Fethiye Saklikent Jeep Safari – An Epic Day of Nature, History, and Pure Fun

If you’re visiting Fethiye and looking for a fun, adventurous, and laughter-filled day, Jeep Safari to Saklıkent Canyon is one of the best experiences you can have. With water fights, rivers, ancient ruins, and off-road thrills — it’s not just a tour, it’s a full-day experience you won’t forget. Perfect for families, groups, and solo travellers who want a taste of everything.

In this Fethiye travel guide, you’ll find carefully curated suggestions on what to expect, what to bring, and how to enjoy this tour to the fullest.

🏞️ What Is Jeep Safari in Fethiye?

This isn’t a sightseeing tour in the usual sense. Jeep Safari combines adventure, nature, culture, and fun — all wrapped in one. While most agencies run similar versions, they all follow the same core route, providing transfers from your hotel, villa, or apartment to a central meeting point where the day officially begins.

At the meeting area:

You’ll receive the full-day itinerary
You’ll be offered optional extras:
- 🎯 Water fight gun (recommended!)
- 👟 Canyon shoes (helpful for walking in the canyon river)
- 📱 Waterproof phone case (useful if you join water-based activities)

We suggest you get the water gun — there will be two water fights, and they’re a big part of the fun!

🚙 What Type of Vehicle?

Most tours use custom-converted Ford Transit trucks (more comfortable than standard 4x4s). A few companies operate classic 4×4 Jeeps, but Transit-style vehicles are the most common and preferred by families.

🧭 The Jeep Safari Itinerary

1. 📸 Photo Time & Intro in the Forest

The first stop is a small forest area with a river — the “preparation zone.”

Tour photos begin here (group & individual)
You’ll be asked to choose your lunch (fish or chicken)
Water fights kick off with buckets of water and fun games
Then you jump into the vehicle and head off, wet and ready!

💡 Tip: Fill your water gun before getting back in the Jeep for a “surprise” splash attack on the go.

2. 🌲 Yakapark or Şelale Park

One of the first scenic stops — a lush riverside restaurant.

Zipline is available here (~£10 extra)
Spend ~30 minutes relaxing in cool air and taking photos

Then it’s time for lunch.

3. 🍽️ Lunch Time

You’ll be taken to a riverside restaurant. Choose between:

Grilled fish (flat pan-fried)
Schnitzel-style chicken
Meals include salad, rice or pasta. Drinks are extra and paid at the restaurant.

4. 🏞️ Saklıkent Canyon & River Fun

Time to explore Turkey’s second-largest canyon!

Ringo rafting available (optional)
- If you booked, you’ll raft down the river
- If not, you’ll be driven to the finish point
Monster truck activity available at the river’s end (optional)
Second water fight happens here before the canyon visit

⏱️ You get around 45 minutes to explore Saklıkent Canyon

Entry fee: ~£2
The river is icy cold and refreshing
Walk a bit up the river or relax at canyon-side cafés
- Some areas require a purchase if you sit at tables
- Other sitting areas are free

5. 🏛️ Bonus: Tlos Ancient City or Alexander Cave

In peak season (June–Sept): A quick photo stop at Tlos Ancient City
In low season (Mar–May, Oct): Full visit to Tlos and sometimes Alexander Cave
Entry fee to Tlos: ~£3 (optional)

6. 🛁 Mud Bath Finale

Last stop of the day!

Enjoy a mud bath experience to relax your skin
Have drinks or snacks (optional, extra cost)
This is also where you’ll be shown all tour photos
- Buy only if you like — they’re sent directly to your phone

7. 🚐 Return

After the mud bath, Jeeps will take you back to your accommodation. Expect to arrive in the early evening, tired, happy, and maybe still a little muddy!

💬 Tips & What to Bring

Essentials:

Swimwear & towel
Dry change of clothes
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Water shoes (or rent/buy at start)
Waterproof phone case
Small cash for extras (zipline, drinks, entry fees, etc.)

💷 Price Guide

Item	Price Estimate
Jeep Safari Tour	£10-20 per person
Zipline (optional)	£10
Ringo Rafting	£10
Monster Truck Ride	£10
Canyon Entry	~£2
Tlos Entry (low season)	~£3
Drinks	Extra

🌟 Why You’ll Love It

✅ Packed with diverse activities
✅ Perfect for all ages
✅ Full of laughter, nature, and Turkish hospitality
✅ A great way to explore the region beyond the beach

Saklikent Canyon – Mother Nature’s Masterpiece

🏞️ What is Saklıkent Canyon?

Saklıkent Canyon, meaning “Hidden City” in Turkish, is one of the deepest canyons in all of Europe and a true natural wonder of Turkey. Located about 50 km from Fethiye, it stretches for 18 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 300 meters. The canyon was formed by the erosion of the Akdağlar Mountains over thousands of years, carving out dramatic rock walls and icy streams below.

The canyon is part of Saklıkent National Park, and it’s especially popular in summer when visitors can walk through the shallow, cold river that flows through its narrow passageways. The water — fed by mountain snow — is incredibly refreshing and offers a welcome escape from the heat.

💧 Why Visit Saklıkent Canyon?

Adventure: Wading through the river, climbing over rocks, and exploring the high canyon walls is thrilling for visitors of all ages.
Cool Temperatures: Even on hot days, the canyon stays cool thanks to the flowing water and shaded cliffs.
Natural Beauty: Towering rock formations, echoing walls, and mineral-rich streams make it a stunning place for photography and nature lovers.
Easy Access: It’s a short drive from Fethiye and easily included in daily Jeep Safari tours.

🧗 What to Expect Inside

Once you enter (small entry fee applies), you’ll walk over a wooden bridge at the entrance before stepping into the flowing river. Water levels vary by season — from ankle to knee-deep — and it can be slippery, so wearing water shoes is strongly recommended. Some people walk about 200–300 meters up the canyon just for the experience, while others go further depending on time and energy.

Along the way, you’ll find:

Small waterfalls
Natural pools
Dramatic, narrow rock corridors
Cool riverbanks perfect for resting or photos

If you’re not into walking through water, you can relax at one of the riverside platforms or restaurants located at the canyon entrance.

Let me know if you’d li

🏛️ Tlos Ancient City – Walk in the Footsteps of the Ancients

Tlos Ancient City is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the Fethiye region and a perfect stop on the Jeep Safari route, especially during the low season (spring and autumn). Set on a rocky hilltop with sweeping views of the Xanthos Valley, Tlos offers visitors a rare chance to explore the remnants of Lycian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations — all in one location.

This city was once a major political and religious center in ancient Lycia, dating back more than 4,000 years. It is often referred to as “the oldest and longest-settled city in the Lycian League.”

🗺️ What You’ll See in Tlos

As you walk through this impressive open-air museum, you’ll encounter:

Rock-Cut Tombs: Including the famous Tomb of Bellerophon, carved into the cliffs, depicting the mythical hero on his winged horse Pegasus.
Ancient Roman Stadium: Long and narrow, where sports events and gatherings once took place.
Theatre Ruins: A semi-intact Roman amphitheater, once seating thousands of spectators.
Acropolis and Fortress: At the summit, offering incredible views and a fortress that was later used during the Ottoman period.
Roman Baths and Churches: Scattered around the site, showing layers of history through architecture.

💡 Tips for Visiting

Entry Fee: ~£3 per person (cash or card accepted).
Walking Shoes: The terrain is uneven and rocky, so sturdy footwear is a must.
Best Time to Visit: March–May or October, when it’s cooler and less crowded. In the summer months, tours usually stop only for a quick photo from the road.
Photo Opportunities: Panoramic views from the top of the fortress are unforgettable.

🌿 Why Tlos is Special

Tlos isn’t just a bunch of old stones — it’s a place where myth meets history. As you climb through the ruins and tombs, you walk the same paths as ancient Lycian kings, Roman generals, and Ottoman settlers. Surrounded by mountain views and olive trees, the atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and deeply historic.

Yakapark – Peace and Flavours in Nature

🌳 Yakapark or Şelale Park – Nature, Zipline & Cool Vibes

Early in the tour, your Jeep Safari will stop at either Yakapark or Şelale Park — two charming nature spots nestled in the highlands near Saklıkent. These peaceful rest areas are built around natural springs, waterfalls, and shaded seating areas, offering a refreshing break from the road.

Both places are perfect to:

Cool off in fresh mountain air
Try the optional zipline activity (about £10 extra)
Take scenic photos with rivers, ponds, and natural terraces
Order a drink or snack at the riverside cafes

🧊 Many visitors love dipping their feet into the ice-cold spring water that runs through the restaurant — some even try the “fish spa” tanks or relax on water hammocks!

While the stay here is short (~30 minutes), it’s a calming and beautiful stop that sets the tone for the nature-filled day ahead.

Ziplining – Feel the Flight

Feeling brave? Take your adventure to the skies with a high-speed zipline ride over the rivers and forests. As you glide through the air, you’ll catch panoramic views of the lush valley below — a moment of freedom, adrenaline, and pure joy.

Ringo Rafting – Ride the Rapids

Round off the action with a splash of ringo rafting. Hop into a round inflatable raft and ride the gentle current of the river. It’s fun, safe, and full of laughter – especially when someone unexpectedly gets soaked!

🕳️ Alexander Cave (Girmeler Cave) – Nature’s Hidden Gem in Seydikemer

Tucked away in the Seydikemer district near Fethiye, Alexander Cave—also known locally as Girmeler Cave—is a fascinating natural attraction that’s often included as a bonus stop on Jeep Safari tours in spring and autumn.

🌄 What Makes Alexander Cave Special

A Storied Location: Also called “Büyük İskender’in Mağarası” (Alexander the Great’s Cave), the cave features a dramatic entrance carved into limestone hills.
Natural Wonder: As you step inside, you’ll encounter flowing freshwater, cool temperatures, and echoing chambers shaped over thousands of years—perfect for nature-lovers and explorers.
Easy Access: Tours typically pass by the site. Most groups stop briefly for photos and a short walk around the entrance—sometimes with a chance to step inside.

🗺️ Visitor Experience

When to Visit: Best in spring or autumn for full cave interior access; in summer, stops may be shorter due to tour schedules.
What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket—cave interiors can be cool and slippery.
Tour Tip: If offered a few extra minutes inside the cave, take it! The atmosphere and acoustics make it a memorable detour.

🎯 Why It’s Worth a Quick Detour

Fresh Perspective: Adds geological interest to the day’s adventure with a cool, underground twist.
Photo-Worthy: The cave’s arching entrance and textured rock formations make striking backdrops for your travel shots.
Serendipitous Discovery: Many visitors aren’t expecting a cave visit—so this stop feels like a hidden surprise.