Last Updated on June 11, 2023
Camel riding is a unique and thrilling way to experience the beauty of the desert.
For thousands of years, camels have been an essential part of desert life, serving as transportation and companions to the people who call the desert home.
Today, camel riding has become a popular tourist activity, offering visitors the chance to see the desert from a different perspective and immerse themselves in the culture and history of the region.
But before you embark on a camel riding adventure, there are a few things you should know.
How to Ride a Camel
The first step in camel riding is to approach the camel from the side, slowly and confidently. Never look a camel directly in the eyes, as this can be seen as a sign of aggression.
When the camel is sitting, you can mount it by throwing your leg over the middle of the humps and quickly getting on.
It’s important to hold onto the saddle as the camel stands up, and to lean back as it starts to rise. Once it’s on its front legs, you can then lean forward and get comfortable.
It’s important to remember that a camel’s walk is different from that of a horse. Instead of fighting against the camel’s gait, it’s best to let your body sway with the movement and hold onto the saddle posts for support.
And while it may be tempting to try and control the animal, it’s best to let the camel’s master do the steering.
Riding a camel is not difficult, but it does take some practice. The key is to approach the camel slowly and confidently, mount it quickly, and hold onto the saddle as the camel stands up.
Once you’re on the camel, let your body sway with the movement and hold onto the saddle posts for support. Remember, it’s best to let the camel’s master do the steering and avoid trying to control the animal yourself.
What to wear
Long pants and long socks are a must to protect your skin from the camel’s rough hair and friction. It is also important to note that the smell of camel can be hard to remove, so wearing clothes that can be easily laundered is recommended.
Furthermore, when you are riding a camel in the desert, a sun hat and sunglasses are also necessary to protect your face from the sun, and a long scarf or bandana can be used to protect your face in case of a dust storm. Sunscreen is a must have and needs to be reapplied every couple of hours.
The camel ride can last for several hours and you want to be comfortable throughout the journey. Avoid tight fitting clothes, as they can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Additionally, an outfit that allows for easy movement is ideal, as you will be swaying with the camel’s movements and need to adjust your position frequently. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended.
Is it ethical to ride a camel?
Camel riding is a centuries-old tradition that is deeply rooted in the cultures of many desert regions around the world.
When done ethically, camel riding can be a wonderful way to experience the beauty and culture of these regions, while also supporting the local communities that rely on camels for transportation, trade, and livelihoods.
Ethical camel riding providers prioritize the well-being of the camels, ensuring that they are well-cared for and not overworked.
They also provide riders with proper training and equipment, and educate them on how to safely and respectfully interact with the camels. Additionally, many ethical camel riding providers also support conservation efforts to protect and preserve the desert habitats that these majestic animals call home.
Overall, when done responsibly, camel riding can be a unique and enriching experience that benefits both riders and camels alike.
It’s important to research the specific practices of the tour operator or camel owner before engaging in camel riding.
Look for tour operators that prioritize the welfare of their animals, such as providing proper veterinary care, regular rest and water breaks, and limiting the weight carried by each camel.
Avoid operators that use cruel training methods or force camels to carry riders for long periods of time without rest.
On average, most camels can carry a weight of around 200 pounds.
Where Can You Ride a Camel
From Egypt’s pyramids to the vast deserts of Morocco and the Arabian Peninsula, there are many destinations around the world where you can ride camels and explore the desert landscape.
In Egypt, you can take a camel ride through the Sahara desert and visit the pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In Morocco, you can explore the vast sand dunes of the Sahara and take a camel trek through the desert to see the beautiful sunset.
On the Arabian Peninsula, you can take a camel ride through the desert and experience the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, visiting traditional desert camps and tasting delicious local cuisine.
In addition to these well-known destinations, there are also many lesser-known places where you can experience camel riding such as the deserts and coastal dunes of Australia, Japan, California and Nevada.
But for those in North America, one of the most popular destinations for camel riding is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Camel Riding in Cabo San Lucas
Located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and world-class resorts.
But what many visitors may not know is that it is also a great place to experience the thrill of camel riding.
To reach Cabo San Lucas, you can fly into Los Cabos International Airport, which is located just a short drive from the city. Once you’re there, you can take a tour to explore the desert landscape and ride camels.
Many tour operators offer camel riding excursions, which typically include a guided tour of the desert, a camel ride, and a traditional Mexican meal.
One of the best ways to experience camel riding in Cabo San Lucas is through a sunset tour.
These tours usually start in the late afternoon, allowing you to witness the beautiful colors of the desert as the sun sets.
The tour guides are well experienced and will provide you with all the necessary information about how to ride a camel. They will also take you through the desert to explore the beautiful landscapes that are unique to the area.
Recommended tours
Read also: Can you ride a ostrich?
Your n°1 source of information on the world of sandsports and desert adventure travel. Our articles are the result of extensive research, personal experience, and knowledge-sharing within the global sandboarding community.
