Glamping in Wadi Rum is a bucket-list experience and has gained increased popularities since it made an appearance in many Hollywood hits. It has been featured in Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Martian (2015) and more recently Aladdin (2019). It is definitely worth the hype. I actually stayed in the dessert before when I was a teenager, before glamping was a thing. We stayed in a very simple tent and it was a lot more traditional. When tourism boomed shortly after, luxury bubble tents popped up everywhere.

About Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a natural reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its famed brick-red landscapes. It spans 742 square km – the same size as New York city and is located in the South of Jordan. ‘Wadi’ actually means ‘dry valley’ in Arabic. The iconic colour is a natural result of the granite and sandstone mountains and rock formations. There are no roads or buildings – but only a smattering of camps and tents. It truly is a remarkable and awe-inspiring place to visit.

How to get there

We booked a private minibus with a driver to take us from Amman – Petra – Wadi Rum – Amman however I am pretty sure we overpaid for this – £170 pp for the transport, tour guide and accommodation – it does not include entrances. Instead, you can take the options below:

1. Amman to Wadi Rum – There are no buses so you can hire a taxi for the 4 hour drive and negotiate the price. Travel to Petra/Aqaba and then go to Wadi Rum from there by bus/taxi
2. Petra to Wadi Rum – There is a daily JETT bus from Petra to Wadi Rum at 5pm for 15 JOD. Take a taxi from Petra to Wadi Rum for an average of 35 JOD for the 2-hour ride. Rent a car to get around for 25 JOD per day on average. This can be a practical option.
3. Aqaba to Wadi Rum – There is a daily JETT bus from Aqaba to Wadi Rum at 8am for 15 JOD. Take a taxi or rent a car for the 1-hour drive.

Once you arrive to Wadi Rum Village, you have to head to the Visitors Centre to purchase an entry ticket for 5 JOD.

Where to stay

There are a lot of options of luxury Wadi Rum camps that you can choose from. Just make sure it is located in Wadi Rum – there are many camps that claim they are located there but it is actually right outside of Wadi Rum in an area called Diseh. These domes are far less traditional and authentic as staying in a Bedouin camp. If you have a chance, I would recommend doing one night at each.

We chose the UFO Luxotel Camp in Wadi Rum and it was one of the best unique stays we have ever experienced. This hotel has the classic bubble dome rooms with views overlooking the desert. Our room was spacious with a gorgeous view of the desert.

The food was mediocre, and was served in a a buffet style for breakfast and lunch. The staff are sweet and kind.

We loved the large balcony that comes with a hammock as we were able to stargaze on it during the night.

Other good options include Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Zeina Desert Lodge and Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel.

Things to do

Included in the package is a 2-hour dune buggy tour. Most hotels in Wadi Rum offer either a 2, 3 or 4 hour tour around the desert. Most start in the afternoon so you can finish in time to watch the sunset over the dramatic landscapes. We had so much going down some pretty steep dunes.

After dinner, the group of friends we went with had some shisha before each heading to our bubble tents. Khaled and I spent an hour star-gazing. Being in a secluded area like Wadi Rum allows you to truly connect with nature. We’ve seen many sunrises and sunsets but nothing prepared us for the beautiful front-row view of the Milky Way. We even spotted a shooting star! I just remember lying down and feeling so happy and content with life – what an amazing way to end the day.

The best time to go glamping in Wadi Rum

Glamping in Wadi Rum is best during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months as the weather is not as hot. We went in the middle of July – bang in the middle of summer, and it wasn’t unbearable but it was very hot. You can also visit in the weather but you have to be well-prepared for the cold.

Have you visited Wadi Rum? Leave us a comment below.