Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour

REVIEW · GOREME

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour

  • 4.530 reviews
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $57.67
Book on Viator →

Operated by Skyway Travel Cappadocia · Bookable on Viator

Camels, cliffs, and Cappadocia views in under two hours. This 90-minute camel ride from Göreme/Ortahisar area focuses on a simple, scenic route through Red Valley, Gulludere Vadisi, Ortahisar, and Rose Valley, with frequent chances to stop and shoot photos from above. Expect a photo-first outing, especially at the viewpoints where you can pause, get angles, and snap away.

I like the pace: camels are described as calm and walk slowly, with handlers moving alongside so you’re not wrestling for balance the whole time. I also like the small-group feel (max 8), plus the practical details like a mounting block that helps you get on without a big step from the ground. One possible drawback: the ride is often light on pre-instructions, so you’ll want to listen closely when someone finally explains what to do.

Key things to know before you ride

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - Key things to know before you ride

  • Small group size (max 8): easier for your guide to manage photos and pacing
  • Valley stops with free admission tickets: the listed viewpoints are priced without extra entry fees
  • Photo stops are a core part of the experience: you’ll stop at viewpoints and spend real time taking pictures
  • Handlers walk alongside the camels: this reduces the feeling of being on your own
  • Wear long pants and comfortable closed shoes: it helps you stay comfortable during the time on trails and rougher ground
  • Weather matters: the activity requires good weather, and timing can shift if it’s not ideal

Camel Ride In Cappadocia: what you do in 90 minutes

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - Camel Ride In Cappadocia: what you do in 90 minutes
This isn’t a long, all-day trek. It’s more like a scenic outing that’s tightly timed around viewpoints. You start at the SAVRAN Camel Safari meeting point near Ortahisar/Ürgüp (or you get pickup if you chose that option), then you ride and stop along the way for photos and short walks.

The basic rhythm is straightforward: you’ll ride, pause, and ride again. The route is paced to keep it manageable even if it’s your first time on a camel. Most people finish feeling like they got the Cappadocia camel experience without turning their day into a project.

Why that matters: when you only have limited time, you want the “wow” factor without the long haul. This tour is built for that. It’s also built for photos. If you care about getting good pictures rather than just passing through the valleys, you’ll likely appreciate the planning around stops.

Also note what’s included. You get pickup and drop-off (when offered), a professional trainer/guide, and the required gear. That reduces the guesswork for your morning and helps you focus on the views instead of logistics.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Goreme.

The route: Red Valley, Gulludere Vadisi, Ortahisar, and Rose Valley

The itinerary is divided into short segments, with about 20 minutes allocated at each of the listed highlight areas. That structure is useful because it turns the ride into something you can actually remember and photograph, not just something you pass through.

Stop 1: Red Valley viewpoint and fairy chimneys from above

Red Valley is where the color and the rock shapes start to feel real. From the top area you get paths and fairy chimneys visible from an elevated perspective, then you move into the paths for a closer look. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here.

What to expect: this part tends to be about angles. If you’ve ever wanted fairy chimneys in the background of your photos, this is the stop where the guide can help you get positions. The time is long enough for a few walking-to-your-angle moments, but short enough that it stays part of the flow.

Possible drawback to keep in mind: because it’s a viewpoint-and-path combo, shoes matter. Uneven ground can feel more noticeable when you’re already wearing your camel-riding clothes.

Stop 2: Gulludere Vadisi (Rose Valley highlight energy)

Güllüdere Vadisi is often grouped in the same conversation as Rose Valley because it’s part of that same fairy-chimney, soft-hills vibe. You’ll spend about 20 minutes here as well.

What makes it worthwhile: it’s one of the best places for the “I’m really in Cappadocia” feeling. Fairy chimneys show up clearly, and you also get that sense of curated views without needing to hike for hours.

Stop 3: Ortahisar, a quieter Cappadocia pocket

Ortahisar is described as a harder place to find without a guide. That’s exactly why the stop works inside a guided tour: you get access to a viewpoint area and surrounding valleys without spending your energy on navigation.

You’ll get about 20 minutes here. This is often where people relax a bit, take a breath, and let the scale of the area sink in.

Why it’s a good balance: the first two stops are more about famous valley scenes. Ortahisar gives you a different feeling—still dramatic, but more “how does this place look from here?” than “everyone is taking the same photo.”

Stop 4: Rose Valley, your classic fairy-chimney finale

Rose Valley is one of Cappadocia’s big-name highlights for a reason. You’ll see fairy chimneys and get more of that visually rich valley structure. Expect about 20 minutes here.

How it usually lands: by the time you reach Rose Valley, you’ve already gotten comfortable with the camels and the rhythm of stopping for photos. That means you’ll spend your time more confidently—less worrying about the ride, more about your photos and the scenery.

If you’re timing your day around sunrise or sunset, this is also the kind of place where lighting can make everything look extra cinematic. Some departures are described as timed for sunset or sunrise, and that pairs nicely with the hot-air balloon atmosphere that Cappadocia is famous for.

Getting on and staying steady: camels, mounting block, and handlers

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - Getting on and staying steady: camels, mounting block, and handlers
The ride is designed to feel calm and controlled. Multiple people note that the camels walk slowly. In plain terms: you should be able to relax your body instead of bracing for a bouncing ride.

One especially practical detail: there’s often a mounting block to help you get on without climbing from the ground. That’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference if your knees aren’t thrilled about stepping up during a vacation morning.

Handlers walking alongside your group is another key factor. You’re not just hopping on and hoping for the best. The handlers stay close and help guide the camels as you move through the valley path segments and toward the photo spots.

What I’d do as a first-timer: keep your attention on your own safety habits—sit firmly, hold where you’re told to hold, and avoid sudden movements when you’re near uneven ground. Even if the camels are calm, the terrain can still be the variable.

Also, a quick reality check on animal encounters: one negative experience described itchy bites after touching the camels. I can’t predict what you’ll experience, but I can suggest a simple strategy: don’t put your hands all over the animals unless you’re instructed and it feels safe. Keep your hands to yourself between photos and follow the trainer’s cues.

The photo stops are the real show (and the guide matters)

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - The photo stops are the real show (and the guide matters)
This is not a ride where you only sit and watch. A huge chunk of the value comes from stopping at the right moments and getting photos that look like you did something special.

You may walk over to a cliff-style photo point for pictures with the guide. Guides are also described as doing a lot of photography work—taking photos and videos, helping with angles, and sometimes even creating videos that match the moment. Some guides are described as using your phone for shots and videos too, which is ideal if you want both selfie-style images and guide-composed shots.

One name that stands out in the provided information is Baris. In one praised experience, Baris was described as patient, showing the geography formations, and taking time to find good spots. That kind of pacing and attention is what turns a quick stop into a lasting memory.

Here’s how to get the best results:

  • Bring your phone charged and ready.
  • Wear something you’re comfortable taking photos in; long pants are helpful.
  • Plan on giving the guide a moment to position you before you fire off a burst.

And if you’re the type who likes extra souvenirs, you might hear about optional add-ons like drone footage. The data includes mention of drone video being offered and purchased separately, so treat that as a possible extra rather than something automatically included.

Price and value: is $57.67 per person a fair deal?

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - Price and value: is $57.67 per person a fair deal?
At $57.67 per person, the value comes from what’s included and how efficient the experience is.

You’re not just paying for camel time. You’re also paying for:

  • Pickup and drop-off (if you select pickup)
  • A professional trainer and guide
  • Required gears
  • Time at multiple highlighted areas built around photo stops

On top of that, the listed stops show admission tickets free for the valley segments mentioned, so you’re not usually adding extra entry fees just to stand in the right place and take pictures.

The small group cap (up to 8) also matters. When a guide has fewer people to manage, you’re more likely to get individualized help with photo timing and mounting/positioning.

The one cost you should plan for: gratuity is not included. If you feel the guide was attentive and safety-focused, budgeting a tip is the normal traveler move here.

What to wear, bring, and expect on the day

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - What to wear, bring, and expect on the day
This experience stays comfortable if you prepare like you’re doing light walking on uneven ground.

Wear:

  • Long pants (recommended in the provided information)
  • Comfortable closed shoes (also recommended)
  • A hat if you run hot or burn easily (one tip suggests wearing a hat or buying locally)

Bring:

  • A charged phone for photos and video
  • If you’re sensitive to pests, take basic insect precautions. One negative experience described bites after contact with camels, so protecting your skin and being careful with touching makes sense.

Expect:

  • The ride can feel like you get on and go. One experience described minimal instruction before embarking, so don’t wait for a long briefing. Watch what the handler demonstrates and ask simple questions if you’re unsure.
  • You’ll likely do a photo stop around the middle of the ride, then head back.

Because good weather is required, you should also keep your schedule flexible. If the conditions aren’t right, the tour may be moved or refunded.

Who this camel ride suits best (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want a short, scenic camel experience without a big physical commitment. It also works well for people who care about photos and want a guide to help with angles and timing.

It’s especially suitable for:

  • First-time camel riders who want a calm, slow-paced ride
  • People who want multiple valley viewpoints in one outing
  • Anyone traveling with limited time who still wants that Cappadocia camel memory

Consider thinking twice if:

  • You’re very nervous about safety explanations or if you strongly prefer a detailed pre-briefing. The experience can be light on instruction before you start riding.
  • You or your kids are sensitive to animal contact and skin irritation. Keep hands to yourself unless the guide tells you otherwise.
  • You have strict expectations about driving style during transfers. There is one negative report about reckless driving, so if that’s a major concern for your family, it’s smart to ask about transfer arrangements and set expectations.

Should you book the Cappadocia camel ride?

Cappadocia Camel Ride Tour - Should you book the Cappadocia camel ride?
If your goal is the classic Cappadocia camel moment with multiple valley viewpoints and photo stops, I think this is a good bet—especially at a price point that includes pickup/drop, a guide, and the required gear. The small group size, slow pace, and guide-led photo time are the reasons to choose it.

I’d skip it only if you’re expecting a long guided hike or a heavily instructional experience from the moment you arrive. This ride is more about moving through scenic areas efficiently and getting you to the right photo points on camels.

If you book, do this: wear long pants, use closed shoes, and be ready for a quick rhythm of ride-and-stop. Give the guide a moment to place you for photos, and you’ll get the kind of images that make the effort of travel feel worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Cappadocia camel ride tour?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included as part of the tour.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Where does the tour stop during the ride?

The listed stops are Red Valley, Gulludere Vadisi, Ortahisar, and Rose Valley.

What’s included in the price, and what isn’t?

Included are pickup & drop-off, a professional trainer and guide, and the required gear. Gratuity is not included.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re aiming for sunrise or sunset, and I’ll suggest the best timing and what to prioritize for photos.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Goreme we have reviewed