city: Lanzarote

Camel Ride and Minivan Tour at Timanfaya National Park

Sci-fi scenery and camels – this morning in Timanfaya National Park is no ordinary tour. On this fun-filled adventure, you'll explore Lanzarote's top attraction by both traditional and modern means. Star turns include the historic ‘Raven's Volcano', a visitors' centre, the hamlet of La Degollada and, of course, a camel ride. Marian, one of our local guides, says, ‘You get to enter a volcano crater – it's a truly spine-tingling experience – while the camel ride gives you time to absorb the lunar landscape.'First up is the Volcan del Cuervo, or ‘Raven's Volcano'. Located on the edge of Timanfaya National Park, it breaches from a landscape of jet-black soot. It was here that the volcanic eruptions that created Timanfaya began in 1730. Towering walls surround the crater but for a gap seared open by a river of lava, which allows you into the base. Next, we'll zip over to the Mancha Blanca Visitors' and Interpretative Centre. Have a poke around its multimedia displays and get the lowdown on the geology of the Canaries.Then it's time for the more light-hearted part of the tour – the camel ride. You'll be helped on to wooden seats harnessed to the single-humped camel as a handler guides you around. It's a laugh a minute as you scale the wild and wonderful volcanic lands. There's also a small museum dedicated to the Canarian camel, affectionately known as ‘tochas'. The tour ends at the hamlet of La Degollada, where you can take in panoramic views over the Femes valley.