About this tour
When Lily from our team tried this camel safari in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, we found ourselves riding across genuine desert dunes on surprisingly comfortable two-seater saddles. The 30-minute ride follows a route through the seemingly endless sand landscape with Saharawi guides leading the way. The camels are gentle and well-trained, and the whole setup—saddles positioned on the flanks rather than the hump—prioritises both rider and animal comfort. It's a straightforward desert experience that's been officially recognised as part of the region's cultural heritage, and it genuinely does feel like stepping into another landscape.
Highlights
- Camels with proper two-seater saddles—actually comfortable, not awkward
- Saharawi guides add authentic context to the dune landscape
- Feels genuinely removed from tourist beaches despite being near resorts
- Cultural Heritage status means the practice has real local roots
- Works for families—kids can ride with an adult or in a pram nearby
- Short enough slot that you're not saddle-sore after half an hour
- Early morning timing (9–11 am) keeps crowds manageable
What to expect
Arrive between 9 and 11 am to beat the queues. You'll meet your guide and get a brief introduction to your camel, then mount up using the flanked saddle—it's a relief after imagining wobbling on a hump. The ride itself follows a path through the dunes at a steady walk; guides handle the pace and navigation. The landscape is genuinely sparse and dune-like, nothing manicured or theme-park feeling. It's not thrilling in an adrenaline sense, but it's peaceful and quietly absorbing. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and by the end you've had a proper taste of why this corner of Gran Canaria feels different from the coast.
Wear sun protection and bring water—the dunes offer no shade, and the sun reflects hard off the sand. The camels are unbothered by riders, and the guides are used to managing groups of mixed experience. If you've never ridden before, this is a forgiving introduction. If you're already a camel hand, don't expect anything technical; it's about the place and the unusual activity more than the riding itself.
What travellers say
- Comfortable flanked saddles—genuinely well-designed for rider and camel
- Authentic Saharawi guides, not just camel handlers
- Family-friendly with infant options, no fitness barriers
- Officially recognised cultural heritage, not a gimmick
- Early-morning timing keeps it quieter than peak-day madness
- Only 30 minutes—some riders want a longer dune experience
- Tight 9–11 am arrival window can clash with transport logistics
- No food or drink included; intense sun makes this matter
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a proper cultural activity, not a contrived tourist box-tick. The Saharawi guides bring real knowledge, the camels are genuinely comfortable with their saddles, and the dunes are the real thing—no fake setups. Families with small kids have options: infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram/stroller nearby. It suits all fitness levels and takes only 30 minutes, so it slots easily into a day.
The 100 kg weight limit is firm for animal welfare, so check before booking if you're near the threshold. It's a short experience—some might feel they want more. The early arrival window (9–11 am) is tight if you're staying far away; public transport exists but isn't rapid. Insurance is included, but food, drinks, and any pick-up are extra. Peak times fill quickly, so arriving at the tail end of the 9–11 window risks queue delays. Sun exposure is intense, so bring hat and SPF. Camels can be unpredictable (though these are tame), so nervous riders might feel anxious.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.