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What you'll experience when staying in an authentic Wadi Rum Bedouin camp

The red sand of the spectacular Wadi Rum desert in Jordan has been an attraction for permanent inhabitants and visitors alike, over a time span of more than 12,000 years. It is a place of mystery and magic that continues to inspire poets and writers around the world.

During the Paleolithic era the Bedouin tribe, who were hunter-gatherers, literally left their mark on the rock mountains in the form of intricate petroglyphs, which are a huge tourist attraction today. Archaeologists have discovered more than 150 archaeological sites in Wadi Rum which, in turn, revealed more than 20,000 primitive inscriptions.  

In modern times, the desert is a massively popular film location and can be seen in several movies including the remake of Dune. And it’s no wonder, seeing as how the place is often compared to Mars, with its bright red surface. 

Should you wish to wander off the beaten path to explore the wonder of the iron oxide-stained Valley of the Moon, as the region is commonly known, the best way to do it is by signing up for a stay in an authentic Wadi Rum Bedouin camp. 

What is a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp?

This type of camp isn’t your average, one-person outing in the woods or mountains. When you sign up for a bona fide camping experience with a travel group that specialises in Bedouin history tours, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

The tents are provided and made from tough material, typically goat hair, to withstand the desert climate. The entire camping trip is normally undertaken by natives who are fully immersed in the Bedouin lifestyle and have incredible insights to share.

Private camps are usually set up not too far from the majestic sandstone mountains and so-called ‘caves’ in the desert, and your personal guide will entertain you and your group with tales of the Bedouin people who once travelled the same dunes alongside their camels. 

What to expect when staying in a camp in Wadi Rum

Depending on the type of travel package you book, you can expect anything from a simple tent with basic bedding, to a luxurious tent with a proper bed. If you choose to go on a full tour of Jordan, you will likely spend only one night at a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp before heading off to the next attraction the following day.

If you want to ‘rough it’ in the desert for the most authentic experience, you can choose to go for the cheapest option which most likely will mean that you won’t have a bathroom or hot water nearby. Many average-priced tours do include these amenities, however.

Often, bedouin camps will include meals, but it’s important to check with your travel agent whether these include both breakfast and dinner. There are a few restaurants in the Wadi Rum village, but it’s essential to be prepared when it comes to food. It might also be a good idea to take some bottled water along, in case your specific campsite doesn’t provide any.

It is likely that you will have to share a campsite with other tour groups unless you book the entire site months in advance. Desert camping in Wadi Rum is becoming increasingly popular, so planning ahead will go a long way in ensuring the perfect trip. 

Should you be travelling from the US or another continent, your phone charger likely won’t be compatible with the outlets available in the tents. In this case, it is best to come prepared with a portable charger and extra batteries for cameras, to make sure you capture the entire experience without any hiccups. 

During your camping trip, you will have access to a local shuttle service which is great for experiencing the different sights in the desert. Shuttles usually run between meals and drinks, and they arrive back at the campsite in time for dinner (when provided).

Keep in mind that you need a Jordan Pass to enter Wadi Rum. This pass also allows access to many other tourist attractions in the country, including the stunning ancient city of Petra.

Remember, that while the desert is very hot, it can get extremely cold at night. During the summer season, the desert wind has been known to do some damage to tents and vehicles. Pack different clothing items so that you’re not stuck without any protective clothes should the weather take a turn for the worse. 

After you’ve seen all the desert sights there is to see, there are more activities to enjoy including camel tours, hiking to the highest point in Jordan, gazing at the stars or looking down at the dunes from a hot air balloon. If you’re into history, there will be a guide available to show you the rock inscriptions and tell you about the ancient lifestyle of the Bedouin tribe. 

There are several local religious traditions in Jordan, so don’t be offended if the locals don’t take your outstretched hand when you arrive in the country. It is also important to dress conservatively according to local expectations, and if you’re planning on visiting a mosque, you should make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. If you’re a woman, it is best to keep your head covered as well. We've written a full post advising you what you should pack when visiting Wadi Rum. 

Even though Wadi Rum is a hub of activity during the tourist season, it is known as the desert of stillness too. Here you can experience the vast canopy of the star-studded sky overhead when it’s dark while marvelling at the absolutely massive scale of the desert dunes and mountains during the day.  

Many tourists who have visited the desert say that if you’ve been in a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp for several nights, you should leave your group behind just for one evening to go stand in an isolated spot on the red sand dunes to truly lose yourself in your surroundings. While you hover there, taking in the wonder that is Wadi Rum, you might just hear the far-off howling of a long-forgotten djinn who is still trying to escape his own personal prison. Just don’t wander too far because, according to legend, you may never find your way back.