Reggie's Camel Camps

An hour’s drive to the north of Jodhpur this amazing camp is situated on the first sand dune of the Thar Desert. It is owned by the exuberant Reggie Singh, distant cousin of the Maharajah and an excellent host of this oasis in the desert. I first discovered it in 2002 and since then it’s just gone from strength to strength, the changes made on each visit just add to the whole experience. These days you enter the camp, by camel cart, to discover the unexpected. Gurgling fountains and bougainvillea adds a dash of bright colour amidst the soft hues of the desert landscape, up to the restaurant area (choose the Maharajah style tented venue) where delicious meals are served, and then another level up and one discovers a swimming pool, built in a sand dune, nothing fazes Reggie Singh! The pool has a shady bar on one side and well-spaced out double sun loungers for those wanting to soak up the desert sun. It is easy to laze by the pool here but make the effort to climb onto one of the camp’s camels and take off into the desert to explore the landscape and local villages. Forget the scores of camels on the dunes at Jaisalmer, this is a unique experience with miles of desert spreading out in front of you. The villagers here are charming, and you get to spend time with the local families. Return to the camp for chilled beer, a swim and invariably the glorious desert sunset which awaits. Local performers then entertain you and this place is home to the only Jazz Bar in Rajasthan (to the best of my knowledge). This was my fourth visit to this camp over 20 years and it never disappoints and my nephews (aged 10 – 22) all declared it the best place they’ve been to! Having read the previous review I wonder if they're even talking about the same place, its so far from my reality over 4 visits.

Disappointed …….. that we only got to stay in this amazing place for one night. Behind the entrance gate, lies an oasis that I don’t believe we could fault. Very friendly staff, amazing entertainment, food and service. The sundowner G&T’s after a camel ride into the sand dunes was spectacular and a bumpy old jeep ride to return to the camp was a highlight. If only we had more time to soak up everything this little gem had to offer. Would highly recommend for at least two nights.

Although there are not many activities available in the region, we found this hotel exceptionally nice!; Colonial safari camp-style complex with extremely tasteful design; high-quality and very clean facilities; beautiful pool area; management provides a nice entertainment program with camel cart arrival, Indian live music around the campfire, camel safaris; Varied, good food in a stylish ambience; romantic; extremely attentive staff; in our opinion, the camp was absolutely top class and offered very, very good value for money; the passing trains, which are mentioned in reviews, did not bother us;

We spent 100 days travelling across India. Unquestionably the highlight of the trip was celebrating Holi with Reggie at his Jazz Safari, both in Osian but also the day after in Jodhpur. Words cannot describe the incredible experience. We enjoyed three parties over two days, with music, dancing, great food, a very well stocked bar and were made to feel like old friends by Reggie and his family. This is India at its very best - immaculate service, magical surroundings, fantastic colours, sounds and traditions. In Osian, we arrived by camel driven cart, our tent was luxurious and very comfortable. A few steps away was a fantastic well stocked bar (and the best barman in India who mixed the best drinks!), a lovely pool on the highest sand dune overlooking the desert. A few weeks later, our son and his girlfriend stayed there and he said it was the best food he’d eaten all trip. Reggie even sent his barman up from one of his other properties, the superb Mountbatten Lodge, so that our son could enjoy his experience! A must do if you are in and around Jodhpur but even better, as our son did, combined with Mountbatten Lodge further south. You won’t want to leave! We will be back for Holi in 2025 and I’m already looking forward to it!!!