City of Belek/Side: Buggy Safari Adventure + Transfer

The draw here is the chance to trade the resort road for dusty tracks, forest paths, and stream crossings around Beşkonak. The outing combines a guided buggy ride with hotel pickup from Side or Belek, so you can get out into the countryside without arranging your own transport.

I like two things in particular: the varied route, which mixes off-road driving with a riverside swimming break, and the friendly staff, a point that comes through clearly in the available feedback. The main trade-off is that the ride follows a group, so a slow driver ahead can take some of the pace out of the adventure.

• About 90 minutes behind the wheel: The driving portion is the heart of the trip, within a four-hour outing that also includes transfers and a safety briefing.
• Beşkonak terrain: Expect trails, forest, hills, and streams, with dust and mud part of the deal.
• A 15-minute riverside swim stop: Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to get in the water.
• Pickup from Side or Belek: The listed schedule allows about an hour each way by coach.
• Plan for extras: Goggles and a bandana cost €10, while photo and video packages cost €30.
• Closed shoes are required: Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted.

The Beşkonak ride beyond the resort

This is an off-road outing in the Manavgat region, not a sightseeing tour with a few minutes of driving tacked on. The route is described as a mix of open tracks, pine forest, hills, and stream crossings, giving you a more active way to see the countryside around Side and Belek.

The experience is built around driving, but it is not just a go-fast run. You get a safety briefing, time to prepare your gear, a guided route, and a short stop beside the river. If you want a change from the beach or hotel pool, the mix of rough tracks and a swim break gives the half-day a clear purpose.

The operator provides buggies and guides, and the listed host languages are English, German, Russian, and Turkish. No individual guide names or buggy specifications are provided, so I would not book on the promise of a particular vehicle model or named instructor. The practical appeal is the guided format and the chance to cover varied terrain without navigating it yourself.

A four-hour outing, with two hours on the road

The timing deserves a close look. The full trip lasts about four hours, but the transfer from your hotel area to the starting point takes roughly one hour each way. That leaves about two hours at Beşkonak for the activity itself.

Those two hours include a 15-minute safety briefing and gear preparation, about 90 minutes of buggy driving, and a 15-minute swimming break. The schedule is straightforward, but the driving time is shorter than the total duration may first suggest. If you are comparing this with other activities, count on roughly an hour and a half behind the wheel, not four hours of driving.

Pickup and drop-off are available in Side or Belek. You are asked to wait at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled time. Traffic can make the driver five to ten minutes late; if the delay goes beyond ten minutes, the instructions say to contact the operator using the details in your booking confirmation.

The ride to Beşkonak is part of the day, rather than a quick hop to a nearby track. For some people, that is a fair price for a guided outing with transport included. If you are travelling with children or anyone who dislikes long vehicle rides, factor in the two hours of coach time before booking.

Safety briefing, then dusty tracks and streams

At the starting point, you get a 15-minute briefing and gear preparation before setting off. That pause matters, especially if this is your first time in a buggy. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions and follow the group’s pace, rather than treating the route as a race.

The driving portion lasts about 90 minutes and covers varied terrain. The trip description mentions open trails, forest, hills, and streams. Expect dust and mud to be part of the ride, not an occasional inconvenience. Wear old clothes you are happy to dirty, and consider bringing a change for the journey back or the rest of your day.

One practical limit is the group format. A past participant found the ride less satisfying when a very slow driver was ahead. That is a real possibility on a guided route: the pace can depend on the person in front, and there is no promise of a fast, uninterrupted run. If speed is your main reason for booking, keep that in mind. The outing is better understood as a guided off-road adventure with a mix of conditions, not a private speed session.

Drivers may not carry mobile phones during the ride. Passengers can carry one, but using a phone while driving is strictly prohibited. That rule is sensible on rough ground, where keeping both hands available and your attention on the route matters more than getting a video.

A river pause, not a long swim

The 15-minute swimming stop is a welcome change of pace after the dusty ride. It is set at a riverside spot and gives you time for a quick dip and photos. The stop is short, so think of it as a refreshing pause, not a full swimming session.

Pack swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim. You will also want to keep your dry clothes separate from anything that gets wet or muddy. The information does not specify changing facilities, so do not count on being able to change comfortably at the stop.

This small break makes the outing more than a continuous drive. It also gives you a chance to cool down and enjoy the natural setting without the engine running. Just keep your expectations in proportion: 15 minutes goes quickly, especially if you want time for both a swim and photos.

What to wear, and what costs extra

Closed shoes are required. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed, so wear sturdy shoes that can handle dirt and water. The rest of your clothing should be old or easy to wash. A clean outfit can wait in your bag for later.

Buggy goggles and bandanas are not included. You can buy them at the starting point for €10. If you already own suitable eye protection or a face covering, check that it is appropriate for dusty outdoor riding. Photo and video are also extra, at €30. These add-ons are optional, but they can raise the final cost if you decide you want them.

Food and drinks are not included, and neither are personal expenses. The provided details do not specify meal stops, so plan to eat before or after the activity rather than relying on food being available during the trip. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is $37 good value?

At $37 per person, the price includes hotel transfer, a guide, and insurance. That is a useful bundle if you are staying in Side or Belek and do not have your own transport. You are paying for a guided outing and the logistics of getting to the riding area, as well as the buggy activity itself.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you enjoy active outings and are happy with about 90 minutes of driving, the price looks reasonable for a half-day that includes pickup and a swim stop. If you are expecting four hours of buggy time, the schedule will disappoint: transfers make up half the total duration.

Budget for possible add-ons. Goggles and a bandana cost €10, and photo or video costs €30. You can avoid those charges, but the advertised price is not the full cost if you choose both. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are also on you.

The available feedback includes a high overall score, and the most clearly praised detail is the staff’s friendly manner. That matters on an activity where a clear briefing and a helpful crew can make the outing more comfortable, especially for first-time drivers. The caution is equally practical: one person found a slow-moving driver ahead frustrating, a reminder that a group ride can limit your pace.

Who will enjoy this buggy safari?

This is a good fit if you want a lively outdoor activity and do not mind getting dirty. Couples, solo participants, and families are all listed as suitable audiences, though the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. No minimum age or passenger rules are provided, so ask the operator directly if those details affect your plans.

First-time drivers can take part, according to the activity information, and a safety briefing is included. You do not need to arrive as an experienced off-road driver, but you should be comfortable following instructions and sharing the route with a group.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet nature outing, a long swim, or a guaranteed fast ride. The route is described as active and dusty, with uneven terrain and water crossings. If you prefer a predictable, clean, low-effort excursion, a buggy safari may not be your ideal afternoon.

The activity is also a poor choice if you have only a narrow window in your day. Although the riding portion is about 90 minutes, the transfers make the total outing four hours. Add time if you have other plans around pickup or return.

Should you book it?

I would book this if you want a guided taste of the countryside near Belek or Side, enjoy off-road driving, and are prepared for dust, mud, and a group pace. The combination of varied tracks, stream crossings, a short swim, and hotel transport gives the outing more substance than a quick buggy loop.

I would think twice if your priority is maximum driving time, a fast ride, or a long swim. The total is four hours, but about two hours are spent in transfers and the remaining time includes the briefing and swim stop. Pack closed shoes, swimwear, a towel, and clothes you can dirty. With those expectations, the $37 price is a reasonable way to add an active half-day to a resort stay.

FAQ

How long does the buggy safari last?

The full activity lasts four hours, including transfers. The buggy driving portion is about 90 minutes.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup and drop-off locations are available in Belek and Side. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate at the scheduled pickup time.

How much time is spent travelling to the starting point?

The coach transfer takes about one hour each way, for roughly two hours of total transfer time.

What is included in the price?

Hotel transfer, a guide, and insurance are included.

Are goggles and a bandana included?

No. Buggy goggles and bandanas are not included, but can be bought at the starting point for €10.

How much do the photo and video extras cost?

Photo and video cost €30. They are not included in the tour price.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear closed shoes and clothes that can get dusty or muddy. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to swim during the 15-minute riverside break.

Can I use my phone during the ride?

Drivers may not carry mobile phones during the ride. Passengers may carry a phone, but using it while driving is prohibited.

Is the activity suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users.

Can I cancel or reserve without paying immediately?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.