Why the Question Matters
Animal welfare in tourism is a genuine issue globally. Elephants in Thailand, horses in carriage rides, performing animals in shows — there are well-documented cases of animals treated poorly for commercial gain. Camels are not exempt from this criticism, and responsible travellers are right to ask the question. The concerns are legitimate: overwork, exposure to extreme heat, excessive weight loads, insufficient rest and water, and the use of harsh training methods have all been documented at poorly-run operations in various countries. Asking these questions before booking is the right thing to do.
What Unethical Camel Operations Look Like
Red flags to watch for when assessing any camel operator: animals that appear malnourished (visible protruding ribs, dull coat, listless posture), camels working in peak midday heat without access to shade or water, rides lasting more than two to three hours without rest periods, evidence of harsh physical handling or overloading, and operators who become defensive or evasive when you ask about their practices. Street-side camel experiences near busy tourist areas in some cities — where camels are used continuously through long days with no downtime — are the category of operation that draws legitimate criticism. These are not the kind of excursions we offer or endorse.
What Ethical Camel Riding Looks Like
Ethical camel riding adheres to clear principles: rides conducted in the cooler parts of the day (morning or late afternoon/evening only), maximum session lengths of one to two hours per animal with adequate rest between rides, weight limits respected (typically 100–120 kg maximum per rider, not combined rider weight), proper nutrition and hydration for the animals, access to shaded enclosures when not working, regular veterinary care, and experienced handlers — called mahouts — who work with the same animals consistently and know their individual temperaments and health status.
Questions about our animal welfare practices? We are happy to talk you through everything before you book — no question is too detailed.
Chat on WhatsAppHow We Care for Our Camels
Our camels work limited hours per day, exclusively in the morning and evening sessions when temperatures are comfortable. They have access to shaded, ventilated enclosures throughout the hottest part of the day. Their diet is monitored and supplemented regularly. A qualified veterinarian conducts periodic health checks, and any camel showing signs of physical distress is removed from the excursion roster immediately and does not return until cleared. Our handlers — most of whom have worked with the same individual animals for several years — maintain close bonds with each camel and are attentive to changes in behaviour, appetite, or posture that might indicate a health issue. We also enforce a maximum weight limit per rider and ask guests to confirm compliance before mounting. Guests are actively encouraged to observe the animals before the ride begins and to raise any concerns with our team.
Our Honest Verdict
Yes, camel riding can be ethical when done responsibly. Short rides in cool conditions, with well-rested and properly cared-for animals handled by experienced mahouts, is fundamentally different from long-duration commercial operations that prioritise throughput over welfare. We are not in the business of offering a clean conscience in exchange for a booking fee — we are in the business of running excursions we are genuinely proud of. If you want to verify what that looks like in practice, read our first-timer's guide to camel riding or simply ask us directly on WhatsApp. Transparency is the most important signal that an operator has nothing to hide.