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.
  • We 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.
  • Dromedaries have many amazing adaptation to desert life and the finest can walk 150km/day-and-night non-stop for 72 hours without drinking.
  • Most interestingly, a camel never forgets: our guide in Jordan recounted the story of a mistreated camel. Years after being sold, when it encountered its old master, it killed him. So be kind to your camel...
Location: Jerusalem

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