Camel Safari ranch offers 3 new ways to meet exotic desert animals
Camel Safari ranch in Las Vegas has three new ways to get up close with a variety of exotic animals, including Bactrian camels, adorable sand cats, and outrageous New Guinea singing dogs. From photographic tours to a daytime “glamp camp,” it’s an unforgettable family adventure under the desert’s open skies.
Camel Safari ranch, situated on 176 acres in Bunkerville, Nev., just 80 minutes north of Las Vegas, offers a unique safari experience, as a Disney-approved vendor accredited by the Zoological Association of America. In addition to the park’s signature Safari tour, three new photographic animal encounters bring visitors face-to-face with exotic residents of the desert.
The safaris don’t take place on camelback. Instead, tours begin with an educational program, then visitors board trams for a comfortable ride around the ranch, meeting Bactrian camels, llamas, alpacas and a friendly “zedonk,” the genetic mash-up of zebra and donkey. Q & A sessions take place at each stop for a full understanding of these fascinating animals, and guests also meet the park’s ambassador camels.
Exotic animals native to the Sahara Desert are also featured along the tour. Get to know the habits of sand cats, small, wild cats who live in underground dens during the heat of day, and prowl the desert after sunset. Then, have an up-close encounter with New Guinea singing dogs, a relative of Australia’s dingos, whose trademark skill is the dramatic variations in the pitch of their howls.
The newest tours in the line-up are:
Feed With A Keeper Safari
This family-friendly outdoor adventure takes place with two of Camel Safari’s zoologists as they dish up morning feedings for dozens of exotic animals. Up to 25 passengers can participate in these behind-the-scenes tours, which take place Thursday-Sunday from 8-11 a.m. Tickets are $99 per adult, $79 ages 3-15, with guests under 3 being free.
Day Glamp Camp Safari
Enjoy a private tram ride (up to 10 passengers) in the company of Camel Safari’s keepers for a tour around the property that includes animal encounters and educational programs, including a hands-on encounter with an ambassador camel. Create a camel hair friendship bracelet and try your hand at other crafts made from Bactrian camel fiber. Bookings begin Sept. 1 for tours Thursday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.. Tickets are $99 per adult, $79 ages 3-15, with guests under 3 being free.
VIP Sunset Safari
Discover rare nocturnal animals during this exclusive tram tour, then experience the breathtaking spectacle of a desert sunset. Meet the park’s camels and exotic animals, and, for an additional fee, enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing in the ranch’s distinctive ambiance. Bookings are available on Thursdays and Sundays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with times subject to change depending on seasonal sunset. VIP sunset tour is $1,000 for up to 12 guests.
Keep the heat at bay with cold beverages and frozen treats, then enjoy the property’s picnic area and more educational encounters with the animals. Take home a Bactrian camel toy or a tumbler as a memento of the day, and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and sunglasses, and wear close-toed shoes and comfortable clothing.
For more information, visit DesertRanchExperience.com.
