Saklikent Gorge & Gizlikent Tour from Kas or Kalkan by Safari Car

Summary

Safari cars splash to gizlikent waterfall and walk saklikent gorge

You’ll ride open-air safari cars from Kas or Kalkan through mountain villages to breakfast in Üzümlü, splash through a water fight en route to Gizlikent Waterfall, eat local lunch, walk barefoot in Saklikent Gorge’s chilly river, explore ancient Xanthos city ruins, and end swimming at Kaputas Beach — all with a local guide who keeps things lively. Expect mud on your shoes and stories to take home.

What’s the experience like?

We piled into these safari cars just after nine in Kas — still a bit groggy, honestly, but the sun was already warming up. Our guide, Cem, waved us over with this big grin and somehow remembered everyone’s names (I always admire that). The drive toward Kalkan was bumpy and loud, with windows down and that dusty mountain air whipping around. I kept catching glimpses of sleepy villages and those purple wildflowers along the road. At Üzümlü Village we stopped for breakfast; strong tea in glass cups, bread so fresh it almost squeaked when you tore it. Someone’s grandma handed out olives from a plastic tub. I’ll never know her name but her smile was basically my welcome to the Taurus Mountains.

After breakfast things got rowdy fast — water guns appeared out of nowhere and suddenly it was all-out war between the cars. I got properly soaked (my fault for sitting by the window), but honestly it felt good in the heat. We reached Gizlikent Waterfall still dripping wet. There’s this wooden path twisting through trees and then suddenly you hear it before you see it — the waterfall roaring down into this cold pool that made my toes go numb. Cem joked about “Turkish cryotherapy” as we waded in. The spray smelled green, like moss and river stones. I lost track of time there.

Lunch came next at some roadside place — chicken or fish with heaps of salad, nothing fancy but exactly what you want after getting half-drowned by your friends. Then Saklikent Gorge: I’d seen photos but didn’t expect how cool the air would feel stepping inside those cliffs, or how loud the Esen River is up close. The current tugged at my ankles while Cem pointed out weird rock shapes (“That one looks like Atatürk if you squint,” he claimed). My shoes filled with grit but I didn’t care — light flickered off wet stone walls way above us and for a minute everyone just went quiet.

We stopped at Xanthos Ancient City too — old stones baking in the sun, lizards darting everywhere, Cem telling stories about Lycian kings while I tried not to trip on uneven steps. Last stop: Kaputas Beach. Blue like nowhere else I’ve been, sand hot underfoot, kids shrieking as they ran straight into the sea. I sat there eating a peach from a roadside stall and thought about how tired (and happy) I felt right then. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari tour to Saklikent Gorge and more

• Meet guests in Kas center
• Travel to Kalkan center by safari car
• Breakfast in Üzümlü Village
• Drive to Gizlikent Waterfall with water fight
• Explore Gizlikent Waterfall gorge
• Lunch break at restaurant
• Visit and walk through Saklikent Gorge
• Pass through Xanthos Ancient City
• Relax at Kaputas Beach

Top questions

How long does the Saklikent Gorge & Gizlikent tour take?

The full day trip starts around 09:30 from Kas Center and includes multiple stops; expect to return late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this safari tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting points are in Kas Center and Kalkan Center before departure.

What should I wear for walking in Saklikent Gorge?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy; water shoes or sandals with grip are best for walking in the river.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included after visiting Gizlikent Waterfall; you can choose chicken or fish with salad.

Are children allowed on the safari car tour?

Yes; infants can ride on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram if needed.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or limited mobility due to uneven terrain and walking in water.

Do we visit Kaputas Beach on this day trip?

Yes; there’s a stop at Kaputas Beach after Xanthos Ancient City for swimming or relaxing.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes; service animals are allowed according to additional info provided.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting point pickup from Kas or Kalkan centers by safari car, Turkish breakfast in Üzümlü Village served by locals, watergun rental for some playful rivalry between vehicles on the road to Gizlikent Waterfall, entry to both Gizlikent Waterfall and Saklikent Gorge (with plenty of time to wade), a simple lunch of chicken or fish with salad at a local restaurant near Saklikent Gorge, visits to Xanthos Ancient City ruins and Kaputas Beach for swimming before heading back late afternoon.