Planning a Wadi Rum Desert Adventure
To experience Wadi Rum properly, book a 2-day/1-night stay with a Bedouin camp that includes a full-day 4x4 jeep tour. You must arrive at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center by 10:00 AM to pay your entry fees and meet your guide before heading into the protected area.
- Secure your Jordan Pass. Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you fly. It covers your visa fee and entry to Wadi Rum, saving you about 40 JOD total.
- Book an authentic Bedouin camp. Look for camps located within the protected area rather than the village of Rum. Ensure the package includes dinner and a breakfast buffet; many camps offer 'glamping' Martian domes or traditional goat-hair tents.
- Coordinate your arrival. Most camps meet guests at the Wadi Rum Village rest house. If you are renting a car, park it at the secure lot near the visitor center and let your camp host pick you up in their 4x4.
- Pack for desert temperature shifts. The desert is hot during the day but drops 15-20°C at night. Pack layers regardless of the season.
- Can I drive my own rental car into the desert?
- No. The sand is extremely soft and deep. Even experienced drivers get stuck; you must park at the village and use a camp-provided 4x4.
- Is there electricity and Wi-Fi in the camps?
- Most camps have electricity via solar panels for charging phones, but Wi-Fi is usually non-existent or limited to the common area. Expect to be offline.