Ten Things About Camels in the Negev
On our way to the Red Sea, we decided to stop for a night in the desert at the Negev Camel Ranch near Dimona. Dromedary camels are found throughout the region and are still a major part of Bedouin culture, including in Israel's Negev Desert. The Israeli-owned, Bedouin-run ranch offers rides and Bedouin-style stays in huts, with dinner, breakfast and generous servings of sweet tea. The camels are well-treated by regional standards, with plenty of fresh hay, modern equipment and a light walking schedule. Lena also made friends with an adolescent she named Charlie, who followed her and enjoyed neck scratches. Camels move slowly, but do play, especially juveniles, who frolic, wrestle (with their necks) and chase each other in circles. W e took a morning ride near the Nabatean ruins of Mamshit (real place), where our guide told us many, many camel facts. All our riding camels were female, as the males are more aggressive, particularly during mating season. Dromedari...