REVIEW · AQABA
Wadi Rum: Camel Ride with tea and Bedouin Guide
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Malgorzata Chełkowska-Dorna · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Camel tracks in Jordan, best way to slow down.
This is a simple Wadi Rum camel ride with tea that lets you move at desert speed, guided by people who actually know the sand. You start in Wadi Rum Village, hop into a jeep for position change, then spend about an hour on camel through the open desert while the scenery shifts from close to wide.
I especially like two things: the 1-hour camel ride feels like real riding, not a 10-minute photo stop, and the included Bedouin tea and water break on the red dunes gives you a calm moment to take it all in.
One consideration: the tour stays focused and short, so if you want a lot of back-and-forth exploration beyond the main dune area, you may want to add more jeep time or choose a longer desert route.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth getting excited about
- Wadi Rum by Camel: What the 2-Hour Tour Really Gives You
- Getting to the Sand: The Short Jeep Ride From Wadi Rum Village
- Camel Ride With a Bedouin Guide: How the Riding Feels
- Al Ramal Red Sand Dune and the 20-Minute Tea Break
- Price and Value: What $53 Covers (and the JD 5 Entrance Fee)
- Comfort, Clothing, and Desert Reality Checks
- Who This Camel Ride Works Best For
- Should You Book This Camel and Tea Tour in Wadi Rum?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour from start to finish?
- How long is the camel ride portion?
- Where is the pickup location?
- Is the Wadi Rum Protected Area entrance fee included?
- What drinks are included during the break?
- What languages will the guide speak?
- Is this a private tour?
- Is there cell phone coverage in the desert?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key highlights worth getting excited about
- Small group of up to 5 means you’re not lost in the crowd while you ride
- Bedouin guide during the camel ride gives context, pacing, and a more natural desert feel
- Jeep transfer before and after helps you reach the riding area efficiently
- Al Ramal red sand dune tea break is built in, with views from the desert floor
- English and Arabic live guide helps you ask questions instead of just nodding
- No cell coverage in the desert keeps it distraction-free, but plan ahead
Wadi Rum by Camel: What the 2-Hour Tour Really Gives You
Wadi Rum is famous for big views, but the real win of a camel ride is the way it changes your sense of distance. On camel, you’re higher than walking but slower than a vehicle, so the desert doesn’t just look wide—it feels measured. That timing matters. You notice wind texture on sand, the way light shifts over rock, and how the mountains frame the horizon as you move.
This is also a good length for first-time visitors. You get enough time to feel like you did something real, without burning the entire day or turning your desert afternoon into a logistics headache. The small group cap (up to 5) helps, too. It’s easier to keep balanced on uneven ground and easier for your guide to explain what you’re seeing.
The included tea break is not just a perk. It’s a built-in pause that makes the experience feel human. One of the easiest ways to enjoy Wadi Rum is to slow down and drink tea like you belong there for a few minutes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aqaba.
Getting to the Sand: The Short Jeep Ride From Wadi Rum Village
Your day starts with pickup from Wadi Rum Village. From there, you’ll transfer by jeep/SUV for about 15 minutes to reach the camel riding area.
Why this matters: a quick jeep hop saves you from doing a long approach on foot and gets you onto the riding route sooner. It also changes the feel of the experience. Instead of dropping you in a random spot, the jeep move sets you up in the desert zone where camel riding makes sense.
You should also know the meeting options are flexible. Pickup can be from Wadi Rum Village rest house or any camp located in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, and pickup from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center is also available. If you’re coming from a camp near Disah, there may be an extra 20 JOD per jeep. If your pickup point is different from Wadi Rum Village, confirm it clearly so you don’t end up walking in the heat with your bag getting sandy.
Camel Ride With a Bedouin Guide: How the Riding Feels
The main event is the camel ride, which runs for about 1 hour with a Bedouin guide.
This is the part where good guidance makes a big difference. A calm guide helps you climb on safely, tells you what to watch for, and keeps the pace comfortable. In practice, I like that this ride is described as a proper riding time, not a rush-through. That means you actually get the slow, steady rhythm that makes camel travel feel different from walking.
Also, pay attention to how the camels are handled. In the feedback I’ve read from recent riders, the care and condition of the camels stood out—comfort matters for both animals and people, and it shows in how smooth the ride feels.
If you’re lucky with your guide’s style, you may also hear stories and have short chats while you’re out there. Guides such as Mamdouh are noted for speaking strong English and being friendly, so you’re less likely to feel like you’re just on a moving saddle with no context. And if there’s jeep time involved in your day, some guides have even let a rider take the wheel in the desert—don’t expect it, but it’s the kind of small moment that turns a tour into a memory.
Al Ramal Red Sand Dune and the 20-Minute Tea Break
Right after the riding portion, the itinerary builds in a breather at Al Ramal Red Sand Dune. You’ll get around 20 minutes for a break plus tea.
This is a smart design choice. Camel rides move you through the desert, but they don’t stop. The tea break gives you a chance to reset—sit down, catch your breath, and take photos without feeling like you’re interrupting the ride. It also gives you a chance to look around at something specific: red sand dunes with mountain views that read differently from ground level.
The included drinks are Bedouin tea and water. That matters in Jordan’s desert heat, especially if you’re wearing a headscarf and layered clothing for sun protection. If you’re the type who tends to underestimate sun time, this tea break is a good reality check: you’ll want hydration here.
The only downside is timing. Twenty minutes is enough to relax and enjoy, but it’s not enough for a long, slow linger with zero movement afterward. If you want a longer sit and stare session, consider pairing camel time with a longer desert outing.
Price and Value: What $53 Covers (and the JD 5 Entrance Fee)
At $53 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for Wadi Rum activities. The value comes from the essentials: a full 1-hour camel ride with a guide, plus the jeep/SUV transfer and a tea break with drinks. You’re paying for time in the desert with human support, not just for an animal ride in name.
However, there’s one extra cost you must plan for: entrance to the Wadi Rum Protected Area costs 5 JOD, and you pay it at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Pickup from the Visitor Center is available, which can make it easier to handle, but you still need cash/planning for that fee.
So the practical way to think about it:
- The $53 covers the camel experience and included drinks plus transfers.
- The JD 5 is the official protected-area entrance and is separate.
When you’re budgeting in Wadi Rum, that entrance fee is the difference between a smooth visit and an awkward stop mid-day. If you can, plan to have the exact amount ready.
Comfort, Clothing, and Desert Reality Checks
A Wadi Rum camel ride doesn’t require special gear, but a few basics make the experience much nicer.
Bring:
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothes
- Headscarf
The headscarf isn’t about fashion—it’s about sun and dust. Even when the wind looks gentle, desert air finds its way into hair and eyes. Comfortable clothes matter because you’ll sit and shift as the camel walks over sandy ground.
Also remember: there is no cell phone coverage in the desert. That’s a big deal for trip confidence. Before you go, make sure you can contact your guide if needed (or that your pickup point is clearly set). Having offline plans and saved directions helps a lot.
Finally, expect sand. It’s not dramatic, but it gets everywhere. Wear shoes that won’t hate you after a sandy walk. If you bring light layers, you’ll be happier during the temperature swings.
Who This Camel Ride Works Best For
This tour is ideal if you want a taste of Wadi Rum without turning it into an all-day production. I’d point it to:
- First-time Wadi Rum visitors who want the classic camel view and a tea moment
- People traveling with limited time but still wanting the full desert feel
- Anyone who prefers a small group where you can actually talk with the guide
- Couples or solo travelers who like structured activities with a clear start and finish
If you’re hoping for a deep, long exploration of multiple filming locations and varied terrain, you might feel the time is tight. That’s not a failure of the tour—it’s just a mismatch of goals. Camel riding is the highlight here, and everything else supports it.
Should You Book This Camel and Tea Tour in Wadi Rum?
Yes, I think you should book it if you want the core Wadi Rum experience done well: a real camel ride, a knowledgeable Bedouin guide, and an included tea break on the red dunes, all wrapped up in about 2 hours. The small-group format and the fact that the ride is treated as a proper riding experience (not a quick photo scam) are exactly what I’d look for.
I’d skip it or upgrade your plan if you’re the type who needs hours of jeep exploring to feel satisfied. In that case, you’ll still enjoy camel time, but you may end the day wishing you’d booked more desert route.
Quick decision guide:
- Book this if you want camel + tea + a calm desert pause.
- Consider a longer or more jeep-heavy option if you want maximum variety and more hours on the move.
FAQ
How long is the tour from start to finish?
The total duration is about 2 hours.
How long is the camel ride portion?
The camel ride lasts around 1 hour.
Where is the pickup location?
Pickup is included from Wadi Rum Village. The provider also offers pickup from Wadi Rum Village rest house or any camp located in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, and pickup from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center is available.
Is the Wadi Rum Protected Area entrance fee included?
No. Entrance to the Wadi Rum Protected Area costs 5 JOD and must be paid at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
What drinks are included during the break?
The tour includes drinks, including Bedouin tea and water during the tea break.
What languages will the guide speak?
The live tour guide speaks English and Arabic.
Is this a private tour?
No. It’s a small group with a maximum of 5 participants.
Is there cell phone coverage in the desert?
No, there is no cell phone coverage in the desert.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
