Wadi Rum 2-Day Jeep Tour with Bedouin Camp & Meals

Summary

Wadi Rum Desert Adventure: Jeep Safari & Bedouin Overnight Stay

If you're looking for real adventure mixed with comfort and local flavor, this two-day Wadi Rum jeep tour is hard to beat. You'll explore hidden canyons and ancient sites with a Bedouin guide who knows every story behind each rock formation—and spend your night stargazing by a campfire before sleeping in your own panoramic tent facing endless desert views.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed pulling into Wadi Rum village was the quiet—just the crunch of gravel under tires and the low chatter from locals at the small café by the road. Our guide, Sami, waved us over with a big grin. He handed out bottles of water and pointed to where we could leave our car for free. By 10am, we were bouncing along in an open jeep, wind whipping past as we left behind any sign of town.

We stopped at a spot where water trickled down the rocks—honestly, it felt unreal seeing camels drinking here in the middle of all that sand. Sami explained this oasis has been a lifeline for centuries. He showed us some faded Thamudic carvings on a nearby boulder; you’d miss them if you didn’t know where to look. The air was dry but smelled faintly sweet from wild herbs crushed underfoot.

Khazali Canyon was next—a narrow crack in the mountain walls, cool and shadowy even at midday. Inside, ancient Nabatean inscriptions covered the rock like secret messages. Sami told us this was once a stop for pilgrims heading to Mecca; I tried to imagine camel caravans resting here long ago. We lingered just listening to our footsteps echo off stone.

The red sand dune looked easy from below but climbing it had me huffing halfway up—sand slipping under every step. At the top, you get this wide-open view across endless red and gold ripples. Coming down’s way more fun; most of us just ran and laughed like kids.

Little Bridge was easy enough to scramble onto (even if you’re not much of a climber). Underneath, an older Bedouin man poured us tiny glasses of mint tea while his radio played something scratchy in Arabic. The shade felt good after all that sun.

Lawrence’s House sits on old Nabatean ruins—Sami pointed out some ancient cistern stones still holding together after all these years. There’s always talk about T.E. Lawrence staying here during the Arab Revolt; whether it’s true or not, it makes for good stories around camp later.

Mushroom Rock is exactly what it sounds like—a giant stone mushroom standing alone in the sand. Local kids sometimes sell little trinkets here; I picked up a carved camel as a souvenir and sat in the shade for a bit while others snapped photos.

Lunchtime meant stopping somewhere quiet—no roads or buildings in sight—and watching Sami cook over an open fire. The smell of roasting vegetables mixed with woodsmoke drifted over as we sat on woven mats eating warm bread with hummus and yogurt. It tasted better than anything I’ve had back home.

Burdah Rock Bridge towers above everything else—a natural arch way up high on Jabal Burdah. You can’t climb it on this tour (it’s pretty far up), but seeing it framed against that huge blue sky is worth stopping for.

Abu Khashaba Canyon surprised me—suddenly there were trees and birds everywhere, almost like stepping into another world inside all that rock and sand. We walked through while birds chirped overhead; Sami waited at the other end with cold water ready.

Umm Fruth Rock Bridge is famous for good reason—it’s tall but climbable if you’re feeling brave (I managed halfway). From up there, you see nothing but desert stretching out forever. There’s another tent below selling tea and souvenirs if you want to rest your legs.

The White Desert comes out of nowhere—the red sand slowly fades into pale cream colors dotted with tough little plants. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot wild fox tracks or even see ibex far off near the rocks.

Sunset here isn’t just something you watch—it’s something you feel settle over everything as light shifts from gold to deep orange behind jagged peaks. Sami brewed sweet tea over a small fire while we sat quietly taking it all in; no one really talked much until stars started popping out overhead.

Dinner back at camp was cooked underground—a big pot lifted right out of hot sand, full of chicken, rice, potatoes, and veggies seasoned just right. Before eating, Sami showed us how they dig up the meal; everyone crowded around snapping photos as steam rose into the cool night air.

The best part? Sitting by the campfire after dinner sipping more tea while millions of stars came out above us—no city lights anywhere, just silence broken by someone telling stories or pointing out constellations I’d never seen so clearly before. When I finally crawled into my panoramic tent (with its own bathroom!), I left the curtains open so I could fall asleep watching moonlight spill across empty desert hills.

Next morning came early—sunrise lighting up everything pink outside my window—and breakfast waiting: eggs cooked fresh, flatbread still warm from the fire, creamy hummus and salad alongside strong coffee poured into tiny cups. We packed up slow before heading back to Wadi Rum village by jeep—the same café where we started now busy with locals chatting over sweet tea as we said our goodbyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep Tour and Bedouin Experience

• Meet at Wadi Rum village cafeteria
• Visit desert oasis with camels and hike
• Explore Khazali Canyon inscriptions
• Climb and enjoy Red Sand Dune views
• Climb Little Bridge and have Bedouin tea
• Visit Lawrence's House and Nabataean inscriptions
• See Mushroom Rock and rest at Bedouin tent
• Enjoy traditional Bedouin lunch in desert
• View Burdah Rock Bridge from Jeep
• Walk Abu Khashaba Canyon or Jeep peek
• Climb Umm Fruth Rock Bridge and photo
• Explore White Desert and spot wildlife
• Watch sunset with Bedouin tea at campfire
• Traditional Bedouin dinner at camp
• Stargazing and tea by campfire

Day 2 — Breakfast and Return to Village

• Traditional breakfast with desert views
• Drive back to Wadi Rum village

Top questions

Is this Wadi Rum jeep tour suitable for families?

Yes! The tour fits all fitness levels and ages—even infants are welcome (they'll need to sit on an adult's lap). Just let us know if you have special needs or questions about bringing kids along.

What should I pack for an overnight stay in Wadi Rum?

You’ll want comfy clothes for hot days and cooler nights (it can get chilly after sunset), sturdy shoes for walking on sand or rocks, sunscreen, sunglasses, maybe a hat—and don’t forget your camera! We provide bottled water throughout the trip.

Are vegetarian meals available during this tour?

Absolutely! Let us know ahead of time about any dietary preferences or allergies—we’re happy to prepare vegetarian options using local ingredients like fresh veggies, hummus, salads, bread and more.

How do I get to Wadi Rum village? Is parking available?

You can drive yourself—there's free parking right at our meeting point café—or use public transport options nearby if needed. We also offer transportation from the Visitor Centre upon request.

What’s included

Your trip covers transportation from Wadi Rum village (and Visitor Centre if needed), free parking at arrival point café, bottled water throughout both days plus traditional Bedouin lunch and dinner cooked over fire (with veggie options), overnight stay in your own private panoramic tent with bathroom facing desert views—including breakfast next morning before returning by jeep to village start point.