Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

If you’re heading to Gran Canaria and looking for something a little different, a camel ride at Camel Safari Park might just be a neat addition to your itinerary. It’s not your typical sightseeing tour — instead, it offers a casual, family-friendly way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and connect with some charming animals. We’ve looked into this experience, and here’s the scoop on what you can expect, the highlights, and some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience are the chance to ride through an oasis of over 300 years old and the ability to visit the park afterward, where you can feed animals and explore the tropical garden. It’s a relaxed, authentic touch that adds to the charm. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the ride itself lasts only 30 minutes, which might feel brief, especially considering the ticket price. Still, for what it is, it offers a decent value, especially for those wanting a gentle, memorable adventure. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy animal encounters, scenic rides, and a laid-back experience away from busy city tours.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, fun break.
• Includes park access: You get entry to see additional animals and stroll in a lush tropical garden.
• Affordable price point: At about $23 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to do something different.
• Seasonal variety: Depending on the time of year, you might see baby camels, goats, peacocks, and more.
• Authentic experience: Riding through a 300-year-old oasis adds some history and a peaceful vibe.
• Mixed reviews: While many find it enjoyable and scenic, some mention the camels’ behavior and the ride’s brevity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Camel Safari Experience

We’ll walk you through what your 30-minute adventure might look like, based on the details and reviews available. This isn’t a full-day excursion — think of it more as a relaxed interlude during your day in Gran Canaria. The experience begins at the Camel Safari Park in Maspalomas, where you’ll meet at the reception. The park is more than just the camel ride; it’s a small, well-kept space filled with animals and tropical plants that’s worth exploring before or after your ride.

The Ride Itself

Once you’re ready, you’ll hop onto a camel for a 30-minute trek through an oasis of over 1,000 palm trees, some of which are over 300 years old. The ride is slow and steady, perfect for taking photos and soaking in the scenery. As Malcolm humorously noted in a review, “camels rock from side to side like drunken sailors,” which can be entertaining and a little quirky. The camels, while known to have a bit of a temper, are generally good fun. Keep in mind, as some reviews point out, that the camels’ mood and behavior can vary, and they might “pong” (or smell quite strong).

Additional Park Attractions

After your ride, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. The park features animals like donkeys, goats, peacocks, and ducks, which you can feed — although animal food isn’t included in your ticket. The tropical garden is a lovely spot to stroll, relax, and enjoy a refreshing tropical juice (not included) on the terrace, especially if the weather’s warm.

The Scenic and Cultural Appeal

What makes this experience appealing isn’t just the ride but the setting. The oasis feels like a hidden gem, especially with its lush palms and the sense of stepping back in time to a place cultivated over 300 years ago. It offers a peaceful contrast to the more commercial attractions around Gran Canaria.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $23 per person, this is a reasonably priced activity, especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for a relaxed, less crowded outing. The ride itself lasts only half an hour, so if you’re looking for a long, immersive experience, this might feel a bit short. However, the inclusion of park entry, animal feeding, and garden strolls adds value. Travelers like Signe have commented on how beautiful the park and views are, making it a worthwhile stop that combines gentle adventure with some tranquility.

Practical Considerations

• Reserve in advance to secure your preferred time slot, as availability can vary.
• Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and your ID or passport for check-in.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or people over 264 lbs (120 kg), which is good to note for planning.
• The activity is available in several languages, including Spanish, German, and English, making it accessible for many visitors.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Malcolm’s review highlights some of the quirks — “camels rock from side to side like drunken sailors” — which adds a bit of humor, but also a reminder that the ride is laid-back and not overly polished. Many visitors find the park’s atmosphere charming and the scenery beautiful; Signe called it a “beautiful place to visit,” emphasizing the lush surroundings and views. Michael was especially impressed with the staff, giving praise to the “bartender/receptionist,” which speaks to the friendly vibe.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This camel ride and park visit are ideal for those wanting a gentle, scenic experience. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a relaxing activity in Gran Canaria that combines animal encounters with nature, this is a lovely choice. It’s also suitable for travelers who value authentic, historical settings — the oasis has been cultivated for over 300 years — and want a break from more hectic tours. Keep in mind that if you’re after a longer, more adventurous ride, this may not satisfy your craving for a full-day excursion.

Final Thoughts

The Camel Safari Park offers a pleasant, relaxed outing that combines animal interaction, scenic views, and a touch of history. The 30-minute camel ride is a fun way to see a different side of Gran Canaria, especially if you enjoy outdoor settings and wildlife. While the ride is brief, the park’s tranquil environment and the opportunity to feed animals and explore a tropical garden make it a well-rounded experience for a modest price.

If you appreciate authentic, low-key activities and enjoy observing animals in a peaceful setting, this tour will likely leave you with some memorable moments. Just remember, it’s not about endurance or adrenaline — it’s about a simple, pleasant outing that adds some variety to your trip.

FAQs

How long is the camel ride?
The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it a short but sweet experience.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes 30 minutes of camel riding and entry to the park to see more animals and stroll through the tropical garden.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, you can feed the animals, but animal food is not included in the ticket.

Is the activity suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify, the gentle nature of the ride and animal encounters suggest it could be suitable for children, though supervision is advised.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to check availability and reserve ahead to secure your preferred start time.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and a hat for sun protection.

What languages are the staff available in?
The activity supports Spanish, German, and English.

Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the best way to get there?
The activity starts at the Camel Safari Park La Baranda, and you should plan your transportation accordingly, though specific directions aren’t provided.

If you’re after a tranquil, animal-filled break in Gran Canaria that’s easy to fit into a busy day, this experience could be just the thing. It’s casual, affordable, and offers a unique chance to take a short ride through a lush oasis — a memory you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: