Jeep Safari Review: Saklikent, Gizlikent, Xanthos – A Wild Ride
Okay, so, you’re looking into taking a Jeep Safari that hits Saklikent Gorge, Gizlikent Waterfall, and Xanthos Ancient City, maybe? Well, I am here to tell you everything about this amazing, messy, and utterly unforgettable day trip from, you know, somewhere along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Get ready, that is because it really is going to be bumpy!
What to Expect from Your Jeep Safari
What does a Jeep Safari that tries to cram three huge sights into one day even look like, you are thinking, maybe? Well, it all kind of begins early. It is usually around 8 or 9 AM, too, that your hotel is where you are picked up. Be ready for a convoy, actually! Instead of just one jeep, it’s often a line of these off-road vehicles all crammed full of excited tourists. Don’t expect comfort, honestly. These are working jeeps, too it’s almost like they are made for getting muddy and wet, yet not always, you know, having suspension.
The drive itself, frankly, that really is a big part of the fun. You’ll wind through some really local villages, maybe see farmers working in the fields, also wave to kids, that is because everyone wants to say hello to the crazy jeep convoy. The guides, alright, that’s where they typically are fantastic; they keep the vibe upbeat with jokes and stories, and sometimes there is some questionable karaoke. You might get soaked with water pistols, anyway. Oh yeah, and so there may very well be a lot of dust, definitely pack a scarf or bandana!
Saklikent Gorge: A Walk Through Cool Waters
Okay, so the first major stop really tends to be Saklikent Gorge, then? This place actually is genuinely something! Saklikent, alright, it is one of the deepest canyons around this area, and it has icy cold river water rushing right through it. Walking into the gorge, at first, I mean, you will be paddling through some seriously cold water, but honestly you very soon get used to it, at least, you know, pretty much.
You can basically wander surprisingly far back into the gorge, in that case. It’s that deep that it actually seems to keep on going forever, even! There may be places to stop for mud baths, in a way. They kind of say that it is good for the skin – even though, well, I personally did not notice a whole load of difference, but still, it is just a bit of fun. Just a bit farther in and people will likely be relaxing at little riverside cafes and that is, if you have had enough walking, like your’e able to actually grab a cup of Turkish coffee and have a rest.
Gizlikent Waterfall: A Hidden Paradise
Gizlikent Waterfall, that might be next on your itinerary, similarly to if your tour runs like mine did! If Saklikent maybe is all about that impressive scale, Gizlikent is something a bit smaller and more… magical. The main thing is you kind of have to walk through a small, cold river to get to it. Be warned: it is actually quite slippery underfoot.
As you reach it, then that water almost seems to suddenly tumble over the rocks, it is just that cold but very, very refreshing. Actually, most people jump straight in for a swim right there, because why not! Or maybe just chill there in the cool mist. It is truly is just a gorgeous little escape.
Xanthos Ancient City: History Among the Ruins
And now we go on from the water to something completely different! Xanthos Ancient City, that really is another of the spots this trip is able to offer you. What a fascinating spot. Xanthos once may have been the capital, arguably, of ancient Lycia, also this site actually is steeped in history.
Like your getting to just walk around, and you may see that so much of the site still remains in pretty good condition, so! I’m talking tombs and monuments, anyway; you actually feel transported back in time when, basically, you are just walking around, just picturing the lives lived out in that location centuries ago.
Do take photos if, basically, that really is something you are fond of; it may be worth remembering to try and find some shade while here. It is very, very exposed at Xanthos, so there is actually very little in the way of shade to be had, basically; bring water.
Things to Consider Before You Book
Jeep Safari Saklikent Gizlikent Xanthos: It actually really is quite an experience, but there might be some stuff that, actually, you will want to consider before booking a tour.
- What to Wear: If you can bring stuff you are okay getting either muddy or wet – sometimes both – this really tends to be the best plan of action! Swimsuits, shorts, and quick-drying clothes. Then really think about wearing some kind of water shoes for clambering about in the riverbeds.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, shades, any of course that camera! Also, really just make sure you put everything inside a waterproof bag. Oh and so then maybe a towel, just so you can sit down later in something other than a completely sodden pair of shorts.
- Food and Drink: Actually, often the jeep safari comes with lunch, but also double-check! Either way really do think about packing just some water. If it’s a hot day you will really soon get thirsty, I’m honest with you!
- Physical Considerations: In places like Gizlikent, so that area can be tricky to navigate. When you mix together uneven ground and rapidly moving, bitterly cold, river water. It just tends to be really physically taxing. I really wouldn’t attempt to come here with mobility issues or you are just not up for the physical challenge.
- The Crowds: What tends to happen is that any really really amazing experience becomes very, very popular, then naturally that results in a massive queue of people that need to do whatever the attraction is, actually. Be prepared to accept this. In high season, therefore, anticipate crowded conditions at all the sites, yet there is so much fun to be had. So it makes it very much worthwhile!
Alright, so, if you love great outdoors with a dash of exploring then I absolutely tell you not to miss out on one of these jeep safaris, clearly! Just accept you will likely get dusty, you may well get muddy and you just will get soaked with water. Accept also that you will remember your jeep safari across Saklikent Gorge, Gizlikent Waterfall and also Xanthos forever.