REVIEW · KOS
Kos Land Rover Safari
Book on Viator →Operated by Cretan Holidays · Bookable on Viator
Bumpy dirt roads, big Kos views, and lunch included. This off-road Kos safari uses 4×4 vehicles to reach remote paths above the island, with frequent photo stops and panoramic overlooks that feel far from the usual route.
I like the small-group pace, capped at 6 travelers, so the guide can point out details and keep everyone together on narrow tracks. Lunch at a traditional tavern in Zia Village comes with local food plus wine and coffee, and you’ll get guided breaks every 30 to 40 minutes.
The main drawback is the ride: this trip is not recommended for people with car sickness, fear of heights, or anyone who struggles with bumpy roads.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Watch For
- Off-Roading From Kos Town: The 9:00 Pickup Reality
- The Land Rover Safari Route: Remote Tracks and Mount Dikaios Views
- Photo Stops and Guided Breaks Every 30 to 40 Minutes
- Zia Village Tavern Lunch: Traditional Food, Plus Wine and Coffee
- Small Group (Up to 6) Means Better Attention on Bumpy Roads
- Price Check: Is $144.17 Good Value for What’s Included?
- Comfort Rules: Who Should Skip This Safari
- Weather and Schedule Changes: Minor Adjustments Happen
- Best Fit: Who This Tour Will Feel Great For
- Should You Book the Kos Land Rover Safari?
- FAQ
- How long is the Kos Land Rover Safari?
- What time does the safari start?
- Where can I get picked up?
- What’s the group size?
- Is lunch included, and is wine or coffee included?
- Are drinks included?
- Is the tour available in English?
- Can I request vegetarian food or dietary alternatives?
- Who should not join this safari?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Things I’d Watch For
- Max 6 travelers keeps the safari personal and helps the guide manage photo stops smoothly
- Unpaved off-road routes take you off the main roads into wilder, less touristic areas
- Mount Dikaios area adds big viewpoints and a sense of Kos beyond the shoreline
- Zia Village lunch is built in, with traditional food plus wine and coffee
- Hotel pickup across Kos (Kos Town, Kardamena, Tigkaki, and more) makes the start easy
- Comfort items matter: wear sturdy shoes and consider a jacket in spring and autumn
Off-Roading From Kos Town: The 9:00 Pickup Reality

The day starts at 9:00 am, and you’ll be collected from hotels around Kos, including Kos Town and areas like Kardamena, Mastichari, Marmari, Tigkaki, Lampi, and Agios Fokas. If you’re staying outside the central spots, this pickup list is one of the biggest practical wins—you don’t need to figure out transport or parking.
One thing to plan around: pickup timing can be easy to misunderstand. I’d recommend you double-check the expected pickup window shortly before your safari. It’s the kind of small snag that doesn’t ruin the day, but it can steal your morning calm.
Expect a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking. That helps you show up without paperwork stress.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kos.
The Land Rover Safari Route: Remote Tracks and Mount Dikaios Views

Once you’re loaded, the core of the experience is simple: you’re taking unprotected, unpaved off-road routes through wild, dense vegetation and into more remote corners of the island. This is not a “drive past a viewpoint” tour. The vehicle moves along narrower paths, and the scenery changes fast—from thick greenery to open vistas where Kos looks surprisingly different.
A major highlight is the drive toward the peaks of Mount Dikaios. The payoff is the kind of viewpoint you can’t easily recreate on your own unless you’ve got local know-how and the right vehicle. You’ll also have photo stops, so you’re not just riding past beauty; you can actually pause, frame the shot, and enjoy the view rather than trying to do it on the move.
The terrain is the point, but it’s also why the tour has limits. If you’re sensitive to motion or heights, this is exactly where you might start feeling uncomfortable.
Photo Stops and Guided Breaks Every 30 to 40 Minutes

This safari is built around steady rhythm: you’ll have guided stops every 30–40 minutes. For you, that means fewer long stretches stuck in one posture and more chances to step out, take photos, and regroup. It also makes the route more beginner-friendly, especially if you’re not used to off-road travel.
I really like the way the guide’s role is more than “keep up.” The experience is paced so you can listen, ask questions, and still have time to enjoy the views. One thing to keep in mind: the tour is listed as English, and in real life you may find the narration is mainly in English for the whole group. If that matters for you, confirm the language situation when you book.
Zia Village Tavern Lunch: Traditional Food, Plus Wine and Coffee

The day slows down at the right moment: after reaching the viewpoint areas, you head to Zia Village for lunch at a traditional local tavern. This part matters because it shifts the day from “watching scenery” to “taking a real break.” You get traditional food included, and the tour highlights also mention wine and coffee as part of the included meal.
If you eat vegetarian, plan ahead. Vegetarian alternatives are possible only if you request them at reservation time, and the operator notes alternatives depend on what’s available. The same goes for allergies—you need to share details when booking, and they’ll do their best when suitable options exist.
Drinks beyond what’s included fall under the not-included category. So if you like to stay fully hydrated throughout the day, it’s smart to think about what you’ll want that isn’t listed as included.
Small Group (Up to 6) Means Better Attention on Bumpy Roads

This is a maximum of 6 travelers kind of tour, and you can feel the difference. In small groups, the guide can watch how you’re doing, slow down when someone needs a moment, and handle photo pauses without turning the route into a traffic jam.
It also affects the vibe. Instead of feeling like a commuter on a bus, you get a more “local driver + friends” feel—especially when the guide keeps things lively. One theme I picked up from the guide-style comments is that humor and easy energy are part of the experience, not just the off-road driving.
For families, the small group size can be a plus because everyone’s pace is considered. Still, there are strict age and comfort rules.
Price Check: Is $144.17 Good Value for What’s Included?

At $144.17 per person for about 6–7 hours, you’re paying for more than sightseeing. You’re paying for:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Use of specially equipped vehicles
- A group escort-driver
- Traditional lunch (with wine and coffee mentioned in the highlights)
- Liability insurance and local taxes
- “Admission ticket free” (so you’re not hit with another entrance fee)
Where value can swing is what you expect beyond the drive. Some people want lots of extra perks added on top, while this safari stays focused: off-road route, viewpoints, guided stops, and a meal.
Also, drinks and beverages aren’t listed as included beyond what’s stated with lunch. If you’re the type who expects unlimited extras, you might feel the price more sharply than someone who’s happy with a single included meal and a few included drinks.
Comfort Rules: Who Should Skip This Safari
This is the part I’d take seriously before you book.
The tour is not recommended if you have:
- car sickness
- fear of heights
- sensitivity to bumpy roads
- disabilities or mobility problems
- children under a certain age (specifically, children under 8)
- any situation that makes joining a Jeep-style tour difficult
There’s also a hard line on age categories: infants aren’t allowed, and children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids near the lower end, read the age guidance carefully and be honest about how they handle motion.
What helps you prepare:
- Wear comfortable shoes (trekking shoes or sandals are suggested)
- Bring a camera
- Use sun protection
- In spring and autumn, bring a jacket
That jacket note matters. Even if the day starts warm, off-road routes and changing elevations can make it feel cooler once you’re higher up.
Weather and Schedule Changes: Minor Adjustments Happen
Like most outdoor tours, the operator reserves the right to make minor changes without prior notice, especially if weather conditions make adjustments necessary. That’s not a red flag—it’s normal for off-road driving, where visibility and road safety can change quickly.
For you, the best mindset is flexible expectations. You’re booking the experience type—off-road exploring—so a small route adjustment is still part of the adventure rather than a disappointment.
Best Fit: Who This Tour Will Feel Great For
This safari is ideal for people who want an experience beyond the ordinary. The tour works especially well for:
- youth groups
- singles and couples
- families with children from 8 years old
- companies (where the small group feel still matters)
It’s also a strong choice if you want views that don’t require renting a car and figuring out roads on your own. The whole point is getting access to remote paths and panoramic perspectives that are tough to reach at this level of comfort without a prepared vehicle and local guiding.
If you prefer flat, easy walking and smooth routes, you might find this style of travel too intense.
Should You Book the Kos Land Rover Safari?
Book it if you want:
- a small group off-road day
- chances for real viewpoints over Kos
- included traditional lunch with wine and coffee
- hotel pickup so you can focus on the scenery
Skip or think twice if:
- you get motion sick
- heights make you tense
- you need step-free or very smooth transportation
- you’re expecting a long list of extras beyond driving, viewpoints, and the included meal
One last practical tip: when you book, make a note to confirm your pickup timing and language expectations. A simple check can prevent a tense start, and then you can enjoy what you came for—unusual angles of Kos, reached by dirt roads instead of paved ones.
FAQ
How long is the Kos Land Rover Safari?
It’s listed as about 7 hours (around 6–7 hours).
What time does the safari start?
The start time is 9:00 am.
Where can I get picked up?
Pickup is offered from hotels in Kos, Kardamena, Mastichari, Marmari, Tigkaki, Lampi, Kos Town, and Agios Fokas.
What’s the group size?
This activity has a maximum of 6 travelers.
Is lunch included, and is wine or coffee included?
Yes. Lunch with traditional food is included, and the highlights also mention wine and coffee.
Are drinks included?
Drinks and beverages are listed as not included.
Is the tour available in English?
The tour is offered in English.
Can I request vegetarian food or dietary alternatives?
Yes. Vegetarian alternatives are possible if you request them upon reservation. The same applies to allergies, and alternatives depend on what can be found.
Who should not join this safari?
It’s not recommended for people with car sickness, fear of heights, bumpy-road sensitivity, disabilities or mobility problems, and children under 8. Infants aren’t allowed.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.
























