Budgeting for Wadi Rum: How Much to Expect to Spend
Planning a trip to Wadi Rum involves understanding the various costs associated with this unique desert experience. This comprehensive guide breaks down all expenses you might encounter and offers tips for different budget levels.
Overview of Costs
Visiting Wadi Rum can be surprisingly affordable compared to other world-class destinations. Here's a quick overview of what you might spend for a 2-day, 1-night visit:
Budget traveler: 80-120 JOD ($113-170 USD) per person
Mid-range traveler: 120-200 JOD ($170-280 USD) per person
Luxury traveler: 200+ JOD ($280+ USD) per person
Let's break down these costs in detail.
Entrance Fees
The Wadi Rum Protected Area charges an entrance fee for all visitors:
Standard entrance fee: 5 JOD ($7 USD) per person
With Jordan Pass: Included in your Jordan Pass (highly recommended if you're also visiting Petra)
Accommodation Costs
Wadi Rum offers a range of accommodation options:
Budget Options
Basic Bedouin camp: 15-25 JOD ($21-35 USD) per person
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Basic mattress and bedding
- Dinner and breakfast included
Mid-range Options
Standard Bedouin camp: 25-40 JOD ($35-56 USD) per person
- Private tents
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Comfortable bedding
- Dinner and breakfast included
Luxury Options
Luxury desert camp: 50-80 JOD ($70-113 USD) per person
- Private tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Quality bedding and furnishings
- Full board meals
- Additional amenities
Bubble tent/Martian dome: 80-150 JOD ($113-212 USD) per person
- Unique accommodation experience
- Private bathroom
- Premium bedding
- Full board gourmet meals
- Often includes private sunset viewing areas
Tour and Activity Costs
Jeep Tours
2-hour tour: 35-45 JOD ($50-63 USD) per jeep (not per person)
Half-day tour (4 hours): 65-75 JOD ($92-106 USD) per jeep
Full-day tour (7-8 hours): 90-120 JOD ($127-170 USD) per jeep
*Note: Jeeps typically accommodate 6 passengers plus driver, so costs can be shared.*
Camel Rides
1-hour ride: 20-25 JOD ($28-35 USD) per camel
2-hour ride: 30-40 JOD ($42-56 USD) per camel
Half-day trek: 50-70 JOD ($70-99 USD) per camel
Other Activities
Rock climbing: 70-100 JOD ($99-141 USD) per person
Hot air balloon: 130-170 JOD ($183-240 USD) per person
Sandboarding: 15-25 JOD ($21-35 USD) per person
Stargazing program: 10-20 JOD ($14-28 USD) per person
Food and Drink Costs
Most camp stays include dinner and breakfast. Additional meals cost:
Lunch at a camp: 7-15 JOD ($10-21 USD) per person
Packed lunch: 5-8 JOD ($7-11 USD) per person
Water: 0.5-1 JOD ($0.70-1.40 USD) per 1.5-liter bottle
Soft drinks: 1-2 JOD ($1.40-2.80 USD)
Tea/coffee in the desert: Often complimentary or 1-2 JOD ($1.40-2.80 USD)
Transportation Costs
Getting to Wadi Rum
From Amman by bus: 10-12 JOD ($14-17 USD) per person
From Amman by taxi: 70-100 JOD ($99-141 USD) per vehicle
From Aqaba by minibus: 5 JOD ($7 USD) per person
From Aqaba by taxi: 25-35 JOD ($35-50 USD) per vehicle
From Petra by taxi: 45-60 JOD ($63-85 USD) per vehicle
Within Wadi Rum
Transfer from Visitor Center to camps: Often included with accommodation or 5-10 JOD ($7-14 USD)
Additional Costs
Guide tips: 5-10 JOD ($7-14 USD) per day is customary
Souvenirs: 5-30 JOD ($7-42 USD) depending on items
Photography permits (for professional equipment): 70 JOD ($99 USD)
Sample Budgets
Budget Traveler (100 JOD / $141 USD per person for 2 days)
Entrance fee: 5 JOD
Basic camp accommodation: 20 JOD
Shared jeep tour (4 hours, 3 people sharing): 25 JOD
Extra water and snacks: 5 JOD
Transport from/to Aqaba (shared taxi): 15 JOD
Souvenirs and tips: 10 JOD
Buffer for unexpected expenses: 20 JOD
Mid-range Traveler (170 JOD / $240 USD per person for 2 days)
Entrance fee: 5 JOD
Standard camp accommodation: 35 JOD
Full-day jeep tour (2 people sharing): 50 JOD
1-hour camel ride: 25 JOD
Extra meals, water, and snacks: 15 JOD
Transport from/to Petra (shared taxi): 25 JOD
Souvenirs and tips: 15 JOD
Luxury Traveler (300+ JOD / $423+ USD per person for 2 days)
Entrance fee: 5 JOD
Bubble tent accommodation: 120 JOD
Private full-day jeep tour: 100 JOD
Hot air balloon experience: 150 JOD
Extra premium meals and drinks: 25 JOD
Private taxi transfers: 50 JOD
Souvenirs and generous tips: 30 JOD
Money-Saving Tips
Travel in a group: Share jeep costs with other travelers
Visit in shoulder season: November-February (except holidays) and June for better rates
Combine activities: Some camps offer package deals with accommodation and tours
Bring your own snacks and extra water from outside Wadi Rum
Use public transportation to reach Wadi Rum instead of taxis
Book directly with Bedouin camps rather than through international booking platforms
Negotiate respectfully: Some flexibility exists, especially in low season
Get the Jordan Pass if visiting other attractions in Jordan
Payment Information
Cash is king: Most camps and guides prefer Jordanian Dinars (JOD)
ATMs: None in Wadi Rum; withdraw cash in Aqaba or Petra before arriving
Credit cards: Some luxury camps accept cards, but always have cash as backup
Currency exchange: Not available in Wadi Rum
Conclusion
Wadi Rum offers experiences for every budget, from basic authentic Bedouin camps to luxury bubble tents with panoramic desert views. The key expenses are accommodation, transportation, and tours, with most other costs being relatively minimal.
For the best value, we recommend spending at least one night in the desert and choosing a camp that includes dinner and breakfast. A half-day or full-day jeep tour will allow you to see the major attractions, while adding a camel ride provides a more traditional desert experience.
At Wadi Rum Adventures, we offer customized packages for all budget levels. Contact us to plan your perfect Wadi Rum experience that matches both your interests and your budget.
