Gran Canaria: Camel Ride at Camel Safari Park

The unusual part comes first: you ride a camel through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, a palm-filled setting said to have been built more than 300 years ago. I like the peaceful garden setting and the fact that the ticket includes time to see and feed animals beyond the camel ride. The main consideration is that the ride lasts only 30 minutes, so this is a short outing rather than a full-day animal park visit.

I also like the easy-going pace. You can arrive, look around, and spend time with donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, and birds instead of rushing straight back to town. The drawback is that food for the animals and drinks are extra, and anyone pregnant or over 120 kilograms, about 264 pounds, cannot take part.

Key points at a glance

• Ride through an old palm oasis: The camel route passes through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms, constructed more than 300 years ago.
• Your ticket includes more than the ride: Entry covers the animal park and tropical garden after or before your camel trip.
• A calm way to spend part of the day: The setting is peaceful, with plenty of room to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
• Animals change with the season: You may see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and possibly baby camels.
• Good value at about $23: The price includes the ride and park admission, though food and drinks cost extra.
• Come prepared: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, passport, or other accepted ID.

Riding through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms

The camel ride is the heart of the visit, but the setting gives it its character. Instead of a bare track or a quick photo stop, the route takes you through a palm oasis with a history stretching back more than three centuries.

You should expect a slow, steady ride rather than an active adventure. That makes it a good choice if you want something gentle and scenic during a Gran Canaria holiday. The pace also gives you time to look at the palms and take in the quiet surroundings without trying to keep up with a fast-moving group.

The ride lasts 30 minutes. That is enough time to make the experience feel worthwhile, but not enough for you to treat it as a major day trip on its own. I would pair it with other plans in the Maspalomas area, or use it as a relaxed break from the beach and resort streets.

The park describes the oasis as the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms. The supplied information does not give a precise riding route or identify an individual guide, so you should not expect a narrated historical tour with named stops. Staff speak Spanish, German, and English, which covers the main practical needs for many international visitors.

What happens before and after your ride

You meet at the reception of Camel Safari Park La Baranda. On arrival, you can get your bearings and take in the park before your riding time. The information does not specify how early you should arrive, so checking your booking details for the starting time is sensible.

One of the useful features is that the park admission is included. You are not limited to the camel ride itself. Depending on the season, you can see donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and young camels if there are babies at the park.

That variety matters because the camel ride is brief. If you arrive early or stay afterward, the park gives you more time to enjoy the visit. You can also feed some of the animals, but animal food is not included. Bring only what the park permits, and plan to buy feed there if it is available.

The tropical garden adds another reason to linger. The setting is intended for a slow walk, not a packed schedule of attractions. On the terrace, you can buy a tropical juice from the garden. It is not part of the ticket price, but it can be a pleasant way to finish your visit.

The range of animals may change with the season. That is worth keeping in mind if you are visiting mainly to see baby camels or a particular animal. The park does not promise the same young animals at every time of year.

Why the peaceful setting matters

Gran Canaria is well known for beaches, resort areas, and dramatic natural scenery. This experience offers a different kind of stop. The attraction is not a long list of rides or shows. It is the combination of a short camel trip, old palms, small farm animals, and a tropical garden.

I like that the visit can feel unhurried. You can take photographs, watch the animals, and sit with a drink on the terrace without needing to fill every minute with activity. One recent booking described the surroundings as peaceful and scenic, which is a fair way to think about the experience.

The oasis also gives the ride a stronger sense of place than a generic camel circuit. You are not simply riding an animal for the sake of it. The palms and garden provide the visual setting, while the park adds a small collection of animals to see.

That said, you should keep your expectations in check. This is not presented as a large wildlife reserve, a long desert expedition, or a major botanical garden. It is a compact park visit with a 30-minute camel ride. The appeal comes from the mood and setting, not from a long schedule of activities.

Getting there and finding the entrance

The meeting point is the reception at Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Maspalomas. Clear entrance signs make the venue fairly easy to find, according to one recent visitor. On-site parking is available, with a large amount of space, although the parking area is not clearly marked.

If you are driving, allow a little extra time to identify where to leave the car. This sounds like a minor issue, and it is, but it is the sort of detail that can cause needless stress when you have a fixed riding time.

The supplied information does not include a transfer service, public transport directions, or hotel pickup. You should therefore plan your own way to the meeting point and confirm the exact location before setting out.

The park is in Maspalomas, making it a practical choice if you are already staying nearby or arranging several activities in the area. It may be less convenient if you are based far away and are making the journey only for a 30-minute ride.

Is $23 a fair price?

At about $23 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the park admission. You are paying for a half-hour camel ride plus access to the animal area and tropical garden, rather than paying for a short ride and leaving immediately.

The value depends on how long you stay. If you arrive, ride, and depart within the hour, the price is mainly for the camel experience. If you spend extra time looking at the animals, walking through the garden, and having a tropical juice on the terrace, the outing feels better balanced.

Food for the animals is not included, and drinks are extra. These costs are not unusual, but you should allow for them if feeding the animals is part of your plan. The ticket itself does not cover food or refreshments.

The attraction works best for someone who wants a modestly priced, easy activity. It is less suitable if you want a long excursion packed with information or multiple major attractions. Think of it as a pleasant half-day add-on, not the main event of a Gran Canaria holiday.

The animals and tropical garden

The animal park gives families and animal lovers a reason to stay after the ride. Donkeys and goats offer the most familiar farmyard appeal, while peacocks, ducks, and birds add variety. Baby camels may be present, but that depends on the season and whether there have been recent births.

I would plan to see what is there rather than promise yourself a specific animal encounter. The park’s seasonal changes are part of the experience, but they also mean the visit will not be identical all year.

Feeding the animals can make the stop more interactive. Since food is not included, ask at reception about the proper feed and the cost. One useful detail from a recent visit is that some people were able to feed animals, including younger ones, while waiting for their camel ride. That suggests the waiting period does not have to be dead time.

The tropical garden provides a change of pace from the animal area. You can walk among the palms and plants, then sit on the terrace with a tropical juice. The drink is an optional extra, but it gives you a simple way to round off the visit.

Comfort, clothing, and restrictions

Wear comfortable shoes. You may spend time walking through the garden and animal areas, and sturdy footwear is more useful than beach sandals.

Bring a hat, especially on a sunny day. The palms provide the main visual appeal, but you should not assume every part of the visit is shaded. Light, practical clothing will make the ride and garden visit easier.

You must bring a passport or ID card. Keep it accessible at the meeting point in case staff need to check your booking or identity.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 120 kilograms, about 264 pounds. This is an important booking check, not a minor footnote. If anyone in your group falls into one of these categories, contact the provider before paying rather than assuming the restriction can be adjusted.

The information does not specify a minimum age, group size, or special arrangements for mobility needs. You should ask the provider directly if those details affect your plans.

What the recent feedback tells me

The overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 217 reviews, which points to a generally positive experience with some room for differing expectations.

The strongest praise focuses on the location. One visitor called it a beautiful setting, while another described the park and views as worth the visit. That matches the main strength of the activity: the palm oasis makes the ride feel scenic and calm.

Animal care also receives positive attention. A recent booking specifically noted that the camels appeared well cared for and that the staff were friendly. That is important for anyone choosing a camel ride partly on animal welfare grounds, although a short activity listing cannot answer every question about daily care.

The atmosphere is another plus. A United Kingdom visitor described a warm welcome, sunshine, fresh juice, and peaceful surroundings, with no trouble from flies or smells. Conditions can vary by day and season, but it is useful to know that the animal setting does not automatically mean an unpleasant visit.

There are a few practical points to remember. The entrance is signposted, but parking is not clearly marked. The ride is short, and food and drinks cost extra. These are manageable issues, especially if you know about them before arriving.

Who should book this camel ride?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and solo visitors who want a gentle activity with an attractive setting. It is also a good pick if you have a free morning or afternoon in Maspalomas and do not want a demanding excursion.

Animal lovers will get the most from the ticket because you can visit several types of animals and possibly feed them. People who enjoy gardens and quiet places may like it just as much as those focused on camels.

The experience may suit you if you want a break from busy resort areas. It has a slower rhythm, and the garden and terrace give you somewhere to pause.

I would hesitate if you want a long ride, a detailed historical talk, or a major adventure. The oasis is old and attractive, but the available information does not promise a full historical presentation. The camel ride is 30 minutes, and the rest of the visit is self-paced.

Book ahead if the activity is important to your schedule. The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when your plans depend on weather or other Gran Canaria activities.

Should you book Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

Book it if you want a short, peaceful camel ride in a distinctive palm setting, with animal-park entry included. At around $23, the price makes sense when you allow time for the goats, donkeys, peacocks, birds, garden, and optional terrace drink.

Skip it if you are looking for a full-day adventure or a long ride away from the park. Before booking, check the weight and pregnancy restrictions, bring comfortable shoes and a hat, and plan for extra payment if you want animal food or a tropical juice. For a relaxed Maspalomas stop with scenic palms and friendly staff, it is a sound choice.

FAQ

Where does the camel ride meet?

The meeting point is at the reception of Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Maspalomas.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes.

Is entry to the animal park included?

Yes. Your ticket includes entry to the park, where you can see the animals and visit the tropical garden.

Which animals can I see at the park?

The park may have donkeys, goats, peacocks, ducks, birds, and camels. Baby camels depend on the season and whether there have been recent births.

Can I feed the animals?

You can feed the animals, but food for them is not included in the ticket.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are extra. You can buy a tropical juice from the garden terrace.

What should I bring, and who cannot take part?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and a hat. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 120 kilograms, about 264 pounds.