How Much Are Camels Worth? Camels are amazing and expensive animals in the world. The camels are worth between $80 and $20,000 depending on the breed (dromedary or Bactrian), sex (male or female), region (Africa, Middle East, Australia, America) and age (baby or adult). However, some extraordinary camels reach values of over $50 million.
Throughout history, camels have held significant cultural importance across various societies. Their resilience in extreme desert environments, coupled with their aesthetic appeal and the utility of their leather, milk, and wool, has made them highly prized.
Often regarded as even more loyal than dogs, camels form deep bonds with their owners, further cementing their esteemed status.
In this article, we will answer the question “how much are camels worth”, and summarize their value in various different countries.
How Much Are Camels Worth In Africa?
“Africa and the Middle East boast some of the most profound camel cultures globally. The majority of camels in these regions have a single hump.
Of the 46 nations identifying as camel-centric, 20 are in Africa. The precise camel count in Africa remains uncertain, with estimates covering nearly 70% of the continent’s nations.
“In Africa, a camel’s value ranges from $150 to $6,500. Kenya offers the most affordable camels at $150, whereas Morocco has the priciest ones, going for approximately $6,500.”
How Much Is A Camel Worth In Morocco?
| Country | : | Morocco |
| Camel Population | : | 200,000 |
| Where To Buy A Camel | : | Guelmim Market |
| Camel Price | : | $1,300-$6,500 |
For centuries, camels have held significant roles in Morocco, integral to its rich trade history, ferrying goods and travelers across the desert. Even today, some nomadic tribes rely on them for transportation.
However, since 1961, their population has seen a decline, with current estimates suggesting about 200,000 dromedary camels in the region. The Guelmim market in Morocco has evolved into one of the premier camel markets.
“In Morocco, a camel’s average value stands at about 15,000 Moroccan dirhams ($1,600). The cost fluctuates based on the camel’s breed, age, and stature. Premium camels can command prices over 20,000 dirhams ($2,100), with some fetching as much as 60,000 dirhams ($6,500). A camel meant for sacrifice typically costs around 12,000 dirhams ($1,300).”
| Camel Type | Description | Price (Moroccan dirhams/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Camel | Standard market value | 15,000 dirhams / $1,600 |
| Premium Camel | Higher breed, age, or size | >20,000 dirhams />$2,100 |
| Top-tier Camel | Exceptional breed or characteristics | Up to 60,000 dirhams /$6,500 |
| Sacrificial Camel | Specifically for religious ceremonies | 12,000 dirhams / $1,300 |
How Much Is A Camel Worth In Kenya?
| Country | : | Kenya |
| Camel Population | : | 3.1 Million |
| Where To Buy A Camel | : | Moyale camel stock market |
| Camel Price | : | $150-$310 |
Kenya boasts the third-highest dromedary camel count in Africa, with an estimated population of 3,091,200. For pastoral and nomadic groups in Kenya, camels are treasured sources of food and milk. The industry surrounding camel meat and milk is valued at approximately $11 million in the country.
Given camels’ ability to endure days without sustenance and their preference for 100% natural forage, an increasing number of Kenyans are transitioning from cattle to camel rearing.
In Kenya, the value of camels ranges from 17,000 to 35,000 Kenyan shillings ($150-310), influenced by factors like age, gender, health, and market dynamics. Breeding female camels typically fetch between 10,000 and 27,000 shillings ($90-240), while their male counterparts command prices from 8,000 to 28,000 shillings ($80-250).
| Camel Type | Description | Price (Kenyanshillings/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| General Camel | Price influenced by age, gender,health, and market dynamics | 17,000-35,000 shillings ($150-310) |
| Breeding Female Camel | Specifically for breeding purposes | 10,000-27,000 shillings ($90-240) |
| Breeding Male Camel | Specifically for breeding purposes | 8,000-28,000 shillings ($80-250) |
How Much Are Camels Worth In Saudi Arabia?
| Country | : | Saudi Arabia |
| Camel Population | : | 1.4 million |
| Where To Buy A Camel | : | Al Qassim and the Riyad camel market |
| Camel Price | : | $1,800-1 million+ |
The value of a camel in Saudi Arabia can vary widely based on several factors, including its age, health, breed, purpose (racing, breeding, meat, or tourism), and any special training it might have received. As of my last update in January 2023:
Regular Camels: These are typically used for meat or milk and might cost anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 Saudi Riyals (SAR) or more.
Racing Camels: These can be much more expensive. A well-bred racing camel with a proven track record can fetch prices from 100,000 SAR to several million SAR.
Beauty Camels: In Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East, there are camel beauty contests. Camels that are deemed beautiful based on specific criteria can be worth millions of SAR.
Breeding Camels: If a camel is known to come from a prestigious lineage, it can also command a higher price.
Tourism Camels: These are camels used for rides, photos, and other tourist activities. Their price can vary based on training and temperament.
Young vs. Adult: Young camels or calves will generally be cheaper than fully grown camels, especially if they come from a lineage of racing or beauty contest winners.
It’s essential to note that these prices are approximate and can fluctuate based on demand, regional factors, cultural events, and economic conditions.
If you’re genuinely interested in the current pricing, it would be best to consult local camel traders or markets in Saudi Arabia for the most up-to-date information.
The average price of camels in Saudi Arabia are usually worth between 15,000 and 25,000 Saudi riyals ($4,000-6,600). Some calves are sold for little as 7,000 Saudi riyals ($1,800), while a 4-year-old white camel is valued at around 25,000 ($6,600). Some camel breeds generate a lot of money for their owners, and the price of one can reach about 4 million Saudi riyals ($1 million).
| Type of Camel | Approximate Price (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Regular Camels | 5,000 – 30,000 |
| Racing Camels | 100,000 – Several million |
| Beauty Camels | Up to several million |
| Breeding Camels | Varies based on lineage |
| Tourism Camels | Varies |
How Much Are Camels Worth In Israel?
| Country | : | Israel |
| Camel Population | : | 3000-4500 |
| Where To Buy A Camel | : | N/A |
| Camel Price | : | $1,950-$16000 |
The value of a camel in Israel, similar to other regions, can vary based on several factors such as age, health, breed, purpose, and lineage. As of my last update in January 2023:
Tourism Camels: Camels used for tourism purposes, such as rides and photo opportunities, are common in Israel. Their value can vary based on their training, temperament, and the demand in the tourism sector.
Breeding Camels: Camels with a known lineage or those used for breeding purposes can fetch a higher price.
Regular Camels: These might be used for various purposes, including meat, milk, or even companionship. Their price can range based on their health, age, and specific purpose.
Young vs. Adult: As with other regions, younger camels or calves will generally be cheaper than fully grown camels.
However, it’s essential to note that the camel market in Israel might be smaller and more specialized than in countries like Saudi Arabia, given the difference in cultural and economic contexts.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing of camels in Israel, it would be best to consult local camel traders, breeders, or relevant agricultural departments in the country.
The Camels price in Israel are usually worth between 6,000 and 16,000 Israeli shekels ($1,950-$5,200), depending on the age and condition of the camel. The value of a racing camel in Israel ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 shekels ($4,800-6,500); the best ones with a pedigree are estimated at 50,000 ($16,000).
| Type of Camel | Approximate Price (ILS) |
|---|---|
| Regular Camels | 10,000 – 50,000 |
| Regular Camels | 5,000 – 30,000 |
| Breeding Camels | 15,000 – 70,000 |
| Young vs. Adult | Younger camels cheaper |
How Much Is A Camel Worth In Tunisia?
| Country | : | Tunisia |
| Camel Population | : | 56,000 |
| Where To Buy A Camel | : | N/A |
| Camel Price | : | $730 |
As of my last update in January 2023, the value of a camel in Tunisia, like in other regions, can vary based on several factors such as age, health, breed, purpose, and lineage.
Tunisia, being in North Africa, has a history of camel usage, especially in the more arid regions of the country.
Here’s a general approximation based on the available information:
Tourism Camels: Camels used for tourism purposes, especially in desert touristic areas like the Sahara, can have a value based on their training and the demand in the tourism sector.
Regular Camels: These might be used for various purposes, including transport, meat, or milk. Their price can range based on their health, age, and specific purpose.
Breeding Camels: Camels with a known lineage or those used for breeding purposes can fetch a higher price.
Young vs. Adult: Younger camels or calves will generally be cheaper than fully grown camels.
However, without specific recent data on camel prices in Tunisia, it’s challenging to provide an exact price range.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing of camels in Tunisia, it would be best to consult local camel traders, breeders, or relevant agricultural departments in the country.
On average, a camel in Tunisia is worth around 2,100 Tunisian dinars ($730), but the price can go a lot higher.
| Type of Camel | Approximate Price (TND) |
|---|---|
| Tourism Camels | 4,000 – 20,000 |
| Breeding Camels | 6,000 – 25,000 |
| Regular Camels | 3,000-15,000 |
| Young vs. Adult | Younger camels cheaper |
Final Thoughts
Camel prices exhibit significant variation based on factors such as region, age, gender, health, and prevailing market dynamics. In Africa, countries like Morocco and Kenya present distinct price ranges.
Morocco’s camels, for instance, command higher prices, reflecting their deep-rooted historical and cultural significance.
Conversely, in Kenya, the value of camels is increasingly recognized by pastoral and nomadic communities. Breeding camels, in particular, have their own specific value ranges in the Kenyan market.
Beyond their monetary worth, the resilience and adaptability of camels render them invaluable assets in arid regions, serving as vital sources of sustenance and means of transportation.
It’s essential to understand that, like all livestock, the market supply and demand, intertwined with regional nuances, play a pivotal role in shaping the price of camels.