That first step onto a camel feels oddly magical.

This camel ride in Fataga is set in a real oasis—old palm groves, fruit trees, and animals in a landscaped park called La Baranda. You get a guided walk through the gardens, a camel safari through the Valle de Las Mil Palmeras, and then lunch with Canarian tapas and drinks.

What I really like is how the experience blends the animal part with something more grounded: the park’s tropical garden and farm setup. The second big win for me is the small-group feel—up to 15 people—so you’re not just herded from one photo spot to the next. The one caution: it’s not really for everyone. If you have back problems, this isn’t recommended, and some activities beyond the core inclusions can cost extra.

Camel Safari Park La Baranda: the Fataga setting that sells the experience

Think palm valley, not tourist strip. In Fataga (Gran Canaria), the ride takes you close to the Valle de Las Mil Palmeras, the famous 1000 Palms Valley, with palms that are described as more than 300 years old. It can feel like you stepped out of Gran Canaria and into a different world for a while—quiet paths, warm light, and that steady camel rhythm.

I also like the way the park handles the day: you’re not rushed into just one thing. You get the guided garden tour, then the camel safari, then tapas inside a restaurant space that’s decorated like a museum of old Canarian farm tools. It gives the whole experience a more “place-based” feeling than a typical short ride.

Main consideration: the timing can feel more flexible than the label “4 hours.” The camel segment is included as a 1-hour ride, but the exact feel of time in the saddle varies depending on group pacing, and you should plan for add-ons (like photos) if you want those extras.

Quick hits before you go

• Valle de Las Mil Palmeras views right from the camel route near the 1000 Palms Valley
• Small groups (max 15) make it easier to actually enjoy the experience
• Tapas lunch + drinks included at the on-site restaurant
• Guided time in the tropical garden with fruit trees and farm animals
• A fun souvenir: you’ll be given a license to drive camels and dromedaries

Getting there from 11:00 am: simple start, real countryside

Your day starts at Camel Safari Park, carretera hacia Fataga, km 12, 35108 Fataga. The start time is 11:00 am, and the whole outing runs about 4 hours. It ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics easy—no confusing end-times in a random part of the island.

This is a park you reach, then settle into. It’s also close to public transportation, which matters on Gran Canaria where parking can be hit-or-miss depending on where you stay. If you’re planning to use the bus, you’ll want to check schedules in advance because services can be spaced out.

If you’re staying in the south (Maspalomas area), give yourself time to arrive before the start. Not because the experience is chaotic, but because you’ll want a calm arrival: settle in, meet the staff, and get oriented before you mount up.

Price and what it really buys you: $57.67 with lunch included

At $57.67 per person for roughly 4 hours, this isn’t a “cheap” add-on. It’s also not a barebones camel ride. The value is that it bundles three things that are often sold separately:

(1) a camel safari, (2) a guided tour through the tropical gardens, and (3) a tapas lunch with drinks.

In plain terms: you’re paying for a half-day activity at a real site. Many one-hour excursions elsewhere may give you the ride and then send you off. Here, lunch happens on-site, and you spend time before and after the camel part in the park.

One more value point: it’s offered in English, and the operation is set up for small groups (max 15). That usually means less standing around and more “you can actually hear what’s being explained.”

The 1-hour camel safari: palm valley vibes, plus guided care

The core of this outing is the camel experience. You’ll take a camel safari through the palm groves of Fataga, aimed at helping you get close to the Valle de Las Mil Palmeras. Your route is part scenic, part structured, with a guide working the group along at a comfortable pace.

I like that it’s not just “sit and smile.” You get guided context while you ride. Some routes include viewpoints that visitors associate with the island’s higher peak areas (like Pico de Nieves), and your guide may point out features along the way. If you’re the type who pays attention to details, the guidance can turn a ride into something you remember.

A practical note: the camel part is included as 1-hour riding time. You may notice that the time in the saddle can feel like it runs a bit shorter than a full hour depending on how the group flows, but you should still plan your day around a proper camel segment. If you’re sensitive to sitting for long stretches, that’s the part to think about first.

Also check your fit before booking: there’s a maximum rider weight of 120 kg. If you’re near the limit, it’s smart to confirm directly with the operator so you don’t end up disappointed.

Tropical garden stroll: fruit trees, animals, and the calm in between

Between the camel and lunch, you’ll get a guided tour through the tropical garden. This is where the experience earns its calm, slow pace. You’ll be in a natural oasis area described as 10,000 square meters, with fruit trees like papayas, mangoes, and guavas.

What makes that meaningful is that you’re not just looking at scenery—you’re walking through a place that feels actively grown. If you like “see it, touch it, learn it” travel, you’ll appreciate that the garden isn’t only decorative. It’s tied to the park’s animal life and restaurant setup too.

You’ll also encounter farm animals within the oasis space. Some visitors describe seeing plenty of birds, plus donkeys and other animals around the grounds. This is a good stop for photos, but it’s also a good mental reset after a morning of travel.

If you were hoping for a long botanical-style walking tour, manage expectations. The camel ride is the main event, and the garden time is part of the included experience, not a full-day hike.

Tapas lunch inside a farm-tools museum setting

After you’ve built up an appetite, you’ll eat typical Canarian tapas for lunch at the on-site restaurant. This place is described as a dining room-museum, decorated with old Canarian farm implements. That detail matters more than you’d think, because it makes lunch feel like part of the outing, not just a stop to refuel.

I like that the tapas are presented as part of the park experience. One visitor even noted that ingredients come from the grounds, and that the food was excellent. I can’t promise every plate will taste the same on every day, but the general impression is that the lunch is taken seriously.

Drinks are included too. The “you can sit, eat, and breathe” factor is a big part of why this works as a half-day plan. You’re not racing through the island. You’re taking a midday break in a place that’s meant for this.

Quick caution: extras can appear. People have mentioned optional souvenirs like camel photo moments or other add-on interactions with baby animals that cost extra. Plan for that if you want more than the included basics.

The camel license: a small souvenir with a big smile factor

This is one of those details that sounds silly until you see it happen. You’ll be given a license to drive camels and dromedaries. It’s included, and it adds a playful, “you did it” feeling to the day.

I love small tokens like this because they turn the memory into something you can carry home. It’s not just a ticket stub or a photo download; it’s a keepsake that fits the theme of the park.

If you’re traveling as a family, this can land especially well. Kids often get a kick out of the idea that they’re not just riding—they’re officially certified for camel leadership.

Guides and service: the names you might hear, the vibe you want

The experience is offered in English, and the staff are there to guide you through both the ride and the park time. In the stories I’ve seen, people mentioned specific staff members—Anita and Mary—as being friendly, accommodating, and focused on making the day smooth.

That matters because camel parks can go one of two ways: either the staff help you feel comfortable fast, or you spend your time figuring things out on the fly. Here, the general service vibe is supportive. It’s the kind of place where if something throws off your schedule, the staff will try to help you manage it.

If you’re worried about the day feeling stiff or overly formal, don’t. The best moments tend to come from relaxed interaction—animals, photos, and simple explanations that keep the pace easy.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want an experience that’s:

• Animal-based, but not just a short “ride and leave”
• Scenic, with a real sense of place in Fataga’s palm valley area
• Included-lunch friendly, so you don’t have to plan a separate meal
• Good for groups that appreciate small group size

It’s also a solid choice if you like a touch of theater and fun: the camel license, the park atmosphere, and the farm-tools restaurant set the mood.

But I’d skip or reconsider if:

• You have back problems (explicitly not recommended)
• You’re over the 120 kg maximum rider weight
• You’re expecting a long walking-only botanical garden experience (this is camel-first, then garden, then lunch)

Also, if your schedule is tight, remember it’s about 4 hours starting at 11:00 am. It’s manageable, but it’s still a half-day commitment.

Should you book this camel ride with tapas in Fataga?

If your goal is a half-day in Gran Canaria that mixes camel riding, palm-valley scenery, gardens, and a real included lunch, I’d book it. At $57.67, the value comes from more than the saddle time. You’re getting guided time in the grounds and a tapas-and-drinks lunch in a memorable setting.

I’d book especially if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a slower, countryside-feeling stop. Fataga isn’t about big-city crowds. It’s about quiet beauty and an experience you can actually taste and feel.

One last decision tip: if you want the most stress-free day, confirm what’s included for your date and keep a little budget aside for optional photo moments or extra animal interactions. If you do that, you’ll get the best version of this outing: the ride, the garden calm, and a very satisfying lunch when you’re done.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the camel ride in Fataga with tapas and drinks?

It runs for about 4 hours. The camel ride included in the experience is 1 hour, along with a guided tour and lunch.

What’s included in the $57.67 per person price?

Your package includes a 1-hour camel ride, typical Canarian tapas for lunch, drinks, and a guided tour through the tropical garden.

Is the tour offered in English, and how big are the groups?

Yes, the experience is offered in English. It has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. The tour provides a mobile ticket.

Are there any rules for children?

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

Is there a weight limit or any health restriction?

Yes. The maximum weight of a rider is 120 kg. It’s also not recommended for participants with back problems.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.