Alanya Jeep Safari is the classic way to trade the beach for the Taurus Mountains, which rise right behind the town. In fact Alanya offers three quite different mountain days: the jeep safari to the Dim River, a jeep trip to Sapadere Canyon and a night safari with dinner in a village. They share the mountains and little else. This guide explains how each one goes, what to bring and which suits whom.
Taurus tracks and the Dim River
The classic jeep safari starts with pickup around 09:00. The jeeps soon leave the tarmac for dusty tracks, climbing through pine forest, past highland villages and along narrow valleys, with photo stops at the viewpoints. In a traditional mountain village you stop to see local life. The main break is at the Dim River (Dim Çayı), in the valley east of the town centre: swim in the cool mountain water, rest in the shade and sit down to a traditional Turkish lunch. The vehicles travel in convoy, your guide talks about the region along the way, and you are back at the hotel around 16:00. Hotel transfer, guide, lunch, the swim stop and the village visit are included; drinks are extra.
Sapadere Canyon: a walkway between waterfalls
The Alanya Sapadere Canyon Jeep Safari heads about 45 km east of Alanya. Pickup is around 09:30, and the stops build up to the canyon:
- a viewpoint over the banana plantations on the slopes of Alanya;
- Cüceler Cave, a limestone cave (entrance paid on site);
- Sapadere village, with time for water games;
- lunch of grilled chicken, salad and rice or pasta, with grilled fish as an option;
- the canyon itself: a wooden walkway of about 360 metres between waterfalls and pools at around 12 °C.
The canyon entrance is included, and you are back around 16:00. Wet wood is slippery, so non-slip shoes are a must. The off-road drive and the steps may not suit guests with serious back or mobility problems.
Night safari: dinner, folk dance and a campfire
The Alanya Night Safari begins as the day tours end. Pickup is around 16:30, and a panoramic drive takes you through the Taurus villages towards sunset. After a stop in a traditional village with local crafts, dinner is prepared in the open air, followed by a folk dance show. Then a nature guide takes the group wildlife watching in the dark: wild boar, foxes and night birds may appear, but no sighting is guaranteed. The evening ends with stories around a campfire, and you are back at the hotel around midnight. The pace is calm and the tour suits all ages. Dinner, the show and the campfire are included; drinks are not.
Which one should you choose?
- You want to swim and relax: the Dim River jeep safari.
- You want to escape the heat: Sapadere, with its cool canyon and cold water.
- You want the beach by day and an outing in the evening: the night safari.
- You want Green Canyon too: the Alanya Green Canyon Jeep Safari & Boat Tour combines an off-road drive and a photo stop at the Roman aqueducts with about an hour on the lake by boat, a swim of about 30 minutes and lunch by the water.
- You want to drive yourself: the Alanya Quad Safari or the buggy safari, four hours with three departure groups a day.
What to bring for each tour
- Dim River: swimwear, a towel, closed shoes and a dust cover for your phone.
- Sapadere: non-slip shoes, water shoes, a light jacket for the cool canyon and a waterproof pouch for the water games.
- Night safari: comfortable shoes and a warm layer, as evenings in the mountains are cool.
- All three: sunscreen and some cash, because drinks are not included.
Families, safety and booking
All three tours have tickets for adults, children aged 3–11 and infants aged 0–2. On the jeep days, seat belts stay fastened and nobody stands while the vehicles are moving, and the jeep safari is not suitable for pregnant guests. At Sapadere, hold small children by the hand on the wet walkway; for the night safari, remember that you get back around midnight. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you book, especially for the night safari dinner. Hotel pickup is included from Alanya, Mahmutlar, Kargıcak, Kestel, Tosmur, Oba, Cikcilli, Konaklı, Türkler, Avsallar, İncekum and Okurcalar. You pay in cash on the tour day and can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead. Compare every option on the Alanya safari tours page.
Travelling with small children? Safari tours with children in Antalya covers ages and practical tips. Still choosing a resort? See what each resort offers.
