After exploring the stunning ancient city of Petra, our next destination in Jordan was the renowned desert of Wadi Rum. Even if you’re not aware, you’ve probably seen it featured in movies like “Dune,” “The Martian,” “Aladdin,” “Prometheus,” and several “Star Wars” films. The landscape here is breathtaking and unlike anything else you’ve ever encountered.
To reach Wadi Rum from Petra, we hired a taxi to take us to the desert entrance, where we met a driver from our camp who took us further into the desert. We hopped into the back of a truck with our bags, and as we traveled through the desert, the stunning views made it totally worth sitting outside despite the sandblasting.
Our first priority was setting up camp, quite literally. Accommodation in Wadi Rum is unique—there are no towering hotel buildings, just luxury camp tents equipped with air conditioning and full bathrooms. It blends perfectly with the natural environment while keeping you comfortable. We stayed at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, which was nestled at the foot of some towering mountains with views that are truly unforgettable. Though relatively new, the camp was already impressive and had plans to add amenities like a swimming pool.
Meals were included, so we settled in and had lunch before planning our next couple of days with the help of the hotel staff. As the sun began to set, we were encouraged to explore the desert on camels. Riding a camel is a unique experience: they’re much taller than horses and kneel for you to get on. The pace is leisurely, letting you soak in the magnificent desert sunset.
After sunset, we returned to the camp for dinner served in a large dome and enjoyed tea by the fireplace before our nighttime adventure. Due to its minimal light pollution, Wadi Rum is ideal for stargazing. With a guide, we ventured into the serene darkness of the desert, equipped with torches to light the way. Our guides suggested using the torches creatively with our cameras for some memorable night sky photos.
We then returned to our tents for some much-needed rest. Although we didn’t plan to do much on the first day, the experience left us in awe of Wadi Rum’s beauty and eager for more exploration, which we planned to do with a driver the following day.
