Palm-valley camels make the time fly. I like the Fataga Nature Reserve views from the camel route, and I really enjoy the fun extra touch where you’re given a license to drive camels and dromedaries. The only thing to keep in mind is that the whole experience may not feel like a full 4 hours of strolling for everyone, and a few activities can cost extra.

This is a small-group outing (max 15 travelers) in English, starting at 11:00 am at Camel Safari Park on the road toward Fataga (km 12). You’ll tour a natural oasis with tropical fruit trees and farm animals, then sit down for Canarian tapas and drinks in a restaurant space decorated like a farm-implements museum.

Key takeaways before you go

• Valle de Las Mil Palmeras vibes: ride close to the palm groves like you stepped into another world.
• Camel-driving license: a silly, memorable keepsake moment for all ages.
• Garden tour + animals: fruit trees, plus animals on the grounds in an oasis-style setting.
• Tapas lunch and drinks included: you eat on-site after the ride.
• Small group pace: max 15 people makes the guidance feel personal.

Entering Camel Safari Park La Baranda in Fataga

Your day begins at Camel Safari Park, on the carretera toward Fataga at km 12 (35108 Fataga, Las Palmas). Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can get checked in without rushing. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck organizing a complicated return.

What makes this park feel like more than a one-note attraction is the setting. You’re not just herded to a corral and back. You’re led through a tropical garden area on the way to your camel time, then brought back for lunch in a dining room with farm-implement decor that gives the place real local character.

One more practical plus: it’s run by VIMOTIONS and offers a mobile ticket, so you’ll want your phone charged and ready. The experience is also confirmed at booking, which cuts down on stress when you’re juggling your Gran Canaria schedule.

The Camel Ride Through Valle de Las Mil Palmeras (What It Actually Feels Like)

The highlight is the camel safari: an included 1-hour camel ride through the palm valley, with close-up access to the Valle de Las Mil Palmeras, often described as the 1000 Palms area. Even if you’ve seen photos before, the sensation here is different because you move slowly through the groves and you get big, open views toward the surrounding area.

The ride is guided and feels like a caravan moment. You’ll be close enough to notice textures and details in the palms and the shaded farm paths around them. This is the part where the Middle East-style fantasy kicks in: you’re not doing a quick selfie stop, you’re actually riding through a working-feeling valley of old palms and gardens.

A quick timing note: the official plan calls it a 1-hour ride, but actual time can feel shorter depending on how the group lines up. Either way, you should treat it as a ride experience first, not a long hike.

And yes, you’ll get that license to drive camels and dromedaries. It’s not essential for the ride to be great, but it adds a playful sense of occasion. It’s also the kind of moment that makes the whole thing feel lighter and more memorable, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Garden Walk: Fruit Trees, Tropical Oasis Vibes, and Animal Time

Between your camel moment and lunch, you’ll get a guided walkthrough of the grounds. The area is described as a natural oasis—10,000 square meters—with a lot more than just palms. You can expect fruit trees such as papayas, mangoes, and guavas, plus a farm-animal presence around the property.

This is where the tour becomes more than “just ride the camel.” You get to see the park as a functioning animal and garden space, not a staged theme set. If you like photo-friendly paths and green shade, you’ll probably appreciate the pacing here—slow enough to look around, not so slow that you’re bored waiting.

You may also notice birds around the grounds. In feedback from people who went, peacocks and parrots came up, and those little sightings can turn a garden tour into something you remember later. If you’re into gentle animal watching, this part is worth your full attention.

Tapas Lunch and Drinks: Eating On-Site in a Farm-Tool Museum Room

After the ride and garden time, you’ll eat at the park restaurant. The lunch is included and is described as typical Canarian tapas, served in a dining room-museum atmosphere decorated with old Canarian farm implements.

For me, the value of including lunch on-site is simple: you don’t have to build a separate plan, find somewhere open, or worry about commuting right after camel time. You’re already there, you eat what’s offered, and the day keeps moving at a steady pace.

Also, tapas tends to work well for mixed groups. If someone isn’t sure about what they’ll like, they can usually find something on the plate. People also mention the tapas being made from fresh ingredients grown in the grounds, which makes the meal feel connected to the place instead of like an afterthought.

A bonus: you should expect drinks to be included with lunch. The drinks aren’t described in detail, so I’d treat them as part of the included package rather than something you should count on for a long, fancy wine pairing.

If you’re thinking about photos, there’s often the option for a souvenir camel photo for an extra cost. It’s not required, but it’s a nice way to create a lasting memory of the day.

Time, Price, and Logistics in Gran Canaria: Is $57.67 Fair?

This tour is priced at $57.67 per person and runs about 4 hours. It’s booked on average about 25 days in advance, which tells me it’s popular enough that waiting until the last minute can reduce your chance of picking a convenient slot.

Here’s the value math that matters: you’re paying for (1) a guided camel ride, (2) a guided garden tour, and (3) tapas lunch with drinks, all in one visit. If you try to recreate those pieces separately on Gran Canaria, you’ll usually spend more in time and transportation, and the experience becomes less smooth.

Group size is also part of the price equation. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re queued forever or handled like a number. The smaller format tends to make the staff feel more involved, and that matters when you’re on a camel and you want calm, clear direction.

Timing is straightforward: start time is 11:00 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. It’s a good midday plan if you want something active but not exhausting. The only “gotcha” is that a few people felt the garden walking portion wasn’t as long as they expected, so think of it as a guided grounds experience, not a full botanical park day.

Health, Weight, and Comfort Checks (Don’t Skip This Part)

This outing includes a camel ride, so it’s not for everyone. It’s not recommended for participants with back problems. If you have any mobility issues, I’d be cautious and consider whether a camel ride will be comfortable.

There’s also a maximum rider weight of 120 kg. If you’re close to that limit, double-check before booking to avoid disappointment.

On the family side, children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 4 years old get free entry. That’s helpful if you’ve got little ones, but you’ll still want to plan around how your group handles the camel ride and time on the grounds.

One more comfort detail: the park is near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not renting a car. Bus access can vary by day and schedule, so check local timings, especially if you’re connecting from Maspalomas or other nearby bases.

When the Day Gets Messy: Weather and Road Access Reality

This experience requires good weather. If weather is poor and the tour has to cancel, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There’s also a separate kind of disruption that can happen in real life: road access. One issue that’s come up is the tour not running because of road work or a blocked route, with money refunded afterward. You can’t control that, but you can reduce stress by not planning something critical immediately at the end of the tour.

If you’re the type who likes a perfectly timed itinerary, keep your buffer time flexible on the day you book. That way, even if the start shifts or conditions affect the pacing, your overall day doesn’t fall apart.

Who Should Book This Camel Ride in Fataga (And Who Might Skip It)

Book this if you want a short, guided adventure with big visual payoff. It’s especially good for people who like animals, want a memorable Gran Canaria photo moment, and prefer a structured plan that doesn’t require extra reservations.

It also works well for couples and small groups, since the maximum group size stays low. And if you’re traveling with kids, the camel license moment and the oasis setting can make the day feel like a fun outing rather than a chore.

You might skip it if:

• You’re expecting a long walking hike. This isn’t positioned as an all-day trek; it’s a camel ride with a guided grounds tour.
• You have back issues or concerns about riding comfort.
• You’re sensitive to the possibility of schedule changes from weather or access problems.

If you’re someone who values great staff, this park has a track record for being welcoming and accommodating. Names like Anita and Mary come up in stories about helpful service, which fits the vibe you want when you’re coordinating an animal ride.

Should You Book the Camel Ride in Fataga?

Yes, I’d book it if your ideal day includes a camel ride through the palm valley, a guided look at the gardens, and an included Canarian tapas lunch with drinks. The small-group size, the on-site meal, and the fun camel-driving license are the big reasons this feels like more than a basic ticket.

I’d hesitate only if you need a guaranteed long walking route or you’re concerned about comfort on a camel ride due to health issues. Also, if your schedule is tight with no buffer, add some breathing room because weather and access can affect how the day runs.

If you want a practical, memorable experience that’s easy to fit into a Gran Canaria visit, the Fataga camel safari at Camel Safari Park La Baranda is a solid choice.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the camel ride experience?

The tour is approximately 4 hours in total, with an included camel ride that’s described as 1 hour.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Camel Safari Park on the road toward Fataga at km 12 (35108 Fataga, Las Palmas, Spain). It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour run?

The start time listed is 11:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

You get a 1-hour camel ride, a guided tour through the tropical garden, and typical Canarian tapas for lunch. Drinks are also included.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are there age requirements for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 4 years old get free entry.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

The maximum rider weight is 120 kg. It is not recommended for participants with back problems.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.