A jeep safari day is dust, water fights and a swim stop, in roughly that order. What you wear decides whether that sequence reads as fun or as a long afternoon of regret. Here is what our crews recommend you bring, based on what the day actually throws at you.
First, understand the day you are packing for
Our Side jeep safari and Alanya Dim River safari are full-day, open-top 4x4 convoys on unpaved mountain tracks. That means three things will find you: sun, dust and, in summer, water. The water fights between jeeps are a beloved tradition, and both routes have swim stops. On the night safari the sun is gentler but the swim at Green Lake and the splashing are very much still on the menu.
What to wear
Shoes: closed, with grip
Comfortable closed shoes are the single most useful thing you can wear. On the Alanya route especially, the riverbed stones at the Dim River swim stop are rocky, so shoes with good grip earn their place. Flip-flops slide off in the jeep and float away in the river: save them for the pool.
Clothes: nothing you love, nothing delicate
The tracks are dusty and bumpy, so skip skirts, short shorts and delicate clothing. Light, breathable clothes you do not mind getting dusty and wet are perfect. In summer the jeeps are open-top: expect sun and wind all day. A light scarf or buff is our drivers' favourite trick: pulled over your face on the dustiest stretches, it makes a real difference.
Sun protection: non-negotiable
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. You are in an open vehicle at midday in the Taurus foothills; the breeze hides how strong the sun is until the evening, when it stops hiding.
What to pack in the bag
- Swimwear and a towel. Both day routes have proper swim stops: Oymapınar on the Side route, the Dim River (mountain-cold even in August, which is exactly the point) on the Alanya route. The night safari swims at Green Lake, so swimwear applies there too.
- A full change of dry clothes. Not optional in summer. Between the water fights and the swims, almost nobody comes home dry: and the drive back is far more pleasant in dry clothes.
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and camera. The water fights do not check whether your phone is out. A simple sealed pouch has saved more holiday photos than any other item on this list.
- Some cash. Drinks are paid separately everywhere, and the optional extras, the €5 Green Lake boat trip on the Side route, the Manavgat Waterfall entrance, the Dim Cave on the Alanya route, village stalls, are all paid locally. Full details are in our prices guide.
Seasonal adjustments
High summer
Pack lighter clothes and more water resistance. The water games run at full strength; assume everything you wear will get splashed at least once.
Spring and autumn
Mornings in the hills are cooler than the coast, so a light layer you can shed is welcome. The Alanya safari runs April to November, the night safari early June to mid-November.
Winter on the Side route
The convoy switches to covered jeeps and the water games take a break: the mountain scenery does the talking instead. You can leave the waterproof pouch at home; keep the closed shoes and a warm layer.
What to leave at the hotel
- Anything white or precious. Dust is democratic; it settles on everyone.
- Jewellery and valuables. Between swims and splashes there is no good place for them.
- Big camera rigs without protection. Bring the camera by all means, the Green Canyon and Dim Dam viewpoints deserve it, but only with a way to seal it during the wet sections.
One note on comfort
These are sightseeing-paced convoys, not extreme off-roading, but the tracks are bumpy in places. If you have back or neck problems, tell our team before boarding, and note that we do not recommend the Alanya route for pregnant guests. Wearing comfortable clothes helps; being honest with the crew helps more.
That is the whole list: no gadgets, nothing to buy specially. If you are still deciding which safari fits your group, our first-timer and family guide compares them, and the FAQ covers everything from pickup areas to cancellation. For the bigger picture of what else is worth your holiday time around Side, start with our complete local guide to Side excursions.