty work.
Protecting the things you cannot wash
Your phone, camera and sunglasses will all meet dust and possibly a splash. If you want photos, a small waterproof pouch or a zip bag is a smart move, and a wrist strap or secure pocket keeps things from bouncing out on the rougher sections. Leave anything valuable or irreplaceable at the hotel. Watches, jewellery and loose items can get filthy or lost, and a buggy trail is no place for them.
A quick word on timing and comfort
Because summer around Antalya is genuinely hot, most people ride in the cooler morning or later afternoon session rather than the peak of midday. Your exact pickup is confirmed when you book, with free hotel pick-up and drop-off door to door, so dress for the session you have chosen. Mornings can feel fresh at the start before warming quickly, so a light layer you can hand back to a companion is handy.
Can I wear shorts on a summer buggy safari?
Yes, shorts are perfectly fine and many people ride in them because they are cooler. Just accept that your lower legs will be more exposed to sun and dust. If you would rather stay cleaner and more protected, light trousers are the better call on dusty summer tracks.
Do I need special clothes or can I hire gear?
No special clothing is needed and there is nothing to hire. Your helmet and goggles are provided free along with the safety briefing, guide and insurance. Just wear light, covered clothes you do not mind getting dusty, plus closed-toe shoes, and you are ready to go.
Will I get soaked on a summer ride?
Not soaked, but expect to get splashed. The tracks include shallow water and mud crossings that throw up spray, so a bit of dampness and a lot of dust is normal. Wear things that dry quickly and that you are happy to get dirty, and it becomes part of the adventure rather than a problem.
What should I absolutely not wear?
Avoid open sandals and flip-flops, anything loose or flapping with dangling scarves or ties, brand-new or white clothing, and delicate footwear. Leave valuables, watches and loose jewellery at the hotel. Everything you take on the buggy should be secure, covered and dust-proof in your mind.
The bottom line
Dress light, dress covered, and dress to get dirty. A breathable tee, flexible shorts or light trousers, and closed-toe shoes you do not mind trashing will carry you happily through any summer buggy safari around Side and the wider Antalya coast. Add sunscreen, a buff and your provided goggles, leave the valuables behind, and the only thing you will be thinking about is the next mud crossing. Reserve free online now and pay on the day, check the live price when you book, and come ready for the dust.