Through the Lens of a Camel: A Hump-tastic Perspective?

Much to our surprise, our camel ride started from the very spot where we had enjoyed horseback riding earlier in the day. It was approximately 4pm, with the sun poised to set within the next hour and a half. Alongside us, a British couple awaited the camel preparations, assuming it would be just the four of us for the adventure ahead. As we waited, conversation flowed, they began to smoke and tell me about the cheap cigarette prices, with me enthusiastically sharing our planned Moroccan escapades and my friend eagerly snapping selfies with the majestic camels.

The camels were tethered together with ropes looped around their necks, forming a neat line as they rested on the ground. However, the tranquility was suddenly disrupted when the two camels at the rear decided to engage in a heated scuffle, teeth bared and tempers flaring—thankfully, it was strictly a camel affair, not involving any of us humans. Though the exact cause of their disagreement remained a mystery, it seemed likely that one had encroached a bit too closely on the backside of the other, triggering a chain reaction of panic and irritation. In no time, the altercation escalated as the camels rose up, nostrils flaring with indignation. Amidst the chaos, the lead camel attempted to retaliate, inciting further commotion, prompting a swift intervention by four or five instructors who rushed to separate them. Chaos!
"And we are going to sit on them?" I ventured, a tinge of fear evident in my voice. The British couple chuckled at my query, mistaking my genuine concern for a joke, so I joined in with their laughter, masking my nerves with a smile.

As we waited, the group swelled with dozens more eager participants, all eager to capture the perfect camel selfie. Observing the procession of nearly identical poses, I couldn't shake the nagging thought: 'What if one of those camels decides to take a bite?' Eventually, in groups of five, we mounted our respective camels, each of us carefully positioning ourselves atop the swaying creatures. As the camels rose to their feet, we had to ensure everything was positioned properly so nothing is crushed in the process. We were delighted by the playful antics of baby camels right next to us, their antics providing a charming distraction. I think it was because a woman was sat on their mother, preparing to leave. A few women let out startled screams as their camels stood, startling both us and the nearby baby camels. In unison, our camels arched their necks back, creating a synchronised spectacle that left us simultaneously awed and amused.

As our camel caravan set off, the journey began similar to our earlier horseback riding adventure danced in my mind. Clad in my favourite silk Zara shirt, its hues seamlessly blending with the sunset-kissed landscape, I felt a sense of harmony enveloping me. The symphony of nature unfolded around us—the sun sinking gracefully, birds chirping, and the soft sand beneath our camel's feet. Separated into two groups, we journeyed leisurely, savouring every fleeting moment. With smartphones poised to capture memories and my trusty Insta360 camera stick in hand, I immersed myself in the experience, eager to preserve every detail. As the sun descended to meet us, it painted a breathtaking scene across the sky, illuminating the horizon with a kaleidoscope of colours. Surrounded by towering trees, the sky became a canvas for the setting sun, its fiery glow casting a tranquil aura over the scene. In that serene moment, I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me, a feeling that remains vivid even now just thinking about it. All around, the rhythmic crunch of camel feet mingled with the gentle hum of passing hummingbirds, creating a harmonious symphony of nature's beauty. Every minute felt instilled with magic and wonder.

As our camel caravan came to a halt, the group behind us eagerly surged ahead. Meanwhile, we took our time, leisurely soaking in the surroundings, with our instructor darting between us, hastily capturing snapshots on our phones. It was during this pause that I had a realisation: the livelihood of these guides largely depends on gratuities, a fact that often goes unnoticed by many. As we resumed our journey towards the Flamingo River, the rhythmic pounding of hooves echoed through the air, accompanied by the rapid crunch of leaves beneath them. Glancing to our left, we caught sight of two gentlemen mounted on horses, riding gracefully along a path several meters above our own. They raced past us.. quite the majestic site.

As we arrived at the riverbank, we were greeted by a scene of locals unwinding in their cars, perched on the rocky banks, or comfortably seated in their chairs, eagerly awaiting the spectacle of the sunset. Guided by our handlers, our camels meandered along the path, leading us away from the sun's descent. Desperate in capturing the moment, my friend busily snapped pictures behind us, while I focused on securing my camera to prevent any mishaps. Lost in my task, I barely noticed our navigator's reassurance: 'Don't worry, we're turning around for your pictures.' Confusion momentarily as we pivoted, my gaze shifted from the tranquil river scene to the curious onlookers, locals observing us tourists atop our towering camels. The interaction between various cultures and perspectives added to the serene atmosphere.

As we gazed upwards, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight: the sun, ablaze with mesmerising hues, casting its ethereal glow across the sky. Its radiant colours danced upon the surface of the river, creating a captivating panorama of nature's beauty. The tranquil waters mirrored the sky above, enhancing the enchanting scenery. Below us, the rocks and pebbles seemed to draw us into an intimate embrace, amplifying the magic of the moment beyond our wildest imaginations. We couldn't help but be awestruck (pun intended) by the scene before us. The serenity of the river was not hiding its potential chilliness well, yet its peaceful demeanour exuded a sense of calmness. Couples nestled on the rocks below, sharing intimate moments of devotion, while families gathered behind them, cherishing precious time with their loved ones. It was a perfect scene, one that seemed to transcend time itself.
However, as we began our journey back, the sun had fully set, and the tranquility of the evening was soon disrupted by mosquitoes. They seemed to have singled me out for their evening feast, despite my attempts to evade them. I later counted three bites.