A buggy safari in the Taurus foothills near Side, Manavgat and Antalya is a brilliant day out, but there is one honest truth every first-timer needs to hear: you will get dusty, and you may well get muddy. The roll cage and seatbelts keep you safe, and the practice lap sorts out the driving, but the trails are open, dry in summer and full of puddles after rain. Add the water fight that often ends the ride, and you have a recipe for a very fun mess. The good news is that dressing well makes the whole thing more comfortable and completely stress-free. Here is exactly what to wear and what to bring.
Wear Old Clothes You Do Not Mind Ruining
This is the golden rule. The dust in the Taurus foothills is fine and it gets everywhere, and if it has rained the trails throw up mud that stains. Choose the oldest, most forgettable outfit in your suitcase. A T-shirt and shorts are perfect in warm months, while long sleeves or light trousers help in cooler weather. Do not wear anything white, anything new or anything you would be upset to see stained. Think of it this way: whatever you put on is going to come home a different colour, so make peace with that before you leave the hotel.
What Gets Dusty and Muddy (the Cage Helps, but Not Completely)
People sometimes assume the roll cage acts like a windscreen and keeps everything out. It does not. The cage protects you, but it is open, so wind, dust and spray still reach you from the front and the sides. Your legs, arms and face catch the most, and your hair will hold the dust like a magnet. When the buggy in front kicks up a cloud, you drive straight through it. After a water crossing or the water fight, wet clothes plus dust equals a light coating of mud. None of this is a problem when you have dressed for it. It is only a problem if you turned up in your best outfit.
Closed Shoes Are a Must
Leave the flip-flops and sandals at the hotel. You want closed shoes with a proper grip, such as old trainers or walking shoes. Your feet work the pedals, and you may step out on uneven, dusty or muddy ground, so open shoes are uncomfortable and unsafe. Expect your shoes to get dirty and possibly wet, so bring a pair you do not care about rather than pristine white trainers. Socks help too, keeping dust off your ankles and making the shoes more comfortable for the day.
Protect Your Eyes with Goggles or Sunglasses
Dust in the eyes is the single most common complaint from unprepared riders, and it is easily solved. Helmets are provided, and many riders bring their own goggles or wear wraparound sunglasses to keep the grit out. Sunglasses double up nicely on bright days, and if you have a cheap pair of ski or motocross goggles, even better. Contact lens wearers should be especially careful, as dust and lenses are a poor mix; a set of goggles or a spare pair of glasses is a smart backup.
What to Bring in Your Bag
- A full change of clothes for afterwards, so you can travel back clean and dry.
- A towel, since you may be damp from water crossings or the water fight.
- Sun cream and a cap for the briefing and any waiting, though you will wear a helmet on the trail.
- Water to stay hydrated, especially in summer.
- A plastic bag for your muddy clothes and shoes on the way home.
- A little cash, as the best price is direct and you simply pay the guide on the day, with no prepayment needed.
Leave anything valuable and anything that hates water or dust behind. If you want photos, an action camera with a strap or a phone in a waterproof pouch is far safer than holding your phone loose.
A Few Honest Reminders
You do not need a licence or any experience, as a friendly briefing and a practice lap get everyone confident before the trail. Two people share one buggy and take turns driving, so agree in advance who goes first. Helmets and gear are provided, hotel pickup is free, and the safari runs for most of the year. Dress for mess, protect your eyes, wear closed shoes, and you will spend the day grinning instead of worrying about your outfit.
Ready to book? Learn more about the trails, the combos and what is included on our buggy safari page, and browse everything else we run on our tours page. Come dusty, leave delighted.