October 4, 2026 | Travel
a NIGHT in the RED DESERT
words Onur Baştürk
Wadi Rum is a desert that became even more popular after the movie “The Martian” starring Matt Damon. Wadi Rum, meaning sand valley, is a natural wonder in the south of Jordan, 40 kilometers from Aqaba. The surface of Wadi Rum, where The Martian was filmed, really resembles Mars with its red sand and rocks. You understand better why the desert is used as a set when you go there. As a magnificent result of this Mars effect, comfortable campsites with bubble domes were opened one after the other for those who wanted to stay in Wadi Rum. Here Suncity Camp is the best among them.
SPACE STATION EFFECT
As you know, the trademark of these geodesic domes is that you can see the sky from where you lie down. Making you feel like you are one with nature. That is, being as transparent as possible… And of course, it gives a space station effect by itself!
AT 05.30 IN THE MORNING….
One of the most beautiful traditions of Suncity Camp is this: Bedouins working in the camp take them to watch the sunrise at around 05.30 in the morning. A little further from the camp is a red hill that can be reached by car. Here they take it to the top. You whine a little at first because it's early in the morning, but when the sun comes up, you forget everything. Because you are speechless in the face of the extraordinary scenery.
HOW TO GO?
You can fly to Amman or Aqaba to go to Wadi Rum. Aqaba is closer. It takes three hours by car from Amman to Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is close to Petra. Therefore, it is not possible to return without seeing Petra. You can go and return daily.
