I am normally a great believer in hiring a car and just driving where the road takes me however I took an opportunity yesterday to join some friends on an organized Jeep safari. They were here in Turkey on holiday and wanted a change from lying around the swimming pool. We had shopped around before hand for prices and itinerary details.
How much is a Jeep Safari in Turkey?
The average price for most of the Jeep tours was 20 pounds / 31 dollars, and this included lunch as well. We settled on one Jeep safari provider that promised a ” fun day driving off the beaten track”
Essential items for a Jeep Safari in Turkey
- Swimming costume and towels
- Lots of sun cream
- Sun glasses
- Camera
- Comfortable footwear
- A hat
The night before, I bought a large bottle of water and stuck in the freezer. I took it out in the morning and it was one big block of ice which would hopefully stay cold throughout the day. A last check on the expected temperature said 40 degrees for the day!. No wonder they recommended lots of sun cream.
Beginning of the day and everyone is in good spirits
I was looking forward to the day as the last time I had done a Jeep safari was 8 years ago on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. This time we were traveling on the Aegean coast.
At 10am in the morning, we were waiting outside with ticket in hand and the Jeep pulled up. It was not a normal four seater but a bigger one and there were already six other people in the Jeep that were picked up from another hotel.
On the way to Akbuk
I assumed that we were going straight on the road, but no, we pulled into a petrol station to fill up with petrol first. A ten minute wait than materialized and then another Jeep pulled up.
There was going to be two Jeeps in our convoy and the first thing that both drivers did was hand us water pistols!
They also offered to sell us water pumps for 15 lira however since I could buy them at the market for around 5 lira, I begrudged paying that amount.
I couldn’t wear my hat, it kept blowing off!
Both Jeeps proceeded to drive on the main road, but 800 meters later the local police stopped us. The other Jeep went ahead and our driver had to produce his license and MOT documents.
Passing through the resort of Akbuk
We were soon able to set off again and a short while later we turned down a side road only to be ambushed by the other Jeep shooting the water pistols at us. It was totally unexpected but didn’t take long for us to shoot back at them and within minutes, everyone in both Jeeps was drenched in water and howling with laughter.
Amazing views were available throught the whole jeep safari
Everyone soon ran out of water, and we took this opportunity to dry.
Driving along the roads we reached the resort of Akbuk and pulled into a traditional restaurant to restock on water supplies, use the toilet and have a refreshment. Twenty minutes later we set off again and I will tell you more about that in part two.
Part two – Jeep Safari in Turkey.
Relaxing with a beer after the water fight!
The traditional restaurant where we stopped off for a break
Stocking the jeeps up with water for the next fight!
Getting ready to set off again
We paid our bill and hoped back into the jeep for the next part of the journey.
