Why camel ride in dubai desert safari Beat All My Expectations
So, I went to Dubai thinking camel riding was gonna be some cheesy tourist thing. Wrong! First time climbing on one of these giants, my legs were shaking like crazy. The camel stood up and I thought I was gonna fall off backwards. But man, after 10 minutes I didn’t want it to end. These creatures have been hauling people across sand for centuries and they know exactly what they’re doing.
Dubai’s Desert – Way Bigger Than You Think
The conservation areas here aren’t some tiny sand patches behind a hotel. We’re talking about massive spaces where you can’t see civilization anywhere. It’s dead quiet out there except for wind and your camel’s footsteps. First time experiencing that level of silence? Mind blown.
Best Times – Don’t Make My Mistake
Morning Rides Hit Different
Getting up at dawn sucks but sunrise camel rides are worth it. Temperature’s perfect, camels seem happier, and you get the whole desert to yourself basically. I made the mistake of booking afternoon once – way too hot and crowded.
Sunset Trips Are Instagram Gold
Evening rides get busy, but I understand why. Desert turns into this crazy light show with colors you can’t even name. Your photos will make friends back home super jealous.
Different Camel Experiences Available
Quick Taste Rides
Never touched a camel before. Start with 20–30-minute rides. Gets you familiar without committing to hours on camel back. My mom did this and loved it even though she was terrified initially.
Proper Desert Adventures
Hour-plus journeys take you deep into wilderness where you visit real Bedouin camps. These families still live traditionally, and their desert survival stories are fascinating. Way cooler than any museum.
Hardcore Overnight Camping
Sleep in desert after full day camel trekking. Not kidding – this changed how I think about nature. Zero light pollution means you see stars like never before.
Safety Stuff – Important To Know
Professional Training Matters
Emirates Desert Tours takes safety seriously. Their guides know each camel personally and teach proper techniques before you get anywhere near the animals. No rushing, no shortcuts.
Health Warnings Worth Knowing
Pregnant women shouldn’t ride camel’s period. Back problems? Check with doctors first. Otherwise, most people handle it fine but mention concerns upfront rather than discovering problems halfway through your ride.
What Riding Camels Actually Feels Like
The Scary Getting-On Part
Camel kneels, you climb up, then brace yourself! It stands at the rear-end first so you lean forward hard, then front-end so you lean backward. Sounds terrifying, feels dramatic, but happens every single time the same way.
Once You’re Moving
After initial freakout, riding becomes strangely peaceful. The rocking motion almost puts you to sleep if you’re not careful! Being up high gives incredible views while staying cooler than ground level.
Wild Animals Everywhere
Saw Arabian oryx during my ride – these huge antelopes with perfectly straight horns. Desert foxes dart around constantly. Birds everywhere even though it looks like nothing could live out there.
Taking Photos That Don’t Suck
Light Changes Everything
Golden hour isn’t just photographer nonsense – desert light during sunrise/sunset makes ordinary scenes look incredible. Midday sun creates harsh shadows and washes out colors completely.
Protect Your Gear or Regret It
Sand gets into everything, and I mean everything. Phone speakers stop working, camera buttons get stuck, charging ports clog up. Learned this the hard way my first trip.
Camel History Most People Don’t Know
How Dubai Started
Before oil money, before skyscrapers, Dubai existed because camel caravans brought spices, silk and pearls across impossible distances. Modern Dubai literally sits on foundations built by camel trading routes.
Helping Traditional Families
Today’s camel tourism helps Bedouin families keep ancestral lifestyles alive while making decent money. It’s preserving culture that pays bills instead of just talking about it.
Smart Package Combinations
Bundle Activities Together
Combine camel rides with sandboarding, dune bashing, falconry shows. Package deals save cash while maximizing desert fun. This is my second visit and got way better value.
Evening Cultural Shows
Desert dinners feature traditional dancing, live music, and amazing Arabic food. These performances perfectly complement camel experiences – authentic entertainment under incredible star-filled skies.
Booking Without Getting Ripped Off
Weather Timing Matters
October through April offers comfortable temperatures. Summer desert trips only happen at dawn or dusk because midday heat genuinely kills people.
Private vs Group Trade-offs
Private safaris cost more but offer personalized attention and flexible schedules. Group adventures provide social interaction plus shared costs. Both work depending on what you want.
Book Early or Risk Missing Out
Peak season fills up fast. Early reservations usually mean better prices and preferred times. Last-minute availability depends on weather and people cancellation.
What to Wear Without Melting
Clothing That Actually Works
Light colors reflect heat, loose fit allows air circulation, long sleeves prevent brutal sunburn. Cotton breathes way better than synthetic materials. Closed shoes essential – sand literally burns bare skin.
Desert Survival Kit
High SPF sunscreen, proper hat, decent sunglasses, extra water bottles. Lip balm prevents cracking, wet wipes clean sandy hands, small towels help with constant dust.
Being Responsible About Environment
Desert Isn’t Empty Wasteland
Looks barren but supports complex ecosystems. Stay on marked paths, take trash with you, don’t chase animals. Future visitors deserve to see what you’re seeing.
Pick Operators Who Care
Good companies limit group sizes, teach about conservation, and support local communities. Cheap operators cut corners on environmental protection then wonder why places get destroyed.
Surprise Health Benefits
Physical Workout Without Gym
Camel riding works core muscles, improves balance, strengthens posture. Low-impact exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise – perfect for gym haters like me.
Mental Health Boost
Desert quiet plus rhythmic camel movement creates natural meditation. I felt more relaxed after my first camel ride than after expensive spa treatments.
Making Your Adventure Complete
Don’t just ride camels then leave. Add stargazing, cooking classes, sunrise photography, maybe overnight camping. These extras turn regular trips into life-changing experiences.
Want Dubai’s most authentic desert adventure? Contact Emirates Desert Tours right now to book your camel riding experience and discover why desert safaris consistently rank Dubai’s top tourist activity.
Questions Everyone Asks
How long do camel rides last?
Depends on what you book – 15 minutes for scared beginners up to 3+ hours for serious desert exploration. Choose based on comfort level and time available.
Can kids ride camels safely?
Children over 5 do fine with adult supervision. Most kids love it once they get over being nervous. Guides help younger riders extra carefully.
What about bad weather?
Companies cancel during sandstorms or dangerous heat. Most reschedule free without penalties – they want you safe not dead.
Need experience with animals?
Nope, not required. These camels work with tourists daily and know the drill. Guides teach everything about mounting, riding, and getting off safely.
Pregnant women allowed?
Doctors usually say no because of mounting process and swaying motion. Check with healthcare providers first and tell tour companies about pregnancy.
Best clothing choices?
Lightweight loose clothes in light colors work best. Long sleeves and pants give better sun protection than you’d think. Wear close shoes and bring hat.
Food and drinks included.
Longer tours typically include water and snacks. Some offer traditional tea and local treats at scenic stops throughout the journey.
How early should I reserve?
Book 2-3 days ahead for guaranteed spots especially during busy times. Some companies take walk-ins if weather’s good and space is available.
