If you want a break from the beach rhythm, this safari changes the pace fast. You’ll ride a camel through the 1,000 Palms oasis in Fataga, then wander gardens and meet farm animals in a canyon setting. I like the mix of hands-on time with camels and the calm, rural vibe away from the main tourist strips.

The best part for me is the 60-minute camel experience in a historic oasis, plus the guided walk where you can see fruit trees and tropical plants you won’t spot on a city tour. My one caution: the ride and garden time can feel very sun-heavy because the oasis sits in a ravine with limited shade, so plan your timing and clothing.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda: Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• 1-hour camel ride in the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms
• 300+ year-old oasis setting, with gardens and fruit trees
• Farm animals in a desert-oasis environment, including time to feed and interact
• Optional tapas with drinks in a museum-like setting with antique farm implements
• Hotel pickup/drop-off in key resort areas like Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés
• Small add-ons may cost extra, like camel feeding and photos/videos

A 1,000-Palms Oasis Camel Ride in Fataga’s Ravine

Gran Canaria has plenty of coastal views, but Fataga feels like the island’s quieter interior. This safari centers on the Camel Safari Park in La Baranda, where you’ll spend a half-day in a natural reserve and then walk through the famous oasis known for its palms.

What makes this experience memorable is the setting: a canyon/ravine feel where the oasis sits as a pocket of greenery. I also like that it’s not just a quick stunt ride. You get time on the ground with a guide to look at the gardens and farm life, not only time sitting on a camel.

What Your Half-Day Includes (Camel, Gardens, Animals)

You’ll start at the Camel Safari Park in La Baranda, then go through the key activities in a smooth flow that’s designed to keep you busy but not rushed. The core of the experience is the camel ride through the oasis, plus a guided exploration of the grounds.

Inside the reserve, the gardens are the point. You’ll look at tropical plants and fruit trees such as papaya, mango, and guava, and you’ll get context from your guide while you walk. The oasis covers about 10,000 square meters, so you’re not just looking at a tiny pen area.

Then comes the animal portion. You’ll see and interact with a variety of farm animals in the desert oasis environment. Some visitors specifically call out feeding and meeting animals like camels and donkeys, which is usually where the “wow, this is real” feeling kicks in.

One practical note: the experience includes camel visit time and garden time, but camel feeding can be an extra cost depending on what you’re offered during the session. If you love hands-on animal moments, I’d treat feeding add-ons as possible extras rather than “automatically included.”

The 60-Minute Camel Ride: How It Works and What to Wear

The main event is a 60-minute camel ride in the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms. You’ll ride through the palm area and you’ll also have time to get situated and learn the basics before you start.

This is a good length for people who want more than a token photo ride. It’s long enough that the experience feels like an activity, not a 10-minute gimmick. And you’ll get that classic oasis vibe—palms, a historic feel, and views that only make sense from a higher animal seat.

Comfort matters. Wear comfortable shoes—the ground around rural farms and paths can be uneven. If you’re visiting during hot months, plan for direct sun, especially because you can be in open areas and the ravine doesn’t guarantee shade.

If you’re tempted to show up with flip-flops or no sunscreen, don’t. Some participants also mention needing long sleeves or at least sun-protective clothing for the midday sessions.

Visiting the 300-Year-Old Oasis: More Than Just Palms

The Oasis of the 1,000 Palms is built to be walked through as much as seen. Part of the value here is that you don’t only stare at palm trees; you also get guided context while you move around the oasis gardens.

You’ll be in an environment described as having a structure dating back over 300 years, which gives the whole place a different tone than a modern attraction. Even if you’re not chasing “history facts,” that age shows in the atmosphere—older irrigation/palm growth patterns, older farm tools, and a calmer pace.

The garden component is also where the tour becomes more sensory. You’ll see fruit trees like papaya, mango, and guava, and your guide will point out details while you walk. This makes the whole outing feel more like a rural nature visit than a theme-park ride.

Optional Tapas in a Farm-Museum Setting (Worth It for Foodies)

If you choose the option with tapas, you’ll add a meal after the camel and garden portions. The tapas are served with drinks, and the setting is described as museum-like, with displays of antique farm implements from the Canary Islands.

For me, the tapas option is the best way to turn a “cool animal activity” into a full half-day experience. Many people call the food a highlight, and the way it’s presented—local ingredients and a farm-heritage display—adds meaning beyond just calories.

That said, you should know what’s likely included versus what’s extra. The tour data says tapas with drinks are included if you select that option. It also notes that extra drinks are not included, and photos/videos are not included either.

Also, don’t assume the meal will make your timing perfectly tight. Some participants note waiting time after the food before being picked up again, so it’s smart to stay relaxed about your schedule and keep your travel-day flow flexible.

Getting From the Resorts: Pickup, Drive, and Return Timing

Transport is one of the practical reasons this safari is popular. You can get pickup and drop-off from hotel areas in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahía Feliz, or a nearby location.

The drive adds to the day. Some visitors describe the drive over the mountain roads as scenic but a bit intense. The takeaway: if you’re car-sick prone, you might want to plan for that with your own remedy.

Timing seems to vary by session and pickup grouping. The tour is listed around 3 hours, but the on-the-ground day can stretch a little depending on how the group moves and when the transport lines up for the return. If you’re trying to catch a flight right after, you’ll want to give yourself a buffer and double-check the latest timing you’re promised.

Value for Money: What $50 Buys and What Costs Extra

Price is usually what pulls you in, and the main question is: do you get enough “real time” to justify it?

At roughly $50 per person, you’re buying a full camel ride (not a short sample), plus a guided garden visit and animal interaction time. If you add the tapas option, the value can jump because the meal is positioned as part of the experience, not just an add-on snack.

What can chip away at your budget are the extras. The tour says photos/videos are not included, and camel feeding can be extra. Some visitors cite small additional prices for photo sessions and feeding, so if you like souvenirs, you may want to budget a little in advance.

There’s also a “touristy” angle to watch for. A few participants mention sales pressure for extra items. You can still have a great time, but keep your mindset set: buy what you truly want, and skip what you don’t.

Who This Safari Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This works really well if you want something outdoorsy, unusual, and family-friendly without needing a complicated itinerary. If you like animals, nature walks, and local food (especially the tapas option), you’ll likely enjoy how the safari layers activities.

It’s also a good choice if you’re tired of the same sightseeing loop and want a rural change of scenery. The garden walk and the animal time help make it feel like you left the resort for a while.

If you’re pregnant, this isn’t suitable. The tour data also says it’s not for people over 275 lbs (125 kg). Beyond that, use common sense: the experience is outdoors and sun exposure is real, so if you’re heat-sensitive, plan accordingly with shade breaks and hydration.

Should You Book Camel Safari Park La Baranda?

Book it if you want a hands-on camel ride, a guided walk through an oasis garden, and a rural animal encounter, all with optional tapas to make it feel like a true half-day. It’s also a smart pick when you want hotel pickup so you don’t have to solve transport on your own.

Don’t book if you’re chasing lots of deep shade or you hate open-air heat. Also reconsider if you strongly dislike any add-ons and upselling, since some extras like photos and certain feeding options may come up.

If you do book, my quick winning plan is simple: wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, and choose the tapas option if you want the meal to be part of the story, not an afterthought.

FAQ

How long is the camel safari experience?

The duration is listed as about 3 hours.

How long is the camel ride?

You get a 60-minute camel ride.

Is the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms part of the ride?

Yes. The ride is through the Oasis of the 1,000 Palms.

What’s included if I choose the tapas option?

If you select it, you’ll have tapas with drinks, and the meal is served in a museum-like setting with antique farm implements.

Where does hotel pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are available at hotels in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, and Bahía Feliz, or at a nearby location.

What languages do the instructors/guide use?

The guide/instructor is listed as Spanish, English, and German.

Can I cancel and what should I bring?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bring comfortable shoes, and the tour notes that drones are not allowed. The tour also recommends sunscreen and sunglasses, with light clothing in summer and warmer clothing in winter.