A quad safari through the Taurus foothills near Side and Manavgat is many things: dusty, muddy, splashy and enormous fun. What it is not is a place for your smart holiday outfit. Get the clothing right and you will spend the whole ride grinning instead of worrying about your trainers. Below is a straightforward guide to what to wear and what to bring, based on how these off-road trails actually behave.
The golden rule: wear old clothes
This is the single most important thing to remember. On the trail you will kick up fine dust, ride through churned-up mud and, more often than not, finish the day in a friendly water fight. Whatever you wear will get dirty, and some of that dust and mud may not wash out completely. So leave the crisp white shirt and the new outfit at the hotel. Reach instead for older clothes you would not mind sacrificing to the trail.
Think comfortable and forgiving: a T-shirt or long-sleeved top, plus shorts or light trousers you can move in freely. Longer sleeves and trouser legs give a little extra cover from sun, dust and the odd scratchy bush, which many riders prefer. In cooler months a light layer or hoodie keeps the wind off. Because we ride most of the year, dress for the season and check the weather before you set off.
Closed shoes are essential
Footwear matters more than people expect. You control the quad with your feet, and the trail is rocky, wet and slippery in places, so closed shoes with a proper grip are essential. Old trainers are perfect. Flip-flops, sandals and open shoes are a genuinely bad idea: they slide off, offer no protection and will be caked in mud within minutes. Bring shoes you are happy to get thoroughly wet and dirty, and pack a clean, dry pair for the journey home.
Protect your eyes
Dust is the constant companion of any quad safari, especially if you are riding behind someone. Your eyes will thank you for a little protection. Sunglasses shield you from both sun and grit, while proper goggles are even better on very dry, dusty days. A cap or a buff pulled up over the nose helps keep the dust out too. We provide helmets and the safety gear you need, along with a briefing and a short practice lap so you feel confident before the real ride begins, but personal eye protection is well worth bringing.
What to bring in a small bag
- A full change of clothes and a towel for afterwards, kept in the car or at the meeting point.
- Sun cream and a hat, as the Antalya sun is strong for much of the year.
- Water to stay hydrated on warm days.
- A second pair of dry shoes for the trip back.
- Your phone or camera, ideally in a waterproof pouch or sealed bag, since dust and water do not mix well with electronics.
- A little cash, handy for snacks or drinks at the stop.
What gets dusty and what gets muddy
Being realistic helps you pack well. On dry sections, fine powdery dust settles over everything: your arms, your hair, your sunglasses and your shoes. Where streams cross the track, you hit mud and puddles, which spray up your legs and back. And when the water fight breaks out at the end, expect to be soaked from head to toe. None of this is a problem when you have dressed for it, and honestly, arriving back muddy and laughing is half the point.
You don't need experience or special kit
You do not need any licence, riding experience or specialist clothing to join. Everyone gets a clear safety briefing, a practice lap and all the gear required, so beginners feel at home from the start. Come as you are in your old clothes and closed shoes, and we will handle the rest.
Ready to feel the dust and splash through the streams? Take a look at our quad safari and pick the ride that suits you, or explore all our tours across the Antalya region. Booking direct with us gets you the best price, and there is no prepayment: you simply pay the guide on the day.