Review: Paphos Akamas Gorge & Turtle Bay Jeep Tour with Donkey Farm

Alright, so you’re maybe thinking of ditching the resort for a bit and seeing a different side of Cyprus? A Jeep tour to Akamas Gorge, Turtle Bay, plus a visit to a Donkey Farm, that sounds like it might tick some boxes, right? Basically, that’s exactly what I did, and I’m just going to give you the lowdown on if this tour is basically worthwhile, alright?

Off-Roading Through Akamas Gorge

First up, so the Akamas Gorge part. Oh my goodness. We were piled into the Jeep and off we went, right? Rather quickly, it transformed from the asphalt road to basically what felt like driving on the surface of the moon. A little bumpy? Kind of an understatement, frankly. So be prepared to, in a way, be shaken, not stirred. I am just saying! The views though? Seriously, breathtaking. In that case, imagine towering rock walls either side of you, twisting pathways, and the feeling of being properly out in what could be the wilderness, right? Our driver, so he was a local guy, told us bits about the local plants and wildlife, yet to be honest I was just hanging on most of the time, you know?

Basically, it really is an adventure though. You’re jolting over rocks, maybe splashing through little streams – if it’s been raining anyway – and taking in that kind of stark beauty, right? Just remember that, arguably, it’s perhaps not for the fainthearted or anyone with, like, a dodgy back! However, assuming you’re up for it, it can actually be a quite exciting bit of the tour. That’s fair, I think. Basically, just expect things to be a little dusty, right?

Chilling Out at Turtle Bay

Right then, next stop, so Turtle Bay. By the way, after all that off-roading, so this really did feel like what could be an oasis. Maybe even a mirage! The water? Seriously clear and blue. Kind of postcard perfect. Obviously, don’t expect a beach with rows of sunbeds. In a way, it’s far more natural. Basically, it’s, in some respects, quite rugged and unspoiled. As a matter of fact, that’s, in some ways, the charm.

So you can paddle in the water, obviously take a swim, plus even attempt a bit of sunbathing on the rocks if that’s what you fancy, I don’t know, but for me, right, the main thing was just how relaxed it all was. Alright, so our tour group all spread out, like your, just enjoying the tranquility, right? Though it is called Turtle Bay, as I was saying, we sadly didn’t actually spot any turtles, in fact. But in a way, knowing they potentially hang out there gives it kind of something a little special, that’s all. Basically, pack your swimsuit and a towel for that stop!

A Visit to Remember at a Donkey Farm

Alright then, so onto what could be the Donkey Farm. Actually, this was, I’d say, unexpectedly heartwarming. Of course, donkeys are pretty adorable. Fact. Yet actually interacting with these creatures really does feel quite special, alright? These weren’t just any old donkeys; in a way, they really did seem well looked after, that’s so true, and really friendly.

Now, so the farm that we were at had all sorts of activities planned. I think! You could potentially help with grooming, you know, plus learn a bit about the donkeys, or just give them a cuddle, or a pat, if that’s what you were after, really, but the absolute highlight was basically the donkey ride. Just a little trek around the farm, I suppose, but, literally, plodding along on top of one of these super cute animals, I am just saying it, it gives you that sort of silly grin kind of plastered all over your face. Araguably. Basically, it’s just pure, that’s a fact, simple pleasure, very. The farm we were at had a little taverna. And so we ate lunch there, of course. You might be able to, if you want, sample some local Cypriot food. Which, if you ask me, actually tastes better after, sort of, bonding with a donkey! I do think that it would make your holiday really.

What You Might Need To Know: The Small Print

Alright, so before you go splashing your cash and basically booking this, I’m just saying you might need to be aware of just a couple of things, of course. This isn’t a luxury coach trip, so, to be honest, you need to kind of expect a bit of a bumpy ride. It depends how you look at it though, eh? And, of course, it gets extremely dusty on those off-road bits, as I said, basically wear clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in dirt. Just wear what you’ve got, alright? I would though, say it’s probably very important that you wear suitable shoes too, in that case. That means trainers or walking shoes rather than, that, I’d have thought, flip-flops, clearly.

It’s probably extremely wise to pack sunscreen and a hat. You really do get quite a lot of sun even when you’re out and about. So staying protected from sunburn would be a priority, so they tell me. This particular tour was a full-day thing, in fact. Of course that could easily mean a solid six to seven hours out and about. If you ask me. And I would imagine this might be a point to think about if you actually have got small children with you. Are they gonna get very bored with all that time travelling? It’s probably, you might feel, too much, literally? So, similarly to some of those activities at the Donkey Farm, it is just always best, as a matter of fact, to just double-check beforehand if they suit people with mobility issues. Or even accessibility needs, actually. The tour companies actually are super helpful, they really are! It turns out.

Overall Vibe: Is It Worth It?

So, you may be asking yourself. Should I or shouldn’t I? Overall? Right then. This Paphos Akamas Gorge and Turtle Bay Jeep tour, followed by the Donkey Farm is kind of a great way to have experiences beyond the usual, the everyday, on your hols, eh? It might sound appealing? It takes in everything! Action, views and just super sweet animals, eh? Is that OK? And in that way, actually gets you properly out into the landscape. You really won’t have seen it from the beachside. Probably. Maybe that’s not always your thing, though? If, similarly to me, you like the feeling of escaping the typical tourist traps, or resorts, right? Then this is basically up your street, OK?

Oh yeah. One that’s both, like your, informative and properly unforgettable. So there you go. That’s basically it. One that is, by the way, is both extremely informative and properly something to tell people back home! Now you’ve read this though, I suppose, just be fully ready for a little bit of adventure. If that helps, I guess? You do need, probably to enjoy animals plus be prepared for some bumpy fun, actually, if that works? I think! But ultimately, in that case, it really does show you another side of Paphos, alright? So I guess you’d best get booking? If this helps at all, of course. You can, like your, thank me later!