Picolo recommends · Hotel in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wild Oryx Camp
Lie back after dark and the roof of your dome is simply the sky, thick with stars above the silent mountains of Wadi Rum.
Night is the reason to come. The domes at Wild Oryx are see-through, so once the camp lights go down you are looking straight up into one of the darkest skies in the Middle East, with the outline of the mountains around you.
Days fill easily. The camp runs excursions into the valley, has archery for anyone who wants to try, and serves meals on site. The setting between the rock walls keeps it calm, well away from the busier stretches of the desert.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Wild Oryx Camp
This is our pick for the stars. Few places let you fall asleep under the open sky with a proper roof over your head, and the activities on offer make it easy to fill a full day without leaving the camp.
Clear domes and a desert sun do not mix well. In summer the domes warm up quickly around midday, so plan to be out exploring. Check the moon calendar too: around full moon the sky is far less impressive.
What you get
- Transparent domes for sleeping under the stars
- Meals served at the camp
- Desert excursions from the camp
- Archery among the mountains
- Bed with a view of the night sky
A day at Wild Oryx Camp
- Morning
- Watch the first light reach the cliffs from inside the dome.
- Midday
- Head out on an excursion while the domes are at their warmest.
- Afternoon
- Try your hand at archery with the mountains as a backdrop.
- Evening
- Dinner from the sand oven, then lights out and eyes up.
Location
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Open in MapsQuestions about Wild Oryx Camp
What is zarb at Wild Oryx Camp?
Zarb is a Bedouin way of cooking: meat and vegetables are slow cooked in a pit dug into the sand. It is the dinner to order on at least one night.
When is the best time for stargazing at Wild Oryx Camp?
Choose dates around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. Clear desert nights in spring and autumn give the best views without the summer heat.
What activities does Wild Oryx Camp offer?
The camp arranges excursions into Wadi Rum and has archery on site, as well as meals, so you can spend a full day there.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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