This story first appeared as part of the Florida on a Tankful Holiday Spectacular.

The end of the holiday season is marked as the Epiphany and noted as the day when Christians believe the three kings arrived at Bethlehem with their gifts.

The holiday known as Three Kings' Day' takes place in January. Like the Wise Men, you can also wrap up the holidays traveling in style.

"This is one of two places you can do this outside of Africa," said Emily Jaffe, with Safari Wilderness.

In the heart of Polk County, you can ride like the Three Wise Men are believed to have traveled years ago: by camel.

"Camels have been domesticated longer than horses have," Jaffe said.

At Safari Wilderness in Lakeland, you can make a reservation for one-on-one time with camels.

"You're so good," Kathy Nelson said to Bobby, a camel with one hump, who is ready to go for walk.

Dromedaries have one hump. An easy way to remember that is take the D from dromedary, turn it on it's side, and it has one hump. Capital B for Bactrian, on it's side has two humps.

After a get-to-know-you session with Smokey, Bobby's friend with two humps, it's time to stroll.

The camel safaris leave behind any trace of civilization and roam through natural Polk County for more than an hour.

"Being able to be up that high and get to see all the animals roaming in the pasture is pretty awesome," Jaffe said.

Safari Wilderness in Polk County is like a zoo without barriers. Smokey is allowed to go at his own pace, with Bobby following along.

"In Australia where there feral camel live, they actually walk that same way, just on their own," Jaffe said of how the camels will follow each other across the miles.

Safari Wilderness is wild place to connect with some wild new friends.

"This is just a really cool way to get connected with nature," Jaffe said.
 

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