Camel Safari Las Vegas — Attraction in Mesquite

Such an amazing and unique place to visit! The short version is that anyone who wants a unique and unforgettable animal experience should book a feeding tour. I've visited countless zoos in various parts of the world and have field biology experience, but nowhere else have I been able to interact with such an interesting variety of species you just don't encounter elsewhere. The staff are all-around amazing, clearly care deeply for the animals, and provide impressive enclosures from both a size and setup perspective. NOTE: by virtue of the secluded location of the zoo, it's important to read the driving directions emailed after booking so you turn before crossing the bridge (or maybe it's just me who missed it), but don't let that dissuade you because it's 100% worth making it.

The long version is that my group of 3 booked the feeding tour the day before and arrived a bit late on Saturday, 08/13/2022, because I missed the turn (probably because I took my eyes off Waze for longer than it took to get to the turn). We were greeted by the zoo's wonderful dogs - 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and a lab (maybe retriever) with Cushing's who does his duty of announcing guests very well, and all are sweet good boys. Allie took us through a short safety instruction discussion and what the plan for the feeding tour would be. We hopped into their new electric tram and headed to meet the first group of camels. We spent time feeding, interacting and learning about each group of animals. Our tour lasted right about 4 hours, but the time flew.

Everything was very relaxed and chatting with Allie and the owner, Guy, about the attributes of each species, how they came to rescue a bunch of the animals, and the property in general was very natural and informative. Both Allie and Guy wear it on their sleeves how passionate about their work they are and how much they adore the animals. We didn't have the chance to meet the other staff member(s) there the day we visited, but I can't imagine they're any less enthusiastic, knowledgeable and competent. The plans they have in the works to provide a home for other species needing a good home because they can't be in the wild are impressive and exciting for anyone who loves exotic animals.

Allie is a very knowledgeable and capable zoologist who has a great rapport with and understanding of the animals. The other members of my group didn't have any large animal experience, but they never felt anything but secure with Allie at the (literal) reins. To stand next to an animal that towers over you (I'm 6') and weighs up to a ton while not feeling like you have to be on highest-alert is a testament to Allie's understanding of animal behavior. Many years ago I spent 4 years studying conservation biology and I like to think I retain a respectable amount of what I learned, but Allie taught me a whole lot about the animals under her care that I either forgot or never knew. And never once did Allie tire of all my bio-nerd questions and things I wanted to talk about - thank you again for that!

All animal lovers owe it to themselves to check this zoo out if they have the opportunity. Come for the camels, stay for the sleepy sloth waking to get her banana, adore the miniature horses, hang out with a sweetheart of a porcupine, mingle with a bunch of alpacas and their llama buddy, get stared at by the cutest little sand cats, watch Allie coax a tortoise out of his burrow, wonder at 18 hand horses too tall for the Mounties, see Guy convince a zonkey not to get too cranky with Cranky, hope to hear the magical melody of harmonizing new guinea singing dogs - quite likely the rarest species of canine on Earth. And if you're really lucky, and only if he chooses to, you'll get to witness the wondrous sight of a two-humped camel running to get his breakfast....

Beyond 5 Stars – A Life-Changing Experience at Camel Safari

At first, I thought, “Camels? Cool, but not that exciting.” I was expecting a quick visit with my kids—maybe feed a few animals and leave. But wow, Camel Safari in Mesquite near Las Vegas completely changed my perspective. This wasn’t just an animal encounter—it was a soulful, real, and unforgettable experience.

The moment we arrived, we were greeted not by staff, but by a serene pack of Rhodesian Ridgebacks—dogs bred to hunt lions, yet they were the calmest, most majestic creatures I’ve ever seen. We sat at the picnic tables, surrounded by the peaceful vibe of the place, and were soon introduced to the owner, Guy, and a kind lady on the team whose name I can’t recall—but both radiated care and authenticity.

The animals here aren’t just “exhibits.” They’re family. We saw two little rescued horses—one who had been rehomed three times—and even watched a comical moment where a horse chased a dog away to protect its space. It was a scene straight from a storybook, full of character and charm.

Then we hopped onto a trailer-style tour wagon and rode out to meet the camels. The experience became something magical. We learned about the camels—how they eat, live, and think. We fed and petted them, and everything felt incredibly natural. These animals weren’t in cages—they were roaming freely, calmly walking up to us with curiosity and trust.

And then came the highlight: meeting Fabio, a massive bull camel in his breeding season. At first, intimidating—but then, something beautiful happened. He walked up, and I was told to breathe into his face. Camels, I learned, recognize people by their breath. I breathed into his face, and he into mine, and in that moment, something shifted. He nudged me gently. He chose to trust me. It was raw, grounding, and unforgettable.

We also got to see a real sloth (with surprisingly huge claws!), a wild dog from Papua New Guinea, and an adorable porcupine that looked like it stepped out of a cartoon, every creature is unique, well-loved, and treated with respect. That’s the magic.

The biggest takeaway? These animals want to be around humans. They aren’t scared. They don’t show fear or aggression. That speaks volumes about how they’re treated. You can tell—this is a place where animals are not just cared for, but genuinely loved.

Guy, the owner, is a treasure himself. Quiet observer, full of wisdom, ex-Silicon Valley background (yes, really)—he dropped some unexpected gems about life, families, and human nature. Just talking to him was worth the trip.

Camel Safari isn’t a zoo. It’s not a flashy attraction. It’s real, grounded, and intimate. It’s the kind of place that leaves you changed—in the best way. If you have kids, go. If you love animals, go. If you want something authentic and unforgettable, go.

This is hands down the best animal sanctuary experience I’ve ever had. Thank you to the Camel Safari team for showing us what love, respect, and connection with animals should...

All of the animals at Camel Safari are so happy and well cared for. I liked that they all had nice shelters with plenty of visable food and water. They are also spoiled with fresh food treats from their trainers. Our guide Alex was personable with us and the animals show genuine affection for her. She is very knowledgeable about the many different exotic animals on the ranch. We met the owner guy who gave us an extra extension to our tour. His love for his animals is obvious and it shows in the way he cares for them. We liked that the ranch isnt just open to public visitors who want to drop in. It is by appointment which is nice because it gives each group more time to see the animals and learn about them and it keeps the animals from being stressed by large non-stop crowds. The camels saddles are specifically chosen by guy to be lightweight and comfortable for his camels and there is only one ride scheduled per day to keep animals from getting worn out. They are far from the overworked animals you see at some other places. Many of the animals here are rescues so it's great to see them thriving at the ranch. I also really liked that Alex was concious and respectful of the animals needs and accomodated them. Like letting an elderly nocturnal armadillo sleep.

If you are looking for a fun and educational experience for an affordable price this is the place for you. Plus you get the peace of mind knowing your money goes to support a good cause since the ranch does so much to take on animals from other places that didnt always care for them well and knowing that the animals you are visiting are happy, healthy, and...