Nowadays, however, multi-day camel safaris are primarily for the tourists, and a massive industry has been built up around them. With this has come high-pressure tactics and shoddy operators. An amazing, authentic camel safari is possible, but tourists should spend time researching guides, companies, and/or routes. Your best bet is to talk to other tourists who have recently completed a camel safari, and ask their advice.
Camel safaris are often loved or hated. Some people stay an extra day or two in the desert after already being out for 4 days, others find the camel foul-smelling and excruciatingly painful to ride. For those considering a 4-5 day trek, a two-hour ride may answer many questions.
The highlights of a camel safari include amazing desert scenery, the experience (however jarring) of riding a camel, Dal and Chapati cooked over an open fire, incredible star-gazing (no ambient light and no pollution), and a flavor of a different world.
Because of the importance of tourism upon Rajasthan's economy, tourists are fairly safe on a camel safari in terms of physical safety. Sufficient bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, a flashlight, and warm clothes for the cold night air are important. Solo female travelers should exercise caution when selecting a camel driver/guide, but otherwise should be safe.
If you have problems, or feel you have been cheated, be firm with the tour operator, and if necessary threaten going to the police/tourist off, and be willing to actually go. Many tourist offices, such as Jaisalmer's, make efforts to keep tourists safe and happy.