Where true hospitality has no price – Bedouins and their camel farms

It felt we were driving forever to finally found the acacia forest, where we planned to pitch our tents and stay for the night.

Before reaching the acacia forest, there was only one more obstacle on our way. Due to a mistake in a rental car agency, we got 2WD SUVs, instead of 4WD and the path to the forest looked a bit too sandy and steep. No problem for going down there, but coming back up, could be tricky and a bit nerve wrecking.

Checking out the path to acacia forest (UAE travel)

A black Landcruiser is coming our way and stops at our feet. There was a Bedouin couple in it, asking us if we are OK. Due to our positive answer, they drove away, but not for long.

Camel farm and goat farm (UAE travel)

In about few minutes they came back again, offering to show us their camel farm. Their invitation was too appealing to say no and before we knew it, we were following them right to the middle of acacia forest. Reaching small sand dunes meant a no go for us, so we just left our cars aside the road and continued the rest of the way in their Landcruiser. Before we reached their camel farm, they helped us in finding a good camping spot, which could also be accessed with our 2WD cars.

Wilderness camping (UAE travel)

We passed few other camel farms before reaching theirs. Said, Nourma’s husband opens the gates and let us in. In only few seconds we were surrounded by numerous camels and their big curious eyes. There should be around 70 of them.

Camel farm (UAE travel)

Camel farm (UAE travel)

We were explained that we cannot touch them, before they smell us and with that, get to know us. We are all surprised how well they are taken care of. Comparing to camels in North Africa, which are used for tourist camel riding, these don’t even have a smell.

Before getting close toa camel, let it smell you (UAE travel)

Like padding a camel would not be enough, lots of baby camels joined us as well. They were only about 2-3 months old and were adorable.

Thirsty baby camel (UAE travel)

We were offered to try freshly milked camel milk. I already tried camel milk from the grocery shop in Dubai, but this taste was nothing to compare it with. It was still a little bit warm and rich in flavor. It was delicious and the foam on top looked better than on any capuccino I have ever seen. 

Tasting camel milk – rich with proteins and low in calories (UAE travel)

Listening to Bedouins and watching them, you cannot miss to notice, how important their herds still are to them. Even though they all live in a fancy house and drive the latest models of Landcruiser, animals are their biggest wealth and they respect them as they did long before.

Bedouin and its camel farm (UAE travel)

Bedouins have also goat farms, not oonly camel farms (UAE travel)

Baby camels costs about 1200-1300 EUR and adults at least twice as more. Camels on camel farms are mostly used for milk. They are slaughtered for meat only for some special occasions like getting a newborn or for weddings.

Camel farm (UAE travel)

Camel farm (UAE travel)

With visiting this camel farm we were once again shown, how rewarding traveling off the beaten track is. Here are no artificial smiles and handshakes and everything you see and get, comes directly from the heart.

A smile and an open heart make new friends (UAE travel)

Nourma and Said took their time for us because they wanted to and not because they needed to. Even though they were already on their way back home, they came back only because of us. At the end  they even gave us their mobile number, just in case, if we would need anything. The best things really do happen when you least expect them to. This experience is definitely something we will charish forever.