Exploring the Las Vegas Safari Tram Ride and Zoo Tour at Camel Safari
If you’re looking for a different side of Nevada — away from the neon buzz of Las Vegas — a trip to Camel Safari offers a fascinating glimpse into the animal world that’s both educational and surprisingly fun. While we haven’t personally done this tour, plenty of visitors have shared their thoughts, and the overall impression is quite positive. It’s a chance to get close to animals like camels, sloths, and even singing dogs, all on a manageable, two-hour trip that’s suitable for most ages.
What really catches your eye here are the small-group setting and the interactive nature of the tour. With a maximum of 12-25 travelers, you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides makes a big difference. Plus, the tram ride itself offers a scenic view of over 30 camels grazing in their desert habitat — a sight that’s pretty unique. One tiny caveat to consider? Some reviews mention issues with communication and weather-related cancellations, so it’s worth confirming details beforehand.
All in all, this tour seems to work best for animal lovers and curious explorers who want hands-on experiences and insider knowledge without the long drive or hefty price tag. If you’re into seeing wildlife up close and learning about exotic species in a relaxed environment, this could well be a highlight of your Nevada trip.
Key Points
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
- Educational focus means you’ll learn a lot about animals, especially camels, through guides’ insights.
- Close animal interactions include opportunities to feed and photograph animals like porcupines, sloths, and camels.
- Scenic tram ride covers 176 acres and offers great views of camels in their natural desert environment.
- Highly rated guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their animals.
- Pricing ($104) reflects a comprehensive experience with a good mix of transportation, animal encounters, and guided commentary.
Planning more time in Nevada? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Experience in Detail
From the moment you arrive at 2725 River Cliff Rd in Bunkerville, you’ll notice the welcoming atmosphere of Camel Safari. The tour begins around 10:00 am, where you’ll meet your guide, usually someone who’s well-versed in the animals and eager to share their knowledge. The small group size means you won’t feel rushed or just another number — instead, you’ll get genuine interaction and plenty of chances to ask questions.
The tram ride is a highlight of the experience. Over roughly an hour, you’ll be transported around this 176-acre property to see more than 30 camels roaming freely in their desert habitat. The sight of camels grazing under the Nevada sun is quite unique and a real photo opportunity. What makes this ride more engaging is the informative commentary from your guide, who explains the history of camelids, their adaptations to desert life, and other interesting tidbits. Several reviews mention how friendly and well-cared-for all the animals seem, which adds to the positive vibe of the visit.
After the tram, the tour continues on foot with a guided animal encounter. Guests get to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals, including a sloth, zebra, and singing dogs. One of the standout features is the chance to hold and photograph some animals, like the ambassador camel or the porcupine — a real treat for those who love hands-on experiences. Many reviewers point out how knowledgeable and passionate the keepers and guides are, often sharing personal stories and answering questions in detail.
The tour emphasizes animal welfare; visitors frequently remark that the animals appear happy, healthy, and well-loved. The staff’s care and dedication shine through, with some reviews calling out the friendly guides, especially noting guides named Ally and Guy, who are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. On top of that, the lunch or snacks offered are described as yummy and add a relaxed touch to the experience.
What to Expect on the Trip
The itinerary is straightforward but packed with engaging moments. The tour kicks off with the tram ride, giving you a panoramic view of the desert and camels. Expect to spend around an hour on the tram, with plenty of stops for photos and quick chats. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a camel being fed or a keeper sharing a fun fact about the animals in real-time.
Post-ride, you’ll follow keepers on foot, visiting each of the animals on-site. The interactive element is what sets this experience apart — you can feed animals, hold a sloth, or just ask questions about their care. Many reviews highlight how well-behaved the animals are, which makes for safe, enjoyable interactions for visitors of all ages.
The Guides and Their Expertise
The guides here seem to be a major part of what makes this tour worthwhile. Visitors consistently mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are — able to explain the animal behaviors, habitats, and history with ease. Several reviews describe guides as helpful, personable, and eager to share, which makes the whole experience more meaningful.
Limitations and Things to Keep in Mind
While many reviews sing its praises, a few travelers mention communication issues, such as difficulty reaching staff or last-minute cancellations due to weather conditions — notably on very hot days. The $104 price covers a lot, including tram transportation, guided tours, and animal encounters, making it a decent value for those interested in a curated wildlife experience. Still, it’s worth confirming your reservation and weather conditions beforehand to avoid disappointment.
What Travelers Are Saying
The majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5. People have called it “awesome,” “informative,” and “great for families and animal lovers.” Multiple reviewers note how friendly and well-cared-for the animals seem, and how guides are passionate and helpful. Many have shared that their kids especially enjoyed the hands-on encounters and were excited to feed or hold animals.
However, not all are perfect. A few reviews mention frustrations, like poor communication or last-minute cancellations. One reviewer was disappointed after arriving and finding the gate closed, which underscores the importance of confirming bookings and checking weather conditions.
Authentic Quotes from Visitors
- “Our guide was super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about every animal. They truly love and care for every animal on site.”
- “Getting to feed the porcupine and sloth was especially entertaining for the kids.”
- “The animals seem very happy and well cared for; it even smells good, which is not what you might expect at a zoo.”
- “The tram ride offers great views and a chance to see camels in their natural habitat.”
Who Would Love This Tour?
If you’re someone interested in learning about animals in an interactive setting, this tour is a solid choice. It’s suitable for those who appreciate good guides and small groups that allow for questions and personal interactions. Families with kids will likely enjoy the hands-on encounters and the chance to see animals in a relaxed environment.
Keep in mind, this experience is primarily about animal encounters and education rather than a traditional zoo or theme park. It’s best suited for those who want to spend time outdoors and enjoy a more intimate animal experience away from busy city crowds.
Final Thoughts
The Camel Safari zoo tour outside Las Vegas offers a unique blend of scenic tram rides, animal interactions, and expert guidance. While it’s not a massive zoo with endless attractions, what it does deliver — a personalized, educational experience — works well for animal enthusiasts or curious travelers seeking something different.
The small-group size and knowledgeable guides make it a friendly and engaging outing. The opportunity to get close to animals like camels, sloths, and singing dogs makes it especially appealing for those wanting memorable wildlife moments. The main caveats are potential communication hiccups and weather-dependent cancellations, so some planning is advised.
If you value animal welfare, enjoy learning about wildlife, and want a relaxed pace away from Vegas’s bright lights, this could be a genuine highlight. It’s a good fit for anyone looking for a meaningful, hands-on farm visit with the desert as a backdrop.
Las Vegas Safari Tram Ride and Zoo Tour at Camel Safari
“Called to talk about reservation, left a message, no one got back to me. Ended up having to miss reservation due to lack of communication”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally kid-friendly, especially since kids love animal encounters and the small-group setting makes interactions more personal.
How long does the tour last?
It takes about 2 hours, including the tram ride and guided animal visits.
What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll see camels, and may also encounter animals like a sloth, zebra, singing dogs, porcupines, and more.
What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $104, which includes transportation, guided commentary, and animal encounters.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise, making the experience engaging and informative.
Is there a lunch or food included?
Some reviews mention a “yummy” lunch, but specific details aren’t provided. It’s worth confirming if this is included or available.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor walking.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you’re craving an authentic wildlife experience that’s approachable and well-organized, the Camel Safari tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a chance to see desert animals up close, learn from passionate guides, and enjoy the Nevada landscape in a relaxed setting.
