Quad and Buggy Safari

The hills behind Alanya are crisscrossed with dirt tracks, forest trails and dry riverbeds, and an off-road safari is the easiest way to explore them. The experience linked here lets you choose between a quad bike, where you ride alone, and a two-seat buggy, where a friend or partner sits beside you. A guide leads the convoy, hotel transfers are included and no previous experience is needed, which makes it one of the most popular half-day activities in the area for families with teenagers and groups of friends.

The day begins with a pickup from your hotel and a drive to the base camp in the foothills. There you meet the guides, receive a helmet and a short safety talk and practise on a small course. Quads are automatic and easy to control, and buggies are even simpler, with a steering wheel, pedals and seat belts. Once everyone is comfortable, the convoy sets off along tracks through pine forest, scrubland and dry riverbeds, with stops at viewpoints for photographs and a rest.

The ride is as dusty or as muddy as the weather allows, which is part of the fun. Many routes include a shallow river crossing, a few small climbs and some faster open sections, and the guides adjust the pace to the group. Expect to be covered in dust by the end, so wear old clothes, closed shoes and sunglasses, and bring a scarf or bandana to protect your face. Operators often supply helmets and sometimes goggles, but it is wise to bring your own sunglasses.

Age and licence rules vary. Quads are usually restricted to adults and older teenagers, while younger children can often ride as passengers in a buggy with an adult driver. Drivers are usually required to be at least eighteen, and many operators ask for a licence or give a short test at the start. Check the requirements and the insurance details when you book, since accidents on off-road vehicles can happen, and make sure you ride within your comfort level.

Choose the time of day with care. Morning rides are cooler and the light on the hills is lovely, while afternoon and sunset rides are popular for photographs but can still be hot in summer. Some operators combine the safari with rafting, ziplining or a jeep tour in a full-day package, which suits travellers who want an action-packed day. If you prefer something calmer, the Taurus villages tour or a horse ride offers a gentler way to see the same hills.

Compare the options before choosing. A short two-hour ride suits families and anyone worried about stiff arms, while the longer four-hour versions include more distance, a river stop and sometimes a lunch. Night safaris are also offered in the cooler evening hours, with headlamps and a campfire-style dinner, which can be a fun change. Ask how many people ride in each convoy, since smaller groups make for more freedom and less dust. Remember that quads can be tiring on rough ground, so ride with your arms relaxed and take rest breaks when the guide stops.

Finally, remember that you are sharing the hills with farms and villages. Stay on the marked tracks, slow down near people and animals, and take your rubbish with you.