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Desert On Camel Back
About the only thing you will have to get used
to, when you plan a camel safari, is the ungainly
movement of the ship of the desert. The camel
may look aloof, but is the lifeline for the
people of the desert whose communication needs
depend on this vital beast for their very survival.
Most journeys into the hinterlands are still
made on camel-back, or in camel carts, and the
camel is also used for ploughing the arid fields
of the desert.
A saddle is mounted across the
camel's hump, providing comfortable seating
for two, legs astride. At first the rolling
gait of the camel is a little disconcerting,
but riders soon get used to the rhythm. Since
the sun can get very hot in the desert, the
best times for a camel safari are in the morning
and evening, even in the cooler winter months.
Such safaris are usually run by professional
outfits who hire Raikas, the camel-keepers who
are adept at finding the best routes and waterholes
in the desert, and navigate almost by instinct,
guided, of course, by the position of the stars
at night. This becomes necessary should you
be planning a longdistance safaris, of course,
can range from just a day to serveral days,
and you can choose an option that best meets
your needs and schedules. Remember, most such
safaris can traverse a distance of 30-40 km
a day, and you may need to plan accordingly
should you wish to trlans-navigate between two
different towns.
Best camel safari points are
the desert region that includes the entire Shekhawati
belt, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, and around
Pushkar and Nagaur, and only the winter season
(October-March) is recommended. Visitors are
advised to dress modestly since the safari may
pass, and camp, in close proximity of villages.
A sola-topee, the local turban or some form
of head protection is essential, and people
should ensure that they drink water at regular
intervals. |
