Introduction
Welcome to Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon”, or as I like to call it, the land where Instagram dreams come true. If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re on planet Mars without leaving Earth, this is the spot. Towering cliffs, endless sand dunes, and rock formations that will make you question if you’ve accidentally wandered into a sci-fi set, it’s all here. Whether you’re in the mood to channel your inner Lawrence of Arabia or just want to snap some dope Instagram shots, Wadi Rum’s got you covered. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to making the most out of your desert escapade.
What to do in Wadi Rum
Stay in a Bedouin Camp
So, you’ve made it to Wadi Rum, and now you’re wondering where to crash. Forget the five-star hotels; it’s time to go full-on desert nomad. Staying in a Bedouin camp isn’t just accommodation, it’s an experience. Picture this: traditional Bedouin tents with just enough modern comforts to keep you from going full survivalist, all while you sip tea under a sky full of stars. You’ll be sharing stories with your Bedouin hosts, pretending you understand their ancient desert wisdom, and getting cozy with some serious campfire vibes. It’s as close as you’ll get to living like a desert dweller without giving up Wi-Fi.
Sleep in a Bubble Tent
If the idea of a traditional tent doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, how about sleeping in a glorified hamster ball? Bubble tents are all the rage here, offering 360-degree views of the desert by day and a front-row seat to the Milky Way by night. It’s like glamping, but with a dash of sci-fi thrown in for good measure. You’ll get the full desert experience while lying in a climate-controlled bubble. Because, let’s be real, roughing it isn’t for everyone. Plus, you get bragging rights for spending the night in what’s essentially a luxury snow globe in the middle of the desert.
Have a Traditional Bedouin Dinner
When in Wadi Rum, do as the Bedouins do: eat. A traditional Bedouin dinner is not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience served on a platter. We’re talking slow-cooked meats, veggies roasted in an underground oven, and flavors that will make you reconsider your life choices the next time you reach for fast food. You’ll be dining under the stars, with the sound of traditional Bedouin music in the background, which beats the heck out of whatever’s on your playlist. It’s a feast for both your taste buds and your soul.
Go on a Jeep Tour
If you think you’re going to casually stroll through this massive desert, think again. Wadi Rum is vast, and the best way to cover serious ground is by hopping into a jeep. Local guides, who probably know every grain of sand by name, will take you on a wild ride through this stunning landscape. You’ll hit up all the highlights: the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Burdah Rock Bridge, and some ancient graffiti that makes Banksy look like an amateur. Whether you’re in it for the history lesson or just want to feel the wind in your hair, a jeep tour is a non-negotiable part of the Wadi Rum experience.
Ride a Camel
However, no trip to Wadi Rum would be complete without a ride on the original desert 4×4: the camel. These creatures have been hauling people and goods across the desert for centuries, and now it’s your turn to hop on. Sure, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, and your camel might give you some serious side-eye, but it’s all part of the fun. Whether you opt for a quick jaunt or a longer trek, riding a camel is your chance to embrace the Bedouin way of life, at least for a few minutes (plus, you’ll finally understand why they call it a “camel toe”).
Go Stargazing
Wadi Rum isn’t just famous for its rocks and sand – it’s also one of the best places on the planet for stargazing. Thanks to the middle-of-nowhere location, light pollution is basically non-existent. As soon as the sun goes down, the sky lights up with more stars than you’ve probably ever seen in your life. Some camps even provide telescopes and guides who will point out constellations while you pretend to know what they’re talking about. Whether you’re a space geek or just someone who likes to marvel at shiny things in the sky, this is one desert experience that’s absolutely worth staying up late for.
Watch the Sunset / Sunrise
If there’s one thing Wadi Rum knows how to do, it’s put on a killer light show. The sunrises and sunsets here are the stuff of legend. Think sky-high explosions of color that make you forget you ever complained about early mornings or late afternoons. Find a good spot on a rock or dune, sit back, and let nature do its thing. Whether you’re catching the first rays of dawn or watching the sun dip below the horizon, these moments are what desert dreams are made of. And yes, they’re definitely worth dragging yourself out of bed for.
Fly in a Hot Air Balloon
You can decide to take the sunrise watching up a notch and make your friends jealous with some epic travel photos with a hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum. You’ll float high above the desert at sunrise, soaking in panoramic views that will make you feel like you’re in a National Geographic spread. The early morning light casts a magical glow over the landscape, making those rock formations look even more dramatic. It’s peaceful, it’s awe-inspiring, and yes, it’s totally Instagrammable (unfortunately I can’t confirm as they canceled my flight, RIP). Just don’t drop your phone while you’re up there — there’s no “find my iPhone” for the middle of the desert.
Try Sandboarding
Finally, for those of you who think snowboarding is cool but hate being cold, may I introduce you to sandboarding? It’s exactly what it sounds like—sliding down sand dunes on a board, and yes, it’s as fun (and ridiculous) as it sounds. Wadi Rum’s dunes are perfect for this kind of shenanigans, whether you’re an experienced boarder or just someone who likes the idea of face-planting into soft sand. It’s a thrill, it’s a workout, and it’s an excuse to laugh at yourself — what more could you want? It’s already on my bucket list for my next trip to Wadi Rum.
Planning your trip to Wadi Rum: some useful tips
Before you go charging into the desert like Indiana Jones, a bit of planning is in order. Wadi Rum is a vast and remote area, so it’s best to book your accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons. Pack light, but don’t skimp on essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. The desert can be scorching during the day and surprisingly chilly at night, so layer up!
Best time to visit Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a year-round destination, but some seasons offer more comfort than others. For the best experience, plan your visit during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons provide warm days and cool nights, making exploration pleasant without the sweltering heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter nights. Summer temperatures can soar to unbearable heights, while winter nights can dip close to freezing. Timing your visit during these optimal seasons will help ensure a more enjoyable desert adventure.
Wadi Rum rules and etiquette
Wadi Rum isn’t just a stunning tourist spot, it’s also a protected area with a delicate ecosystem and deep cultural ties to the Bedouin people. To keep it pristine and respectful, follow some basic rules and etiquette. Avoid leaving trash behind, respect local customs, and refrain from off-road driving to help preserve the desert landscape. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure that Wadi Rum remains beautiful and respectful for future visitors and the local community.
Wadi Rum cultural insights
Wadi Rum is steeped in Bedouin culture, with the desert being home to these nomadic people for centuries. Their traditional way of life is intimately connected with the landscape, reflected in their hospitality and customs, such as communal meals and storytelling. The rock formations and natural features in Wadi Rum also hold cultural and historical significance, often linked to ancient trade routes and ancestral tales. Understanding these aspects and engaging with local traditions such as sharing a cup of coffee or tea will enrich your visit, offering a deeper connection to the desert and its people.
Wadi Rum opening times
Unlike your local museum, Wadi Rum isn’t bound by regular hours. The desert is always open – day or night, summer or winter. However, the Visitor Center, where you’ll start your adventure, typically operates from 7 AM to 5 PM. Get there early if you want to avoid the heat and have more time to explore.
Wadi Rum tickets
Yes, exploring this epic landscape does come with a price tag. Entrance to Wadi Rum costs JOD 5 (~USD 7, EUR 6) per person, but if you’ve snagged yourself a Jordan Pass, you’re in luck: it covers the entrance fee. Just don’t forget to validate it at the Visitor Center before heading into the wilderness.
Wadi Rum additional expenses
Keep in mind, the entry fee isn’t the only cost you’ll encounter. You’ll want to budget for various activities and services. Guided tours can range from JOD 35-100 (~USD 50-140, EUR 45-130), depending on how luxurious or adventurous you choose to be. Staying in a Bedouin camp usually costs between JOD 30-80 (~USD 42-113, EUR 38-100) per night, which generally includes meals. If you opt for a bubble tent experience, expect to pay around JOD 150-250 (~USD 210-350, EUR 190-320) per night. Hot air balloon rides typically cost between JOD 130-200 (~USD 180-280, EUR 160-250). A jeep tour will usually set you back JOD 50-80 (~USD 70-113, EUR 65-100), while sandboarding is priced at JOD 10-20 (~USD 14-28, EUR 12-25). Stargazing sessions and camel rides generally cost around JOD 20-40 (~USD 28-56, EUR 25-50) each. Lastly, don’t forget to set aside some cash for tips to show appreciation to the local guides and drivers who make your Wadi Rum adventure truly memorable
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is no ordinary camping trip. From traditional Bedouin camps where you’ll sleep under the stars to luxury bubble tents that offer a front-row seat to the night sky, there’s an accommodation style for every traveler. Most camps include dinner and breakfast, so you’ll get a taste of authentic Bedouin cuisine along with your stay. Just make sure to choose a camp that suits your comfort level—some are more rustic than others. Here you can find a honest review of mine.
Hassan Zawaideh Camp
OVERALL RATING
Hassan Zawaideh Camp is a comfortable accommodation in the desert, yet close to the main road services. It is managed by young and energetic people who try their best to offer a bedouin hospitality. However, it could refine a few aspects and services to truly become a 5-star camp.
LOCATION
The camp per se is nice and newly built, with a wide communal area where buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. However, it is pretty close to the main road, so you don’t feel 100% in the middle of nowhere.
ROOMS
You can decide to stay in a bedouin tent or a bubble tent. I tried both and here are my thoughts:
- Bedouin Tent: it’s large and warm, it has a minibar and electricity. There’s a private bathroom that uses a solar water heater, so be quick or you’ll take a cold shower. Overall, it’s an experience to try but I wouldn’t say it’s a 5-star tent.
- Bubble Tent: imo, it doesn’t live up to what Instagram shows us. I mean, it’s a unique accommodation, but you can’t stargaze as the transparent part doesn’t go up until the ceiling. And even if it did, it’s made of a plastic material that is very dusty so you can’t see clearly. Plus, there’s limited hot water here too and it lacks 5-star room amenities.
service
The staff is pretty welcoming and readily available when needed. If you want to try it, they serve a traditional bedouin dinner every evening, followed by an interactive session of traditional music and dances that involve who wants to participate. They also offer a series of activities, such as jeep and camel tours, hot air balloon flights, stargazing sessions, sandboarding or hiking support. In short, anything that you can do in Wadi Rum.
bill
For two people and two nights, we spent a total of JOD 133 (~USD 188, ~EUR 168). Prices include the 7% city tax and we got a JOD 6 discount as we booked quite a few services. Overall, it’s not cheap, and although we enjoyed our stay and the activities, I think you can get better value for money, especially from a camp that flags itself as 5-star.
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Standard Tent with Private Bathroom (1 night) JOD 38.250
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Martian Tent (1 night) JOD 114.750
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Traditional Bedouin Dinner (2 nights, 2 people) JOD 40
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Lunch (1 day, 2 people) JOD 14
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Jeep Tour (2h) JOD 35
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Camel Tour (1h, 2 people) JOD 30
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Hot Air Balloon Ride (canceled due to bad weather) JOD 140
How to reach Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum might feel like the middle of nowhere, but it’s surprisingly accessible. Whether you’re starting your desert adventure from Aqaba or Amman, you’ve got options to suit your style and budget. Here’s how to get there:
From Aqaba
By Car: driving from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is a breeze, taking about 1 hour. Car rentals typically cost around JOD 25-30 per day (~USD 35-42, EUR 33-39), while if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, private transfers are available for around JOD 45 one-way (approximately USD 63, EUR 59). Plus, don’t forget the JOD 5 (~USD 7, EUR 6) entrance fee at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
By Bus: if you’re more of a budget warrior, hopping on a bus from Aqaba is the way to go. Local buses leave in the morning once they are full and cost approximately JOD 5 (~USD 7, EUR 6). The trip takes around 1.5 hours, making it a quick and cheap option for those who prefer saving their money for sandboarding or camel rides. Alternatively, you can take JOD 15 JETT bus that leaves every day from the JETT Office / Movenpick Tala Bay / Divers Village in Aqaba at 8 am and drops you off at Wadi Rum Visitor Center at 10 am. From Wadi Rum, buses leave for Aqaba at 7 pm.
From Amman
By Car: the drive from Amman to Wadi Rum takes about 4 hours. Again, you can either rent a car or book a private transfer for around JOD 85 one-way (approximately USD 120, EUR 111), to which you need to add the JOD 5 (~USD 7, EUR 6) entrance fee.
By Bus: taking the bus from Amman is a more economical choice and it takes around the same amount of time. The JETT bus is your best bet, with one-way tickets costing JOD 10 (~USD 14, EUR 13). It leaves every day from the 7th Circle Office / Abdali Office in Amman at 6:30 am and reaches Wadi Rum at 10:30 am. From Wadi Rum, buses leave for Amman at 3 pm.
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