Camel Ride at the Pyramids: How to Do It Right

A camel ride across the sand with the pyramids on the horizon is one of those travel pictures everyone carries in their head – and it is just as good in real life when it is done well. We live and work in Al Haram, the district right next to the plateau, and taking guests out on camels is part of our everyday life. Here is what we tell them before they ride.

Where the ride starts

The main entrance of the plateau is busy, noisy and full of people offering rides. We start on the quieter desert side instead, a short drive from our base, where the sand opens up and you ride with the pyramids in front of you rather than through the crowds.

How long should you ride?

One hour is the right length for most people: enough to settle into the rhythm of the camel, reach the panorama point where all nine pyramids line up, take your photos and ride back. Longer rides are possible, but for beginners an hour on a camel is plenty.

Sunrise or sunset?

Both are beautiful. Early morning is cooler and calmer, with soft light on the stone. Late afternoon gives you the golden hour and the sun dropping behind the pyramids – the classic photo. Midday in summer is simply too hot for you and for the animals.

Getting on and off

This is the part people remember. The camel kneels on the ground while you climb into the saddle. When it stands up, it lifts its back legs first, so you will tip forward – lean back and hold the saddle handle. Getting off is the same in reverse: lean back as it kneels. Your handler walks beside you the whole time, and the camel is led on a rope, so you never steer alone.

Avoid the price trap

The most common complaint about camels at the pyramids is the price changing halfway through the ride. Agree on everything before you get on: the price, the length of the ride, whether the plateau ticket is included and whether photos cost extra. The easiest way is to book in advance, so the price is fixed and there is nothing to discuss in the desert.

Look after the animals

Choose a ride where the camels look healthy, rested and well fed, and where the handler is calm with them. A good handler walks at the animal’s pace, gives it water and shade, and never lets it carry more than it should. If anything feels wrong, say so – a responsible operator will listen.

What to wear

• Long trousers – the saddle rubs bare legs
• Closed shoes or sandals with a strap
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• A light scarf against sand and wind

Camel, horse or quad?

If you are a confident rider, a horse covers more ground and is great at sunset. If you want speed and dunes, a quad bike is the most fun. Many of our guests combine a short camel ride for the photos with a quad ride in the open desert on the same afternoon.