Glamping in a Martian Bubble Tent in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, a breathtaking desert valley in southern Jordan, is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Now, visitors can stay in a Martian-style tent, an unforgettable experience that will take your Jordan adventure to the next level.

Glamp in style with our Petra & Wadi Rum Tours departing from Eilat, with departures also from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem via public transportation. Discover this lunar-like wonder with ease and comfort!

The Wadi Rum Protected Area is about 4 hours from Amman, Jordan’s capital city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has narrow gorges, sandstone arches, towering cliffs, caverns, inscriptions, rock carvings, and archaeological remains.

Wadi Rum’s unique terrain has been featured in a number of Hollywood movies! They include Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, Prometheus, Rogue One, and the live-action remake of Disney’s Aladdin. The otherworldly landscape attracts visitors from all around the world. Whether you choose to stay overnight in traditional Bedouin camps or luxury star tents, Wadi Rum is an essential stop.

The Martian Tents in Wadi Rum

Camping out in the desert in these dome-style tents is the epitome of “glamping”! Known as “Martian Domes”, “Star pods” or “Bubble Tents” - they are the ultimate way to stay! They create an outer-space experience in the vast and empty desert. Some tents have a transparent panel designed for stargazing in the clear desert sky. Meanwhile, others go the extra mile with a transparent roof! Be prepared that neither design provides much privacy, but the view is worth it!

Sun City Camp is one of the best camps in Wadi Rum. The tents are spacious and modern, and each has an en-suite bathroom. Visitors consistently rave about the warm hospitality and service. The domes are equipped with beds, AC/heating, and an en-suite bathroom. A kettle with tea and coffee, a wardrobe, and a small sitting area are also provided. There is also one main dining tent with an outdoor dining area for communal eating. Traditional meals are served buffet-style. The camp supports the Bedouin community and works with local Bedouin guides to run the desert tours.

The Martian tents in Wadi Rum make you feel like you’re sleeping on Mars. It’s a unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The night reveals thousands of shimmering stars and the beaming moon. There is something truly ethereal about falling asleep in the silent desert.

Getting to Wadi Rum

Many travelers wonder how to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum, or from Israel. The desert valley is just about a one-hour drive from Aqaba, making it easy to visit as a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. From Amman, Wadi Rum is roughly a 3.5-hour drive, and visitors coming from the southern border of Israel can also reach it in about an hour. Public transportation is available from both Amman and Aqaba to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are mild. Summers can be extremely hot, and winter nights can be very cold, so plan accordingly.

Negotiating the border and driving on Jordanian roads can be challenging, especially for tourists unfamiliar with the region, due to rough roads and unpredictable driving. The best way to visit Wadi Rum is with one of our immersive, seamless Petra tours from Israel. Our representatives handle all the logistics, including collecting the border fee (230 NIS), submitting passport information, and ensuring a smooth crossing, so you don’t have to deal with any paperwork. To clarify, the border fee is the amount you pay to enter Jordan itself at the border. It is separate from any entrance fees to tourist sites. The entrance fees, on the other hand, are charged when visiting Jordanian landmarks.

Our Petra tours from Israel typically depart from Eilat, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Aqaba, and include varying combinations of entrance fees to Petra and Wadi Rum, so you can choose the option that best fits your itinerary and budget.

Because of the desert climate, it is important to wear a hat and carry water with you at all times. In accordance with Bedouin culture, please ask permission before taking photos of the Bedouin people. Jordan is a Muslim state, so please dress modestly as a sign of respect; this means covered shoulders and knees.

Good Things To Know

• Queen Alia International Airport (airport code AMM) is located in Amman.
• Most visitors need a visa to enter Jordan, but citizens from a large number of countries can buy a visa on arrival at the border. Be sure to read our information on visas for Jordan to see if your country qualifies.
• The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While cash is king, most hotels and restaurants also accept Visa and Mastercard.
• Stay connected by purchasing a SIM card. Most camps in Wadi Rum offer wifi in the common areas, but mobile reception in the desert is unreliable at best.
• The weather in Jordan fluctuates throughout the year. Wadi Rum experiences extreme weather, so prepare for searing heat from May to October (over 30 degrees Celsius) and cooler temperatures in winter from November to February.
• Arabic is the main language in Jordan. Most people, especially those in hospitality, understand and speak basic English.
• Pack a light scarf to protect your nose and mouth from the dust and sand, especially if you plan on taking a jeep.
• Modest dress is required.