Kemer Jeep Safari makes good use of Kemer’s location: the Beydağları, the western Taurus, drop almost straight into the sea here, so the mountains start a short drive from the hotels. In one day you climb through pine forest and a narrow gorge, stop in an old mountain village, look down over the coast and cool off in a cold river before lunch. This guide follows the route and covers the practical side: what to wear, what is included and how the jeep day compares with Kemer’s other outdoor trips.
The route, stop by stop
- Pickup around 09:00 from Kemer, Beldibi, Göynük, Kiriş, Çamyuva or Tekirova. The exact time for your hotel comes after booking.
- Kesme Boğazı. Near Kuzdere the road squeezes through a narrow gorge – the first real taste of the mountains.
- Gedelme. A mountain village with the ruins of a Byzantine castle and a huge old plane tree.
- Panoramic viewpoint. A high point in the Ovacık area with a wide view over the coast.
- Mountain river. A stop for swimming and water fun in a cold river.
- Lunch. At a mountain restaurant, with trout or chicken.
- Back at the hotel around 16:00.
The order may change with the weather and road conditions. Worth knowing in advance: there is no cave visit on this route – the day is about the gorge, the village, the view and the river.
Gorge, village and viewpoint
Kesme Boğazı
The gorge road is narrow and winding, which is why it is done in jeeps with experienced drivers. Sit back, keep your seat belt on and save the photos for the stops.
Gedelme
Gedelme is a small mountain village known for two things: the ruins of a Byzantine castle and an enormous old plane tree. The stop gives you time to stretch your legs and take in village life.
The view over the coast
From the panoramic point in the Ovacık area you look down on the coast you started from, and you see how steeply the mountains rise behind Kemer.
The river swim and the trout lunch
The river stop is all about cooling off. Mountain water stays cold even in midsummer, so get in slowly and keep an eye on children near the current; water shoes make the stony banks easier. Lunch follows at a mountain restaurant, where you choose between trout and chicken. Drinks are not included, so bring some cash, and tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you book.
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Kemer area
- The jeep with an experienced driver, and a guide
- All stops on the route, including the river swim
- Lunch with trout or chicken
Drinks and personal expenses are not included. If heavy rain makes the mountain roads unsafe, we offer you another date or a full refund.
What to wear and bring
- Swimwear under your clothes and a towel.
- Clothes that can get dusty, closed shoes and, if you have them, water shoes.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- A light top, because it is cooler in the mountains than on the beach.
- A waterproof bag for your phone.
- Cash for drinks.
Who it suits, and the alternatives
The jeep safari suits families, couples and first-timers who want a mountain day without driving. Experienced drivers are at the wheel, seat belts stay fastened and nobody stands while the jeeps are moving. There are adult, child (3–11) and infant (0–2) tickets. The tour is not suitable for pregnant guests. The gorge road has plenty of bends, so if you get car-sick easily, keep breakfast light and sit near the front.
If a full jeep day does not fit your plans, Kemer has other options:
- Half a day: the Kemer Zipline in Göynük Canyon – two lines and a suspension bridge about 40 metres high, around an hour of activity, pickup at 09:30 and back around 14:00. Lunch is not included, and the canyon entrance fee is paid on site.
- At the wheel: the Kemer Quad Safari follows forest trails with river crossings around Kuzdere – about 1.5 hours of riding in a four-hour trip, in a morning or an afternoon group.
- White water: the Kemer Rafting Tour goes to Köprülü Canyon, about two hours each way. Pickup is at 07:30 and you are back around 18:00 – a long day, but a full one.
See every option on the Kemer safari tours page. There is no prepayment: you pay in cash on the tour day and can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours ahead. Planning rafting or the zipline as well? Our Köprülü Canyon rafting guide and zipline guide cover both in detail.
