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

Thinking about adding a touch of adventure to your Gran Canaria trip? The Camel Ride Safari with optional food and transport is a popular choice for travelers seeking a mix of scenic nature, animal interaction, and local flavors. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out—and what might give some pause—to help you decide if it’s right for your itinerary.

Two things we love about this tour: first, the stunning views of the oasis and surrounding mountains, and second, the authenticity of interacting with well-cared-for animals in a peaceful setting. On the other hand, a potential consideration is that the ride is relatively short, and some travelers might find it a bit touristy or want more time to explore. Overall, it’s a good fit for families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic break from the beach or city.

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that offers a taste of Canary Islands countryside and local produce, this safari could be a delightful addition. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy authentic interactions with animals, scenic landscapes, and local food. The optional transport and tapas make it convenient, but even without those extras, the core experience is engaging and well-organized.

Key Points

• Authentic animal interaction: Feed and ride camels in a peaceful oasis.
• Scenic scenery: Enjoy views of a 300-year-old oasis and surrounding mountains.
• Informed guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Delicious local food: Optional tapas sourced from the reserve itself.
• Convenient logistics: Optional hotel pickup and drop-off make planning easier.
• Good value: A memorable 3-hour experience at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Camel Safari Experience

This tour offers a half-day journey into the natural beauty and agricultural culture of Gran Canaria. It’s based at the Camel Safari Park in the Fataga nature reserve, a lush, tranquil area that’s a world away from the tourist-heavy beaches. The highlight is the 1-hour camel ride, where you’ll traverse the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms—a lush, tropical setting with ancient roots.

The park itself spans about 10,000 square meters, making it a manageable but lively spot with a variety of farm animals. The environment is kept clean and friendly, with many reviews emphasizing how well-cared-for the animals appear—something that travelers appreciate and remember.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour usually begins with a pickup from your hotel in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, or Bahia Feliz. If you opt for the transportation package, this service is smooth and saves you the hassle of arranging your own transfer.

Once at the park, you’ll start with a scenic drive through the countryside, giving you a glimpse of the volcanic landscape and local towns like San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The safety briefing is straightforward, and guides are often multilingual, making the experience accessible to many.

The camel ride itself takes about an hour. You’ll sit atop these gentle animals, experiencing their slow, steady pace as you cross the oasis—constructed over 300 years ago, adding a historical element. Several reviews note that the camels are well-cared-for, with one reviewer calling them “the best camels in the world” and praising the calm, gentle approach of the guides.

Exploring the Oasis and Gardens

After the ride, you’ll walk through tropical gardens filled with fruit trees like papaya, mango, and guava. Our sources mention that guides are knowledgeable, sharing interesting insights about the flora and fauna. You’ll have opportunities to feed the animals, including donkeys and younger camels, which many travelers find charming.

Some reviews describe the scene as peaceful and beautifully maintained, emphasizing how much care the staff puts into keeping the environment natural and welcoming. The ability to interact directly with farm animals is a highlight, especially for families or animal enthusiasts.

Optionally, Enjoying the Local Tapas

For those who choose the optional food package, a tapas meal awaits, served in a setting reminiscent of a museum—featuring displays of antique farm implements. The food is described as delicious and locally sourced, with items like chicken paella, cheese, olives, and potatoes. Many reviews highlight the high quality of the food, describing it as a generous, light meal perfect after a ride.

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Transportation and Practical Tips

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is especially useful if you’re staying in the popular tourist zones. Be aware that the trip lasts around 3 hours total—so plan accordingly if you have tight schedules or connecting flights. The timings vary, so checking availability beforehand is a good idea.

What to Expect and What to Bring

This experience is suitable for most ages, although pregnant women and those over 275 lbs (125 kg) are advised not to participate for safety reasons. Comfortable shoes are a must—since you’ll be walking through gardens and possibly uneven paths—and light clothing is recommended in summer, with warm layers in winter.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to stay protected from the sun, especially since much of the experience is outdoors with little shade. A camera or smartphone is tempting, but note that photos and videos are not included in the package, so you might want to bring your own.

Authenticity and Value

One aspect that travelers love, highlighted in reviews, is the authentic atmosphere—not overly commercialized or touristy. The guides seem genuinely knowledgeable and friendly, creating a welcoming environment. The delicious tapas and the chance to see local farm animals make for a memorable, culturally rich outing.

Given the price point—around $48 per person—and the comprehensive nature of the experience, many find this tour offers excellent value. You get a scenic camel ride, a chance to wander tropical gardens, and optional local food, all in a natural setting.

However, some critics note that the camel ride is relatively short—about an hour—and that the area isn’t breathtaking in a dramatic way. Still, for most, the relaxing pace and friendly environment compensate for the brief ride.

The Reviews: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and the well-cared-for animals. One notes, “The animals look relaxed and well cared for,” and many mention the delicious homemade jam and tasty tapas sourced locally. The scenery garners high marks, with comments about the stunning views and peaceful grounds.

Others highlight the value for money, mentioning how the experience combines scenery, animals, and food at a fair price. Several reviewers appreciated the organization, with on-time pickups and clear instructions. A few mention that the experience can feel touristy or that the ride is brief, but most agree that it’s a worthwhile outing for a relaxing day.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for families with children, animal lovers, or anyone interested in experiencing local Canary Islands agriculture firsthand. It suits travelers looking for a laid-back outdoor activity that combines scenic views with animal interaction and good regional food.

If you’re after a short but sweet adventure that offers a taste of the island’s rural side, this tour fits perfectly. It’s especially good if you want convenience—with hotel pickup—and are happy with a relaxed pace. It’s not a deep hike or a lengthy expedition, but rather a gentle, memorable exploration that highlights the area’s natural and cultural charm.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, if you select the optional package, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, making the experience more hassle-free.

How long does the camel ride last?
The actual ride takes about 60 minutes, providing a comfortable and unhurried experience.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, feeding the camels and donkeys is part of the experience, but note that feeding animals costs extra if you want to do it separately from the included activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most children will enjoy the gentle camel ride and interacting with farm animals. However, always consider age restrictions and safety advice, especially for very young kids.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and light clothing in summer, or warm layers if visiting in winter. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
The reviews do not specify dietary options; the tapas menu includes typical local fare like chicken paella and cheese. Contact the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Photos and videos are not included, but you are welcome to bring your camera to capture the scenery and animals.

Is the experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are advised not to participate due to safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

The Camel Ride Safari in Gran Canaria offers a relaxed, authentic glimpse into the island’s rural life, complete with scenic views, friendly animals, and tasty local food. While it’s not an adrenaline-packed adventure, its true charm lies in the peaceful environment and personal interactions—perfect for those wanting a meaningful break from the usual tourist spots.

Priced reasonably and organized with care, it’s a solid choice for families, animal enthusiasts, or travelers craving a taste of Canary Islands countryside. If you enjoy gentle rides, lush gardens, and regional flavors, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful afternoon or a cultural excursion that’s suitable for all ages, the Camel Ride Safari is a delightful way to see a different side of Gran Canaria.

You can check availability for your dates here: