Jordan desert safari

Jordan desert safari

What is the best time to go on a desert safari in Jordan?

Spring and autumn are the best times to do a desert safari with pleasant weather that allows you to enjoy all the activities, such as camel rides, jeep tours, and stargazing over Wadi Rum. It is also less crowded during these months, with beautiful scenery in the desert free from scorching heat. The temperature during the daytime increases during winter, which makes it ideal, but harsh can get quite cold on some nights. Summer is good for cheap rates and having few tourists, but temperatures could come into the 40+ Celsius range, so plan safaris for the early morning or evening. 

Where do most desert safaris occur in Jordan?

Most desert safaris in Jordan occur at Wadi Rum, or Valley of the Moon. Known as the Moon Valley far south in Jordan, the Wadi Rum is famous for its tremendous crimson dunes and towering sandstone mountains, ancient petroglyphs, and landscapes so surreal that it supplied great visual company for movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. Safari 4x4s, camel treks, hot air balloon rides, and staying overnight in Bedouin-style desert camps are all available at Wadi Rum. The households of Azraq and Disi are lesser-visited desert areas, but Wadi Rum stands out as the most well-known and accessible desert site for adventures. 

What activities are available on a desert safari?

There is a plethora of activities in the Wadi Rum desert safari in Jordan designed to cater to adventurous, cultural, and nature-loving tourists. Some of them include:

• 4x4 Jeep Tours – Wander through the immense desert landscape, colossal rock formations, and obscure canyons with a local Bedouin as your guide.
• Camel Rides – Relish the calm, serene desert views at sunrise and sunset while getting the authentic desert transport experience.
• Sandboarding – Fly down the red dunes on a board for a gut-wrenching ride, somewhat more entertaining for younger ones.
• Hiking & Rock Climbing – Walk through natural arches, very narrow gorges, and high plateaus with endless views.
• Stargazing – Due to zero light pollution, Wadi Rum offers an unforgettable stargazing experience.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides – For a singular view above the desert at dawn, hot air balloon rides offer breathtaking aerial beauty.
• Overnight in a Bedouin Camp – Traditional fare, music, storytelling, and sousing food experience while sleeping under stars or in a Bedouin tent.
• Photography – Experiment capturing the majestic colors and shapes of the desert shining under the glory of sunrise and sunset.

The combination of these desolate lands, adventure, culture, and nature will indeed mark the ballpark for any memories of the desert safaris in Jordan.

What are the accommodation options during the desert safari?

Jordan desert safari, basically in Wadi Rum, showcases a panoply of accommodation choices to suit various travel styles and budgets; the most common of which are: 

Bedouin Camps (Traditional)

• Stay in authentic-style tents run by local Bedouins. 
• Basic but comfortable, with shared bathrooms, shared meals, and campfire gatherings. 
• So good from the cultural perspective: Incense of campfire on the desert floor coupled with stargazing. 

Luxury Desert Camp (Glamping)

• Give you tents with private bathrooms, comfy beds, air conditioners, and even Wi-Fi.
• Those who seek comfort and retain a fair share of the desert feel would love this kind of option.
• The stargazing bubble tents allow one to view the stars while lying down! 

Private Camping

• For adventure, some tours even offer private camps where guides pick remote spots in the desert, setting up tents.
• It's extremely basic but greatly peaceful and isolated.

Eco-lodges & Boutique Camps

• Eco-lodges are sustainable and designed with a local touch. 
• Usually on the fringes of the protected desert area.

Other Hotels (Outside Wadi Rum)

• If you just can't imagine sleeping outside under the stars, then there are hotels in the nearby towns like Rum Village or Aqaba that will organize your day trips into the desert.

Each offers, in some way or the other, a different style toward the experience of Jordan's desert-from rugged adventure to cozy luxury beneath the stars.

What to Pack for a Desert Safari in Jordan?

• Light, breathable clothing for hot days

• Warm layers (like a jacket) for cool nights

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection

• Scarf or shemagh to protect against dust

• Water bottle, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer

• Flashlight or headlamp (for overnight stays)

• Camera/phone and portable charger

• Toiletries and any personal medication

Keep it light, comfortable, and sun-safe!