Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
There are several camps in the area which make a rural retreat from the slightly claustro-
phobic atmosphere of Wadi Musa.
The Rock$$
( 079-777589;
www.therockpetra.com
; s/d half board in Bedouin tent JD45/JD66)
This
luxury new camp in Ba'ja has a gorgeous location in a wide valley with typical wind-
blown rocks for a backdrop and an unusually green vista (thanks to the neighbouring
farming project) stretched across the plain below. There is a choice between luxury, white
army-style tents or more traditional hand-woven goat-hair tents and a variety of cosy
perches for traditional suppers. If you sup a glass of wine from the outdoor bar (JD5)
you'll be partaking in an ancient tradition as you'll see from the Nabataean wine press
within the camp grounds. Remains of a dam and water channels are also visible. A two-
hour walk and scramble in the adjacent Siq Ba'ja brings you to the ruins of a well-pre-
served 9000-year-old Neolithic village. To reach the camp, follow the Rock Camp signs
from Little Petra towards Wadi Araba. The last 200m is just about accessible by 2WD
vehicle car if you drive slowly over the bumpy track slowly.
CAMP
Ammarin Bedouin Camp$
( 079-5667771;
www.bedouincamp.net
; half board per person in tent JD50)
A
10-minute walk from Little Petra and signposted off the approach road, this camp is in Siq
al-Amti, hidden in a spectacular amphitheatre of sand and hills. Accommodation is a mat-
tress and blankets in a sectioned Bedouin tent with concrete floors, but the shower and toi-
let block is clean. A wonderful little ethnographic museum on site spotlights the local
Ammarin tribe - read the story of Torfa Bint Saleh Al-Ammarin for an idea of the every-
day hardships of a life on the fringe. The camp offers guided hikes in the surrounding
hills. Reservations are essential.
CAMP
Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp$
( 079-7958641;
www.sevenwondersbedouincamp.com
;
half board per person in tent
JD30, B&B JD20; )
Tucked discreetly into a hillside, this relaxed camp looks particu-
larly magical at night when the open fires are burning and the rocks behind the camp are
illuminated. Accommodation is in simple but cosy cabins with electric light, carpets and
mosquito nets. Hot water and towels are available. Tasty traditional fare is served from a
zerb
oven and
mendi
pits and wholesome vegetarian soups are made on the premises by
an experienced chef. Follow the signs along a track off the road to Little Petra.
CAMP
