Are you visiting Wadi Rum in Jordan and unsure of where to camp? Glamping is one of the best options available in Wadi Rum. In this post, we’ll go over all the reasons you should opt for at least one night at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp in this gorgeous sandy red desert.
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I think you’ll agree with me when I say it’s everyone’s dream to stay in a five-star hotel at least once in their lives! Wadi Rum desert is the perfect place to glamp in luxury because of its out-of-this-world landscape.
If you want to have an unforgettable time in Jordan, you’ll want to consider glamping in a luxury camp in Wadi Rum for at least one night. And I have just the perfect place for it!
Whether you’re visiting Wadi Rum to camp in the desert or to take a jeep tour to all of the best views, here is why I recommend staying at least one night at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp!
All About The Sandy Red Valley
Wadi Rum is a desert located in the south of Jordan that spans an area of 280 sq ft. It is a protected area and because of this, you can only get around with a local inhabitant. These people are known as Bedouins – nomadic desert Arabs.
You will need to book either a tour or a camp in advance. They will then set up transportation and pick-up times with you. You can park your car in the Wadi Rum Village for the duration of your stay. You will then be driven around in a 4×4 vehicle by a local Bedouin.
From the second you drive into Wadi Rum, you will see the dramatic sandstone mountains over 5,000 ft tall and be mesmerized. This desert has been a popular filming destination for out-of-this-world landscapes. People generally describe it as looking and feeling like Mars.
Some of these movies include Dune, The Martian, Star Wars, and the Aladdin remake. You may able to spot this desert backdrop in films more easily once you’ve visited it.
Glamping In Wadi Rum
Most people who visit Wadi Rum come to the desert to camp for a night under the stars. In my opinion, this is a must-do for any traveler visiting Jordan. There are various camps all ranging in size and price scattered around the area to suit your desires.
In this post, we will focus on luxury glamping in Wadi Rum and specifically Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. Even in the luxury sector, there are a ton of other camps including Rum Oasis Luxury Camp, Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, and Sun City – just to name a few.
I’m not usually the type of traveler who spends more than $80 a night for a place to stay but once I saw how fantastic these luxury camps are, I decided I had to treat myself. I figured when else would I get the chance to stay in such a unique and special place?
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
I was originally drawn to Memories Aicha because of the amazing drone pictures I had seen of the camp – like the one above. It looked just like something from Mars and I thought, ‘It’s so gorgeous, I have to stay here!’
Check out my reel all about Memories Aicha right here!
Rooms & Rates
Memories Aicha offers two different kinds of accommodations: luxury tents and domes. Both are equipped with a big beautiful bed, a private bathroom, and air conditioning.
The rooms are decorated elegantly with heavy drapes, and adorned with gold details to complete the Arabian theme of this camp and the desert. They even have complimentary robes and slippers so you’ll feel like royalty while staying here!
Luxury Tents
I stayed in a Junior Luxury Tent (because it was the cheapest option available) and I felt so pampered and cozy. It is, however, the smallest option so it’s only a king-sized bed or two twin-sized beds and the en-suite bathroom.
The next option is an Executive Luxury Tent which is quite similar but with a living room in addition. This tent is meant for three guests with a king-sized bed and a sofa bed.
Luxury Domes
The domes are certainly an upgraded version of the tents with a panoramic view of the desert sky. This is the perfect room if you wish to star gaze.
The first option is the Panoramic Luxury Tent with a king-sized bed and private bathroom. But of course, the best part, there are automated retractable drapes that unveil the night sky. Plus the windows are tinted so you can see out but nobody else can look in!
Secondly, is the room above but upgraded – this last option is the Panoramic Luxury Suite. Including everything stated above with the addition of one more double bed for extra guests.
Prices
Keep in mind, this is luxury glamping so the prices are definitely a bit steep but like I said, it’s splurging for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Arabian desert. I would never normally spend so much on a hotel for one night.
- Junior Luxury Tent : 160 JOD (225 USD) per night
- Executive Luxury Tent: 220 JOD (310 USD) per night
- Panoramic Luxury Tent : 270 JOD (380 USD) per night
- Panoramic Luxury Suite : 370 JOD (520 USD) per night
You can see now why I chose the Junior Tent option and that is still a splurge but so worth it!
Also Included in the Price…
are breakfast and dinner in a fancy, separate restaurant tent just as uniquely decorated. Dinner was buffet style with so many elegant options as well as the local cuisine. Breakfast was just as delicious with just as many options and coffee or teas.
Check-in is at 2 pm so this leaves you the whole day to explore this beautiful camp and the surrounding areas. This was my favorite part because not only is the camp stunning and worth walking around, but you are right in the middle of the desert!
While you shouldn’t explore too far by yourself, this camp is nestled right by the mountain so you can climb up it for an excellent view of the sunset. It felt so magical spending time here and being able to do so alone.
Most of the time you are exploring the desert, you will be escorted by a local guide so it was nice to be able to explore with my husband – just the two of us.
Here is the Memories Aicha website in case you want to look at more photos of the tent options or if you want some more information in general. As always, I recommend booking with Booking.com as you get more rewards and perks but the choice is yours!
Traditional Camping with Bedouins
I did just want to quickly mention that luxury camping is not the only way to camp in Wadi Rum. And although it is a beautiful experience, it’s definitely not the traditional Bedouin way.
If you have the time, you might also consider tent camping a second night with local Bedouins. After a long day of exploring the desert, you will return back to their camp where they will make dinner and serve you tea by the fire.
All while under the starry night. Cave camping is another option as well. I think it’s an important part of traveling to get to experience the local culture instead of staying in fancy hotels. Wadi Rum is just the perfect place to try both! This option will also be much more affordable and authentic.
I hope this post inspired you and perhaps gave you the nudge you needed to spoil yourself and book that luxury hotel! Like I’ve said many times, I am generally a cheap traveler BUT every once in a while, it makes the trip all the more special to splurge on things like glamping in Wadi Rum! You’ll always make more money but you’ll never be glamping in a luxury tent in the Arabian desert again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is a gorgeous red sandy desert filled with over 5,000 ft tall sandstone mountains. This desert is a protected area where travelers are only allowed to enter and explore with a local Beoduin inhabitant making it an exclusive and unique experience.
How many days should I spend in Wadi Rum?
If you’re going to visit the Wadi Rum desert you should plan to camp for at least one night if not two. One full day for activities and tours is probably enough. However, two nights is recommended so you can stay in a luxury camp one night and then a traditional Bedouin camp the second night to get the full authentic experience.
Is it safe to stay in Wadi Rum?
Yes, Wadi Rum is completely safe to visit! You will be either staying in an exclusive camp or with a local Bedouin guide most of the time. So they will not only keep you safe but make sure you have an enjoyable visit.
For more Jordan information, you may also like:
- The Best & Complete Jordan Road Trip Itinerary (with map)
- 3 Reasons Why It’s Safe & Wonderful To Travel To Jordan As A Woman (2023)
- Fantastic 17-Day Itinerary For Remarkable Egypt And Jordan Trip