Nevada offers many different, enjoyable ways to experience its desert terrain—hiking, ATV tours, helicopter tours and much more—but for a truly unique way to see the state’s natural wonders, head to Camel Safari in Bunkerville, about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas.

Take your pick from among nearly 30 camels and get ready for not just a great way to travel, but a profound bonding experience as well—before you even get on your camel, you spend a half hour getting to know your animal (and vice versa). By the time you actually hop on, you’ll feel like you’ve made a friend for life.

Then you’re off. Camel Safari covers 176 acres of the Great Basin, with views of the Virgin Mountains. Since your camel is being led by a guide, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to take in as much scenery as you want—when you’re not marveling over the fact that you’re atop a camel.

Once your 45-minute trip is over, there’s still so much to see and do here. The Camel Safari moniker would suggest just one type of animal here, but there are actually more than 50 different animals you can interact with here—sloths, llamas, armadillos, even zebras.

Of course, don’t forget to take some photos and videos while you’re here; these are memories you’ll want to hold on to the rest of your life.

Thurs.-Mon., reservations required, $20-$149 plus fee. 800.836.4036