Camel Racing :The ancient tradition in Southern Desert of Algeria

Camel Racing: Ouargla's Ancient Tradition 

When it comes to surviving in the harsh Algerian desert;  you need to be strong and fast. Rimal Club , for Sahari and Camel caught my attentention to attend the camel Marathon in the middle of southern desert of  OUARGLA.

A long time ago, probably centuries away, this tradition has been the interest of Oaurgla's inhabitants. specifically in the region of Ain El Beida, This camel racing is one of the most popular sports in the region for many ages ago. The racing took place 30 KM far from the downtown, we drove almost 13 KM  in back of beyond the Sahara, crossing slacks and larger golden dunes.  

Every year in the spring breeds gather to race and win a price of 50.000 DZD in 12 KM of the track. This Marathon was only for amateurs, in which only the first five arrivals will be awarded.

The scene was so spectacular and delightful, hundreds of desert lovers converge to watch the marathon. As long as the racing started, they were all following the camels by their 4x4 cars along the racing track.

What I really liked is that people, do encourage the racers by some specific cheers and yells, I was astonished by the level of the racers and the spectators, too.

The Club's president Brahim Telly,  in an interview, said that ''we spend hundreds of dollars, because we love this animal, and it's part of our heritage and one of us, yes when it comes to selling a camel it does not equal the money I spent in, however, we continue making more contests, purchasing feed, actually we love this animal and it represents us.

This journey remains in my memo forever. It has been one of the best adventures of my life so far.


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