What a Camel Ride in Egypt is Really Like: A True Story
Hey y’all!
There are some things you just feel like you have to do when you travel. Who goes to Paris and doesn’t see the Eiffel Tower? And who goes to Egypt, visits the Great Pyramids, and doesn’t ride a camel? Well, I was determined not to be that person.
To be honest, I was not feeling my best. We had just arrived that morning after a very long flight, but there I was, at one of the most amazing places on earth. I couldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime experience. But let me tell you, it was a whole adventure before we even started walking.
The Great Mounting Challenge
My first worry was simply getting on the camel. I’m a woman with a fuller figure, and before the trip, I had specifically researched pictures of how this whole thing works. Every photo I found showed a nice little step stool. I thought, “Okay, I can do this.”
So, our Egyptian guide led us to our camels. The one he took me to was sitting down, but even on the ground, he was a pretty tall fellow. And there was no little stool in sight. I was just supposed to… Throw my leg over. Y’all, I tried. I tried and tried to swing my leg over that camel’s back, but I just couldn’t do it. The man looked at me, shook his head with a little smile, and said, “Come, come with me,” and took me to another one. This camel was a bit shorter. The man gave me a helpful boost, and success! I was on.
The Ascent to Terror (and America’s Funniest Videos)
I had a split second to feel proud of myself before the camel started to stand up. And oh my lands, it was scary. They all start yelling, “Lean back! Lean way back!” because as the camel lurches up—back legs first, then front—you feel like you are absolutely going to tumble right over his head.
My mind was racing with one single thought: I am going to fall off this camel and break my hip, and I haven’t even been in Egypt for a full day yet! I was convinced we were going to win America’s Funniest Videos. Did I mention I’m scared of heights? Because let me tell you, you are a long way from the ground up there.
Then, they hand the rope for my very tall camel to a young boy who I don’t think was a day over 12. He then tethers my friend’s camel to mine, and we’re off. Several of us in the group are squealing and laughing nervously at this point. The young boy just looks at me and says, “Lady, lady, you are good. You are good. I have you.” In my head, I’m thinking, “Kid, if I fall off this camel, what are you going to do? Especially if I land on you—you are going to be a splat on the ground!”
Camel Shenanigans and the Million-Dollar View
As we get into a rhythm, I’m trying to calm my nerves when the camel behind us starts biting my camel’s tail. This, understandably, was making my camel extremely mad. The young boy had to stop us more than once to scold them and stop the shenanigans.
But then, as we rounded a dune and I saw the view, I thought, “Okay, this is worth it.” We stopped, and our guides took our phones and took the most amazing pictures of us with the pyramids in the background. They even did some cool shots with rocks in front of the lens that turned out great!
After our photoshoot, we began the trek back, and the dread of getting off this very tall animal began to set in. As he maneuvered back down—front first this time—the squealing began again. I made it, and I literally hugged my camel, who was decorated beautifully with colorful tassels and a lovely headdress.
My Tailored Travel Tips for Your Camel Ride
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Be Prepared for the Restrooms: The restrooms near the camel area had several men sitting outside charging for entry and for toilet paper. Be prepared with some small currency just in case.
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Listen to Your Guide: When they tell you to lean back, lean back! It feels unnatural, but it’s the only way to stay balanced as the camel stands up and sits down.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If the first camel seems too tall, don’t be shy. The guides know their animals and can find one that’s a better fit for you.
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Trust the Guides with Your Phone: I was terrified of dropping my phone, but the guides are pros at taking incredible photos. Let them!
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Know Your Tipping Situation: At the end of our ride, our young guide asked for a tip. We had been advised by our main tour company that the tip was pre-paid. It’s so important to clarify this with your travel advisor or tour operator beforehand so you know whether you need to tip directly or not.
Was it a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Absolutely. Was it also a “one and done” experience for me? You bet! But I came home with a hilarious story and some incredible pictures, and that’s what travel is all about.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one! I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross the next destination off your list, including this beautiful place.
Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!
Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations
Phone: (423) 641-1070
