From Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour with Overnight Desert Camping

Travelers looking to step outside of the usual tourist trail will find this overnight Wadi Rum adventure a compelling option. Promising a mix of exhilarating jeep rides, cultural insights, and a night in the wild, it offers a taste of true desert life. This tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on six reviews, indicating strong satisfaction from past travelers.

What stands out most? We love the chance to sleep beneath an endless sky, the guided exploration of the desert’s highlights, and the authentic food experience—specifically, a traditional meal cooked under the sand. One aspect to keep in mind is that sleeping outdoors means no tent or shelter, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of cold desert nights.

This tour is ideal for those craving adventure, nature, and cultural authenticity. It suits travelers who enjoy guided excursions, are comfortable in open-air settings, and want to see Wadi Rum beyond the typical day trip.

Key Points

• Authentic camping experience in a protected desert area, with a chance to sleep under the stars.
• Expert-guided jeep tour exploring Wadi Rum’s stunning landscapes and hidden corners.
• Traditional meal cooked under the sand, offering a genuine taste of Bedouin cuisine.
• Flexible options, including camel rides, with plenty of water and local beverages provided.
• Suitable for most ages, but not recommended for wheelchair users or those uncomfortable with outdoor sleeping.
• Weather-dependent, but operates in most conditions, with the experience primarily shaped by the desert’s natural environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transportation

The tour starts with a pickup from an unspecified location in Amman or Wadi Rum, depending on your arrangement. You’ll be transported in an open, safari-style vehicle, which is typical for desert excursions. The group size tends to be small to moderate, ensuring personalized attention from your guide, who speaks English and Arabic.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, the flexible timing lets you arrive anytime before 7 p.m., perfect for adjusting around your plans. This aspect is especially handy if you’re arriving later in the day or want to extend your desert time.

The Jeep Tour: Exploring Wadi Rum’s Magic

The highlight for many is the guided 4×4 jeep ride that takes you deep into the desert’s most scenic spots. Your guide, a wealth of knowledge, will share insights into the history, ecology, and wildlife of Wadi Rum. Expect to see natural formations like the natural bridge, a striking natural arch carved over millennia, and other breathtaking vistas.

According to reviews, guides like “Hassan” or “Ali” are praised for their calm explanations and friendly attitude. They’ll take you to well-known spots and some secret corners that aren’t always on the usual tourist trails. Travelers consistently note the spectacular views and the chance to learn about the desert’s flora, fauna, and geology firsthand.

Traditional Meal: Cooking and Dining in the Desert

One of the tour’s most memorable features is the dinner cooked under the sand. This traditional Bedouin technique involves placing a meal in a sealed pot, burying it in hot sand, and letting it cook slowly. The result is a delicious, authentic dish that provides a real taste of local cuisine.

Reviewers describe the meal as “authentic” and “really good,” emphasizing the flavors and the novelty of the cooking method. It’s a communal, atmospheric experience, especially when gathered around a campfire with hot tea and stories.

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Sleeping Under the Stars: One of a Kind Night

Perhaps the most talked-about part of this tour is the overnight sleep in the open, without tents or walls. This is not a cozy glamping experience but rather a raw, immersive night in the wilderness.

Many reviewers, like Maki, cherish this as a “lifelong memory”—lying beneath an expansive Milky Way, listening to the sounds of the desert at night. The air is usually cooler, especially in winter, so packing long clothes and jackets is recommended.

Sleeping outside can improve sleep quality, as some comment that the fresh air and lower temperatures are a plus. However, it’s not suitable for people who prefer comfort or are afraid of cold or insects. The experience is designed for those interested in connecting deeply with nature and embracing simplicity.

Additional Activities: Camel Rides and Optional Extras

Some tours include a camel ride, which adds a layer of adventure and tradition. This is an optional add-on, but it’s often highly recommended for the iconic desert experience. You’ll glide over the sand, feeling like a true Bedouin.

What’s Not Included

• The Wadi Rum Protected Area entry fee (7 JOD) is not included but is waived if you hold a Jordan Pass.
• The pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation are not part of the package, so plan accordingly.
• No tent or shelter is provided; the focus is on raw outdoor camping.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews give us a vivid picture of what to expect. Maki calls sleeping under the stars a “lifelong memory”, emphasizing the emotional impact of the experience. Dominga highlights the spectacular views and authentic food, mentioning the calm explanations from the guide and the atmospheric setting of the traditional tent.

Mauro shares that the jeep tour was “very interesting,” with the guide offering engaging explanations and helping them find hidden corners of the desert. He describes the evening around the campfire as “magical,” with hot tea and stargazing providing a truly special experience.

One valuable insight is that weather plays a role in the overall experience. While operated in most conditions, cold winter nights require proper clothing, and clear skies enhance the stargazing experience.

Price and Value Analysis

At $70 per person, this tour offers a remarkable mix of adventure, culture, and nature. When you consider the guided jeep tour, the traditional dinner, the overnight camping, and the expert guidance, the value is evident. It’s a significant step up from a simple day trip, especially with the unique opportunity to sleep outdoors in the desert—a feature often missing from more conventional tours.

The inclusion of meals, bottled water, and Bedouin tea adds to the value, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience. While not including the entrance fee, this is minimal and easily managed with the Jordan Pass if you have one.

Practical Tips for Your Desert Night

• Pack long sleeve clothes and jackets, especially if visiting in winter. The desert cools rapidly after sunset.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring uneven terrain.
• Bring any personal items you might need, like a headlamp, sunglasses, or a hat.
• Remember, no nudity is allowed, and respect for the environment is expected.
• If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, inform the tour provider in advance to ensure the meal accommodates your needs.

The Sum Up

This Wadi Rum overnight tour combines the thrill of a guided jeep ride with the serenity of sleeping beneath the stars and the authenticity of a traditional desert meal. It’s a rare chance to connect with nature and Bedouin culture in a stunning setting, making it ideal for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and those craving a genuine desert experience.

While the outdoor sleeping might not suit everyone, those looking for a meaningful and immersive night in the wild will find this tour unforgettable. The knowledgeable guides, spectacular scenery, and authentic food elevate this experience beyond typical desert excursions.

If you’re after a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, this tour could very well become one of the highlights of your Jordan trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is recommended for most ages, but children under 12 benefit from discounts. Be sure they’re comfortable sleeping outdoors.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and anything to enhance your outdoor sleeping experience. Don’t forget your camera!

Are meals vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, the tour is vegan and vegetarian friendly, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified in advance.

How long does the entire experience last?
Including pickup and drop-off, the tour typically lasts most of the day into the evening, with the night spent sleeping outside.

Do I need a Jordan Pass?
The entry fee to Wadi Rum is 7 JOD, which is free with a Jordan Pass. The tour itself does not include this fee.

Can I choose to skip the camel ride?
Yes, camel rides are optional. You can opt out if you prefer, without affecting the rest of the experience.

Is the outdoor sleeping comfortable?
It’s a raw experience designed for those interested in nature. Expect a simple night, with no tents, so prepare accordingly.

What’s the weather like?
Most weather conditions are workable, but cold nights are common in winter. Clear skies enhance star-gazing.

Can I arrive late or early?
Yes, you can arrive any time before 7 p.m., providing flexibility if your plans shift.

In all, this tour offers a compelling combination of adventure, authenticity, and natural beauty. Perfect for travelers eager to experience the real desert life of Wadi Rum, it promises memories that will stay with you long after you leave the campfire.

You can check availability for your dates here: