Is it okay to ride camels?

While some organisations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) believe that camel riding ought to be banned outright, we take the view that as long as the animals are treated well this activity can provide much-needed income in areas that are reliant on tourism. Sadly, the traditional respect and care that many owners have for their camels isn’t universal. Camel rides for tourists are common in many Middle Eastern countries, and some animals are overworked as their owners look to earn as much income as they can. The problem is that in many of the countries offering these camel riding experiences, either there are no strict animal welfare laws or they are not properly enforced, leading to abuse.

If you’re travelling with a responsible tour operator they should never include a camel ride in the holiday anyway unless they’re confident the animals are looked after properly.

Ultimately the best judge of the animal’s welfare is you, as you’re the one there queuing up for the ride. In many cases, it’s easy to tell if a camel is being mistreated. It may look underweight or exhausted, have obvious sores, or be straining under heavy loads. You may see it being beaten or shouted at by the owner. Obviously, if you notice anything like this, give the ride a big swerve.

Other points to keep in mind when it comes to ethical camel riding include:

Only one adult at a time should be on a camel Does it look as though the animal has adequate food, shelter and rest? Is the owner charging a fair price? If the price seems too low then savings are being made somewhere and it’s doubtful that it’s the owner going without

Riding camels doesn’t hurt them, as long as they are carrying suitable loads in a proper fashion, and not being struck or kicked to make them move. Problems arise when welfare standards slip or are ignored, and money is prioritised over the animals’ health. Which, sadly, is a common issue in the tourism industry.

Camels have a reputation for being grumpy and obstinate, but often this can be a sign that they’re not being properly cared for. If a camel is chewing its cud, on the other hand, this can indicate that it is relaxed and content.

Any animals used in tourism should be properly looked after with adequate food, water, rest and shelter, and healthcare when needed. If they become injured or too old to work they should be humanely retired and never beaten. We also believe that current animal welfare standards in many countries, where they even exist, are far too lax.

A camel safari, as opposed to a short camel ride, is usually a much more ethical experience, because there isn’t the pressure to maximise customers and profit that can so often lead to mistreatment.

Multi-day camel safaris in Jordan usually venture into Wadi Rum as part of a cultural tour, so you’re spending a lot more time getting the hump. Camels typically walk in a ‘caravan’ linked to a Bedouin guide with a rope. You have more opportunity to get to know your camel and its personality, and get used to its swaying movement.

The trick when riding a camel is to go loose, holding onto the wooden pommel on the saddle but otherwise rocking along with the animal’s movement. You may have stirrups but probably not, and if you’re uncomfortable, you can request an extra blanket on the saddle.

Camel safaris can be a peaceful, almost meditative, experience once you get into the rhythm, and they can give you an insight into the nomadic desert lifestyle, with guides having more time to talk. After a few hours of riding, you may find yourself forming an unspoken bond with your mount – now imagine riding it for days and days on end. It’s easy to see why Bedouin people become so attached to their camels.