Camel Safari vs Jeep Safari
Which suits your trip?

If you are planning a desert safari in Jaisalmer, the first question is usually: camel or jeep? Both take you into the dunes around Sam, and both can be timed for a spectacular sunset. But they feel very different. This guide compares the two side by side so you can choose the one that fits your group, your pace and the kind of memories you want to take home.

By the Mayara Fort team · 22 September 2026 · 5 min read

The short answer

Choose a camel safari if you want a slow, classic and photogenic experience that feels like the Thar has for centuries. Choose a jeep safari if you want speed, distance and a bit of adrenaline. If you cannot decide, do both: many guests take a jeep into the dunes and finish with a short camel ride at sunset.

Camel safari: the classic desert experience

Camels are part of the identity of the Thar. On a camel safari, a local handler leads your camel by rope and walks alongside, so even complete beginners feel secure. The rolling gait takes a few minutes to get used to, then becomes surprisingly relaxing. Because the pace is slow, you have time to notice the details: the ripples in the sand, the tracks of small animals and the changing colour of the sky.

A camel ride is quieter than a jeep and feels more connected to the landscape. It is the better choice for photographs, for couples wanting a romantic moment and for anyone who wants to feel the stillness of the desert.

• Slow, calm and quiet
• Led by a local handler
• Excellent for sunset photographs
• Short and longer routes available
• Feels traditional and authentic

Jeep safari: speed and distance

A jeep safari uses an open four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced local driver. It covers far more ground than a camel, so you can reach several dune areas, including quieter spots away from the main sunset point. Drivers can take the jeep up and over the dunes for a more thrilling ride, often called dune bashing, or keep it gentle if you prefer.

Jeeps are a good choice for groups who want to travel together, for families with teenagers and for anyone short on time.

• Fast and exciting
• Covers more distance
• Reaches quieter dunes
• Group-friendly
• Can be calm or adventurous

Side-by-side comparison

• Pace: camel is slow and steady; jeep is fast and dynamic.
• Distance: camel covers a short area; jeep covers much more ground.
• Comfort: camel can feel bumpy for long rides; jeep can be bumpy on dunes.
• Noise: camel is quiet; jeep has engine noise.
• Photography: camel is better for classic silhouettes; jeep is better for reaching varied viewpoints.
• Best for: camel suits couples, first-timers and photographers; jeep suits groups, teens and adventure seekers.

Which is better for families?

Both can work well for families. Younger children often love a short camel ride, sitting with an adult while a handler leads the way. Jeep rides suit families with older children who enjoy a bit of excitement, but ask the driver for a calmer route if anyone is nervous. Whichever you choose, share the ages of the children when you enquire so the team can suggest the most suitable option.

Which is better for couples?

For romance, the camel safari usually wins. Riding side by side at sunset, then stepping down to watch the sky change, is one of the most memorable moments of a Jaisalmer trip. Pair it with a private dinner on the dunes and a stay in the Royal Luxury Tent with Jacuzzi for a complete celebration.

What affects the price?

Prices for camel and jeep safaris vary with duration, season, group size and the route. Longer rides, private vehicles and festive dates usually cost more. At Mayara Fort, safaris are arranged on request and quoted separately from your stay, so share the activity, the number of guests and your preferred timing in your WhatsApp enquiry for an accurate quote.

Best time for each safari

Both safaris are best from October to March. In the late afternoon, the light is warm and the heat has eased, so most rides are timed to end on a dune at sunset. In the shoulder months, avoid the middle of the day. A sunrise ride is another option for photographers who want soft light and fewer people.

Can you do both?

Yes, and it is a popular choice. A typical combination is a jeep ride out to the dunes, some time exploring on foot, then a short camel ride to a viewpoint for sunset. It gives you the thrill of the drive and the calm of the camel in a single afternoon. Adventure seekers can add quad biking or parasailing where available.

Tips for any desert safari

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes
• Bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
• Carry a light jacket for after sunset
• Keep phones and cameras in a bag
• Confirm the duration and charges before you start
• Listen to your handler or driver

A note on animal welfare and responsible travel

Camels are working animals and an important part of local livelihoods in the Thar. Choose rides arranged through your camp or reputable operators, and be patient with the animals: avoid shouting, sudden movements or asking the handler to push the camel faster. On a jeep safari, stay on the routes your driver chooses, as the desert has fragile plants and small wildlife that can be disturbed by vehicles. In both cases, take your rubbish back with you and leave the dunes as you found them. Small choices like these help keep the Sam Sand Dunes beautiful for the people who live here and for the travellers who follow.

Book your desert safari from Mayara Fort

Staying at Mayara Fort puts you minutes from the dunes at Sam. Read more about the camel safari and the jeep safari, then send your dates and preferences on WhatsApp. Our team will help you plan the right safari and confirm timings and charges before you travel.

How long should your safari be?

For most first-time visitors, a ride of around an hour, timed to finish at sunset, is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time on the dunes without feeling tiring. Longer camel rides suit travellers who are comfortable in the saddle, while longer jeep routes reach more remote parts of the desert. Ask our team to suggest the right length for your group.