Exploring a Private Outdoor Bedouin Dinner in Petra: An Authentic Night Under the Stars
If you’re seeking a truly memorable way to experience Petra beyond the usual touristic hustle, a Private Outdoor Bedouin Dinner offers a blend of stunning scenery, cultural authenticity, and delicious food. This experience, rated a perfect 5.0 from five reviews, promises a unique evening that combines ancient landscapes, local cuisine, and warm Bedouin hospitality—all for a reasonable $150 per person.
What makes this tour stand out? For starters, it’s private, ensuring a tailored experience away from crowds. You’ll get a chance to savor traditional dishes cooked on fire in a desert setting, surrounded by flickering candles and the whisper of history in the air. The tour also includes a visit to Little Petra’s Siq Albared, featuring a beautifully preserved fresco, and the chance to witness a sunset from a panoramic viewpoint at 1400 meters above sea level. Finally, the dinner itself takes place in a cave carved by the Nabateans, adding an extra layer of historical intrigue.
However, it’s worth noting that this is an outdoor experience, so travelers should be prepared for the weather—cold at night or hot during the day—and remember that the entire evening is designed to be relaxed and immersive, not rushed. This adventure suits those who love combining scenic views with culture and don’t mind a bit of rustic charm.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: A private dinner in a desert setting with traditional Bedouin hospitality.
- Stunning Views: Sunset overlooking Petra’s mountains from a high vantage point.
- Cultural Touch: Visit to Little Petra’s frescoed Siq Albared and ancient reservoirs.
- Unique Dining: Food cooked on fire, inside a barrel buried underground, with candles and a desert backdrop.
- All-Inclusive: Transportation, sunset views, dinner, and a private guide are included.
- Limited Group Size: The experience is tailored to your group, ensuring intimacy and personalized attention.
The Itinerary: From Ancient Caves to Desert Dinners
The journey begins with a pick-up from Petra Visitor Center, usually arranged by your provider, Victoria Travel & Tours. This is convenient and ensures you start your adventure comfortably. Within 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at the first stop: Little Petra’s Siq Albared. This narrow canyon, about an hour long, is a highlight for lovers of history and art. You’ll explore carved frescoes, rock reservoirs, and ancient banquet halls—testaments to the area’s significance in Nabatean gatherings and celebrations. A highlight here, according to a reviewer, is “the painted fresco in one of the banquet halls,” which adds an artistic and historical layer to your walk.
After soaking in the sights, the tour moves on to a mountain vantage point for a panoramic sunset. From 1400 meters, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Petra’s rugged mountains. Many guests describe this as “one of its kind,” and it’s a moment that perfectly captures the desert’s vastness and serenity. You can expect to sip on bedouin hot tea while watching the sun paint the landscape in hues of orange and pink.
Post-sunset, you’ll continue a short drive to the main event—the desert dinner location. This spot has been carefully chosen for its authenticity and ambiance: a cave carved out of the mountain by the Nabateans, with steps and an arena-like space at the front. The atmosphere is cozy yet dramatic, with candles in bags illuminating the space and the scent of Arabic coffee and tea filling the air.
The chef, who arrives with a mobile kitchen, will prepare your local dish inside a barrel buried underground—a centuries-old method of cooking that adds a delightful smoky aroma to the meal. As you dine, you’ll be surrounded by a peaceful desert landscape and the starry sky above, creating a night of unforgettable beauty.
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The Food: Authentic, Delicious, and Uniquely Prepared
The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the traditional Bedouin dish cooked on fire. This method involves a barrel buried below ground, which allows the food to cook slowly inside, resulting in tender, flavorful results. Many reviews mention the “delicious food,” emphasizing the care and tradition behind each dish. You’ll also enjoy Arabic coffee and tea, served around the fire, adding to the warm, inviting atmosphere.
What sets this dinner apart from local restaurants is the privacy and ambiance—eating in a desert cave with candles, with the star-lit sky above—creating a sense of connection to the land and history. The chef’s expertise and the mobile kitchen make this a culinary experience, not just a meal.
The Overall Experience: Value, Atmosphere, and Authenticity
For $150 per person, this tour offers a strong value considering the inclusions—transport, guided visits, sunset views, and a private dining experience in an extraordinary setting. Many guests have commented on the organized nature of the experience and the knowledge of the guides, who are often praised for their warm hospitality and insightful commentary.
Reviews mention a “memorable birthday celebration,” highlighting how the experience can be personalized for special occasions. The small group or private setting ensures a more intimate and relaxed environment, perfect for those seeking a more meaningful connection with the landscape and culture.
One important consideration is the weather—since this is an outdoor, evening activity, travelers should be prepared for potential cold temperatures or wind, especially in winter months. The experience is designed to be leisurely, so don’t expect a rushed dinner; instead, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the flickering candlelight, and the starry sky.
Why You Should Consider This Tour
This private outdoor dinner in Petra is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to engage with local culture, enjoy breathtaking views, and savor authentic cuisine in a tranquil setting. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups seeking a unique night out, or anyone who appreciates a blend of history, nature, and culinary delights.
If you’re after an experience that combines scenic beauty, cultural richness, and personalized service, this tour delivers in all areas. Just remember to pack a jacket if visiting in cooler months and bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas and starry skies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes an outdoor dinner, a visit to Little Petra’s Siq Albared, private transportation, a sunset view overlooking Petra’s mountains, an expert chef with a mobile kitchen, and candles to set the mood.
How long does the experience last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, from pick-up to return, allowing plenty of time for exploring, viewing, and dining.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but outdoor evening activities may be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, due to the uneven terrain and outdoor setting.
Do I need to bring anything?
While the tour provides most essentials, it’s wise to bring a jacket for cooler evenings, especially in winter. Comfortable shoes for walking through Siq Albared and around the cave area are recommended.
Can I customize the experience?
As it’s a private tour, you can likely request special arrangements or celebrations, like birthdays, as some guests have done successfully.
What should I expect in terms of the food?
The meal features a traditional dish cooked inside a buried barrel, offering a smoky flavor. You’ll also enjoy Arabic coffee and tea, all prepared by a skilled chef.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the experience is outdoor, poor weather could cause cancellations. If that occurs, you’ll be offered an alternate date or a full refund.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?
This private outdoor dinner in Petra is best suited for travelers looking for an immersive cultural experience that combines magnificent scenery with delicious, traditional food. It’s perfect for those celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a romantic, peaceful night under the stars with a touch of history.
If you’re after a luxurious yet authentic experience, this is an excellent option. Its emphasis on privacy, cultural authenticity, and breathtaking views make it stand out from typical tourist offerings. Be prepared for an outdoor adventure—bring your sense of adventure and curiosity—and you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.
To sum it up, this tour offers an extraordinary way to connect with Petra’s ancient landscape and its people. You’ll enjoy a scenic sunset, explore significant archaeological sites, and dine in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances comfort with authenticity, making it ideal for anyone eager for a deeper, more personal encounter with Jordan’s iconic desert city.