Riding Camels In Bahrain: Best Places To Experience It

If you're looking to ride a camel in Bahrain, the Royal Camel Farm is the place to go. Founded by the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the farm is home to hundreds of camels and is open to the public every day until sunset. While entry to the farm is free, you may be able to negotiate a small fee with the workers to ride or feed one of the camels. The farm is best enjoyed as part of a day tour of Bahrain's other main attractions, including Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, and the Burial Mounds.

Royal Camel Farm

The Royal Camel Farm in Bahrain is a great place to visit if you're looking for an up-close and hands-on experience with camels. The farm, located on the outskirts of Manama, was founded by the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the uncle of the current ruler of Bahrain. It is a hobby farm, meaning the camels are not raised for racing or meat production, and they are all owned by the royal family.

The farm is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset, with free entry and parking. It is a fantastic opportunity to get close to the camels, take photos, and even feed them. There may also be opportunities to ride a camel for a small fee, which can be negotiated with the workers. The camels are generally friendly, but it is important to note that some may be chained to prevent the males from fighting over females.

The Royal Camel Farm makes for a great stop as part of a day tour exploring Bahrain's main attractions. It offers a unique glimpse into the country's past, as camels used to be the primary mode of transport before the advent of motor vehicles. With hundreds of camels roaming the farm, it is a sight not to be missed!

Feeding camels

Camels are ruminants, like cows, and regurgitate food from their stomachs to chew it again. They are very good at finding food in harsh desert environments. Each half of their split upper lip moves independently, allowing them to get close to the ground to eat short grass. Camels can also break off and eat vegetation such as thorns or salty plants, and they even eat fish.

At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, camels are fed Bermuda and Sudan hay and herbivore pellets. According to the Nelson Road Veterinary Clinic, camels should be treated and fed like ruminants, with hay making up the majority of their diet. They recommend that young calves be fed alfalfa, while adult camels should be fed more of a grass hay type diet. Expect to feed up to 2-3% of their weight daily in hay. They advise feeding no more than 1-2# of grain per day.

Camelids (the camel family) can also be fed a vitamin-mineral supplement in an alfalfa-based pellet.

In the wild, camels can survive on very little food and water. They can go a week or more without water and several months without food. They can survive a 40% weight loss and then drink up to 32 gallons (145 liters) of water in one drinking session!

Riding camels

Royal Camel Farm

The Royal Camel Farm, located on the outskirts of Manama, is a great place to start your camel riding journey. Founded by the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, uncle of the current ruler of Bahrain, this farm is home to hundreds of camels owned by the royal family. It is a hobby farm, meaning the camels are not raised for racing or meat production. The farm is open to the public every day until sunset, and entry is free of charge. You can explore the farm, interact with the camels, and even negotiate a small fee with the workers to feed or ride them. With over 500 majestic camels, it's a sight to behold and a great opportunity to connect with Bahrain's rich heritage.

Camel Riding Opportunities

While the Royal Camel Farm is a fantastic place to visit and interact with camels, there may be other opportunities to arrange camel rides around the farm. You can negotiate with the workers, who might be willing to let you ride a camel for a small, negotiable fee. This can be a great way to support the local community and have a more personalised experience.

Tour Options

If you're looking for a more structured experience, consider booking a tour that includes camel riding. Some tour companies offer half-day or full-day excursions that combine camel riding with visits to other attractions. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and sometimes even meals. This can be a great way to learn about the culture and history of Bahrain while also enjoying a camel riding adventure.

Safety and Comfort

When riding camels, it's important to prioritise your safety and comfort. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing, including comfortable shoes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Stay hydrated, especially if you're riding during the hotter parts of the day. Follow the instructions of the camel handlers and guides, and always supervise children when they are near camels.

Cultural Significance

Camel riding in Bahrain offers more than just a fun activity. Camels have a rich history in the region, serving as a primary mode of transportation before the advent of motor vehicles. By riding camels, you're connecting with a traditional aspect of Bahraini culture and gaining a deeper understanding of the country's past.

Camel racing

The use of child jockeys in camel racing has been a controversial issue, with allegations of human rights abuses and trafficking. In response, countries like the UAE and Qatar have implemented bans on underage labor, and modern camel racing now often employs remote-controlled robotic whips to control the camels.

While camel racing is not available at the Royal Camel Farm in Bahrain, the farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with these majestic creatures. Founded by the late Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the farm is home to hundreds of camels owned by the royal family. Visitors can observe and interact with the camels, and there may be opportunities to feed or ride them for a small fee. The farm is open to the public every day until sunset and provides a glimpse into Bahrain's rich heritage, where camels once served as the primary mode of transportation.

Camel milk

If you're looking to ride a camel in Bahrain, you're in luck! The Royal Camel Farm in Al Janabiya, near Manama, is home to hundreds of camels and is open to the public every day. Camel rides around the farm can be arranged, and you can also feed them, play with them, or take photos with them. The farm is easily accessible, located on the King Fahd Causeway, which goes to Saudi Arabia, on the northwestern coast of Bahrain.

Now, on to camel milk. Camel milk is a traditional drink in Bahrain and the surrounding region, with a long history as a staple food. In the past, the camel was revered as a sacred symbol of life in the desert by the Bedouins. Camel milk is said to have a delicious savoury flavour, similar to goat milk but not as strong. It is also purported to be much healthier than cow's milk, especially for those with centuries of digestive adaptation to it, like the local Arab people.

If you're looking to buy camel milk in small bottles, you might have luck at the Carrefour in Amman, which sells camel milk in four different flavours.

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