Camel Trek FAQs

How many guests can participate? I can accommodate 4, each person being paired up with their own camel. Two people can share a camel, splitting the costs, and dividing their time as they like between riding and hiking. Treks require a 3-person minimum to operate.

What ages can participate? I’ve had folks as young as 12 work my camels and folks up into their 80′s as well. Each person is different, though, so great consideration needs to be given to each individual’s own maturity and abilities.

What are the physical requirements of guests? Ability to hike 3-5 miles per day in dunes, 5-10 miles per day over ranch roads, cattle trails, creek beds and mountain passes.

Why don’t we ride the camels the entire time? There are some short portions to the trek that are simply too rough to ride. Steep hills, either up or down, are typically the areas where you’ll dismount. After any time in the saddle, you’ll likely appreciate the break.

Where do we sleep? Texas Camel Corps provides nylon tents for all guests.

What do we eat? Southwestern cuisine and, appropriately, Middle Eastern meals are frequently featured. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated and meals even the kids will eat are no problem.

What should I bring? Since the camels are packing not only your gear, but the overall camp gear as well as the guides’ gear, you should limit your cargo to about 25 pounds. This would be in the form of a sleeping bag/pad, pillow, flashlight and small backpack or large fanny pack for change of clothes, personal hygiene, etc. Don’t forget the canteen, camera and sunblock.

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General safety announcement:

I am very proud of my safety record and I am equally proud of my camels’ behavior, but I feel obligated to remind guests that accidents can occur. Camels are live animals and the limits of control that we as humans have over them are just that, limited. Any less honesty than this would be foolish on my part. Every attempt is made to provide for guest safety. Though surefooted, camels can trip and fall and, like horses, camels can spook. Camels can bite, kick, regurgitate their cud (spit), jump, lay down or get up without warning. Do any/all of these things happen on every trip? No, but it’d be irresponsible of me not to mention any/all possibilities. Participants will be instructed on safe behavior/proximity around the camels during both times of work and rest. Liability waivers will be presented and must be signed before participants begin working around the camels. All participants will be given instruction on how to have their camel kneel, accept hobbles, be saddled, be loaded and unloaded of gear, rise from a kneeling position, be tied to a hitching post, begin walking, stop walking, slow down and speed up. Group members may rotate in and out as much as they choose while working the camels to better facilitate interpretive study, photography, etc.