Adverse weather redirects tourists in Cappadocia to jeep safaris instead of hot air balloon
Tourists embark on jeep safaris in Cappadocia as adverse weather conditions hinder hot air balloon flights in Nevsehir, Türkiye, February 17, 2025. (AA Photo)
Cappadocia‘s hot air balloon flights have been grounded due to adverse conditions, prompting tourists to shift their interest to thrilling jeep safari tours.
Weather disruptions in Cappadocia: A hot air balloon haven
Cappadocia, renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of hot air balloon tours in the world, has been experiencing severe weather, including snow, wind, and fog.
These conditions have grounded balloon flights since Feb. 5. As a result, local and international tourists have turned their attention to off-road Jeep safaris to explore the stunning landscapes.
Jeep safaris gaining popularity among tourists
Instead of soaring above the fairy chimneys, tourists are now heading out on jeep tours, discovering Cappadocia‘s valleys by land. Visitors are immersing themselves in the region’s natural beauty as they navigate the winding paths of the valleys.
These safari tours have been increasingly popular since the cancellation of balloon rides.
Tourists enthusiastically explore Cappadocia by jeep
Tourists visiting Cappadocia have been flocking to jeep tours, offering them a chance to explore the fairy chimneys and other unique geological formations up close.
In Goreme and surrounding areas, guests are eagerly hopping into vehicles to drive through valleys, snapping photos at various scenic stops along the way.
Excitement over jeep safaris among tourists
Among the visitors, Jung Sunhee from South Korea shared her experience. She had eagerly anticipated a hot air balloon ride but was disappointed because of the weather.
“I didn’t expect this kind of scenery in Türkiye. It’s beautiful here. Unfortunately, there are no balloon flights these days. I would have liked to see this view from the air,” Sunhee said.
Lee Yung Ga, a repeat visitor, expressed his excitement about discovering Cappadocia differently. “I came here 15 years ago, and it was beautiful then. It’s even more captivating now. It reminds me of the Grand Canyon in the U.S., but this place is far more mesmerizing, which is why I returned with my wife. We’re having a great time,” Lee shared.
Jeep safari tours become a top activity in Cappadocia
Halil Atay, the owner of a company that organizes jeep tours for tourists, highlighted how the region’s photo safaris have become a popular alternative since the balloon flights were grounded.
“For the past two weeks, the balloons haven’t been able to fly. Safari tours have become the go-to alternative for tourists to explore the region. We continue to introduce guests to Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys,” Atay explained.
He also noted that despite the weather disruptions, the region remains a top destination for tourists seeking alternative activities year-round.
“We organize photo safaris in areas such as Gılludere, Kılıçlar, and Ask valleys, as well as parts of the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Tourists from countries like South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have been joining our tours. We keep offering various alternative activities throughout the year,” he added.
Atay emphasized that Cappadocia’s vast landscapes and diverse range of activities make it a year-round tourism hotspot.
