Longoz Ormanlari is one of Karacabey’s biggest attractions. The approximately 5000-acre area is the location where river, lake, swamp, dunes, and forest combine into one – each with it’s own fascinating ecosystem. This delta region is caused when waters from the rainy season push the accumulated silt and sand into the river’s outlet to the sea, blocking the water’s exit and thereby causing a buildup of water on the forest floor. Eventually, the buildup pushes out and the water drains to the Sea of Marmara, leaving the swamp land empty of water, but teaming with lush greenery.

The swamp houses countless types of vegetation including ash, alder, and willow trees. It is also a favorite place for birding, boasting 217+ different varieties of birds including black storks, swamp swallows, various herons, woodpeckers, and eagles. But one of Longoz’s most famous life-forms is the dung beetle. These incredible creatures reside in the sand dunes close to the sea, collecting animal droppings from the wandering cows and other wildlife before burying it in the soft earth. Able to bury as much as 250 times their own weight in a single day, these beetles are wonderous and entertaining to observe.

Another notable feature in Longoz is the African hut village, created as the set for the movie Recep Ivedik 6. The village is meant to replicate a Kenyan atmosphere and (when open to visitors) is interesting to experience.

While the spring and summer months might prove to be a bit more vibrant, our fall-visit was thoroughly satisfying. Don’t miss visiting this, one of Bursa’s hidden adventures. And on your way, be sure to pick up some fresh pine honey from one of the many road stands!

Additional Sources:

• Bursa Gezi Rehberi. 2020. Karacabey Longoz Ormanları Rehberi - Bursa Gezi Rehberi. [online] Available at: <https://www.bursageziyorum.com/karacabey-longozu/#1> [Accessed 31 October 2020].

• Celikkol, U., 2020. Karacabey Longoz Ormanları. [online] Hurriyet.com.tr. Available at: <https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/yazarlar/ugur-celikkol/karacabey-longoz-ormanlari-41562870> [Accessed 31 October 2020].

• IMDb. 2020. Recep Ivedik 6 (2019) - Imdb. [online] Available at: <https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7399138/locations?ref_=tt_dt_dt> [Accessed 31 October 2020].

• Yilmaz, E., 2020. Karacabey Longoz Ormanları. [online] Bursa.com.tr | Tüm Renkleriyle Bursa. Available at: <https://www.bursa.com.tr/karacabey-longozu-32110.html?lang=en> [Accessed 31 October 2020].