In short
- Submersible water shoes with strong grip.
- Quick-dry clothing and a dry change of clothes.
- Waterproof dry bags for all electronics.
In this article
Getting ready for Saklikent Gorge means preparing to get very wet and very cold. The river runs between 5°C and 8°C (41°F to 46°F) year-round. You need gear that handles frigid currents, slippery rocks, and blazing summer sun on the open jeep safaris.
What shoes should you wear to Saklikent Gorge?
You must wear submersible water shoes with high-traction rubber soles.
Do not bring flip-flops. The riverbed is incredibly slippery and the current is strong. Flip-flops will wash away instantly. Water shoes provide the grip you need to push against the fast-moving water in the main 4-kilometer walkable section.
What clothes are best for the canyon?
Wear quick-dry clothing or swimwear while hiking through the river.
You will get wet up to your waist, and sometimes higher. Cotton clothing stays cold and heavy. Bring a complete change of dry clothes and a travel towel. Leave these in your car or the tour bus while you wade. If you visit the Riverside Mud Baths on a safari, wear a dark or old swimsuit.
How do you protect your phone and valuables?
Use a fully waterproof dry bag for all electronics and valuables.
Dropping items in the river is a common risk. A proper dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and camera from the freezing river and the aggressive water fights on jeep tours. Ensure the bag is sealed correctly before stepping off the 200-meter wooden boardwalk.
Do you need sun protection in the gorge?
Yes, you need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for unshaded sections.
The 300-meter (984-foot) limestone walls block out some sun, but open areas get hot. If you ride an open-top jeep from Fethiye, you will sit in direct sunlight for hours. Pack a warm layer for the morning, especially if you travel early in the day or during the shoulder season.
What else should you bring to Saklikent National Park?
Bring physical cash in Turkish Lira and a water gun for jeep tours.
You need cash to pay the adult entrance fee (around 250 TL) (around this, check on arrival). You also need cash for restrooms, lockers, and riverside platform cafes. The Turkish Museum Pass (Müzekart) is not accepted here. If you join a jeep safari, a large water gun is highly recommended for the road battles.
What should you leave behind?
Leave drones, expensive jewelry, and non-waterproof gear at your hotel.
Drones are strictly restricted within Saklıkent National Park and cannot be flown. Valuables like jewelry can easily slip off in the freezing water. Only carry what you absolutely need for the 1-2 hour river wade.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need water shoes for Saklikent Gorge?
Yes. The riverbed is very slippery and the current is strong. Flip-flops are not safe. You need submersible water shoes with strong rubber grip to navigate the submerged rocks.
How cold is the water in Saklikent Gorge?
The Karaçay River water maintains a freezing temperature of 5°C to 8°C (41°F to 46°F) year-round. It is very cold even during peak summer months.
What should I wear to the mud baths?
If your jeep tour stops at the riverside mud baths, wear a dark or old swimsuit. The natural clay can cause stubborn stains on light-colored clothing.
