Wadi Rum Camel Ride

I am encouraged to approach the Dromedary and sling my leg over. Warily, I comply. There is a guttural groan from the beast between my legs and I am thrust into the air...

Hannibal, so christened due to his protective face sock, already seems sick of my company. I watch the rest of the small group rocket into the air one by one. We make ourselves as comfy as humanly possible on the solid wooden saddle, we head south into the expansive orange blanket of sand. All around, the imposing peaks of the purple-red sandstone mountains loom large here. I was just becoming accustomed to the lumbering roll of the camel, when we arrive at our first stop, Lawrence Spring. Our hiking boots stomp over fossilised urchins that once lived in ancient seas, sending Agama lizards running for cover as we ascend to the viewpoint.

Hot sugary mint tea is waiting for us as we arrive back at the camels. Hannibal catapults me into the air again and we follow timeworn shepherds’ paths across the plains.  After a spot of lunch and a quick snooze, Hannibal takes me on testicle squashing trot to Jebel Khazali Siq viewpoint.

Back at the camp, we are treated to another feast of chicken, rice, onions, and carrots. The ingredients were placed over hot coals then buried underground to cook. The dish is ceremoniously unearthed later and served with chunks of Arbood bread and homemade hummus and salads. Time for another snooze... ;-)