Sleep in a Bedouin Camp (Do This First)
This is non-negotiable. I stayed two nights and honestly wish I’d done three.
The camps range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to full-on glamping setups with proper beds and private facilities. I went somewhere in the middle and it was perfect. What matters most isn’t the tent – it’s the experience.
- The Food: Dinner is cooked underground in a zarb (a traditional Bedouin oven buried in sand). They lift the whole thing out of the ground at sunset, and the smell alone is worth the trip.
- The Vibe: After eating, someone usually brings out an oud, and you end up sitting around the fire with tea that’s way too sweet, listening to stories you half-understand but fully enjoy. The quiet at night is unreal. No cars, no distant highways – just wind and stars.
Jeep Safari Across the Desert
This is how you cover ground. A 4×4 takes you bouncing across the sand to all the spots you’ve seen in photos:
- Lawrence’s Spring: A natural spring tucked into the rocks with views that go on forever.
- Khazali Canyon: Narrow walls covered in ancient Nabataean inscriptions. It’s cool (literally – the shade is a relief) and feels like stepping back a few thousand years.
- Little Bridge: A natural arch you can scramble up and walk across. Great for photos if you’re not afraid of heights.
- Um Frouth Rock Bridge: Bigger, higher, and requires a bit of a climb. I watched someone propose up there. The answer was yes.
Most tours run half-day or full-day. I did a full day and didn’t regret it. Just bring sunscreen – the sun reflects off the sand and you’ll fry faster than you think.
[PRO TIP]: Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you want. They’re used to it, and the light changes fast in the desert.
Camel Trekking (Slower, But Worth It)
If the jeep safari is a highlight reel, camel trekking is the director’s cut.
It’s slow. You sway side to side. Your legs will feel weird afterward. But there’s something about moving through the desert at camel-pace that makes you notice things – the way the sand shifts color, the small plants that somehow survive out here, the total silence between your guide’s stories.
I did a two-hour sunset ride and it was one of those moments where I wasn’t thinking about anything else. Just the rhythm of the camel and the light turning everything gold.
Sandboarding Down the Dunes
Exactly what it sounds like. You hike up a massive dune, strap a board to your feet, and slide down. I ate sand. Twice. Still had a blast.
Some jeep tours include boards, or your camp can arrange it. The bigger dunes near Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya are best. Just commit to the fall – you’re landing on sand, not concrete.
Stargazing (Bring Nothing But Your Eyes)
I’ve seen dark skies before. This was different. Wadi Rum has almost zero light pollution. When I looked up, I saw the Milky Way so clearly it looked Photoshopped. I spotted three shooting stars in under an hour.
Most camps offer “stargazing experiences,” but honestly, you don’t need a program. Just walk away from the fire, lie down in the sand, and look up. That’s it.
[PHOTO TIP]: If you have a camera that shoots long exposure, bring a tripod. The stars here are insane for astrophotography.
Hiking and Scrambling
If you want to work for your views, Wadi Rum has options.
- Jebel Umm Ad Dami: Jordan’s highest peak. You’ll need a guide, but the sunrise from the top is supposed to be unreal (I didn’t do it – next time).
- Jebel Al Hash: A more moderate climb with huge views. I did this one and my legs hated me, but my camera roll didn’t.
- Burrah Canyon: A scenic slot canyon hike – cooler temps, interesting rock formations, and a nice break from the open desert.
Advice: Wear real hiking shoes. Bring way more water than you think you need. And hire a local guide if you’re doing anything serious – they know the routes and the safety stuff you don’t.
My Honest Recommendation
Stay Overnight, Watch the Sunset, Live in That Moment.
If you’re short on time, here’s what I’d prioritize: one night minimum in a Bedouin camp, and make sure you’re outside when the sun goes down.
The sunset in Wadi Rum isn’t just pretty – it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop talking. The whole desert shifts from red to orange to purple to dark blue, and for about twenty minutes, everything glows. After dark, the camp fills up with the smell of food, the sound of music, and the kind of easy conversation that happens around fires.
That’s the part I remember most. Not just the views – the feeling.
