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

A Camel Ride Safari in Gran Canaria — Authentic, Scenic, and Surprisingly Relaxing

This well-reviewed experience at the Camel Safari Park in La Baranda offers more than just a short camel ride. It’s a chance to see Gran Canaria’s natural beauty while riding a gentle camel through ancient oases and lush gardens. With a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over a thousand reviews, this tour seems to strike a balance between fun, learning, and cultural charm.

Two things I particularly like are the guided walk through the tropical gardens and the friendly interaction with a variety of farm animals. These add a touch of authenticity, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden corner of the island rather than just ticking a tourist box. Plus, the optional tapas and drinks, served in a quaint, museum-like setting, are a delightful way to end the tour — especially when ingredients are sourced locally from the reserve itself.

One possible consideration is the duration and the timing. The tour lasts around 3 hours, which is quite manageable, but some reviews mention waiting times or slightly rushed back to your hotel, especially if you’re short on time afterward. Also, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone over 275 pounds, so keep that in mind if you’re planning for family or friends.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Oasis Experience: Ride through a 300-year-old oasis with history and lush scenery, a rarity in the tourist-heavy spots.
• Interactive Animal Encounters: Feed and interact with friendly camels, donkeys, and other farm animals, adding a personal touch.
• Scenic Gardens & Tropical Fruits: Explore vibrant gardens filled with mango, papaya, and guava trees that you can see and learn about.
• Guided Tour with Local Guides: Guides speak multiple languages including Spanish, English, and German, making the experience accessible and informative.
• Delicious Local Food: The optional tapas meal, often praised for its quality, includes ingredients sourced directly from the reserve.
• Convenient Transport & Flexibility: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose the package, offering ease and flexibility.

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Camel Safari: The Full Picture

Location and Setting

You’ll find the Camel Safari Park in the Fataga nature reserve, a green pocket amid Gran Canaria’s more arid landscapes. This area, known as the Valley of the Thousand Palms, feels like a little slice of paradise. The park itself is a 10,000-square-meter oasis with tropical gardens, farm animals, and shaded spots for relaxing. The setting is peaceful yet lively, making it a perfect escape from the busy resorts of Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel, which is a real plus if you don’t want to worry about transportation logistics — especially since reviews mention friendly drivers like Javier, who makes the drive enjoyable with some local insights. After arriving at La Baranda, you’ll receive a safety briefing before meeting the camels.

The highlight is a 60-minute guided camel ride into the valley, where you’ll travel along rocky paths and scenic trails. Riders say the camels are well cared for, and guides like “Camel Cowboys” are praised for their calm, gentle handling — an important factor since riding a camel can initially feel a bit unusual.

Following the ride, you’ll explore the tropical gardens, full of fruit trees like mango, guava, and papaya, and observe or even feed farm animals such as donkeys and rabbits. Many reviewers enjoy chatting with the staff, who are described as friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share stories about the history and caretaking of the animals.

Food and Additional Options

Opting for the tapas meal adds a nice touch; many say the ingredients are sourced on-site, and the selection includes local favorites like chicken paella, olives, and cheeses. This is served in a cozy, museum-like setting filled with antique farm tools, giving a sense of the island’s rural past. The food is generally appreciated as high quality and well worth the extra cost.

Logistics, Cost, and Value

At $48 per person, this experience is reasonably priced considering the duration, guided attention, and the inclusion of transport and food options. It’s especially good value if you opt for the full package, as it combines multiple activities into a half-day escape. Reviews highlight the trip as “great value for money” with some noting the friendly, attentive staff.

Who Should Consider It?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure that mixes animal interaction, cultural insights, and local cuisine, this tour hits the spot. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers wanting a genuine experience outside the typical tourist trail will find it appealing. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those weighing over 275 lbs.

Authenticity and Unique Details from Reviews

Many reviews mention guides who speak multiple languages, making the experience accessible for international visitors. For instance, one reviewer appreciated the detailed explanations provided in English, German, and Spanish. The staff’s genuine care for the animals and the scenic, peaceful setting get high praise — “the surroundings are stunning & the grounds are well worth a walk around,” says one reviewer.

The food stands out for its local sourcing, with some reviewers remarking the tapas ingredients are from the reserve itself, adding authenticity. Feeding the camels and donkeys is also a highlight, with many saying it’s a fun, personal activity that helps you connect with the animals.

Tips for Success: Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and be prepared for some sun exposure on the rocky trail. Many mention the importance of arriving prepared for the heat — long sleeves or hats are recommended.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers craving more than just a sightseeing bus or a quick photo stop. It’s perfect if you’ve got a few hours to spare and want to combine scenic beauty, animal interaction, and good food in a relaxed setting. Families with children, couples seeking a memorable outdoor activity, or anyone interested in learning about the island’s rural life will enjoy this.

The fact that the tour is described as “a lovely way to end your time in Gran Canaria” indicates it’s a great final activity, offering a peaceful, authentic taste of the island.

Price and Logistics — A Good Deal?

At $48, this tour offers a balanced mix of activities. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off when you choose the full package makes it more convenient and often worth the extra. The three-hour duration makes it manageable, and reviews suggest it’s often well-paced, though some mention waiting times or slight rushes back to hotels.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t just about riding camels — it’s about experiencing the landscape, interacting with animals, and tasting real local flavors. Many reviewers highlight that the guides and staff make a genuine effort to share knowledge and create a friendly atmosphere.

Final Thoughts — Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers who want to see a different side of Gran Canaria, the Camel Ride Safari offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and animal encounters wrapped into a manageable three-hour outing. The opportunity to ride a camel through ancient oasis landscapes and then relax with some homemade tapas is quite appealing.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate authentic experiences, enjoy outdoor activities, and value good value for the price. The reviews consistently mention the friendly guides, the stunning scenery, and the quality of the food, making it clear that this is a tour that delivers on its promises.

If you’re traveling with family or a small group, want a break from the crowded beaches, or simply love animals and nature, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to bring sun protection and be prepared for some warm weather.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, including pickup, the camel ride, exploring the gardens, and optional food service.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, or Bahia Feliz are included if you choose the package.

Can I feed the animals?
You can feed the camels and donkeys during the visit. However, some reviews mention that feeding may require an extra charge.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and in summer, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are advised. Consider long sleeves or hats due to sun exposure.

Is the camel riding safe?
Yes, guides like “Camel Cowboys” are praised for their calm handling of the camels, and the safety briefing prepares you for the ride.

Can children participate?
Children of all ages can often join, but check if there are specific age restrictions or weight limits. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those over 275 lbs.

Is food included?
Food is optional; if you select the tapas option, many reviews find it delicious and a great local experience. It’s served in a charming setting with local ingredients.

What language do guides speak?
Guides communicate in Spanish, English, and German, making the tour accessible for most travelers.

In essence, this camel safari in Gran Canaria offers a genuine, scenic, and enjoyable taste of rural life with a friendly, knowledgeable touch. It’s a memorable way to appreciate the island’s natural beauty, animal life, and local flavors, all wrapped into a comfortable, well-organized half-day outing.