10-Day Central Anatolia Birding: Goksu, Aladaglar and Akyatan
Give time to the Goksu Delta, Aladaglar mountain birds, Sultan Marsh and Akyatan Lagoon on a ten-day circuit beginning and ending in the Adana region.
About this tour
Repeated outings at the principal sites distinguish this ten-day central Anatolian route. Three nights near Tasucu provide a base for the Goksu Delta and neighboring Mediterranean habitats. Two nights each around Demirkazik and Sultan Marsh then allow the journey to move from high-mountain birds to inland wetland and steppe before finishing with Akyatan Lagoon.
The opening Goksu day concentrates on waterbirds and migrating waders. The following outing adds Uzuncaburc, where maquis, pine forest and ancient ruins offer a different set of birding opportunities, with a possible return to the delta later in the day. A further wetland morning precedes the transfer across the Taurus Mountains toward Aladaglar.
Caspian Snowcock is the focus of an early mountain excursion from Demirkazik. A tractor and trailer carries the group along a rough track, with snow conditions determining how high the outing can go. The surrounding slopes may also produce accentors, choughs and finches. Sultan Marsh follows, with time for both waterbirds and the birds of the nearby steppe before the return toward the Mediterranean coast.
Akyatan is visited on the approach to Adana and again for a dedicated field day. The tour runs from the Adana region and includes nine nights in hotels and village pensions, shared-room accommodation, an English-speaking leader and the specified meals and ground transfers. The suggested season extends from April through October; the bird mix changes within that period, and access to higher ground remains weather dependent.
Dinner service at the accommodation is normally available until 20:30–21:00. Lunches are packed or taken at local restaurants where available.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Turkey.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Tasucu
Meet the tour representative for the journey from the Adana region to Tasucu. Settle into the hotel that serves as the base for the next three nights. Overnight: Mersin Tasucu hotel stay. Meals: dinner.
Day 2
Goksu Delta field day
Leave early to explore the delta's wetlands for ducks, herons, waders and other waterside birds. Spend the day in the area before returning to Tasucu. Overnight: Mersin Tasucu hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3
Uzuncaburc and Mediterranean habitats
Visit the maquis, pine woodland and ruins around Uzuncaburc for a change from open-water birding. Later, return to the Goksu area for further observation if time permits. Overnight: Mersin Tasucu hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
Last wetland morning and Aladaglar
Bird a marshy part of the delta after breakfast, then cross the Taurus Mountains toward Demirkazik. A gorge walk may be possible on arrival before the overnight stay in mountain accommodation. Overnight: mountain hut or pension near Demirkazik in Aladaglar. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5
High-mountain snowcock search
Use a tractor and trailer for a pre-dawn ascent on a rough mountain track. Aim for an observation point at first light; snow may limit the outing around 1,500 metres or allow access toward 3,000 metres, followed by a descent for breakfast or lunch. Overnight: mountain hut or pension near Demirkazik in Aladaglar. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6
Aladaglar to Ovacikciftlik
Continue looking for mountain birds until midday before changing habitats. Travel to Sultan Marsh and overnight at a small pension in Ovacikciftlik. Overnight: village pension in Ovacikciftlik, near Sultan Marsh. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7
Sultan Marsh and surrounding steppe
Devote the day to the reserve's wetland birds, with opportunities for pelicans, ducks, gulls and terns. Inspect adjacent steppe habitat as well, then return to the village pension. Overnight: village pension in Ovacikciftlik, near Sultan Marsh. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8
Toward Adana and Akyatan
Leave Sultan Marsh and travel south via Adana to Akyatan Lagoon. Look for waterbirds and other coastal-wetland species before returning to Adana overnight. Overnight: Adana hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9
A full day at Akyatan
Return to Akyatan for another day exploring the lagoon and its surroundings. The extra field time allows further searches before the evening drive back to Adana. Overnight: Adana hotel stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10
Departure transfer
Have breakfast at the hotel before the departure transfer. Airport arrangements complete the ten-day circuit in the Adana region. Meals: breakfast.
Locations & map
- Adana - Turkey
- Tasucu - Turkey
- Goksu Delta - Turkey
- Uzuncaburc - Turkey
- Demirkazik - Turkey
- Aladaglar Mountains - Turkey
- Sultan Marsh - Turkey
- Ovacikciftlik - Turkey
- Akyatan Lagoon - Turkey
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Included
- Private-vehicle travel between the places in the itinerary
- One arrival transfer and one departure transfer
- English-speaking Demavend tour leader
- Standard hotel or pension rooms shared as a double or twin
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
- Lunches as packed meals or at local restaurants where available
- Entry to Aladaglar National Park
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Extra transport and additional airport transfers
- Site entry charges except those specifically included
- Optional activities
- Meals outside the stated allowance
- Drinks, including bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee
- Personal spending and equipment
- Extra nights, single-room supplements and room upgrades
- Gratuities
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.