How to Experience Glamping in the Wadi Rum Desert
Glamping in Wadi Rum, Jordan offers a luxurious way to experience the desert, combining the raw beauty of the landscape with modern comforts. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable trip to the Wadi Rum desert.
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a destination that defies words. We loved glamping in the desert, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Jordan and a total VIBE.
If you are planning a trip to Jordan, glamping in Wadi Rum needs to be on the itinerary. The colors, the rock formations, the vastness…it’s simply like nowhere else and easily one of my all time favorite places in the world.
What is so special about Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is renowned for its stunning and otherworldly desert landscape. The desert is characterized by its red-hued sand and rugged rock formations which give Wadi Rum a distinctive appearance.
The desert features dramatic sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, natural arches, and towering cliffs, creating a surreal and Martian-like environment.
Wadi Rum has been a popular filming location for several blockbuster movies due to its unique and dramatic landscapes. Films such as The Martian, Star Wars, and Dune have featured Wadi Rum, adding to its allure.
Historical Significance of Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum has a rich history, with evidence of human presence dating back to prehistoric times. It is home to petroglyphs, inscriptions, and archaeological remains.
Wadi Rum was historically part of important camel caravan trade routes. Specifically, it was situated along the Nabataean trade routes that linked the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean. These routes were crucial for the trade of goods such as spices, incense, and silk between the East and the West.
Wadi Rum also had natural springs, making it a crucial stop for caravans to rest and replenish water supplies in an otherwise arid region.
How to Get to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan, near the border of Saudi Arabia. It’s such a vast desert that is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but it is actually quite well connected to major highways which makes it easy to access from wherever you are coming from in Jordan.
Self-Drive
The best way to get to Wadi Rum is to rent a car and drive. It’s an easy drive and the roads to Wadi Rum are generally in good condition.
There will be signs directing you to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, which is the main entry point. You’ll park your car at the Visitor Center and typically need a 4×4 or a guided tour to explore deeper into the desert, as regular cars are not suitable for the desert terrain.
Our hotel, also known as a desert camp, gave us a specific location to drive to instead of the Wadi Rum Village. They had their own private “parking lot” where we checked in and were transferred to the camp property in a jeep. You will be advised of where to park after booking your accommodation in Wadi Rum.
Driving from: Amman to Wadi Rum = approximately 4 hours
Dana to Wadi Rum = approximately 2-2.5 hours
Aqaba to Wadi Rum = approximately 1 hour
Wadi Musa/Petra to Wadi Rum = 1.5-2 hours
Travel by Bus
There are several bus companies and services that operate routes between Amman, Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Here are your main options:
JETT Bus (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) runs a daily route from Amman to Wadi Rum and Aqaba to Wadi Rum. Asri Tours is the go to for transportation between Wadi Musa (Petra) and Wadi Rum.
Check the websites or inquire at the bus station for up-to-date schedules. You can also easily search and book bus tickets here.
Private Transfers
If buses aren’t available or the schedule doesn’t match your needs, many travelers opt for private taxis or shared taxis. You can arrange these through hotels or travel agents in Petra, Aqaba, or Amman.
Tours and Shuttles
Many tour companies offer packages with transportation from Amman, Aqaba, or Petra to Wadi Rum. These often include guided desert tours as well. If you want no hassle transportation and a tour, this is your best option.
You’ll know you’re getting close as you notice the changing hues of the sand and rocks and when you start to see the camel signs along the road.
Renting a car and driving yourself is the easiest way to get around Jordan. For more information about planning a road trip in Jordan, check out my blog post specifically covering all the details!
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum
There are many different options for desert camps in Wadi Rum ranging from traditional Bedouin Camps to luxury hotels in a “bubble dome” and even caves. Whatever type of experience you want to have in the desert, you can have it!
It’s important to do your research prior to booking your accommodation in Wadi Rum. Because of its remoteness, your accommodation will provide all of your meals and tours. A little research will go a long way to ensure you have the experience you are looking for.
Glamping in Wadi Rum at UFO Luxotel Bubble Dome
Staying in a bubble dome allows you to enjoy the raw, rugged desert in a cozy, glamorous setting, making for an unforgettable adventure.
We chose the UFO Luxotel for several reasons, mostly because it was a unique concept and we’ve never stayed in a bubble dome before. Glamping in Wadi Rum seemed like the right thing to do!
The Bubble Dome Experience
Bubble domes are made of transparent or semi-transparent materials, allowing for floor to ceiling landscape views. Despite being in the middle of the desert, the dome was spacious and comfortable. The domes offer hotel-like amenities, such as private bathrooms, air conditioning or heating, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even luxury bedding.
The dome style restaurant was attached to the hotel lobby. There are set times for meals and food is served buffet style mixing traditional Jordanian/middle eastern food and western food.
Our hotel provided 2 Bedouin coats in our room for us to use throughout our stay. The coats are floor length and oh so warm and cozy for blocking out the cold air and wind. The Bedouin coats were perfect for keeping warm outside at night in February while stargazing and for walking to and from the hotel restaurant.
One of my favorite parts about the UFO Luxotel is that we had our own private patio area with a hammock. I highly recommend booking an accommodation with an outdoor space that you can relax and take in the view. It was also a perfect spot for stargazing at nighttime! If you really want to upgrade your experience, you can book an accommodation that has a patio with a private hot tub.
Overall, we loved the panoramic view of the endless red landscape and feeling like we were on Mars. The bubble dome hotels are scattered throughout the desert in secluded spots, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vast beauty of Wadi Rum.
Traditional Bedouin Camps
Staying in a traditional Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum provides an opportunity to experience the culture and warm hospitality of the Bedouin people.
Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum desert typically consist of Bedouin-style tents, designed to keep cool in the heat and warm in the cold. Inside, you’ll find basic but comfortable furnishings. Many camps have modern facilities including bathrooms with showers, dining areas, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Luxury camps may offer private bathrooms, air conditioning, and more upscale furnishings.
In true Bedouin fashion, meals are communal and feature authentic Bedouin cuisine usually cooked in an underground oven. Evenings in the camp often include listening to stories and traditional Bedouin music around a campfire, providing a glimpse into their way of life.
As much as I loved the bubble dome, it did lack the unique cultural experience a Bedouin Camp would have provided. And in hindsight, I missed the opportunity to support the local Bedouin community who are the true shepherds of the land and the people who have lived there for hundreds of years.
Exploring the Desert
Wadi Rum’s main attraction is its natural beauty. The desert offers a wide range of experiences for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of adventurous activities such as:
Desert jeep tour
A jeep tour in Wadi Rum is a thrilling experience, offering a perfect blend of adventure and nature. It’s an unforgettable way to explore one of Jordan’s most spectacular landscapes.
The “jeep” is typically a Toyota pickup truck with padded benches (seats) in the bed of the truck for the guests. This provides a more adventurous feel and better views. Honestly, it’s so fun and makes for an unforgettable experience.
You can arrange a jeep tour through your accommodation. They offer varying lengths of tours and you can opt for a group or private tour. We were provided with tour information upon check in and told to confirm with the front desk the evening before so they could set up the tour for the next day. I recommend the full day tour!
Our full day tour started mid morning after breakfast and lasted approximately 6 hours. The tour ended at an incredible sunset spot and we arrived back to camp just in time for dinner with what seemed like permanent smiles on our faces.
Tips for the jeep tour:
I recommend a private tour so you can plan out the day as you like. You can also customize the tour if you prefer to skip certain locations, spend more time at others, hike, etc.
If you want to save money, a group tour is more cost effective because it’s charged per jeep, not person.
Naturally, it’s windy in the back of a jeep so you might want to secure your hair. Also, there’s no shade so I recommend a hat/head covering and sunglasses.
We visited Jordan in February when the weather was favorable for outdoor activities. I was comfortable during the jeep tour wearing a sweatshirt and we brought along a backpack with additional layers, which I wore as it got closer to sunset.
Camel Rides
Experience the traditional Bedouin mode of transportation through the desert on a camel.
Always check the conditions of the animals prior to riding. From my experience, the camels appeared to be better cared for in Wadi Rum compared to Petra.
We booked our camel ride through the UFO Luxotel. They offered a sunrise or sunset ride. We chose the sunset tour on our first night and enjoyed a peaceful ride and gained serious appreciation for such a strong animal.
Getting on and off the camel is a bit of a rush and requires trust, but otherwise it’s a relaxing and rhythmic ride connecting you to the desert way of life.
Hike and Climb in the Desert
The desert offers numerous trails and rock climbing opportunities for different skill levels. If you crave a physical excursion and a memorable experience without the crowds, plan accordingly. Inquire with your camp.
Jebel Umm ad Dami
Hike to Jordan’s highest peak with a 360 degree view. This hike is located in the less visited southern area of the desert, close to the Saudi Arabia border. This hike requires a guide to coordinate transportation and to help lead you on the unmarked trail.
Burdah Rock Bridge
This hike involves rock scrambling and climbing to get to the top of an impressive arch, almost 1,000ft high. This spot is not frequently visited by tourists because it is a challenging hike/climb and requires a guide.
Stargazing
Wadi Rum’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an excellent spot for stargazing. The clear desert skies provide a stunning view of the stars, and many camps offer stargazing tours or facilities for an unforgettable night under the stars.
We simply lounged in the hammock on our patio and used an app to help us find and identify different constellations. It was perfect!
Sand Boarding
The sand dunes in Wadi Rum provide the perfect location for sand boarding and a memorable desert adventure. This activity is usually offered with jeep tours, make sure to ask beforehand if you are interested!
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Wadi Rum offers hot air balloon rides where you can experience the iconic red landscape from a whole new perspective. Inquire with your camp to book.
Visit a Traditional Bedouin Camp for Hot Tea
The Bedouin people, who have inhabited Wadi Rum for centuries, are known for their hospitality. They welcome guests with tea and treat them as part of the family, sharing stories and traditions.
The Bedouin tents are set up sporadically throughout the desert and offer a comfortable respite from the sun and wind. There’s always a fire with hot tea ready to be served. I loved the vibe of the tents, they are quite cozy!
Enjoy Colorful Sunsets and Sunrises
Witnessing the sunset and sunrise over the desert is a highlight of staying in Wadi Rum. The colors of the sand and rocks change dramatically with the light, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Take in the Peaceful Surroundings
The desert offers a sense of peace and isolation, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature. Take advantage of being literally in the middle of nowhere and soak up the peace and quiet.
Points of Interest in Wadi Rum
While visiting Wadi Rum you can explore the desert’s most iconic sites, including Lawrence Canyon, Khazali Canyon, Umm Fruth Rock Bridge, Mushroom Rock, Al Mahama Canyon, the sand dunes, ancient petroglyphs and Nabataean inscriptions, and Barrah Canyon.
Most jeep tours have an itinerary including a variety of these landmarks that’s guaranteed to impress.
Tips for Visiting Wadi Rum
Is one day enough for visiting Wadi Rum?
We only spent a day and a half here (1 day/2 nights), but if you have more time I would recommend 2 full days. A day and a half was just enough time to arrive, check in and enjoy the sunset, and then spend the next day on a jeep tour.
There wasn’t much to do at our camp if you aren’t doing the jeep tour, but it’s also such a beautiful location that I would recommend 2 full days to relax and have time to take in the scenery.
Day trips to Wadi Rum are possible, but an overnight stay is best from my experience. Some internet advice says “you only need one night in Wadi Rum, otherwise you’ll get bored.” Yes, it’s true there isn’t much to do at the camp besides organized tours…but I don’t enjoy rushing to see it all in a day anyways.
The Wadi Rum desert is such a unique and beautiful opportunity to be present, disconnect, and enjoy the little things like putting your feet in the sand and spending time with your loved one in a hammock looking at stars.
To maximize your time, plan an excursion of sorts for the first day you arrive. For example, we checked into UFO Luxotel in the afternoon, and the hotel staff transported us to our camp, where we arrived around 2pm. We booked a sunset camel ride for that evening and it was a perfect introduction to the Wadi Rum desert.
Support the Local Bedouin Community When Possible
I am writing against my own actions here, but in hindsight I realize the impact of tourism in such a fragile place and how the Bedouins may be getting edged out by luxury camps and big investors. Your choices when traveling can have a massive effect on the local community, make sure it’s a positive one.
Book the Full Day jeep tour
Trust me and don’t even mess around with anything less than a full day tour unless you have time constraints or more than one full day to explore.
Entrance Fee
You’ll need to pay an entrance fee (5 JOD for international visitors) at the Visitor Center or upon checking into your desert camp. The small fee goes towards protecting Wadi Rum and supporting local Bedouin tribes.
Can You Visit Wadi Rum Without a Tour?
I’m all for independent travel and typically prefer this type of exploration. However, I highly recommend booking a tour to visit Wadi Rum.
For starters, there are no roads and you must have a 4×4 vehicle. It’s not impossible, but I’m not sure how anyone that’s not a local would be able to navigate through such a vast area without roads or signs. If you truly crave an experience without a formal tour, check out this option.
Wadi Rum deserves a spot on every adventurer’s travel bucket list. Who knew the desert has so much beauty?! From glamping in a bubble dome to experiencing an unforgettable desert sunset at the end of our jeep tour, Wadi Rum is a place I dream of going back to.
Petra is another must visit destination in Jordan and it’s less than 2 hours away from Wadi Rum. This blog post covers everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Lastly, I highly recommend combining a trip to Jordan with nearby Egypt! With nonstop and frequent flights between the two countries, it’s an easy way to extend your trip and see so many incredible sites. Check out my 7 Day Egypt Travel Itinerary and my 10 Day Jordan Travel Itinerary to help plan an unforgettable trip to Egypt + Jordan!
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