half day camel tour with one night stay

If you’re looking to explore Jordan’s iconic desert landscapes in a way that combines adventure, culture, and a touch of magic, a half-day camel tour with an overnight stay in Wadi Rum might just be your perfect match. This experience offers a unique chance to see some of the desert’s most captivating sights while enjoying the serenity of a night under the stars.

While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an immersive experience full of breathtaking views and genuine Bedouin hospitality. You’ll love the chance to appreciate stunning desert vistas, hike up golden sand dunes, and explore ancient inscriptions—all topped off with a cozy night in a traditional Bedouin camp.

One possible consideration is the cost — at $61 per person, this tour offers great value, but it’s worth noting that there’s an entrance fee to Wadi Rum that’s not included. This experience suits travelers who cherish authentic cultural encounters, enjoy outdoor adventures, and love the idea of sleeping beneath a blanket of stars. Perfect for those seeking a mix of sightseeing and relaxation amid nature, this trip is a memorable way to connect with Jordan’s most famous desert.

Key Points

• Authentic Bedouin experience with a night spent in a private tent under the stars
• Stunning desert vistas at locations like Lawrences Spring and Sand Dunes
• Historical insights at Khazali Canyon with ancient inscriptions
• Guided camel ride led by knowledgeable guides, ensuring a safe and enriching experience
• Evening entertainment with traditional dinner, music, and star gazing
• Flexible booking options with pay later available

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour

This half-day camel tour, combined with an overnight stay, offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Starting from Rum village, the journey takes you through some of Wadi Rum’s most photogenic sites, each telling a different story of natural beauty and history.

Starting Point: Rum Village

Your adventure begins at Rum village, where you’ll meet your guide and prepare for the ride. The meeting spot provides free parking and easy access, making logistics simple and stress-free. You’ll be introduced to your camels—an experience that’s both fun and more comfortable than it sounds—and then set off into the desert.

Lawrences Spring: A Refreshing Oasis

The first stop is Lawrences Spring, a small yet vital water source nestled among towering mountains. Here, you can appreciate the importance of this natural spring, historically significant and still vital for local wildlife and visitors alike. The spring provides a tranquil spot to pause, take photos, and soak in the desert silence.

Golden Sand Dunes: An Elevated Perspective

Next, you’ll head toward the golden sand dunes, which are truly a highlight. You can hike up the warm, soft sand and enjoy panoramic views overlooking the vast desert. According to reviews, this spot is perfect for capturing stunning photos, and many visitors find the experience of climbing the dunes quite exhilarating. The sand’s warm tint and expansive horizon create an otherworldly atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful break or some playful sand-boarding if you’re feeling adventurous.

More Great Tours Nearby

Khazali Canyon: A Window into the Past

The tour continues to Khazali Canyon, famous for its Nabatean inscriptions carved into the rocks. This site offers a peek into the area’s ancient history, and guides often share stories about the inscriptions and the canyon’s role in regional trade routes. One guest noted, “The canyon is beautiful, with ancient carvings that make you feel connected to a thousand-year-old story.” It’s a quiet, contemplative spot that enriches the desert experience.

Little Bridge: A Scenic Climb

The final natural highlight is Little Bridge, a rock formation that resembles a natural arch. Visitors can climb onto the bridge to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This spot often surprises guests with its scale and beauty, offering yet another fantastic photo opportunity.

Overnight Stay: Campfire, Stars, and Bedouin Hospitality

After a full afternoon exploring, you’ll reach your camp in a traditional Bedouin tent, set amidst the silence of the desert. Guests consistently praise the authentic hospitality of the camp staff, who prepare a traditional dinner cooked under the sand—a unique culinary experience. As the evening unfolds, you’ll relax around a campfire with local music, sip Bedouin tea, and gaze at the star-studded sky.

Many reviewers, including Astrid, mention the friendly guides and staff, who go out of their way to make guests feel at home. Astrid raves, “Alles war toll! Das Reiten auf den Kamelen, die Person, die uns herumgeführt hat, die Person, die das Camp geleitet hat. Alle waren sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend.” This personal touch makes the entire experience more memorable.

You’ll have the option to sleep in a private tent or under the open sky—if you’re lucky, you might catch a shooting star or see the Milky Way stretch across the night. Sleeping out in the desert gives you a sense of peace and connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Morning After

Awakening to the desert sunrise is a moment many guests treasure. After a simple yet hearty breakfast, your guide will escort you back to Rum village by jeep, completing your overnight adventure. The journey back allows you to reflect on the incredible scenery and the stories shared during your stay.

What’s Included & What to Expect

For $61 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions. The package includes a one-night stay in a private tent, a five-hour guided camel ride, dinner cooked under the sand, lunch and breakfast, mineral water, and Bedouin tea. The star gazing experience adds a magical touch to your desert night.

The tour is designed for flexibility—pay later options let you book with confidence, and cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance. The tour does not include the Wadi Rum entrance fee, so budget for that separately.

Practical Details

The tour starts at Wadi Rum Quiet Village, where free parking is available. The guide speaks both Arabic and English, making communication straightforward. The group size is likely small and intimate, enhancing the personal feel.

What to bring: A passport or ID card is required for entry, and packing essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and some warm layers are recommended for the evenings.

Authenticity and Reviewer Insights

Reviewers highlight the authentic and friendly atmosphere as a standout feature. Astrid’s comment about the friendly staff and the well-organized camp underscores how genuine Bedouin hospitality enhances the experience.

Guests also appreciate the stunning views at each stop, especially the Sand Dunes and Little Bridge, which offer panoramic vistas ideal for photos and simply soaking in the scenery. The chance to climb the dunes and explore ancient inscriptions makes this tour more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity to connect with the desert’s natural and historical layers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure seekers who enjoy outdoor activities, culture enthusiasts interested in ancient inscriptions and Bedouin traditions, and star gazers dreaming of a night under the open sky. It’s also great for travelers who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a more relaxed pace, the mixture of guided stops and free time allows for personalized exploration. Families with children over 2 years and those able to handle simple outdoor conditions will find this a manageable and rewarding adventure.

The Sum Up

This half-day camel tour with an overnight stay in Wadi Rum offers an engaging combination of natural beauty, cultural insights, and authentic Bedouin hospitality. The stops at Lawrences Spring, Sand Dunes, Khazali Canyon, and Little Bridge reveal the desert’s diverse landscapes and history—all within a manageable half-day journey, plus a memorable night under the stars.

The inclusions of dinner cooked under the sand, star gazing, and the chance to sleep in a private tent make for a well-rounded experience that balances adventure and relaxation. The value for money is evident in the thoughtful itinerary, friendly guides, and stunning scenery.

This tour is a fantastic choice for those wanting a genuine taste of Wadi Rum’s magic—ideal for travelers craving outdoor exploration, cultural richness, and a night in the desert. Just remember to bring your passport, some warm clothes for the night, and a sense of curiosity about the ancient and natural world around you.

FAQs

Is transportation provided from Rum village?
You’ll meet at Rum village, where the tour begins; transportation to and from there is included in the tour package.

What should I bring for the overnight stay?
Bring your passport or ID, and consider packing warm layers for the night, as temperatures can drop in the desert. Essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera are helpful.

Can I sleep outside under the stars?
Yes, you can choose to sleep in a tent or under the open sky—many guests enjoy the experience of star gazing and sleeping under the Milky Way.

How long is the camel ride?
The camel ride lasts approximately five hours, guided by knowledgeable guides who make sure everyone is comfortable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years old, but older children who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural sites should be fine.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, the entrance fee to Wadi Rum is not included and must be paid separately.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The tour guides speak both Arabic and English, ensuring clear communication and storytelling.

This Wadi Rum overnight camel tour is a captivating way to experience Jordan’s most iconic desert, blending adventure, history, and starry nights into one memorable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: