How to Choose Between Tented Camps, Bubble Tents, and Bedouin Camps
When planning your Wadi Rum adventure, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. The desert offers three main types of accommodation: traditional Bedouin camps, luxury tented camps, and modern bubble tents. Each offers a unique experience with different levels of comfort, authenticity, and price points.
Traditional Bedouin Camps
The Experience
Traditional Bedouin camps offer the most authentic desert experience. These camps are often run by local Bedouin families and maintain many traditional elements.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Simple goat-hair tents or basic concrete structures with fabric coverings
Sleeping arrangements: Usually mattresses on the floor with blankets
Bathrooms: Shared facilities, sometimes basic
Electricity: Limited, often from generators that run only certain hours
Food: Traditional Bedouin cuisine cooked over open fires
Atmosphere: Communal dining, evening gatherings around the fire with traditional music
Best For
Budget travelers
Those seeking cultural authenticity
Travelers who don't mind basic facilities
Social travelers who enjoy communal experiences
Average Cost
25-50 JOD per person per night, including dinner and breakfast
Luxury Tented Camps
The Experience
Luxury tented camps blend traditional elements with modern comforts, offering a more comfortable desert experience without sacrificing the atmosphere.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Spacious canvas tents with proper structures
Sleeping arrangements: Real beds with quality linens
Bathrooms: Private or high-quality shared facilities with hot water
Electricity: Usually 24 hours, often solar-powered
Food: Enhanced traditional cuisine with more variety
Atmosphere: More private spaces but still with communal areas
Best For
Mid-range travelers
Families with children
Those who want comfort but still an authentic experience
First-time desert campers
Average Cost
70-150 JOD per person per night, including meals
Bubble Tents
The Experience
Bubble tents represent the height of luxury in Wadi Rum, offering a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars in complete comfort.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Transparent dome structures with climate control
Sleeping arrangements: Luxury beds with premium linens
Bathrooms: Private en-suite bathrooms with high-end amenities
Electricity: 24-hour service with charging stations
Food: Gourmet dining experiences
Atmosphere: Very private, romantic setting
Best For
Luxury travelers
Couples and honeymooners
Stargazing enthusiasts
Those seeking a unique, Instagram-worthy experience
Average Cost
150-300 JOD per night for two people, including meals
Making Your Decision
Consider Your Priorities
Budget: Traditional camps are most affordable, bubble tents most expensive
Comfort level: Be honest about what amenities you need to enjoy your stay
Authenticity: Traditional camps offer the most genuine Bedouin experience
Privacy: Bubble tents offer the most privacy, traditional camps the least
Views: Some camps have better locations than others regardless of type
Questions to Ask Before Booking
What meals are included?
Is transportation from the visitor center included?
What activities are offered and at what additional cost?
Is there heating/cooling for extreme temperatures?
How far is the camp from the main tourist sites?
Hybrid Options
Many camps now offer different accommodation types within the same property. This can be ideal for groups with different preferences or budgets.
No matter which type of accommodation you choose, spending a night in Wadi Rum is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the timeless beauty of the desert and the rich culture of the Bedouin people.
