Back to the Camel Treks main page. To Big Bend. To Monahans.
Camel Trek FAQs
How many guests can participate? In Monahans, I require a minimum of 3 guests. In the Big Bend area the minimum is 3 guests for an overnight trek, 2 for the 3-day trek.
What ages can participate? I've had folks as young as 12 work my camels and folks up into their 80's as well.
Will each guest have his/her own camel? Yes.
What are the physical requirements of guests? Ability to hike 3-5 miles per day in dunes, 5-10 miles per day over ranch roads, cattle trails, creek beds and mountain passes.
Will I have to handle the camel the entire time? The choice is up to you. Texas Camel Corps guides typically rotate in and out to relieve guests and to better facilitate interpretive experiences.
Why don't we ride the camels? After 5 1/2 years of guiding camelback treks, I've decided that this is a more functional way for guests to learn- not only about the camels, but also the environment. From atop a camel, guests only get a glimpse of the beautiful desert ecosystems we travel through. On foot, participants really get acquainted with the environment.
Where do we sleep? Texas Camel Corps provides nylon tents for all guests.
What do we eat? Southwestern cuisine and, appropriately, Middle Eastern meals are frequently featured. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated and meals even the kids will eat are no problem.
What should I bring? Since the camels are packing not only your gear, but the overall camp gear as well as the guides' gear, you should limit your cargo to about 25 pounds. This would be in the form of a sleeping bag/pad, pillow, flashlight and small backpack or large fanny pack for change of clothes, personal hygiene, etc. Don't forget the canteen, camera and sunblock.
General safety announcement:
I am very proud of my safety record, however, accidents can occur. I am equally proud of my camels’ behavior, but feel obligated to remind guests that these are live animals and the limits of control that we as humans have over them are just that, limited. Any less honesty than this would be foolish on my part. Every attempt is made to provide for guest safety. Though surefooted, camels can trip and fall and, like horses, camels can spook. Camels can bite, kick, regurgitate their cud (spit), jump, lay down or get up without warning. Do any/all of these things happen on every trip? No, but it’d be irresponsible of me not to mention any/all possibilities. Participants will be instructed on safe behavior/proximity around the camels during both times of work and rest. Liability waivers will be presented and must be signed before participants begin working around the camels. All participants will be given instruction on how to have their camel kneel, accept hobbles, be saddled, be loaded and unloaded of gear, rise from a kneeling position, be tied to a hitching post, begin walking, stop walking, slow down and speed up. Group members may rotate in and out as much as they choose while working the camels to better facilitate interpretive study, photography, etc.
Texas Camel Corps has been featured in National Geographic Adventure (April '04), Texas Monthly (November '03), NY Daily News (March '03), NY Times (April '02), Texas
Highways (Feb. '02), AAA's Texas Journey (Jan. '02), Southern Living (May '01) and Texas Parks
and Wildlife magazine (Jan. '01).
E-mail or call the Texas Camel Corps at (254)675-HUMP (675-4867).
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