Camel Ride Dubai: What to Expect (Included in Every Desert Safari)

If you’re wondering what the camel ride part of a Dubai desert safari actually involves: it’s a short, guided ride on a saddled camel led by a handler at the desert camp, not a multi-hour trek across the dunes. It happens as part of your stop at the camp — included free in every package we run, from the light Morning Desert Safari (AED 135) through to the evening Standard (AED 549) and Premium (AED 599) packages.

What the Camel Ride Actually Feels Like

Our camels are calm, working animals used to guests every single day, led by a handler the whole time on a fixed loop around the camp — you’re not steering anything yourself. The ride itself lasts a few minutes: long enough to get the photo and feel the camel’s distinctive rolling gait (it surprises most first-timers, it’s not like sitting on a horse), short enough that it’s just one stop among several rather than the main event of your day.

Where It Fits Into Your Desert Safari Day

The camel ride happens at the desert camp itself, alongside sandboarding, henna, and — on the evening packages — the BBQ dinner and entertainment. If you’re on the Morning Desert Safari, it’s one of the highlights of a shorter, lighter trip that gets you back before the midday heat sets in. If you’re on an evening package, it’s usually one of the first things guests do after arriving at camp, before the sun goes down and the BBQ starts.

Is It Included, or Does It Cost Extra?

Included. There’s no separate ticket or upsell for the camel ride on any of our packages — it’s part of the standard camp stop, same as sandboarding. Some other operators around Dubai do treat it as a paid add-on, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s bundled before you book elsewhere.

Good to Know Before You Ride

Wear closed shoes if you can — mounting and dismounting is done from a raised platform, and camels sit and stand in one smooth-ish motion that catches people off guard the first time. If you have back issues or are pregnant, skip it and just enjoy the camp — our team won’t push anyone who’d rather sit this one out. Kids are welcome to ride seated with an adult or the handler close by; see our family guide if you’re planning the trip around younger children.