City of Belek/Side: Buggy Safari Adventure + Transfer

The most interesting part of this Buggy Safari is the mix of rough driving and Mediterranean scenery. Near Beskonak, you follow dusty tracks through pine forest, hills, riverbeds, and streams, then stop beside the water for a short swim. It is a proper off-road outing, not a quick spin around a paved course.

I like the hotel transfer from Side or Belek, which keeps the day simple, and I like the friendly multilingual staff, who work in English, German, Russian, and Turkish. The main caution is pace: if someone ahead drives very slowly, the group must follow that rhythm, so this is a guided convoy rather than a free-for-all race.

Key points to know

• About 90 minutes of buggy driving: Expect dusty tracks, forest roads, hills, streams, and riverbeds.
• Beskonak is the activity base: The stop includes the safety briefing, gear preparation, photos, free time, swimming, and off-road driving.
• A 15-minute river swim is included: Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to use it.
• You will get dirty: Wear old clothes and closed shoes, and consider packing a change of clothes.
• Transfers take about two hours in total: One hour from your hotel and one hour back.
• Extra costs are easy to miss: Goggles and bandanas cost 10 euros, while photo and video packages cost 30 euros.

Dusty tracks and cool river water near Beskonak

This four-hour trip takes you from the resort coast into the Manavgat area, with Beskonak as the main activity point. The contrast is the appeal. You leave the hotels and beach roads behind, then spend time among pine trees, open mountain ridges, riverbeds, and rough tracks where the buggy can actually work.

The experience is built around a guided convoy. You are not handed a vehicle and sent off alone. After the safety briefing, you follow the guide across changing ground, with stops for photos and a short swim. That setup is safer and easier for first-time drivers, but it also means you need to accept the speed of the group.

The advertised price is $37 per person, including hotel transfers, a guide, and insurance. That is a useful package for anyone staying in Side or Belek because a separate taxi to the activity area would add cost and planning. Food, drinks, goggles, bandanas, and photo or video packages are extra, so your final spend depends on what you buy at the base.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from nine ratings, with particular praise for the friendly staff and the fun factor. One practical complaint is worth taking seriously: a very slow driver in front can hold up the group. The organizers cannot easily solve that without separating the convoy, so confident drivers should arrive expecting controlled group riding, not racing.

The one-hour ride from Side or Belek

Pickup is available in Side and Belek, and you need to wait at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled time. The vehicle may arrive five to ten minutes late because of traffic. If the delay passes ten minutes, use the contact details in your booking confirmation.

The transfer takes about one hour each way. That is a large part of a four-hour activity, but it also explains how the tour reaches the more rural Beskonak area. You get a full off-road session without arranging transport yourself.

I would treat the transfer as useful rather than scenic sightseeing. The main value is convenience. You can leave the driving to someone else, keep your hotel pickup, and return to the same place after the ride. If you want a short activity close to your resort, this will feel long. If you want a countryside outing with transport included, the timing makes more sense.

The ride is suitable for solo visitors, couples, and families, but the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. The supplied information does not specify a minimum age, group size, or individual driving requirements, so check those points before booking if they matter to your party.

Safety briefing, gear, and getting ready

At Beskonak, allow about 15 minutes for the safety briefing and gear preparation. This is not a part to rush. You will need to understand how the buggy handles, how to follow the guide, and how to manage the dusty and wet sections of the route.

Drivers cannot carry mobile phones during the ride. Passengers may carry one, but using it while driving is strictly forbidden. That rule matters on rough ground, where a phone can distract you or fall into mud or water.

Closed shoes are required. Flip-flops and sandals are not accepted, and for good reason. Your feet need protection from dirt, stones, pedals, and wet ground. Old trainers or other closed shoes are the sensible choice.

The tour does not include buggy goggles or bandanas. You can buy them at the starting point for 10 euros. I would consider the goggles especially useful if you dislike dust in your eyes. A bandana also helps with dust around your mouth and nose, though neither item is included in the $37 price.

Wear clothes that can get dirty. This is not a polished sightseeing ride where you stay clean for lunch. Dust, mud, and water are part of the point. Bring a spare outfit if you have evening plans, and remember that the return transfer comes after the ride.

Ninety minutes across trails, forests, and streams

The main drive lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. That is enough time to get a feel for the buggy without turning the outing into an all-day endurance test.

The route includes open trails, pine forest, hills, riverbeds, and streams. The scenery changes as you go, which helps keep the drive interesting. Dry sections give you dust and loose ground. Wet sections add splashes and a cooler feel. The forest provides shade and a stronger sense of being away from the coast.

The exact character of the ride depends on weather, ground conditions, and the group’s pace. You might find the trails rougher or muddier on one departure than another. The guide controls the route and speed, so follow instructions rather than trying to create your own line.

This is a good format for a first buggy experience. You get the excitement of an off-road vehicle, but you also have a guide nearby and a set route. More experienced drivers may find the pace restrained, especially if another driver is cautious. The convoy structure is the tradeoff for a safer and more accessible outing.

You should also separate the words buggy safari from racing. The activity offers adventure and varied terrain, but it does not promise timed laps, competition, or high-speed driving. If you want a race-style event, this may feel too controlled. If you want to handle a buggy while seeing the countryside, it fits better.

A short swim stop beside the river

The schedule includes a 15-minute swimming break at a quiet riverside spot. This gives you a chance to cool off after the dusty drive and take a few photos before returning to the base or transfer vehicle.

Fifteen minutes is brief. Think of it as a refreshment stop, not a full swimming session. You will have time for a quick dip if conditions allow, but not a leisurely afternoon beside the water. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to enter the river.

The stop also breaks up the driving. After a long stretch in a helmet or dusty clothing, even a short pause can make the second part of the activity more comfortable. If you would rather stay dry, you can use the time for photos and a rest.

Do not expect food or drinks to be supplied. Those are not included, and the activity information does not promise a meal stop. Eat before pickup or plan accordingly, especially if you are booking around lunchtime.

What the $37 price really covers

At $37 per person, this is priced as a straightforward activity package rather than a luxury day out. You pay for the buggy session, the guide, insurance, and transfers from Side or Belek. The transport alone adds useful value, since the riding area is about an hour from the resorts.

The price does not include:

• Food and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Photo and video, priced at 30 euros
• Goggles and bandanas, priced at 10 euros

The photo and video option is worth considering only if you want a formal record of the ride. Drivers cannot use their own phones, so you cannot safely film yourself while driving. Passengers may carry phones but cannot use them during the drive, which limits casual recording.

The extra 10 euros for protective accessories may be sensible if you do not already have suitable goggles or a face covering. They are optional purchases, but dust is a central part of the activity. I would budget for them if you are sensitive to dust or want better eye protection.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your resort schedule is still changing. Check the available starting times before booking, since the four-hour duration does not tell you whether the departure fits your plans.

Who will enjoy this ride most

You are likely to enjoy this activity if you want a physical outdoor outing with a clear structure. First-time drivers get a briefing, a guide, and a marked group format. Couples can share the fun and the scenery, while solo visitors can join the convoy without arranging a private activity.

Families may also find the format appealing, but the missing age information is important. Check the operator’s current rules before booking children or younger teenagers. The supplied details confirm that families are welcome in general, but they do not state the minimum driver age or passenger rules.

This is less suitable for anyone who wants a quiet nature trip. The buggies are noisy, the route is dusty, and the activity involves jolts, mud, and changing ground. It is also not a good match for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

You should also think about your clothing plans. If you have a formal dinner or a special evening arranged after the safari, leave enough time to shower and change. The return transfer takes about an hour, and you may be dusty or wet when you reach the hotel.

The multilingual service is helpful for an international resort area. Guides speak English, German, Russian, and Turkish. No individual guide names are provided, but the language range should make the briefing easier for many visitors.

Booking advice for Side and Belek

I would book this if you want a half-day burst of off-road fun and value having transport included. The ride offers more variety than a short vehicle loop, with forest, hills, riverbeds, streams, a riverside stop, and enough driving time to learn the buggy.

I would skip it if you dislike dust, cannot wear closed shoes, or need a very relaxed pace. I would also think twice if your main goal is fast driving, since the group must stay together and a cautious driver can slow everyone down.

Pack old clothes, closed shoes, swimwear, a towel, and possibly a change of clothes. Budget another 10 euros for goggles and a bandana if you want them, and remember that photo and video cost 30 euros. With those details understood, the $37 base price is fair for a guided countryside ride with hotel transport and insurance.

FAQ

How long does the Buggy Safari take?

The activity lasts four hours in total. This includes about one hour of transfer from the hotel, roughly two hours at Beskonak, and one hour of return transfer.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup is available from hotels in Side and Belek. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled time.

How long do I drive the buggy?

The dynamic buggy driving portion lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. The Beskonak stop also includes the safety briefing, preparation, photos, free time, and the swimming break.

Is swimming included?

Yes. A 15-minute swimming break at a riverside spot is included. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim.

What should I wear?

Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not permitted. Swimwear and a towel are useful for the river stop.

Are goggles and bandanas included?

No. Buggy goggles and bandanas are available to buy at the starting point for 10 euros.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. The supplied information does not state a minimum age or detailed passenger rules, so check those requirements before booking for children.