Gran Canaria: Camel Ride Safari w/ Optional Food & Transport

Thinking about trying a camel ride while in Gran Canaria? This tour offers a chance to explore the island’s natural beauty in a way that’s both laid-back and picturesque. It’s not the kind of adrenaline-pumping adventure, but if you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly outing with lovely scenery and tasty food, this might just fit the bill.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to ride camels through a remarkably scenic oasis, surrounded by tropical gardens and farm animals. Plus, the optional tapas meal adds a delicious touch that makes the whole trip feel like a genuine taste of local life. On the flip side, some travelers note that the area can feel quite touristy, and the ride itself isn’t overly long—so if you’re craving a more intense or dramatic landscape, this might not satisfy that craving.

This tour suits those looking for a relaxed, culturally interesting outing with a friendly vibe. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, it’s a chance to step away from the typical beach scene and enjoy some calm, beautiful surroundings. Just keep in mind the heat, and come prepared with comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Key Points

• Scenic camel ride through the lush Oasis of the 1,000 Palms
• Opportunity to feed and interact with farm animals in a peaceful setting
• Includes tropical gardens visit, showcasing local fruit trees like mango and guava
• Optional tapas meal with drinks, served in a charming, museum-like environment
• Transport included (if you choose the pickup option), making logistics simple
• Tour duration around 3 to 4 hours, with various start times to fit your schedule

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This tour offers a gentle way to see some of Gran Canaria’s less touristy, more authentic countryside. Starting with hotel pickup (if booked with transportation), you’ll head to the Camel Safari Park La Baranda, a place that feels more like a small farm than a big tourist attraction. Here, you get a real sense of rural life, with opportunities to see and interact with farm animals, including donkeys and baby camels. Many reviews mention how well-cared-for and relaxed the animals seem, which is always a good sign.

The camel ride itself lasts about an hour — a decent length for those curious but not looking for a marathon ride. The camels are described as “very well cared for” and “friendly,” with guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, helping everyone feel at ease. As one reviewer put it, “the older ranchero was calm and gentle with the camels,” which is reassuring if you’re new to riding animals or a bit hesitant.

What makes this experience stand out is the beautiful scenery. You’ll traverse the oasis, constructed over 300 years ago, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and greenery. It’s a peaceful setting, perfect for photos or simply soaking in the calmness of nature. One reviewer mentioned, “the scenery is just incredible,” and many agree that the quiet, natural environment is a highlight.

The Gardens and Farm Animals

After the ride, you’ll walk through tropical gardens filled with fruit trees like papaya, mango, and guava. This part of the tour feels more like a charming farm visit than a typical botanical garden, and you can feed the animals along the way. Several guests appreciated how relaxed the atmosphere was, describing it as “a beautiful and peaceful place.” This part of the tour is especially appealing if you’re into rural scenes and want to see local produce.

Food and Drinks

If you opt for the tapas meal, you’ll be treated to locally sourced ingredients served in a museum-like setting—think displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands. Many reviews rave about the quality of the food, with comments like “delicious” and “gorgeous” tapas. The meal typically includes chicken paella, olives, cheese, potatoes, and other light, flavorful dishes, plus drinks. It’s a nice way to end the tour, especially if you’re a foodie or enjoy a relaxed sit-down meal.

One reviewer said, “the tapas was delicious, and the ingredients were sourced from the reserve itself,” giving it a genuine, farm-to-table feel. The meal is light and perfect for a warm day, though some may find it simple compared to more elaborate restaurant offerings.

Transportation and Convenience

Booking with the pickup option makes life easier, especially if you’re staying in Maspalomas or nearby areas. The guides are praised for their friendly service and good communication, with many mentioning that pickups and drop-offs run smoothly. If you don’t select transportation, you’ll need to make your way to the park on your own, but the location is accessible.

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Practical Details

The tour lasts roughly 3 hours but can extend to 4 if you include the meal and extra time exploring. It’s priced at around $48 per person, which many reviewers find to be good value considering the experience. Included in the price are the camel ride, farm animal visit, tropical gardens, and the optional tapas. Extra costs like photos, videos, or additional drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Age and weight restrictions are worth noting: Pregnant women and individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg) are not allowed on the camels, mainly for safety reasons. Wearing comfortable shoes, light summer clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended, as the area can be quite hot and sunny.

What Do Reviewers Say?

The feedback is largely positive, with many travelers describing it as a “great experience” and “well worth the money.” Several people highlight the friendliness and knowledge of the staff, describing the guides as “nice” and “talkative,” which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

One traveler mentioned, “We got to feed the camels & donkeys, saw different flowers & plants, and rode the camels,” emphasizing how personal and engaging the experience felt. Others appreciated the scenery, with comments like “the surroundings are stunning,” and “you can’t see views like this anywhere else.”

A handful of reviews point out that the area might feel quite touristy and that there is some effort to sell extra items like camel feeding or souvenirs. However, this is typical for tour settings and doesn’t necessarily detract from the overall experience if you go in with the right expectations.

Honesty in Feedback

Some guests noted the ride isn’t particularly long or dramatic—more of a gentle walk rather than an adventure. For example, “the camel trip itself was pretty short,” but many still enjoyed the atmosphere and scenery. Others mentioned that the “area isn’t super breathtaking,” so if you’re after jaw-dropping landscapes, you might want to combine this with other tours.

Family & Accessibility

While not specifically marketed as a family tour, many reviews mention children enjoying the experience, especially the interaction with farm animals and the gentle camel ride. Keep in mind the age and weight restrictions if you’re traveling with young kids or heavier individuals.

Final Thoughts — Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic outing that combines animal interaction, garden strolling, and tasty local food, this camel safari ticks many boxes. It’s particularly suited to travelers who want a taste of rural Gran Canaria without intense hikes or long rides. The experience is relaxed, friendly, and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

It’s a good fit for those traveling with family or friends who enjoy nature and animals, but if you’re after a more rugged or action-packed adventure, you might find this a bit tame. The optional tapas makes it ideal for food lovers or those wanting a cultural touch, and the included transport adds convenience, especially if you prefer not to drive.

This tour offers a charming slice of island life in a peaceful setting. It’s not overly commercialized, and many guests find it to be a memorable, “worth it” experience that delivers good value for money.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the pickup option, your hotel in Maspalomas or nearby locations will be arranged. Otherwise, you’ll need to make your way to the park independently.

How long does the tour last?
The overall experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, including the camel ride, garden walk, and optional tapas.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, you have the chance to feed and interact with farm animals like donkeys and baby camels during the visit.

Is the camel ride suitable for everyone?
The ride lasts about an hour and is generally gentle, but pregnant women and those over 275 lbs (125 kg) are not allowed on the camels for safety reasons.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and light clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended, especially in summer.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Many reviews mention children enjoying the visit, especially for animal interactions and the calm environment. Just keep in mind the restrictions for riding the camels.

What is the food like?
The tapas feature locally sourced ingredients, including chicken paella, olives, cheese, and potatoes. Many guests praise the quality and freshness of the food.

This tour balances scenic views, animal encounters, and tasty local fare, making it a simple yet charming way to experience some of Gran Canaria’s countryside. Perfect if you crave a relaxed day out that’s easy to book and enjoy—especially if you’re into gentle adventures and good food.

You can check availability for your dates here: