Cappadocia: Camel Safari

Discovering Cappadocia on a Camel Safari: An Honest Look

If you’re exploring Turkey’s Cappadocia region and looking for something a bit different, a camel safari might be just the thing. This tour promises a unique way to see the famous valleys—like Red and Rose Valley—while riding along on a gentle camel caravan. It’s a blend of adventure, culture, and some truly breathtaking scenery.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to get a panoramic view of Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes from the edge of Meskenler Valley, plus the fun of wearing a traditional cap that adds to the cultural feel. However, it’s worth noting that the ride only lasts about an hour, so this isn’t an all-day excursion, which might be a consideration if you’re after something more extensive.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic adventure with some memorable photo opportunities. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy animals, cultural touches, or simply want a break from walking and hiking.

Key Points

• Stunning Valley Views: The ride offers panoramic sights of Red and Rose Valleys, perfect for photo lovers.
• Cultural Touch: Wearing a traditional cap adds a fun, authentic element to your experience.
• Small Group: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Guides and Trainers: Friendly guides and camel trainers enhance safety and fun.
• Duration & Flexibility: About an hour long, with flexible starting times based on availability.
• Price & Value: At $62 per person, it offers good value for a scenic, culturally immersive activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Breakdown of the Camel Safari Experience

What the Tour Looks Like

This camel safari begins with hotel pickup—your convenient start. You’ll be greeted by guides who give you a safety briefing and introduce you to your camel, which makes the whole experience feel personal from the outset. The guides are praised for their friendliness and their effort to take photos and videos, making sure your memories are well preserved.

After mounting your camel, you’ll trek into the Meskenler Valley, riding along the soft sand and gentle slopes that overlook Cappadocia’s signature valleys. The ride itself is about an hour, which is enough time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and snap some fantastic photos. As several reviewers highlight, the scenery is truly jaw-dropping and provides excellent photo moments—especially with the valleys stretching out on either side.

The Itinerary

The tour offers five pick-up locations—Göreme, Ürgüp, Çavuşin, Ortahisar, and Uçhisar—making it fairly easy to fit into your plans no matter where you’re staying. Once picked up, the journey takes you through scenic routes en route to the valley. You’ll make a stop for photos and sightseeing, giving you a chance to take in the landscape from different angles.

During the ride, you’ll get to see the red and pink hues of the valleys, particularly stunning during different times of day. The guide’s efforts in capturing photos are highly praised, and some reviews mention a drone video, which must have added a cinematic touch to the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so no need to worry about transportation logistics. You’ll also get to wear a traditional cap, which adds a bit of local flavor—and makes for some fun photos. Guides and camel trainers are part of the package, ensuring safety and a personalized touch.

Food and drinks, as well as personal expenses, are not included, so plan to bring snacks or water if needed. The activity is designed to be simple and relaxed, lasting around an hour, with some flexibility on start times depending on availability.

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Who It’s Best For

This activity is perfect for those who want a gentle adventure—not a strenuous hike or a long ride. It’s suitable for most travelers who are comfortable sitting on a camel for an hour. Keep in mind it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility issues, or anyone over 254 lbs (115 kg).

The reviews show that guides are accommodating and attentive, and people have had memorable, fun experiences. It’s especially well-suited for solo travelers seeking something unique or couples wanting a romantic scenic ride. Families might find it fun, but with children, you’ll want to consider their comfort with animals and riding.

The Real-World Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides who take pictures and videos, making it feel like a private experience, even in a small group. Elena mentions enjoying the “funny creatures”—the camels—and appreciating how the guides carefully took photos and videos to preserve her memories.

Cesar points out that the experience was safe for the whole family, and Dyckman Q highlights the clean, well-dressed camels and the jaw-dropping scenery. Several reviewers mention the scenery as “breathtaking,” perfect for capturing stunning photos.

A few reviews touch on the personal touch—such as guides going out of their way, feeding camels apples, or even surprising a birthday girl with a small cake. These gestures add a warm, authentic feel to the experience that many travelers cherish.

What Can Be Improved?

While most reviews are glowing, there are some practical considerations. For instance, the experience might not be suitable for people with back problems, recent surgeries, or certain physical limitations. One review highlights a less-than-ideal ride when the camels were bitten by flies, which caused some discomfort.

Plus, some travelers might wish for more detailed safety instructions or guidance, as one review noted the guides did not provide extensive safety or sitting instructions. But overall, the guides are friendly and eager to help, which goes a long way.

The Cost and Its Worth

At $62 per person, this camel safari offers a reasonable price for a memorable, scenic experience. Considering the inclusion of hotel pickup, the guide, traditional attire, and professional photo opportunities, it’s a good value for a half-hour to hour-long adventure in such an iconic landscape.

If you’re after a truly special way to see Cappadocia’s scenery—without a strenuous hike or crowded tour—this activity offers a relaxed, personal, and picturesque outing. Many reviews highlight how worthwhile it was, especially for those who appreciate animals, cultural experiences, and photography.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re traveling in Cappadocia and want a laid-back, scenic experience that captures the essence of the area from a different perspective, this camel safari is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want high-quality photos and a touch of local culture.

It’s a great addition to a day of sightseeing, offering a gentle ride through stunning valleys with friendly guides and beautifully kept camels. However, if you’re looking for a long, strenuous adventure or have physical restrictions, you might want to look elsewhere.

The small group size, personal touches, and breathtaking views make this a memorable activity that many travelers cherish—and many reviews confirm its authenticity and fun.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most reviews mention it’s safe and fun for the whole family, especially since it’s a gentle ride lasting about an hour. However, children should be comfortable sitting on a camel and should be supervised, especially given safety considerations.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for photos, sunscreen for protection from the sun, and a daypack with water or snacks if you like. It’s a short ride, so no need for extensive gear.

What time does the tour start?
Starting times vary; check availability when booking. The tour lasts approximately one hour, so plan accordingly.

Is the price worth it?
At $62, with included pickup, guides, and photo opportunities, most reviews say yes. It offers a unique, scenic experience that’s good value in Cappadocia.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this activity weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour doesn’t run during rain, strong winds, extreme cold, or snow, so be sure to check the forecast.

How many people are on the tour?
It’s limited to small groups of up to 6 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Are guides English-speaking?
The tour is in Turkish, but guides are friendly, and many reviews mention good communication and helpfulness, making it accessible for most travelers.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic, and culturally rich way to explore Cappadocia’s valleys, this camel safari could be just what you need. It’s a good balance of adventure and comfort, with plenty of photo opportunities and genuine hospitality. Just remember to check the weather, wear sunscreen, and get ready for a memorable ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: