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

A camel ride with a homemade lunch sounds hard to resist. This half-day outing combines a 60-minute camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms with a friendly farm visit, tropical fruit trees, and optional tapas made with local ingredients. I especially like the quiet mountain setting and the chance to see the camels and donkeys up close. The main caution is the heat: the ride has little shade, and the midday sun can make an hour feel long.

The optional hotel transfer is another strong point, particularly if you are staying in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, or Bahia Feliz. I also like that the tapas option adds more than a quick snack, with food served in a museum-like room displaying old Canarian farm tools. The setting is informal and family-run, though the extra sales of photos, drinks, and animal food may not suit everyone.

Key points to know before you go

• The camel ride lasts about one hour, following a rocky route through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms.
• The oasis is a 10,000-square-meter farm setting, with papaya, mango, guava, flowers, donkeys, camels, and other animals.
• Tapas are worth considering, especially if you enjoy simple local dishes and homemade drinks.
• There is very little shade on the ride, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and suitable clothing.
• Hotel pickup is available from several southern Gran Canaria resorts, depending on the option you choose.
• This is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.

Arriving in the Valley of the Thousand Palms

The Camel Safari Park La Baranda is in the Fataga nature reserve, inland from the busy resort strip around Maspalomas. The trip there is part of the experience. The road climbs through the mountains, and the views are a welcome change from the beaches, apartment blocks, and hotel pools of southern Gran Canaria.

If you choose transport, pickup is offered from Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz, or from a nearby meeting point. Several visitors praised drivers for being punctual and helpful. Javier is one driver specifically praised for making the transfer pleasant, while another driver was noted for taking good care of passengers.

The mountain road can feel winding and steep in places. That is normal for this part of the island, but it may not be ideal if you dislike curving roads. The drive also gives you a better sense of Gran Canaria’s interior, where dry slopes and ravines replace the polished feel of the coast.

Allow around three hours for the advertised experience, including the ride and visit. The full outing can take longer when hotel transfers and waiting time are added. One booking ran considerably over schedule because of a delayed return ride, so do not plan a tight connection immediately afterward unless you have confirmed the timing directly.

A 300-year-old oasis with a working farm feel

The park sits in the Valley of the Thousand Palms, also known as Camellos. The oasis was constructed more than 300 years ago and covers about 10,000 square meters. It is not a grand botanical garden, but that is part of its appeal. You get a small, lived-in farm setting rather than a polished attraction built only for photographs.

A guided walk takes you through tropical gardens and fruit trees. Look for papaya, mango, and guava, along with flowers and other plants that benefit from the water and shelter of the ravine. The guide explains the place and points out how the farm functions, giving the visit more substance than a simple ride in and ride out.

This is also the point where you meet the animals. Camels and donkeys are central to the experience, but the grounds contain other farm animals as well. The opportunity to feed and touch some of them is a major reason families enjoy the park. Young children, in particular, may get as much pleasure from the animals around the farm as from the camel ride itself.

Animal food is not included. Some visitors paid around €3 for food, though extra charges can change. Ask before buying so you know exactly what is included. Photos are also sold separately, with one visitor noting a price of €8.

What the 60-minute camel ride is really like

The camel ride follows a rocky route through the ravine and surrounding oasis. It is scenic, but this is not a fast safari or a wilderness expedition. The camels move at a calm, steady pace, and the route is designed for a relaxed outing rather than excitement.

You may share a camel with another person. One visitor questioned the comfort of carrying two adults, even though the animals are said to be able to carry much more. That concern is worth keeping in mind if you are sensitive to animal welfare or expect a private camel. The booking information does not promise one camel per person.

The ride itself can be a little intimidating at first. Camels stand up and sit down in stages, and that movement can feel wobbly if you have never ridden one. Staff help make the process less nerve-racking, and the guides handle the animals calmly. One older ranchero was especially praised for his gentle manner and for keeping the camels settled.

Expect a slow ride over uneven ground, with mountain views and plenty of sun. The route may feel short to some people and long to others. A rider on a midday departure found the full hour uncomfortable in strong sunlight, while others thought the length was just right. I would choose an earlier or later time if available, rather than the hottest part of the day.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that covers your shoulders and legs if you burn easily. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. In summer, light clothing is sensible, but long sleeves can protect you from the sun. In winter, bring warmer layers because mountain conditions can feel cooler than the coast.

Drones are not allowed.

Meeting the camels and farm animals

The animal contact is more personal than the ride alone. You can visit the camels before or after riding them, and the program includes time to see how the animals are cared for. Several people found the camels calm and well looked after, with relaxed behavior rather than a frantic atmosphere.

You may also meet baby camels, donkeys, and other farm animals. The guides are described as friendly and playful with children, which helps make this a good choice for families with younger kids. One family with children aged three and four found the staff particularly engaging, while another family with children aged six, twelve, and sixteen felt the activity worked across a wide age range.

Keep your expectations realistic. This is a small animal park, not a large wildlife center, and the experience includes commercial extras such as photos, drinks, and animal food. If you prefer attractions with no add-on sales, you may find that part irritating. If you see the park as a small business offering several optional extras, it is easier to take in stride.

The tapas option adds real value

The basic ride gives you the main activity, but the tapas package is what makes this outing feel like a fuller half-day. Food is served in a museum-like setting filled with antique Canarian farm implements. That room connects the meal to the agricultural character of the oasis instead of treating lunch as an unrelated add-on.

The exact selection can vary, but past meals have included items such as potatoes, olives, cheese, chicken paella, and other simple dishes. Homemade drinks may also be available, and some of the ingredients are grown or produced at the reserve. Mango and guava jam has been available for purchase.

I would choose the tapas option if you want more than a brief animal activity. The food received some of the strongest praise, with several people calling it delicious or outstanding. It is not formal dining, and one person found some dishes less appealing than others, but the meal generally adds both value and character.

A drink is included with some tapas packages, while additional drinks cost extra. Confirm the exact package when booking. The meal can also extend your visit, so leave enough time before another activity.

Is $50 good value?

At about $50 per person, the price is reasonable if it includes the camel ride and, depending on your selection, transportation or tapas. The value is strongest when you use several parts of the program: the gardens, the animals, the ride, the scenic drive, and the meal.

The camel ride alone is the core attraction, but it lasts about an hour within a wider visit. If you are only interested in riding a camel, you may prefer a shorter or simpler option. If you like a relaxed rural outing with food and a look at local agriculture, this package gives you more for the money.

Hotel pickup and drop-off can save both time and taxi costs. It also removes the worry of finding the correct entrance, which matters because there is more than one camel-riding operation along the road. Check the exact pickup details and destination carefully, especially if you are driving yourself.

Some schedules have included long waits for the return vehicle. That is not ideal, but the park gives you more time to walk around, see the animals, or talk with the staff. Still, I would ask about the planned return time if your day includes a flight, dinner reservation, or another tour.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

This suits families, couples, and anyone who wants a change from resort life. Children can feed animals and see the gardens, while adults get mountain scenery, a gentle ride, and a casual meal. It also works well for visitors who want to see more of Gran Canaria without committing to a full-day island tour.

You should consider another activity if you dislike direct sun, bumpy paths, or slow animal rides. The route is not luxurious, and the ride is not thrilling in the usual sense. It is calm, rustic, and a little old-fashioned.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone weighing more than 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms. Comfortable shoes are required, and sensible sun protection is strongly advised.

The available instruction languages are Spanish, English, and German. Guides have been praised for explaining the visit in different languages when groups include several nationalities. The staff also receive frequent credit for being welcoming, patient, and helpful.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

• Choose the tapas and transfer package if you want the easiest version of the outing.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even if the day looks mild.
• Wear long sleeves or light long trousers if you are prone to sunburn.
• Choose a morning or later session if you have a choice, since midday can be very hot.
• Do not count on camel feeding being included.
• Ask about the cost of photos, drinks, and animal food before purchasing.
• Confirm the return time if you have a flight or fixed evening plans.
• Wear shoes that can handle a rocky path.
• Do not bring a drone.
• Check the meeting point carefully if you are not using hotel transport.

Should you book the Gran Canaria camel safari?

I would book this if you want a friendly, unusual outing that combines animals, scenery, a gentle ride, and local food. The strongest version is the package with hotel transport and tapas, since it turns a one-hour ride into a more complete visit to the Fataga countryside.

I would skip it if you want a dramatic desert expedition, guaranteed shade, or a private camel for every rider. The experience is simple and somewhat commercial, but the setting, staff, farm animals, and homemade food give it genuine character. At around $50, it is a fair choice for families and curious visitors who want to spend a few hours away from the southern resorts.

FAQ

How long does the camel safari take?

The advertised duration is three hours. Hotel transfers, meal time, and possible waiting can make the total outing longer.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts about 60 minutes.

Where does the camel ride take place?

It takes place at Camel Safari Park La Baranda in the Fataga nature reserve, in the Valley of the Thousand Palms near San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available with the relevant option from Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, Bahia Feliz, or a nearby location.

Is tapas included?

Tapas with drinks are included only if you select the tapas option.

Can I feed the camels?

Camel feeding is not included in the standard package. Animal food may be available for an additional charge.

What languages are spoken?

The activity is available in Spanish, English, and German.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing in summer. Long sleeves can help protect you from the sun. Warmer clothing is recommended in winter.

Who should not take this activity?

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.