Wadi Rum is a destination like no other, celebrated for its surreal landscape and peaceful isolation. Spending a night in this extraordinary desert valley is the best way to truly experience its otherworldly beauty. Whether seeking a Mars-like adventure or a more traditional escape, Wadi Rum offers a range of unforgettable overnight options.
Wadi Rum's protected desert landscape, marked by colossal sandstone formations, offers an unforgettable experience. Overnight stays range from luxurious glamping pods and well-appointed tents to rustic bivouac camping under the stars. One lodge with resort-style amenities is also available for travelers seeking more comfort.
True to Bedouin culture’s welcoming and family-oriented spirit, most accommodations are kid-friendly (with the exception of the Digital Detox Retreat). Families will find plenty of activities to enjoy, from camel and horseback rides to rock climbing and evening campfires with traditional music. Some camps feature shared but well-maintained bathroom facilities, while basic desert camping provides minimal amenities, offering an authentic and adventurous experience.
Camps are located either within the protected area or nearby in Disi village. Transfers into the reserve are usually organized by the camp itself, with licensed Bedouin guides providing transport from Wadi Rum Village.
While camps operate nearly year-round, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during high season.
Here are six outstanding ways to spend a night in Wadi Rum:
Wadi Rum offers countless Bedouin camps, each providing a glimpse into the simple yet profound lifestyle of the desert’s native inhabitants. Traditional Bedouin tents, known as "black tents," are woven from goat hair and serve as cozy shelters against the desert elements.
Guests can immerse themselves in the Bedouin way of life, enjoying the warmth of a wood-burning fire in communal tents, sampling traditional meals such as Zarb (slow-cooked underground), Bedouin barbecue, Mansaf, and Maqluba, with vegetarian options also available. Tea, coffee, and other hot beverages are served throughout the day.
Bedouin camps offer either shared or private bathroom facilities and provide mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Located conveniently close to major archaeological sites, these eco-friendly camps also offer desert experiences like jeep safaris, camel rides, and sandboarding.
Examples of Traditional Bedouin Camps:
Beyond Wadi Rum Camp
Wadi Rum Quiet Village Camp
Bedouin Lifestyle Camp
For those seeking complete immersion in the desert wilderness, bivouac camping offers an unparalleled experience. A knowledgeable Bedouin guide escorts travelers to a secluded area, setting up a basic campsite equipped with mattresses and blankets.
Evenings are spent gathered around a fire, enjoying traditional Bedouin meals and sweet sage tea before sleeping under a canopy of stars. This form of "free camping" avoids tourist camps and brings travelers closer to the authentic desert lifestyle.
Minimal facilities are available—bottled water and basic hand-washing provisions are provided, but no formal bathrooms. Guests are encouraged to practice responsible tourism by preserving the pristine desert environment.
This experience promises a profound connection with nature, offering tranquility and breathtaking views of the night sky.
The serene environment of Wadi Rum provides the perfect backdrop for a digital detox or yoga retreat. Guests are transported to remote areas free from cellular and internet signals, allowing true disconnection from the modern world.
Healthy meals prepared by private chefs, meditative walks, vinyasa flow sessions, fire ceremonies, and drum circles are some of the activities typically included. Stargazing under Wadi Rum’s crystal-clear skies offers a magical end to each day.
Whether for a single night or as part of a multi-day wellness program, digital detox retreats in Wadi Rum offer deep rejuvenation of body and mind.
Travelers seeking a balance between desert adventure and comfort will find it at resort-style lodges near Wadi Rum, such as Bait Ali Lodge. Amenities at such lodges often include air-conditioned chalets, a swimming pool, a shopping bazaar, and lively Friday night gatherings with DJs and traditional barbecues.
Lodges offer greater dining variety, featuring organic produce, ice cream, and continental cuisine, while still maintaining a desert atmosphere.
Examples of Resort-Style Lodges:
Bait Ali Lodge
Rahayeb Desert Camp
Captain's Desert Camp
Sand Rose Camp (Hillawi Camp)
For those desiring traditional Bedouin charm with a touch of modern comfort, standard luxury tents offer an ideal option. These accommodations feature mountain-view tents furnished with king or twin beds, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, hot water, and private terraces.
Luxury camps also provide comfortable outdoor seating areas perfect for stargazing, along with handcrafted furniture, high-quality linens, and solar-powered electricity.
Examples of Luxury Camps Offering Standard Tents:
Sun City Camp
Mazayen Rum Camp
Memories Aicha Camp
Wadi Rum Night Camp
Sharah Luxury Camp
Rum Oasis Camp
For a truly unforgettable experience, panoramic tents—also known as bubble tents, Martian domes, or full-of-stars tents—allow guests to sleep beneath Wadi Rum’s incredible night sky while enjoying modern luxury.
These unique accommodations, available at many luxury camps, feature transparent walls or ceilings offering uninterrupted views of the desert landscape. Each camp gives these tents different names and styles, but all are designed to combine modern comfort with authentic desert magic.
Examples of Camps Offering Star-Gazing Tents:
Sun City Camp
Mazayen Rum Camp
Memories Aicha Camp
Sharah Luxury Camp
Rum Oasis Camp
Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel
Final Note:
No matter the style of accommodation chosen, spending a night in Wadi Rum promises an unforgettable experience—one filled with vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and starry skies that create memories to last a lifetime.
