Experience luxury glamping in the heart of Wadi Rum desert. Spacious Bedouin-style tents feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and glass ceilings for stargazing from bed. Authentic Bedouin dinners around the campfire, 4x4 desert tours, and sunrise camel rides create unforgettable experiences.
Sun City Camp is a luxury glamping resort in the Wadi Rum Protected Area of southern Jordan, offering one of the most ambitious interpretations of the desert accommodation concept in the region. The camp combines the romance of Bedouin desert life with modern comfort in private tented suites featuring en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, and — in the signature Martian Dome units — transparent or glass-panelled ceilings that allow guests to observe the stars from their beds. This combination of dramatic natural setting and genuine creature comforts has established Sun City Camp as one of the most frequently recommended luxury desert properties in Jordan.
Accommodation spans several categories: Deluxe Tents provide classic glamping in spacious Bedouin-inspired structures with private bathrooms; Grande Suites add elevated floor areas and more elaborate furnishings; the Royal Tent is the camp's signature large-scale accommodation for groups or special occasions; and the Martian Domes — named for Wadi Rum's uncanny resemblance to the Mars landscapes used in multiple major film productions — feature transparent dome structures ideal for stargazing from bed. All units include Wi-Fi access in common areas, air conditioning and heating, and traditional decorative elements.
Dining centres on traditional Bedouin cuisine. The camp's signature dinner is prepared by Zarb — the ancient slow-cooking method in which a sealed vessel of marinated meat and vegetables is lowered into a sand-buried fire pit for several hours, producing tender, smoky results entirely unlike oven-cooked food. Dinners are served communally around the campfire, with Bedouin music and the slowly revealed Milky Way overhead. Breakfast follows with a spread of flatbread, local cheeses, eggs, hummus, and tea.
The camp's programme of desert experiences includes 4x4 jeep tours of major geological formations, sunrise camel rides along the valley's sand corridors, hot air balloon flights over the protected area (subject to seasonal availability and weather), and guided sunset hikes to viewpoints above the valley floor. The camp sits approximately 60 kilometres from Aqaba and 115 kilometres from Petra.
Sun City Camp's location within the protected area means guests experience genuine darkness at night, with some of the clearest stargazing available at any resort-style property in Jordan.
Amenities
- private bathrooms
- air conditioning
- traditional meals included
- 4x4 tours
- stargazing
- campfire dinners
- free Wi-Fi in common areas
Location
Wadi Rum Village, Aqaba Governorate, Jordan
29.5831, 35.4253 View on map
Highlights
- Martian Dome units with transparent or glass-panelled ceilings for uninterrupted stargazing from the bed
- Traditional Zarb underground oven campfire dinners in the Wadi Rum desert under the Milky Way
- 4x4 jeep tours through UNESCO World Heritage-listed red sandstone formations and sand corridors
- Sunrise camel rides along the valley floor at one of Jordan's most atmospheric natural landscapes
- Full air conditioning, heating, and private en-suite bathrooms in a genuine remote desert camp setting
Tips for visiting
- Book the Martian Dome units well in advance — these are the most requested accommodation type and are typically fully subscribed months ahead during peak season.
- The hot air balloon flight is weather-dependent and not guaranteed; confirm availability with the camp in advance and have alternative activities planned.
- Temperatures in Wadi Rum swing significantly between day and night — pack both sunscreen and a warm fleece regardless of the season.
- The camp is in the heart of the protected area, around 20 minutes by 4x4 from Wadi Rum Village — arrivals by bus or public transport should arrange collection from the village through the camp.
- Check-in is typically in the late afternoon to allow time for a sunset jeep tour — aim to arrive at Wadi Rum Village by 3 PM.
When to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable daytime temperatures for jeep tours and desert activities. Winter provides exceptional stargazing conditions with cold but clear nights. Summer is very hot during daylight hours but dramatically cooler after dark, and the air-conditioned tents and domes make the camp viable year-round.
Accessibility
Sun City Camp is set on compacted desert terrain within the Wadi Rum Protected Area, and the distances between accommodation units and communal dining and gathering areas involve walking across packed sand and gravel. The camp's dome and tent structures have improved ground-level access compared to traditional camps, but wheelchair navigation remains challenging due to the natural desert setting. Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the camp directly to discuss which accommodation type best suits their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes the Martian Dome units different from the standard tents?
The Martian Dome units feature transparent or partially glass-panelled curved ceilings that allow guests to stargaze from inside the unit while lying in bed. They are designed to reference Wadi Rum's resemblance to Martian landscapes used in multiple major film productions.
Is Wi-Fi available at Sun City Camp?
Wi-Fi is available in common areas via a solar-powered system. Connectivity is adequate for messaging and light browsing; guests should not expect streaming quality in a remote desert camp setting.
Does the package price include all meals?
Yes. Overnight packages include dinner prepared by the traditional Zarb method and breakfast the following morning. Soft drinks are generally included; alcohol and other extras are at additional cost.
How far is Sun City Camp from Petra?
Wadi Rum is approximately 115 kilometres from Petra via the Desert Highway, roughly 90–100 minutes by private car. The camp can assist with arranging onward transport to Petra or Aqaba for guests.