4WDing around Wadi Rum and spending a night in a desert camp

Travel Tips

• Arranging your 4×4 – we took one of the half day tours from the visitor centre which is very simple to do and the various options for where you want to go are listed out clearly on the board (there are around 15 options depending on how much time you have and if there is something specific you’d like to see).  You pay at the counter (note they only accept cash and there are no ATMs) and are allocated one of the waiting drivers.  The 5 hour tour including sunset was JD75, which was for an aircon 4×4 with a panel at the back if you fancy sitting outside and with a guide who was pleasant but had limited english (it is pot luck which driver you get).  The cost is per vehicle so, if you’re on a budget, it makes sense to find some others who would like to join you.  If you’re not, its quite nice having the driver and 4×4 to yourself
• Go with the 4×4 with aircon plus panel at the back – there were a lot of other 4×4 / pickup trucks with the seats / cage added at the back.  I think this makes sense if you’re on a budget, but I’d imagine this gets very hot in the summer and will get tedious after a few hours being bumped around (it gets super bumpy at times)
• The 5 hour tour felt enough.  I’m sure there are some extra areas that would be great to visit (such as the hike up to the main rock bridge) and, as always, it would be nice for an extra day to chill out in an area of such unusual beauty, but overall the combo of this and the evening in the camp felt like a great experience
• We went in Winter which was the perfect temperature, but could get a little chilly in the shade so be prepared.  Summer must be interesting
• Try to take your time to enjoy the surrounding scenery rather than rushing between spots – ideally in the panel out the back of the 4×4.  Your guide will be fine driving to other less busy spots and you won’t feel like you’ve missed out if you skip 1 of the rocky outcrops to get away from your fellow tourists
• Bring your flip flops – if you’re heading for one of the mini climbs up the sand dunes, bring your flip flops as often it turns to rock at the top and just easier with something on your feet
• The camps are cool, if just a little on the tacky / touristy side.  We stayed at one of the Martian tents in Hassan Zawaideh Camp which was pricey at USD250 / night, but the morning view made up for it.  My tip though would be to not bother with the Martian Tent as, from what we could see, most of the windows / plastic looking out were quite dirty.  Just set your alarm for super early for a warm drink seeing first light come in
• Camel trekking?  Yeah maybe if you’re planning on an epic multi-day trip from Petra to Wadi Rum, or maybe if you’v never been on one and its purely for the novelty.  But, I’d stick with the 4x4s
• The online Jordan pass is worth getting if you plan on visiting a few sites and staying for in Jordan for 3 nights or more.  JD75 includes 2 days in Petra, entrance to Wadi Rum and most sites in Jordan and covers your visa fee (note though – it is not a visa.  You still need to apply for one, this just covers the fee)