How to Ride a Camel – Adventures in the Desert

 Heading out on a desert holiday? Then you will most likely be planning a ride across the shifting sands of the desert on a majestic camel. And while Bedouin tribes make the ride on the majestic creatures look easy, first-time riders are anything but graceful. It is not easy to balance on the back of a camel and roam across the desert. But it is a skill that can be learnt with some patience and proper technique. Below are some tips on how to ride a camel.

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 1.     Dress Appropriately for Your Camel Ride

 The most important factor when it comes to clothing is to wear long pants and long socks. A camel has a natural side-to-side swing, and as you ride along your legs are going to keep grazing on the sides of the creature. Camels have thick coarse hair and it is a very unpleasant feeling to have it rub against your skin. The solution is to wear long pants. And the longest socks you have because the creature’s side-ways gait will cause your pants to ride up exposing your ankles.

 Other items of clothing you will need include, a pair of shades and a hat to shield yourself from the sun, a long scarf, and a pair of dust goggles you can use to cover your face in case of sudden sandstorms.

 2.     How to Get on to a Camel

 Once you arrive at your desert resort, you will most likely start exploring your options. Especially guests at places like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will find their location right in the middle of the Empty Quarter, a fabulous spot for indulging in a variety of desert adventures. Camel trekking is a favoured activity amongst families and individuals. And while your tour will be conducted by expert guides, knowing a few techniques beforehand will help you to learn faster. Thus, the next step in our guide of how to ride a camel is about getting on to the animal, which is the hardest part.

 To get on the camel, you must throw your leg over the middle hump. Do so by holding on to the handle on the front of the saddle, then put your leg in the stirrup and throw the other leg over. Do this in one swift motion and you will be able to get on fast. Since this step is done while the animal is seated, make sure to hold on tight as the camel stands up, and until you get your balance right.

 3.     Counter the Camels Standing Motion

 A camel stands up by first raising itself from the back legs. And if you are not prepared you could get propelled forward to fall flat against its neck. Counter the momentum by leaning back in your saddle as the camel stands up. And once it's stood up from the back legs slowly lean forward as the animal starts to rise from the front the legs. Thus, as the animal lunges forward you can adjust your balance to sit straight in the saddle.

 4.     How to Ride Comfortably on the Camel

 A camel ambles along at a rather unnatural gait. Quite unlike a horse, it will sway about in all directions. For the most comfortable ride, you must give into the flow of the creature’s movements. Do so by holding on to the saddle’s handles in the front and back. Use both hands to hold front and back handles thus, and you will naturally move to the creature’s swing. Another method is to not straddle the camel with your legs on either side like you would a horse. Instead, consider crossing your legs over the top of the animal and resting them there. It depends on which method seems comfortable to you.

 5.     No Steering Your Camel Please

 A camel will follow its master and stay in line. But it is not the type of animal to respond to tugs and pulls. So, just go with the flow and enjoy your ride. Your camel is not going to run off with you on its back.

 6.     Relax and Enjoy the Ride

 Last of all learn to relax. Once you have travelled a bit, let loose your grip, and as you relax, so will the camel. Enjoy the ride and be confident as you sit up in the saddle.