Karacabey Floodplain Forests: Turkey's 2nd Largest Flooded Forest and Safari Guide

A Rare Ecosystem: What is Flooded Forest?

Karacabey Floodplain Forests, located in the delta where the Susurluk (Kocaçay) River flows into the Marmara Sea, on the coast of Bursa's Karacabey district, are a rare ecological miracle in the world. Longoz (flooding) is a tropical-looking ecosystem that occurs when the sand brought by rivers flowing towards the sea forms a bar on the shore, and the river waters rebound and completely submerge the forest floor during the spring.

Karacabey Floodplain, which is Türkiye's 2nd largest floodplain ecosystem after Kırklareli İğneada; It is a huge biodiversity refuge that includes ash, alder, elm and willow forests and Dalyan and Arapçiftliği lakes.

Wonders and Activities to See in Longoz

• Water Lily Lakes (Lotus Flowers): Thousands of giant white water lily flowers completely cover the lake surface between May and July, creating a fairytale visual feast on the water.
• Yılkı Horses and Wildlife: Wild wild horses, water buffalos (buffalos) and roe deer running freely in the swampy plains of the forest give you the feeling of safari.
• Over 200 Bird Species and Bird Watching Tower: Longoz; It is the most critical breeding area for rare migratory birds such as black storks, crested pelicans, swans, herons and flamingoes. You can watch this richness with binoculars from the wooden Bird Observation Tower in the region.
• Canoe Safari and Walking Trail: Paddling a canoe among flooded trees or walking on a walking track equipped with wooden log bridges is a unique nature experience.

Where and How to Get to Karacabey Floodplain?

Longoz Forest is located on the coastline of Boğazköy and Yeniköy, 85 km from Bursa center and 25 km from Karacabey district center.

• By Private Vehicle (Recommended): Reach Karacabey from the Bursa-İzmir highway and follow the Yeniköy / Boğazköy beach signs from there. After Boğazköy, dirt roads within the forest begin; It is recommended to choose a vehicle with a high floor.
• Public Transportation: Minibuses depart from Karacabey district bus station to Yeniköy beach during the summer months; From there you need a taxi or walking to reach the floodplain.

Local Tips for Visitors

• Best Visit Period: The most ideal months to see water lilies and flooded landscapes are May, June and July. In autumn, bird migrations begin.
• Come Prepared: Longoz is a completely untouched and protected nature area; There is no market or restaurant inside. Take plenty of water, snacks, fly repellent spray and spare sneakers with you.
• Yeniköy Beach: After the Longoz tour, you can go to the nearby Yeniköy fishing shelter, walk on the widest beach in Marmara and take a break at the fish restaurants.