Camels in the desert

[expedition_retirement]

On our way back to Douz from our camp in the desert, we encountered a herd of camels grazing their way across the desert. They were accompanied by a single herder who was responsible for keeping track of the animals. We stopped as the herd crossed the road and got out of the trucks to take photos of them. The camels seemed willing to eat any vegetation, no matter how dry and dead it appeared to be. Eventually, the herd moved off across the dunes and we continued on our way.

A little later, we made another stop. This time it was a planned activity. We got out of our trucks to enjoy a short 30 minute ride through the desert on camelback. After our trip leader demonstrated how to mount the camel, we each were paired with a camel and climbed into the saddle. After everyone in the group was mounted, the camel masters led the camels across the dunes. Camels don't provide the smoothest rides, and staying on the saddle as they climbed up and down the dunes required a bit of effort, but it was a fun experience. 

Comments

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

Yeah, camels will eat almost any vegetation.

I'm glad you got to ride one! I did once at a fair. They move so sideways! It is really nothing like riding a horse.

Riding an elephant was more like ... boating.