Is camel riding included in a Dubai desert safari?
Yes. A short guided camel ride is included on every safari format we run, at no extra cost, from the AED 80 evening safari upward. It takes place at the dune area, not at the camp, and it is short by design.
The short version. Included on all safaris. Guided, slow, a few minutes rather than a trek. Handlers lead the camel throughout. Trousers are considerably more comfortable than shorts.
What the camel ride actually involves
Camels are seated when you mount. You get on while the animal is down, then it stands, and this is the part that surprises people: a camel rises back legs first, so you pitch forward sharply before levelling out. Hold the front of the saddle and lean back as it stands.
The ride itself is slow and led by a handler on foot. You are not steering and you are not alone on the animal’s back. Dismounting reverses the process, front legs folding first, so you pitch backwards.
Both movements are brief and completely normal. Nearly everyone who finds the ride unsettling finds it was those two moments rather than the riding.
How long is it?
A few minutes. This is a short experience at the dune stop, not a desert trek, and that is deliberate. It sits between the dune bashing and the drive to camp, and the schedule keeps everyone moving.
If you want longer in the saddle, say so when you book. On a private safari at AED 500 per car the pace at each stop is yours, which is the only format where a longer ride is straightforward to arrange.
Who can ride
- Children can ride, generally with a parent or with a handler alongside. Very young children usually ride with an adult.
- Older guests are fine if they are comfortable with the mounting and dismounting movement. If not, staying on the ground costs you nothing.
- Pregnant guests should ask their doctor. It is slow and guided, but you are elevated and the animal’s movement is not smooth. Many guests skip it and stay for photographs. See our pregnancy guide.
- Anyone with back or neck concerns should think about the mounting movement specifically rather than the ride.
Nobody is required to ride. It is offered, not scheduled, and sitting it out changes nothing else about your tour.
What to wear for it
Trousers. A camel saddle is wide and shorts or a short skirt make it uncomfortable quickly. This is the single most useful piece of advice on this page.
Flat closed shoes, as for the rest of the safari. Tie long hair back. Take sunglasses off if the wind is up, because you are higher than everyone else and more exposed.
More detail in our guide on what to wear on a desert safari.
Getting a good photograph
The camel ride happens at the dune stop, which on the evening safari is timed for the light turning. That is the best combination of the day and it is worth being ready for.
Hand your phone to someone before you mount rather than trying to shoot from the saddle. You are holding on with at least one hand and the movement is not steady.
The strongest shot is usually taken from slightly below, with the dune behind and the low sun to one side. If you are on a private tour you have time to take it properly rather than in the ninety seconds before the group moves on.
Morning or evening for camel riding?
Both include it. The difference is conditions.
On the morning safari, collected between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, the dunes are close to empty and the light is clean. Fewer people in your photographs.
On the evening safari the ride sits in golden light before sunset, which most people prefer for colour, but the dune area is busier.
Common questions
Is there an extra charge? No, it is included on every safari.
Are the camels well treated? They are handled by their keepers throughout, rides are short, and they work a limited schedule. If you have concerns, ask the handler on the day.
Can two people ride together? Usually an adult with a small child. Two adults generally ride separately.
Do I need experience? None. The camel is led for you.
Can I skip it? Yes, and plenty of guests do. It affects nothing else.
Is it scary? The standing up and sitting down catch people out. The ride itself is slow and gentle.
Book a safari with camel riding
Included on every tour we run. Tell us your date and group size and we will confirm your pickup time and the total.
Book on WhatsApp or call +971 55 719 9652. See every option on the Dubai desert safari page.
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