If you want to pack two entirely different adventures into a single holiday day, this combo day trip delivers off-road excitement on land and whitewater fun on the river in one seamless programme. Departing from Belek to the Köprülü Canyon National Park area, you first head out on a buggy safari through forested terrain and then round off the day with rafting on the Köprüçay River. Because both activities take place in the same region, there is no wasted transfer time between them and the day runs efficiently from start to finish.
The Belek Buggy Safari and Rafting programme runs daily from April to November and welcomes participants of every age group. No driving licence is needed for the buggy, and the rafting course is graded 1–2, so zero prior experience is required for either activity. The entire day is supervised by professional guides and all safety equipment is provided.
What is a buggy safari
A buggy safari is a driving experience in purpose-built lightweight off-road vehicles on natural terrain tracks. Buggies are typically two-seaters — one driver and one passenger. Family-sized buggies that seat three or four people are also available. Thanks to automatic transmission, even those who have never driven an off-road vehicle can confidently take the wheel after a short briefing. The open bodywork, raised suspension and wide tyres give both control and excitement on uneven ground.
The off-road track in detail
The buggy safari track stretches roughly 20 km and winds through pine forests at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Dirt paths, muddy crossings, shallow riverbeds and rocky inclines define the character of the route. On flat, calm stretches you can enjoy the speed, while tight bends and rough patches call for careful handling and quick reactions. Scenic viewpoints are dotted along the route where you can stop and take photographs. The forest air filtering through pine and cedar trees, together with occasional glimpses of rural village silhouettes, transforms the ride from a pure adrenaline activity into a genuine nature discovery.
Getting to know the buggy vehicle
The buggies used on the tour are open-body, four-wheeled, high-clearance lightweight off-road vehicles. The standard model seats two — the driver plus one passenger beside them. For families or groups of four, a wider family buggy model is also an option. Every vehicle is fitted with automatic transmission, so the only controls you need are the accelerator and the brake. Engine power is more than sufficient to handle the mud, water and inclines found on the course. Before setting off, each participant receives a helmet and goggles, the vehicles are fully insured and a team of professional instructors accompanies the group throughout the entire track.
Driving licence and age requirements
No driving licence of any kind is needed to operate a buggy. However, you must be at least 16 years old to take the wheel. Participants under 16 can still join the safari by sitting in the passenger seat. Before the activity begins, instructors deliver a short briefing covering the accelerator, brake, steering control and safe following distance. After the briefing, a short test drive takes place at the entrance of the track where participants learn how the vehicle responds and then confidently start the main route. Even people who have never driven any motorised vehicle find that they can handle the buggy with ease after this preparation stage.
What to expect during the buggy safari
From the moment you hit the track, dust clouds rising from the tyres, mud splashes and water sprays at stream crossings set the rhythm of the day. Driving in convoy, the dust trail left by the vehicle ahead of you heightens both the excitement and the competitive spirit. On calm flats you accelerate; on tight forest bends you brake and manoeuvre. At rest stops you can hop out, snap landscape photos, breathe in the forest air and share the experience with your group. By the end of the buggy safari your clothes will very likely be coated in dust and mud — the clearest proof of just how intense the activity was.
Who can join the buggy safari
The buggy safari is an activity open to almost everyone. Couples can ride side by side, groups of friends can race each other along the track, and families can take their children in the passenger seat for a safe shared adventure. No special physical fitness is required — it is a seated activity, so there is no walking or climbing involved. Those with serious back or spinal issues should bear in mind that the bumps on the track may cause discomfort. Children under 7 and pregnant individuals cannot participate for safety reasons.
First-time buggy drivers
If you have never driven a buggy or any similar off-road vehicle, there is no reason to worry. With automatic transmission, the only thing you need to manage is the accelerator and the brake pedal. Instructors explain the driving technique, correct cornering speed and safe following distance in detail during the pre-activity briefing. During the test drive you experience the vehicle's responses first-hand. On the track an instructor is always positioned at the front and rear of the group, ready to intervene the moment any issue arises. At TourBelek, ensuring that first-time participants have a safe and enjoyable experience is our top priority.
A quick look at the rafting section
After the buggy safari, the day continues with a 14 km rafting course on the Köprüçay River as the second activity. The river is graded between 1 and 2, meaning both complete beginners and more experienced participants can enjoy it safely. The course consists of two equal stages; after the first 7 km a swimming and rest break is taken at a historic stone bridge, and the second 7 km continues with slightly stronger current. Each boat has an experienced captain on board and all safety equipment is provided. If you are curious about the full details of the rafting experience and alternative tour options, you can compare all Belek rafting options available.
The advantage of combining two activities in one day
The most obvious benefit of this combo day trip is that you dedicate just one holiday day to experience both a land and a water adventure. The buggy safari delivers an adrenaline-packed off-road experience while rafting adds a completely different kind of thrill in the cool river. Since both activities take place in the same geographic area — around Köprülü Canyon National Park — transfer time between them is kept to a minimum. Instead of booking two separate excursions on different days, completing both in a single day is a practical solution in terms of time and planning alike. By the end of the day you carry the dust of the forest track and the ice-cold river water on you simultaneously — this contrast is what makes the combo day trip so memorable.
Getting from Belek to the activity site
The activity station is located in the Köprülü Canyon National Park area, near the village of Beşkonak in the Manavgat district. The distance from Belek is roughly 80–90 km and the transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle takes just under an hour. Along the way you pass farmland, olive groves and small villages that reveal the rural side of inland Antalya. The round-trip transfer is included in the tour price, so you do not need to arrange any additional transportation.
Who should choose this combo day trip
Energetic holidaymakers who want to fit multiple activities into a single day, nature-loving couples, families who want to offer their children a unique experience and groups of friends form the core audience of this combo day trip. A separate full-day rafting tour exists for those who only want to raft, but for travellers with limited days in their holiday schedule who want to combine both off-road and river adventure in one go, Belek Buggy Safari and Rafting is the most efficient option.
Best time of year
The combo day trip with buggy safari and rafting from Belek runs every day from April through to the end of November. In spring the melting snow raises the river level and the rafting section gains extra excitement, while the muddy stretches on the buggy track become more pronounced. In summer the forest track offers shade and relief from the heat, and the cool river is an especially welcome bonus in July and August. Early autumn suits those who prefer a calmer pace. Regardless of the season, the natural condition of both the track and the river can vary slightly from day to day, meaning every participation is a unique experience.
Add adventure to your holiday
Leaving the hotel comfort of Belek behind for a day and stepping into the heart of nature takes a holiday to a completely different level. Feeling the ground shake beneath the buggy steering wheel, laughing through the forest and then paddling against the current on the river — this dual combination leaves far more lasting impressions than a day spent by the hotel pool. The off-road and river adventure stretching from Belek to Köprülü Canyon is a strong alternative for active holidaymakers and families who want to create truly unforgettable memories for their children. At the end of the day you return to your hotel with a muddy T-shirt, a wet towel and a huge smile on your face — and that is the best summary of this combo day trip.
No, no driving licence is required to drive a buggy. However, you must be at least 16 years old to take the wheel. Participants under 16 can join the safari in the passenger seat.
Standard buggies seat 2 people — one driver and one passenger. Family buggies seating 3–4 people are also available. All vehicles have automatic transmission.
The buggy safari track is approximately 20 km long and runs as an off-road route. Active driving time including stops is roughly 1.5 hours.
The buggy safari takes place first, followed by the rafting section. Both activities are held in the same area, so there is no lengthy transfer in between.
The rafting course on the Köprüçay River is 14 km in total and consists of two stages. The difficulty level is 1–2, suitable for beginners.
Including hotel transfers, the tour lasts approximately 7 hours in total. Pickup is around 09:30 and return to the hotel is around 16:30.
Children aged 7 and over can participate when accompanied by a parent. During the buggy section they sit in the passenger seat; during rafting they are safely equipped with a life jacket and helmet. Children under 7 cannot participate.
No, swimming ability is not required. All participants are provided with a life jacket and helmet. However, if you cannot swim, please inform your guide in advance.
Yes, an open buffet lunch is included in the tour price. The menu features chicken kebab, rice, pasta, salad and similar dishes. Drinks are not included.
The buggy track includes stream crossings, so water splashes are possible. Dust and mud are also unavoidable. During the rafting section, getting completely soaked is guaranteed. A dry change of clothes is recommended for both activities.
Closed-toe, sturdy trainers or sport shoes are required for the buggy ride. Flip-flops and sandals are not suitable. For the rafting section you also need water-resistant sandals or water shoes.
No, no upfront payment is required. The full amount is paid on the day of your participation, on site.
Yes, a professional team takes photos and videos during both the buggy safari and the rafting. At the end of the tour you can review the footage and purchase your favourites. This service is not included in the tour price.
Pregnant individuals cannot participate for safety reasons. Those with serious back, spine or heart conditions should inform the team in advance.
Not at all. The vehicles have automatic transmission and a detailed briefing with a test drive is provided before the safari begins. Instructors accompany the group throughout the track and offer support whenever needed.
The tour runs daily from April through to the end of November. Summer is the peak season. In spring the river flow is stronger, while summer offers a calmer and more controlled experience.
Yes, halfway through the 14 km course a swimming and rest break is taken at the historic stone bridge. During this stop you can take photos and explore the canyon up close.
Yes, the tour runs daily throughout the season. Simply choose your preferred date and make a reservation.
