I Want to Ride a Camel Across the Desert and Sleep in a Bedouin Tent

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Before I Die, I Want to Ride A Camel through the Arabian Desert and Sleep in A Bedouin Tent

Really, I do. I want to ride a camel through the Arabian desert and sleep in a Bedouin tent. I have been greeted with all sorts of strange responses when I tell people this. Most of them, from the people who know me best, say something like, "but you don't camp - your idea of roughing it is Holiday Inn." Well, there is probably some truth to that, but this is my bucket list, my wish list of the 10 things I want to do before I die. And nearly all of them fall outside my comfort zone, or I probably would have done them already.

So, why a ride a camel and sleep in a Bedouin tent? First off, as I have researched and formed my bucket list, I discovered that I am really fascinated by the Arabian belt and the nomadic Bedouin who wander there. Two specific destinations in Morocco and two in UAE are already on the list and there is one more in the region that I haven't gotten to yet. The more I read and learned the more I want to experience a different culture, and riding a camel through the Arabian desert and sleeping in a Bedouin tent would certainly qualify.

Camel photo, entitled "Give Me a Kiss" is available as a poster
Click here to buy at AllPosters

Riding on a Camel through the Desert and Sleeping in a Bedouin Tent Represents One of the 10 Items on my Bucket List

See my Entire Bucket List

I Have Had a Camel "Ride" - But Now I Want to Travel By Camel Through the Arabian Desert

This photo is from about 2001, based on the age of my girls.

ride a camel

Albom Family riding a camel.

Photo property of Rhonda Albom, copyrighted and protected.

Have You Rode on a Camel?

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Bedouin:

noun:
a nomadic Arab of the desert.

Do You Have Any Advice for Me?

bucket list

What do you think? Sounds like fun, or have I completely lost my mind?

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Wow, Pukeko, Sounds like fun, keep it on the bucket list

Trace says:

My husband and 2 kids spent 5 days in the Sinai on camels camping with the Bedouin. No tents, just slept under the stars. They had a tent if we wanted it but as our 4 guides were not using one we didnt either. Our kids 6 and 11 played with the local children and we drank many cups of Bedouin tea with their families. The only thing that was "organised" was our supplies and our Bedouin guides the rest was played by ear...where to stop.....who to visit etc. It was fantastic

achraf says:

I have made a special lens about a visit I made to southern morocco where you can do a lot of fun stuff in the desert; check it out:
http://www.squidoo.com/a-quick-tour-of-ouarzazate-south-morocco

achraf says:

As a moroccan, I would recommand going to Merzouga; it in the south east of Morocco.
It is one of the most beautiful places on earth (and I've visited so many countries in the past).
Seeing the sun rise in Merzouga is an unforgettable moment. People there (bedouins) are sooo nice and sooo welcoming. Prices are very low (about 25$ to 40$ per night including dinner and breakfast);
If you need more info, just let me know, and I'll be more than happy to help you live this dream :)

Sharm74 says:

Hey I live in these places!! And took a lot of photos, bedouin kids are honestly my favourite subject! They are lovely people with a high sense of hospitality! Keep on with your dream!

happynutritionist says:

Hey, if you've already ridden a camel, you have the skill down, now you just have to do it "authentic" style! All sounds fun and the pictures are great!

sheilamarie says:

I think this sounds like a great idea! I think I'd like to do that too.

Pukeko says:

We know my position. Not sure if it will be fun (I hope so), but it will be interesting.

I think you have gone completely mad, No chance I will be joining you.

tssfacts says:

I will have to pass on this one. I don't like desert heat much less thinking about riding on a camel.

ohcaroline says:

I don't think I would be joining you on this one. thanks but no thanks.

 

Arabian Camel:

noun:
the domesticated one-humped (dromedary) camel, probably native to the deserts of North Africa and southwestern Asia.

Don't Forget a Tour Book

This is the one I want to take.

Whenever I travel, if they are available, I take Lonely Planet tour books. As I haven't been to Morocco (yet), I don't have personal knowledge of this book. I base my recommendation on my past travels with Lonely Planet books. So, if my desert camel trek takes me to Morocco, this is the book I would take (for the other portion of my trip - I will be with a guide in the desert.)



Lonely Planet Morocco (Country Travel Guide)

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Some Interesting Reading on the Bedouins

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Check Out the Current Weather in the Arabian Dessert

I Choose Morocco Here, as other Moroccan Cities are on my Bucket List, and Tangier Is a Probable entry point, although not a desert

Current weather conditions in Tangier, Morocco

Local Pollen Reports

28°C (Feels like 27°C)

Last update: 5/28/12 6:00 PM Local Time

Humidity: 30%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 9°C
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1012.9mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 13km/h From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: 15°C
Sunrise: 6:10 AM
Sunset: 8:31 PM
 

Tuesday
May 29 


N/A
High: 28°C
Low: 17°C
Sunrise: 6:09 AM
Sunset: 8:32 PM

Wednesday
May 30 


Mostly Sunny
High: 28°C
Low: 17°C
Sunrise: 6:09 AM
Sunset: 8:33 PM

Thursday
May 31 


Partly Cloudy
High: 28°C
Low: 17°C
Sunrise: 6:09 AM
Sunset: 8:33 PM

What's Stopping Me?

bedouin tentI would have to say this is one of the more difficult items on my bucket list to accomplish. For starters, I live half way around the world from any Arabian deserts. Then I would have to convince my family this is a good idea. It does sound all interesting, but there are practical items, like weather to consider. Sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold and often way too windy. I don't think I would want to wander the desert on a camel in a wind storm. So, I am not sure I would want to book it before I left New Zealand, and not sure I could book it once I am away.

A Few Options That Look Interesting.

These are not my recommendations, just places that peaked my interest.

Morocco Sahara Tour
Morocco Sahara tour and camel safari into the Morocco desert at M'Hamid. Build your own trip with Morocco Travel Plan. The Sahara starts here.
Ammarin Bedouin Camp
Love this description on what to bring:
Sleeping bags if you wish, comfortable shoes for hiking, long trousers for camel rides, warm clothes for the evenings, towel, hat, sun block and lip protection, sunglasses, camera, backpack for personal belongings, flashlight, matches and....a sense of humor!!!
Dead Sea - Kfar Hanokdim - Bedouin Experience
Once your group arrives at the village you will be invited inside the Bedouin tent to relax around the fire and sip hot spicy Bedouin tea.
Sahara Desert Tours and Camel Treks
Custom tours of Morocco and recommended Moroccan itineraries.

I Will Bring Home Some Souvenirs Once I Go

Until then, here are some awesome designs available directly from the artists who created them

Who Is Blogging About Sleeping in Bedouin Tents?

Following in TE Lawrence's footsteps
Eventually we rounded a huge dune and came face-to-face with a tight grouping of low-slung green tents. One is much larger than the rest ? a kind of communal Bedouin house perhaps? The rest are less imposing, and turned out to be sleeping quarters and ...
Taking lesson on falconry at the desert
After returning from the camel ride, we moved into the camp relaxing on low cushions in traditional Bedouin tents to enjoy an Arabian BBQ (barbeque/barbecue) buffet dinner and dessert beside a blazing bonfire with traditional cups of coffee and dates, ...
Go wild in Africa
Then, every April, along come the Burners ? with their Bedouin tents, contraptions that swing gigantic balls of fire through the air, and everything they need to endure. Their mission? to party like tomorrow will never come and create a community free ...
Nelson Boot NZ's most unusual place to stay
With twinkling lights above, heated floors below and the most enticing bedding and furnishings, this is a Bedouin dream straight from the Arabian Nights. 4 - The Jailhouse (Christchurch) - Previously a women's prison, this backpacker accommodation has ...

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See What Else is on Pukeko's Bucket List

  • Equine Passions Mar 28, 2011 @ 5:17 pm | delete
    if you want to ride in wadi rum in jordan.. http://www.jordantracks.com .. it's a company that organizes these things.. in uae, there's a small farm that teaches u how to ride a camel on your own.. and they organize camping trips on horseback or on camels.. the company's called the small horse corporation in dubai http://www.safarihorse.com/home.aspx
  • susannaduffy Jan 4, 2011 @ 8:31 pm | delete
    I think I've had enough camel rides in Australia to sate my appetite for these beasts but the Bedouin tent is tempting. I wonder if Rudolph Valentino is still around?
  • tssfacts Jan 1, 2011 @ 9:42 am | delete
    The photos are beautiful but I would have to enjoy the photos over being there in person. This just isn't my cup of tea lol.
  • ohcaroline Dec 27, 2010 @ 8:48 am | delete
    If I went to the desert, I would want a Humvee for transportation. :)
  • Light-in-me Dec 27, 2010 @ 12:08 am | delete
    At first I was thinking no way, but then as I read what you had to say and looked at some of your links I started to get into the thought. I love Archaeology to see the Dead Sea or at that Ammarin Bedouin Camp you can see Petra. To sleep in a Bedouin tent sounds cool too. Riding a camel in the desert I would do if I have to in order to do the rest lol..
    I enjoyed my visit, nice lens.
    Robin :)
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Bedouin Tent is Part of the Bucket List of Pukeko

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Pukeko is a native New Zealand bird. Learn more about Pukeko here)
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Pukeko

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Original Bucket List Items, Already Ticked Off 

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Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 6+2 Six-Person Basecamp Tent 

For more modern camping

Sierra Designs Wu Hu Annex 6+2 Six-Person Basecamp Tent

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A great family tent.

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent 

Another great option for more modern camping

Columbia Cougar Flats II Family Cabin Dome Tent

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