Wadi Rum Jeep Tour and Overnight Bedouin Camp: Red Dunes, Nabataean Ruins & Stargazing
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days (24–28 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable with short hikes, climbing on loose sand, and getting in/out of a jeep.
Overview
Drive into the ochre silence of Wadi Rum on a full-day jeep tour, then trade the engine’s rhythm for a fire-lit Bedouin camp. This two-day trip combines iconic rock formations, Nabataean ruins and an overnight under superb desert stars.
Wadi Rum Jeep Tour and Overnight Bedouin Camp: Red Dunes, Nabataean Ruins & Stargazing
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The jeep eases off the track and the desert opens like a page—curved dunes, rippled sand, and monumental sandstone walls that throw long shadows. A small group files out, cameras in hand, as the guide points to a scratch of ancient petroglyphs and the low silhouette of Lawrence’s House on the skyline. By evening, the engine noise is gone and a circle of warm light marks the Hasan Zawaideh camp: tents with panoramic panels, steaming mugs of Bedouin tea, and a sky so thick with stars it feels closer than the horizon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate before you go
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person—the desert sun and jeep motion dehydrate faster than you think.
Wear closed, grippy shoes
Rock approaches and sand climbs are easier with hiking shoes that keep out fine sand and protect your ankles.
Pack a warm layer for night
Even after hot days, temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset—bring a fleece or windproof jacket for the campfire.
Respect Bedouin spaces
Ask before photographing locals or private tents and tip guides for local storytelling and camp hospitality.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sinai fox (occasionally spotted at dusk)
- Migratory desert birds and lizards along canyon shade lines
History
Wadi Rum holds evidence of Nabataean habitation and temple sites; T.E. Lawrence’s wartime presence popularized several named landmarks like the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Conservation
Stay on jeep tracks where possible, avoid carving into rock or leaving litter, and support local camp operators who follow low-impact practices and employ Bedouin guides.
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Adventure Hotspots in Aqaba
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet on rocky approaches and keeps out shifting sand.
Sun hat and sunscreen
High desert sun can be intense—protect your face and neck.
summer specific
2–3L hydration system or bottles
Sustains you through long, exposed stops between shaded canyons.
Warm layer and headlamp
Nights cool quickly and a headlamp helps moving around camp after dark.
fall specific