Camel safari beats the usual beach day. You get a real ride through a 300-year-old oasis plus time in fruit gardens. I also like the small-reserve vibe where you meet farm animals up close. The main catch: it’s often hot and sunny, and some parts of the experience have limited shade.

If you pick a tour with transport, you’ll start and end smoothly from Maspalomas and nearby resorts. I found the guide experience to be practical and easy to follow too, with instructions in Spanish, English, and German. Just plan your timing if you choose tapas, because your return can run later after you eat.

Key highlights worth aiming for

• 60-minute camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms
• Oasis setting built over 300 years ago in a ravine-like valley
• Fruit-tree gardens with papaya, mango, guava, and other plants
• Farm animal time in a 10,000-square-meter natural oasis
• Optional tapas with drinks in a museum-like room with antique tools
• Optional hotel transfer from major South Gran Canaria areas

Meeting the camels at Camel Safari Park La Baranda

Most people base themselves in the south, so the biggest “aha” here is how quickly this turns into something rural. You’re picked up from hotels in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, or Bahia Feliz (and sometimes nearby meeting points), then driven out to Camel Safari Park La Baranda. The drive matters, because it helps you get out of the resort grid before you start walking and riding.

When you arrive, you’re not just dropped into a ride-and-go setup. You’ll get a guided visit and time to see the animals and the grounds first. That upfront window is useful. If you’re nervous around camels, it’s the kind of warm-up that helps you feel better before the saddle time. If you’ve never been on a camel before, it also gives you a quick “how this works” moment without rushing.

The park is tied to the Fataga natural reserve experience, which is part of what makes this feel more like a working place than a theme-park stop. You’ll spend time in gardens and in the oasis area, so the day isn’t only about the camel minutes—it’s about the setting where the camels live and the plants they’re surrounded by.

One practical note: you’ll want comfortable shoes, and you should expect sun. Reviews and the tour info both point to strong light and heat, especially on sessions held in midday. That’s not a reason to skip—just means you’ll want to be ready.

The 60-minute camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

This is the centerpiece: a one-hour camel ride in the Valley of the Thousand Palms in Camellos. The oasis is constructed over 300 years ago, and you can feel the difference between sitting on a camel on open sand versus moving through an established garden-and-water setting. It’s a long enough ride to feel like you actually traveled, not just posed.

The route is also the reason to dress smart. The ride goes through a ravine-like oasis area and between mountain views. That’s great for photos and that “wait, I’m really here” feeling. But the path can be rocky in places, and there can be long stretches with no shade. If you tend to burn easily, treat this like an all-day sun activity: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat/long sleeves are your best friends.

There’s another realism check: camel rides aren’t silent, cushy rides. You’re sitting on an animal that has its own rhythm. If you go in expecting a smooth ride like a theme-park track, you’ll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a gentle adventure with real animal movement, you’ll enjoy it more.

What I like most about this part is the setting. The oasis isn’t just a backdrop. You ride through an environment that’s tied to old agriculture and palm culture in the area. You also have time with a guide, so you’re not just transported from point A to B.

If you choose an early or later session, you may reduce how intense the heat feels. If you’re stuck with a hot midday slot, take it seriously—this is when comfort matters most.

Tropical gardens and fruit trees: what your guide shows you

Between the animal time and the ride, you’ll also tour the tropical gardens around the oasis. This is where the experience becomes more than scenic. You’ll see fruit trees and plants such as papaya, mango, and guava. Even if you’re not a plant expert, it’s a satisfying moment because it turns the valley into something you can picture as an actual place of growth and harvest.

Your guide walks you through what’s where and what the plants are doing in the larger reserve setting. This part is valuable because it adds context. Without it, a camel ride can feel like a one-off stunt. With it, you understand why an oasis like this exists and why it’s worth preserving.

A big plus: the oasis area is described as a 10,000-square-meter natural space. That size matters because it usually means you’re not just looking at one corner. You have space to walk and to look around.

One thing to know: garden time is also a chance to cool down a bit compared to pure ride time in open sun. If the session is hot, you’ll still want water and sun protection, but standing near palms and green shade tends to be a brief relief.

I’d do this even if you’re not sure about camels. The gardens are a strong “second pillar” of the tour.

Farm animals in the desert oasis: close-up encounters

This is a hands-on experience, but you should understand how the interaction works. The tour includes a camel visit and includes meeting animals in the oasis area. You may see and interact with farm animals such as camels and donkeys, and you’ll likely spend time feeding or interacting in some way during the tour.

That said, camel feeding is listed as not included. In practical terms, expect feeding to be partly included as an activity and partly available as an add-on. You might pay for specific feed, while the broader animal interaction time stays part of the tour. If you’re coming with kids, this matters because the “feed the animal” moment can become the favorite part fast.

One fun detail from real experience: you may notice small characters around the property, like a parrot that meows, which adds an extra layer of life to the gardens.

The animals also appear well cared for in the overall experience style. You’ll be close enough to watch how they behave—calm, patient, and used to people. That’s another reason the warm-up time at the park matters; it sets the tone for a smoother interaction during the ride and the walk.

If you’re worried about animal comfort, you’re not wrong to think about it. Be aware that different animal-and-rider setups can feel different. A practical approach: choose a session that works for your comfort level, and don’t assume every part will feel identical for every animal.

Optional tapas in a museum-like setting (and whether it’s worth it)

If you add the food option, you’ll get tapas with drinks at the end. This meal isn’t served like a typical buffet. It’s in a setting described as museum-like, with displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands. That detail turns dinner into a “slow down” moment rather than a rushed stop.

The tapas portion is typically light. That’s a smart choice for warm weather and for people who are already slightly sun-tired from the morning or afternoon. Reviews also mention a few specific items at times—things like olives, cheese, potatoes, and even paella-style chicken dishes. The overall style comes across as locally focused rather than international snack food.

Is it worth it? For me, yes—especially because it connects to the reserve setting. When the meal feels tied to the same place you rode through, you walk away with more than a single activity memory. You also avoid the “what now?” question after the camel ride.

One timing consideration: if you choose tapas, you may not return to your hotel as quickly. Some people report waiting longer after they finish eating. That doesn’t mean something went wrong—just that meal time stretches the schedule. If you have a tight flight later that day, plan extra margin and confirm your pickup time with the operator.

Hotel transfer: the easiest way to make this a real half-day plan

The tour can be structured with pickup and drop-off. If you choose transport, it’s a straightforward service: you’re collected at your hotel area and brought back afterward. This is a big value point on Gran Canaria, where taxis can add up and bus routes don’t always line up with resort crowds.

Pickup zones include Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz. That covers the most common bases for visitors in the south, so it’s usually doable without extra planning.

The drive itself is part of the experience, too. The route often passes scenic mountain areas as you head toward Fataga. That means you’re not only going to the park—you’re also getting a bit of Gran Canaria “inside the island” perspective before you even see the oasis.

If you’re the type who likes to keep things simple and stress-free, transport is the option to take. If you’re staying far from the pickup zones, you might need to use a nearby meeting point, but the idea stays the same: you shouldn’t have to figure out how to get back after you’ve got sun on your face and sand in your shoes.

Price and value: why $50 feels fair (or not) depending on your priorities

At about $50 per person, this sits in the range of tours that people choose for variety—something active, different, and not centered on one city. The value mostly comes from what you get inside that price.

You’re buying:

• a 60-minute camel ride
• guided time in the oasis gardens
• a camel visit and animal interaction time
• the option of tapas with drinks
• optional hotel pickup and drop-off

If you want only the camel ride and don’t care about tapas or the museum-like meal, you’re still paying for the guided structure and the oasis access. That’s typical for animal-based experiences; you’re paying for the grounds and the staff time, not only for the animal ride minutes.

If you add tapas and transport, the value rises because you’re bundling two common add-ons: meals and logistics. A light meal also means you’re less likely to hunt for food immediately afterward—so you leave with less “tour math” in your head.

The biggest way it can feel less like a deal is if you’re sensitive to sun and plan poorly. When you’re cooked by midday heat, the ride time can feel longer and the experience less enjoyable. But that’s a preparation issue, not a price issue.

Also keep in mind: photos/videos and camel feeding are not included. If you think you’ll want extra feed or official photos, budget a little extra on top.

Who should book this safari in Gran Canaria (and who should skip it)

This is best for you if you want a change of pace from beach routines. It’s a fun, active half-day that mixes camel riding, garden walking, and hands-on animal time. It also suits families pretty well because there’s a clear, kid-friendly highlight: the camels and the animal encounters.

It’s also a good choice for couples and solo travelers who want something “different but not hardcore.” You’re not hiking for hours. You’re getting time outdoors, views, and a guided plan.

You should skip it if you’re pregnant or if you weigh over 275 lbs (125 kg), since the tour specifically states it isn’t suitable. If you have mobility limits, the info only says to wear comfortable shoes; it doesn’t spell out step-by-step accessibility. In that case, I’d ask the operator before you book.

If you’re expecting a shaded, leisurely botanical stroll all day, adjust your expectations. This is a canyon-and-oasis experience that can include direct sun. Come prepared, and you’ll likely have a much better time.

Should you book the Camel Safari Park La Baranda experience?

Book it if you want a real Gran Canaria nature-and-animals break with a proper camel ride plus garden time. I’d especially recommend adding tapas if you like your tours to end with a local meal in a place that feels connected to the reserve. Also, if you don’t want to think about transport, take the hotel transfer option—it makes this a true half-day plan.

Skip or rethink if you know you can’t handle intense sun or if you’re only interested in a very short activity. This works best when you’re ready for heat, a bit of walking, and an animal-focused adventure.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the camel safari experience?

The tour duration is listed as about 3 hours. If you choose the tapas option, your overall timing may run a bit longer because the meal takes time.

How long is the camel ride?

You get a 60-minute camel ride through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms.

Where does the camel safari take place?

The experience is at Camel Safari Park La Baranda in the Fataga nature reserve, with a visit to the Valley of the Thousand Palms in Camellos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transport option. Pickup is offered at hotels in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahia Feliz (or at a nearby location).

Does the tour include tapas?

Tapas with drinks are included if you select the tapas option. Without that option, you’ll just do the safari activities.

What languages are the guides available in?

The instructor/guides operate in Spanish, English, and German.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable shoes. It’s also recommended to use sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing in summer (and warmer clothing in winter).

Is camel feeding included?

Camel feeding is listed as not included. You may have opportunities to interact with the animals during the tour, but feeding can cost extra.

Is the safari suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women. The tour also notes a weight limit of 275 lbs (125 kg) and does not accept people above it.

Is there free cancellation, and are drones allowed?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Drones are not allowed.