A lodge in Wadi Rum is an alternative to Bedouin camps, which, as we mentioned in this other recent post, are the most numerous and preferred option for travelers: the fact that they are located in isolated environments of this natural reserve gives them a special charm, with levels of comfort that reach the luxury category. But for those who don’t love this type of accommodation, there is this other, more classic and humble option that we explain in the following lines.
What is a Lodge in Wadi Rum and Jordan
As you will see on your trip to Jordan, the concept of a lodge is very widespread throughout the country. Its translation is precisely “accommodation“, but it usually refers to accommodations located in small buildings, often old houses that have been converted for tourism, seeking a more familiar and personal touch.
And in most cases, they maintain a harmonious relationship with the environment: they are the opposite of skyscrapers or mastodons of modern and standardized architecture. In fact, those located in protected areas of the RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature) acquire the qualification of ecolodge: they are discreet and integrate into the place with local and traditional materials, such as adobe and nearby stone.
One of the most famous is the Wadi Feynan, in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where local craft activities are also organized, so this type of accommodation can be a good way to delve into the tradition and learn more about the ancestral customs of the population.
Are there Lodges in Wadi Rum?
Yes, there are lodges in Wadi Rum. To be more specific, in the town of the natural reserve, called Wadi Rum Village. This is the only urban center within the protected area, with a minimal system of paved streets and blocks, which emerged at the end of the last century with the aim of providing accommodation for reserve workers and also for tourists looking for an alternative to Bedouin camps.
In addition, in the two towns located at the gates of Wadi Rum, that is, Shakaria and Disah, you can also find permanent lodge-type accommodations, with different features. They are not always called lodges, but also hostels or guesthouses. And many of these permanent constructions still maintain their function as premises where services are offered, such as cafes, shops or tour management.
What is this Type of Accommodation like?
As we said, the lodges in Wadi Rum are permanent constructions, that is, with adobe and/or stone walls and a clearly delimited enclosure. They usually have a patio, either for internal use by the establishment itself or as a communal space for guests, as a terrace-dining room or similar. And these patios often have trees or vegetation, which gives it a cozy and residential air. Sometimes, the space is made available to customers completely, even with a kitchen, as a self-service.
The name hostel or guesthouse that we mentioned above gives us clues about the features: although they are permanent structures, with a roof, independent rooms and open spaces, the features of this type of accommodation are usually more limited, which also translates into a more economical price. Therefore, it is usually an option used by ‘backpackers’ or solo travelers who are satisfied with basic amenities.
Therefore, the lodges of Wadi Rum cannot compete with the luxury camps or luxury camps that, in addition to providing the highest standards of comfort (including air conditioning), offer the magic of the solitude of the desert, sleeping directly under the stars and without the noise or obstacles of a population center.
