What is the ship of the desert? Camel! But do you know why it is called the ship of the desert? As believed commonly, camel is not called because it is the only animal that can survive in the condition of the desert and a primary mode of transport. It is called so because, Camels can survive in the desert for very long period of time just the same like ships do in the sea. Ships carry large quantity of food and water for their long voyages in the sea. They both carry people as well as goods. Camels have the ability to absorb fat from food and retain in their body like hump. Camels got the nickname “ship of the desert” because they can travel easily in the desert for transportation without having food and water for long time.