Overnight Summit Camping

Camping on a summit at 1,750 meters, watching the sun set over the endless desert, then waking to sunrise painting the mountains gold-this is one of the most magical experiences Wadi Rum offers. As a guide who has spent countless nights on these summits, I can tell you that summit camping transforms a climb into something truly unforgettable.

Why Camp on a Summit?

You might ask: why carry camping gear up a mountain when there are comfortable camps in the valley? Here's why summit camping is worth every extra kilogram:

• 🌅
  Sunset and Sunrise:

  Watch the desert transform at golden hour from the best seat in Wadi Rum. Sunset paints the rocks red and orange, while sunrise brings a completely different palette of colors.

• ⭐
  Stars Like You've Never Seen:

  At 1,750m with zero light pollution, the Milky Way is so bright it casts shadows. You'll see more stars than you knew existed.

• 🏔️
  Above the World:

  There's something profound about sleeping above everything-literally on top of the world. The silence, the space, the perspective-it changes you.

• 🎒
  More Relaxed Climbing:

  Split the climb over two days. Ascend at a comfortable pace, enjoy the summit evening, then descend fresh in the morning.

• 🔥
  Bedouin Stories:

  Evening around the fire, I'll share stories of my ancestors, the mountains, and desert life. These moments create connections that last forever.

Best Summits for Camping

Jebel Rum (1,754m)

The Classic Choice: Jebel Rum's summit plateau offers excellent camping spots among the white domes. There's space for multiple tents, flat areas for sleeping, and 360-degree views. The summit is large enough that you can find sheltered spots if it's windy.

• ✓ Multiple flat camping areas
• ✓ Spectacular views in all directions
• ✓ Can see Saudi Arabia to the south
• ✓ Most popular summit camping destination

Jebel um Ishrin (1,753m)

The Adventure Option: More remote and challenging to reach, um Ishrin's summit offers incredible solitude. The twin peaks provide dramatic camping locations with views across the entire protected area.

• ✓ More remote-often completely alone
• ✓ Dramatic twin peaks setting
• ✓ Views of Jebel Rum across the valley
• ✓ True wilderness experience

Jebel Khazali (1,420m)

The Accessible Option: Lower elevation means warmer nights and an easier climb. The summit is smaller but offers stunning views and a more intimate camping experience.

What We Provide

When you book a summit camping trip with me, I handle all the logistics:

• ✓ Tents: Quality camping tents suitable for mountain conditions
• ✓ Sleeping Mats: Insulated sleeping pads for comfort and warmth
• ✓ Sleeping Bags: Appropriate for the season (winter bags for cold months)
• ✓ Cooking Equipment: Stove, fuel, pots, utensils
• ✓ Food: Traditional Bedouin dinner and breakfast
• ✓ Water: Sufficient water for cooking, drinking, and morning tea
• ✓ Safety Equipment: First aid, emergency shelter, communication devices

We carry everything up (I'm used to it!), so you can focus on enjoying the climb and the experience.

What You Should Bring

• • Warm Layers: Even in summer, summits get cold at night. Fleece or down jacket essential.
• • Headlamp: With extra batteries for evening and morning
• • Personal Items: Toothbrush, any medications, etc.
• • Camera: You'll want to capture the sunset, stars, and sunrise
• • Small Backpack: For personal items during the climb
• • Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for the climb

Typical Summit Camping Schedule

Day 1: Ascent and Evening

• • 8:00 AM: Pick up from your accommodation, drive to trailhead
• • 9:00 AM: Begin climbing at comfortable pace
• • 12:00 PM: Lunch break on the route
• • 3:00 PM: Reach summit, set up camp
• • 4:00 PM: Explore summit area, take photos
• • 5:30 PM: Watch sunset (time varies by season)
• • 7:00 PM: Traditional Bedouin dinner
• • 8:00 PM: Stories, tea, stargazing
• • 10:00 PM: Sleep (or stay up watching stars!)

Day 2: Sunrise and Descent

• • 5:30 AM: Wake for sunrise (time varies by season)
• • 6:30 AM: Bedouin breakfast and tea
• • 8:00 AM: Pack camp, begin descent
• • 12:00 PM: Return to vehicles
• • 1:00 PM: Back to village/your accommodation

The Evening Experience

Sunset

As the sun approaches the horizon, the entire desert transforms. The red sandstone glows even brighter, shadows lengthen dramatically, and the temperature drops noticeably. We'll find the best viewpoint and watch as the sun sets over the endless desert. The colors are indescribable-you have to see it to believe it.

Dinner

I'll prepare a traditional Bedouin meal on our camping stove. Usually this includes rice, vegetables, and meat or chicken, cooked with traditional spices. We'll eat together, sharing the meal and conversation as the stars begin to appear.

Stargazing

This is when the magic really happens. As darkness falls, the stars emerge-not dozens or hundreds, but thousands upon thousands. The Milky Way stretches across the sky like a river of light. I'll point out constellations, tell you their Arabic names, and share the stories my grandfather told me about the stars.

Bring a camera with long exposure capability if you want to photograph the stars. The lack of light pollution makes this one of the best stargazing locations in the world.

Stories and Tea

Bedouin culture is oral tradition. Around the fire (or stove-we don't make fires on summits to protect the environment), I'll share stories of my ancestors, tales of the desert, and the history of these mountains. We'll drink sweet Bedouin tea and talk about life, climbing, and whatever else comes to mind.

The Morning Experience

Sunrise

If sunset is beautiful, sunrise is transcendent. The desert awakens slowly-first a glow on the horizon, then the sky turns pink and orange, and finally the sun breaks free, flooding the landscape with golden light. From the summit, you watch this happen across the entire visible world. It's a moment of pure peace and beauty.

Breakfast

A simple but satisfying Bedouin breakfast: fresh bread, cheese, jam, eggs if possible, and always plenty of hot tea or coffee. There's something special about breakfast at 1,750 meters with the whole desert spread out below you.

Weather Considerations

Temperature by Season

• • Winter (Dec-Feb): Night temps 0-5°C (32-41°F). Very cold! Need good sleeping bags and warm layers.
• • Spring/Fall (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov): Night temps 8-15°C (46-59°F). Perfect! Cool but comfortable.
• • Summer (Jun-Aug): Night temps 18-25°C (64-77°F). Warm and pleasant for sleeping.

Wind

Summits can be windy. We choose camping spots with natural wind protection when possible. I always check weather forecasts before summit camping trips. If winds are forecast to be too strong, we'll reschedule or choose a more sheltered location.

Rain

Rain is rare in Wadi Rum, but it does happen occasionally in winter. Our tents are waterproof, and we monitor weather forecasts. If rain is likely, we discuss options-sometimes we proceed with extra precautions, sometimes we reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe?

Yes, very safe. I've been camping on these summits my entire life. We choose safe camping spots away from edges, secure all equipment, and I'm trained in mountain rescue. Weather is monitored carefully, and we have emergency communication equipment.

What about bathrooms?

We practice Leave No Trace principles. I'll show you appropriate areas away from camp and water sources. We carry out all waste. It's part of the wilderness experience.

Can beginners do this?

It depends on the route. Jebel Rum via Hammad's Route is achievable for fit beginners. More technical routes require climbing experience. I'll help you choose the right summit for your ability level.

What if I can't sleep?

Some people are too excited to sleep much-that's normal! Lying awake watching stars is its own kind of magic. Others sleep better on summits than anywhere else. Either way, you'll have an incredible experience.

Summit camping in Wadi Rum is more than an adventure-it's a transformative experience. The combination of physical achievement, natural beauty, cultural connection, and the profound peace of sleeping on a mountain top creates something truly special. It's why many people say their summit camping night was the highlight of their entire Jordan trip.