Taking a camel safari in Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. Going out to the Thar desert in India and then sleeping under the stars goes back centuries in a time of adventure. Traders of merchants and sword-wielding raiders once rode camels over the same dunes toward the same desert forts.
Choose a Camel Safari in Jaisalmer
It goes without saying that going to the desert with complete strangers can present numerous challenges, plus a bit of anxiety. Booking your safari with a reliable and trustworthy company is essential.
Start by asking other travelers (many are also doing camel safaris in Jaisalmer) for up-to-date recommendations rather than completely relying on what you see online. Safari staff often move from company to company, and comments are “edited” by friends and family.
Although almost every hotel or business in the city will be happy to book a camel safari for a commission, it is a great deal in Jaisalmer, staying in a good hotel does not guarantee a pleasant desert experience. Luxury hotels are known to book cheap excursions and then keep the difference as commission.
Ignore all the street vendors trying to sell desert adventures. The safest option is to walk into the office of a tourism company, meet the staff, and then decide if you want to book with them.
Tip: Don’t believe the photos they show you at the safari reservation office; You will see the exact same stock photos used over and over in other stores!
Get details about your safari in detail. The best trips use a jeep to take customers deeper into the desert, further away from man-made objects. Ask the following questions before choosing a camel safari in Jaisalmer:
- How big is the group? (obviously the smaller the better for a pleasant experience)
- Does the tour start with jeep transportation?
- What meals are provided?
- Will you sleep in a tent or under an open sky? (opt for open skies if possible)
The competition is fierce in Jaisalmer; don’t settle for confusing answers or fall under the pressure of sales.
What to Expect During a Camel Safari
The typical camel safari in Jaisalmer lasts two days with one night in the desert, however trips are available for up to 30 days!
Technically, you will ride dromedaries, also called ‘Arabian camels’, with a single large hump. Don’t worry, even the guides refer to them as “camels” instead of dromedaries.
The desert in Rajasthan is different from the Sahara desert. Don’t expect to start in a desolate landscape with nothing but sand as far as the eye can see! Even safaris that use a jeep into the desert will still find communication towers and more. Rest assured: the Thar Desert is very much a “real” desert – its 120,000 square miles.
The landscape is arid with scrub vegetation, which camels feed on. Most safaris take a winding road through arid grasslands and small villages where people can say hello.
You will usually only spend a couple of hours on the camel at a time before stopping for long food breaks. Although this may sound like a short period of time, the rear end of most people cannot take any longer in the chair! Even experienced riders are inevitably sore the next day from the dromedary’s exaggerated movements.
Tip: Hold on tight when your camel is kneeling or standing; Movement can get you out of the chair!
Enjoying food in the desert
Because you can only spend so much time on the camels, a lot of emphasis is placed on food and education about the desert way of life. Guides deftly prepare fresh vegetable curries and chapati breads made from scratch from raw ingredients over a small fire in the desert. Let your cooks know if you prefer spicy or not spicy. Some of the curries can be a bit spicy by default.
Good safaris usually provide more than enough food. You may want to bring hand sanitizer; Most food is eaten with your hands.
Camping in the desert
Desert safaris stop at a strip of sand dunes that hide nearby settlements, providing many photogenic landscapes for clients with romantic notions of the ‘true desert’. Hordes of wandering dung beetles live in the dunes. Although they are not aggressive, they are a nuisance and can give your bare feet an exploratory pinch.
Depending on the size, your safari can be consolidated with other groups for camping in the dunes. Camps are often supplied by jeep; Some companies offer free cold beer and soft drinks on a first-come, first-served basis.
The desert is coldest just before sunrise; Temperatures are very cold at night. You will sleep in cribs to get off the ground. Large, heavy blankets will be provided. If possible, opt to sleep outside – spending a night outdoors under a sky of shooting stars is truly unforgettable!
At night, you will be enveloped in complete darkness. To avoid attracting insects, only a small bonfire is built at a distance from the camp. You will definitely need a reliable flashlight. Walk away from the camp to go to the bathroom.
Tips to enjoy your camel safari
As your camel progresses, take the opportunity to learn about the desert way of life; your guide will be happy to accommodate you.
If your group is small, you may be asked to help draw water from the well for your camels, or even to cut vegetables for lunch. Take the opportunity to participate and learn a little about camels and life in Rajasthan.
What to wear
As you can guess, going to the desert by camel means being completely exposed to the sun without protection. At night, the temperatures drop enough to make everyone shiver. Dress for both ends and cover as much of your exposed skin as possible. Don’t just rely on sunscreen; cover exposed skin with material. Women will want a shawl to cover themselves during encounters with the villagers.
A hat or wrap to protect your head is essential. The sun reflects off the sand; Sunglasses must have good UV protection.
Unexpected rain is a possibility during the humid summer months (July and August) , even in the desert. Have a way to waterproof your camera and valuables. Insects can be a problem at night.
Camel Safari Packing List
Take only a very small day bag as it will need to be secured to the front of your saddle. Most of your needs will be provided, but bring the following personal items:
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Lipstick
- Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- Hat or something to cover your head and neck
- Insect repellent (see how to avoid mosquito bites)
- Torch / flashlight
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small amount of cash for a tip (tip only if you had a good experience)
- Jacket and extra clothes for cool mornings and afternoons
- Waterproof bag for cameras
Sahara Tours
Sahara Travels (http://www.saharatravelsjaisalmer.com) near Gate 1 of Jaisalmer Fort is one of the oldest safari companies in the city. You can find cheaper safari tours around town, however it is worth the added difference of booking with a reputable company.
Unfortunately, Mr. Desert, your charismatic local celebrity, lost his battle with cancer in 2012.
After your camel safari
Assuming you had a good experience and the tour delivered as promised, it is customary to tip your guides at the end of the camel safari. There are no set guidelines for tipping, but many people choose to tip between Rs. 200 to Rs. 500, depending on the duration of the trip and the number of personnel.
Competition between job guides is tough. They are rewarded with more sightseeing hikes based on guest feedback. If you really enjoyed your experience, please say so when you return to the office. Supplement your guides by name in the log book.
Responsible travel and advisories
Unfortunately, even some of the largest safari operations have bad practices, like leaving garbage in the desert. Buried trash is quickly discovered as the dunes change. Don’t be afraid to say something, and set an example by picking up your trash to pack.
Once stopped for the night, keep an eye on your belongings; temporary workers and friends of staff can come and go.
Giving pens and sweets to village children encourages them to beg from tourists. Avoid setting bad trends by giving brochures to beggars.
