Planning a Desert Safari in Dubai and wondering whether camel riding comes standard with your package? You’re not alone. This question ranks among the most frequently asked by tourists booking their Arabian desert adventure. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly what to expect regarding camel rides in Dubai Desert Safari packages, helping you make informed booking decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.
Is a Camel Ride Included in the Desert Safari Dubai
Quick Answer: Yes, a camel ride is included in the Dubai desert safari, but the duration varies.
Standard camel rides are included in most evening and overnight Desert Safari packages as a complimentary activity. However, the experience typically lasts only 5-15 minutes as a short demonstration ride around the desert camp area. This brief introduction lets you experience traditional desert transportation without overextending the safari.
For those seeking extended camel trekking experiences lasting 30 minutes to several hours, premium packages or separate camel safari bookings are necessary and involve additional costs.
What’s Included in Standard Desert Safari Packages
Evening Desert Safari—Short Camel Ride Included
The most popular Desert Safari option, evening packages priced between AED 150 and 300 per person, typically include a brief camel-riding experience as part of the comprehensive activities lineup.
Standard Inclusions:
- 5-15 minute camel ride around the camp perimeter
- Photo opportunities on the camel
- Handler assistance for mounting and dismounting
- Basic safety briefing
- Traditional Bedouin experience introduction
The short duration allows tour operators to accommodate multiple guests efficiently while maintaining the safari schedule. You’ll experience the gentle swaying motion of camel riding, understand why they’re called “ships of the desert,” and capture memorable photographs without consuming excessive time from other activities like dune bashing, sandboarding, and entertainment shows.
Morning Desert Safari—Limited or No Camel Riding
Morning safari packages focus primarily on adventure activities like dune bashing, quad biking, and sandboarding. Many morning packages exclude camel rides entirely or offer them as optional add-ons at additional cost.
If camel riding is essential to you and you’re booking a morning safari, verify inclusion details with your tour operator before finalizing your booking. Some operators offer morning packages with brief camel experiences, while others omit this activity altogether.
Overnight Desert Safari—Extended Camel Experience
Overnight packages typically offer more generous camel-riding opportunities than standard evening safaris. The extended timeframe allows for longer rides, sometimes 20-30 minutes, and occasionally provides sunrise or sunset camel treks across the dunes.
These comprehensive packages, priced between AED 400 and 800 per person, provide better value for camel enthusiasts while delivering the complete overnight desert camping experience.
Private Desert Safari – Customizable Camel Riding
Private safari packages offer maximum flexibility in terms of camel-riding duration and timing. You can request:
- Extended camel trekking (30 minutes to 2 hours)
- Private camel photography sessions
- Specialized routes through scenic desert areas
- Romantic sunset camel rides for couples
- Family-oriented camel experiences with children
Customization comes at a premium pricing but delivers personalized experiences impossible with standard group tours.
Understanding the Camel Riding Experience
What to Expect During Your Ride?
Camel riding in a desert safari differs significantly from horseback riding. Camels sit and stand in two-stage motions that can feel dramatic for first-timers. Here’s the typical process:
Mounting: Professional handlers assist you in safely mounting the camel while it’s seated. You’ll sit in a specially designed saddle equipped with handles for stability.
Standing: The camel rises in two stages—back legs first, then front legs. This tilting motion can feel alarming initially, so grip the handles firmly and lean back slightly to maintain balance.
The Ride: Once standing, camels walk with a distinctive swaying gait that explains their nickname, the ‘ship of the desert’. The height (camels stand 6-7 feet tall at the shoulder) provides excellent desert views and photography angles.
Sitting: The dismounting process reverses the standing sequence. The camel lowers its front legs first, then its back legs, so lean back during descent to avoid pitching forward.
Safety Considerations
Camel riding in Dubai is exceptionally safe when following handler’s instructions:
- Always listen to handler’s guidance
- Hold the saddle handles securely
- Wear closed-toe shoes for foot protection
- Avoid sudden movements that might startle the animal
- Don’t attempt to feed camels without permission
- Keep cameras secured to prevent drops
Who Shouldn’t Ride:
- Pregnant women (due to motion and potential jolting)
- Individuals with severe back or neck problems
- Those with mobility challenges that prevent safe mounting
- Very young children (usually under 5 years old)
Most operators provide alternative photography opportunities with camels for those unable to ride.
Duration Breakdown by Package Type
Budget Packages (AED 100-200)
- Camel ride duration: 5-10 minutes
- Style: Quick loop around camp area
- Photos: Limited, often rushed
Standard Packages (AED 200-350)
- Camel ride duration: 10-15 minutes
- Style: Scenic route near camp with photo stops
- Photos: Adequate time for pictures
Premium Packages (AED 350-600)
- Camel ride duration: 15-30 minutes
- Style: Extended desert trek with multiple stops
- Photos: Professional photography sometimes included
Luxury/Private Packages (AED 600+)
- Camel ride duration: 30 minutes to 2+ hours (customizable)
- Style: Private routes, personalized experience
- Photos: Dedicated photography sessions available
When Camel Rides Are NOT Included?
Certain Desert Safari variations exclude camel riding from standard inclusions:
Morning Adventure Safaris: Focused exclusively on high-energy activities, many omit traditional cultural elements including camel rides.
Budget Express Safaris: Ultra-affordable packages (under AED 100) sometimes skip camel riding to reduce costs and shorten duration.
Specialized Safari Types: Hot air balloon desert packages, luxury dinner-only experiences, or photography-focused tours may not include camel riding unless specifically mentioned.
Peak Season Rush Tours: During December and January, some operators handling large volumes might reduce or eliminate camel rides to manage crowds efficiently.
Always read package descriptions carefully and confirm inclusions before booking.
Upgrading Your Camel Experience
Extended Camel Safari Add-Ons
Most operators offer extended camel trekking as paid upgrades:
30-Minute Trek: AED 50-100 per person 60-Minute Trek: AED 100-200 per person Sunrise/Sunset Camel Safari: AED 200-400 per person Private Camel Caravan: AED 500-1000+ (group pricing)
These extended experiences provide deeper immersion into traditional Bedouin transportation methods and access to more remote desert areas unavailable during standard short rides.
Standalone Camel Safari Experiences
For dedicated camel enthusiasts, specialized camel safari operators offer comprehensive experiences:
- Half-day camel treks (3-4 hours)
- Full-day desert expeditions
- Multi-day camel camping adventures
- Heritage village visits via camel
- Professional photography packages
These specialized tours range from AED 300-1500+ depending on duration and inclusions.
Maximizing Your Camel Riding Experience
Photography Tips
Timing: Request camel rides during golden hour (late afternoon) when lighting is optimal for photographs. The warm glow enhances desert colors and creates stunning silhouettes.
Angles: Ask handlers to position camels against scenic dune backgrounds. Capture both close-up portraits and wide landscape shots showing scale.
Safety: Secure cameras with wrist straps to prevent drops during mounting and dismounting. Use smartphone holders or request handlers to photograph you.
Spontaneity: Some of the best photos come from candid moments during the ride rather than posed shots.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect Arabian heritage during your camel experience:
- Treat camels gently and respectfully
- Follow handler instructions without argument
- Don’t pull, kick, or startle the animals
- Ask permission before feeding treats
- Appreciate the cultural significance of camels in Bedouin history
- Tip handlers if service exceeds expectations (AED 10-20 is customary)
Clothing Recommendations
Optimal Attire:
- Long, loose pants (protect from saddle chafing)
- Closed-toe shoes (sandals risk foot injuries)
- Modest clothing respecting local culture
- Secure hats (strong winds at camel height)
- Sunglasses with secure straps
Avoid:
- Short skirts or dresses
- Flip-flops or open-toed shoes
- Excessive jewelry that might tangle
- Loose scarves that could spook camels
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camels safe to ride?
Yes, when following the handler instructions. Dubai’s safari camels are specifically trained for interactions with tourists and are gentle, docile animals.
How much weight can camels carry?
Camels comfortably carry up to 200 kg (440 lbs). Most operators have weight limits of around 100-120 kg (220-265 lbs) per rider for safety and animal welfare.
Can children ride camels?
Children aged 5+ usually can ride with adult supervision. Very young children can sit with parents in double saddles, though policies vary by operator.
Do I need camel riding experience?
No experience necessary. Handlers control the camels completely, and riders are simply passengers enjoying the experience.
What if I’m scared or uncomfortable?
Inform handlers immediately. They can shorten your ride or help you dismount safely. Alternative photo opportunities with camels from ground level are always available.
Are camels well-treated in Dubai?
Reputable operators maintain high animal welfare standards with regular veterinary care, proper feeding, adequate rest periods, and comfortable living conditions. Choose licensed, reviewed operators to ensure ethical treatment.
How to Verify Camel Ride Inclusion Before Booking
Check Package Descriptions Carefully
Look for explicit mentions like
- “Includes camel riding”
- “Complimentary camel ride”
- “Traditional camel experience”
- “Photo opportunity with camels”
Vague language like “various activities” or “multiple experiences” may or may not include camel riding.
Contact Operators Directly
Before finalizing bookings, ask specific questions:
- Is camel riding included in the package price?
- What is the duration of the camel ride?
- Are there weight or age restrictions?
- Can rides be extended for additional fees?
- What happens if someone cannot ride due to health concerns?
Read Recent Reviews
Check TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and booking platform feedback. Recent reviews mention whether camel rides were included and guests’ satisfaction levels with duration and experience quality.
Compare Multiple Operators
Research 3-5 different safari providers, comparing:
- Base package pricing
- Explicit activity inclusions
- Camel ride duration
- Overall value proposition
- Customer satisfaction ratings
Conclusion: Camel Rides Are Usually Included
To definitively answer the question: Yes, camel rides are included in most evening and overnight Desert Safari Dubai packages as standard complimentary activities. However, durations typically range from just 5 to 15 minutes, providing brief introductory experiences rather than extended treks.
For serious camel enthusiasts seeking longer rides, consider premium packages, private safaris, or specialized camel trekking experiences available as upgrades or standalone bookings. Always verify specific inclusions with your chosen operator before finalizing reservations to ensure your expectations align with package realities.
The short camel ride included in standard packages perfectly complements the diverse activity lineup, offering an authentic taste of traditional Bedouin transportation while maintaining safari schedule efficiency. Combined with dune bashing, entertainment, and dining, it creates a well-rounded desert experience that captures Arabian heritage alongside modern adventure.
Book your desert safari with confidence, knowing that camel riding awaits as part of your unforgettable Arabian adventure.
