The Best Luxury Desert Camps in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Deep in southern Jordan, you’ll find the Wadi Rum desert. But this isn’t just any desert – in fact, it resembles Zion National Park in the USA more closely than the Sahara. Expect towering red mountains, rocky canyons and enormous stone arches. The best way to experience Wadi Rum is to stay overnight in a luxury camp where you can go camel trekking at sunset, eat Bedouin food and watch the dawn light as it erupts over the horizon in the morning.

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This family-owned bespoke camp in Wadi Rum offers a warm welcome, run by the five Zawaideh brothers. A full range of activities are on offer, including jeep tours, camel trekking, mountain climbing and hot air balloon rides. Air-conditioned accommodation options include stationary tents or the newer Martian Tents – think geodesic glamping bubbles – which allow for incomparable desert stargazing at night.

Exceptional service and sumptuous accommodation are the watchwords of this 40-tent camp set in the mountains of Wadi Rum. Spacious suites – ranging from tents to geodesic bubbles – come provisioned with Dead Sea toiletries, towels and a bathrobe. The camp’s rich decor with stone floors, inlaid furniture and ethnic embroidery evokes an Arabian Nights feel. Dine on traditional Arabic cuisine at the camp’s restaurant.

Beyond Wadi Rum camp is located near one of the region’s famous rock formations, Little Bridge. Marvel at the local sights at sunset from this eco-friendly luxury campsite. Inside the camp itself, you can choose from twin, double or triple tents – complete with hardwood beds and shared bathrooms. Staff are on hand 24 hours a day to help with any requests.

You’ll be able to spot the black-and-white-striped tents of Sun City camp from miles away. Inside each Bedouin tent room, you’ll find beds topped with white linen, a minibar and en-suite bathrooms with high-pressure showers – a real treat after a day bouncing through the dunes on a sand buggy. Enjoy traditional cuisine, including the signature Zarb, which is an entire meal cooked underground, complete with campfire and stargazing in the evenings.

There’s a lively feel to Sand Rose camp, contrasting to the other recommendations on our list. camp guests plus visitors gather for evening entertainment — a DJ and dance party at the onsite bar — on Thursdays and Friday nights. You may even learn how to dance Arabic-style. Bed down in twin, double or triple Bedouin tents and wake up to views across the terracotta mountains.

Solar energy powers the six tents of this eco-friendly camp, each one featuring en-suite bathrooms and private decks overlooking the magnificent mountains of Wadi Rum. The accommodating staff set up communal seating and dining areas in a large tent, or outside: weather permitting. The traditional Arabic cuisine is top-notch, as well as the lavish breakfasts – make a beeline for the omelette station.

This 51-tent camp is nestled between two enormous rock faces, protecting it from the desert winds. Book a deluxe tent with an en-suite bathroom – or a more basic tent if you’re on a budget. Obliging staff are on hand to arrange activities. Communal dining includes Zarb and an expansive mezze, complete with music and dancing. The electricity and WiFi run on a generator, which switches off in the evening, so enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep without any digital disturbances.

Sip mint tea around the outdoor fire pit at this chic camp, situated at the base of an overhanging, wind-carved rock. Luxurious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch the pink-hued surrounding mountains at sunrise. Private bathrooms are available on request and highlights include daily yoga classes and onsite massage therapists.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience away from large groups, then book Sahara Rum Glamping. Expect a high-end, off-grid experience here with hand-carved furniture and private ensuites for every guest – along with a local chef who will whip up made-to-order meals. Luxury perks include morning coffee served to your tent and cold towels on return to the camp from a day’s adventure.

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