Al-Zawaydeh Camp
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
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I stayed there a few summers ago (2005 maybe?) I just pulled out their business card I still have to confirm it is the same place.
The owner, Harb, is awesome. He gave me a crash course on learning to drive a stick shift in the desert. The camp definitely isn't luxury ...you might want a sleeping bag liner depending upon how you feel about not having a top sheet (Even though I was there during July, it was cold enough to need a blanket at night - I doubt these are washed every night so I don't know what your level of sensitivity is to this). There is a bathroom block with mens/womens stalls. There are showers there too, although I was headed to a spa at the dead sea after that so I didn't bother to shower there. food was basic but good - I was the only veggie staying there, and they fixed gobs of food for me. also, you don't have to stay in the tented area - you can sleep outside under the stars if you like.
The owner, Harb, is awesome. He gave me a crash course on learning to drive a stick shift in the desert. The camp definitely isn't luxury ...you might want a sleeping bag liner depending upon how you feel about not having a top sheet (Even though I was there during July, it was cold enough to need a blanket at night - I doubt these are washed every night so I don't know what your level of sensitivity is to this). There is a bathroom block with mens/womens stalls. There are showers there too, although I was headed to a spa at the dead sea after that so I didn't bother to shower there. food was basic but good - I was the only veggie staying there, and they fixed gobs of food for me. also, you don't have to stay in the tented area - you can sleep outside under the stars if you like.
#4
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yes, they do. it's really basic, but it's clean and the owner and the other guys working there were really wonderful and made me feel at home. I'll see if I can find my pictures and post a link for you.
Harb was funny - he said his name meant "War" if I'm remembering correctly, but he liked to think it meant "war on ignorance." I had a very memorable, very frank discussion with him about politics.
Harb was funny - he said his name meant "War" if I'm remembering correctly, but he liked to think it meant "war on ignorance." I had a very memorable, very frank discussion with him about politics.
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Elzeth -
here's a link to wadi rum picts - http://lindah.smugmug.com/gallery/3242966/1/179408272
the camp ones aren't grouped together but there are a handful in there.
One last thought - I planned my Jordan trip at the last minute so didn't even look into this but if I had to do it over again I'd definitely try to do a "real" camping trip instead of a permanent camp. I think that if you would rather have a permanent camp with some basic facilities though, you'll like Harb's camp and one of the permanent camps is an easy option for a one night stay in Wadi Rum.
here's a link to wadi rum picts - http://lindah.smugmug.com/gallery/3242966/1/179408272
the camp ones aren't grouped together but there are a handful in there.
One last thought - I planned my Jordan trip at the last minute so didn't even look into this but if I had to do it over again I'd definitely try to do a "real" camping trip instead of a permanent camp. I think that if you would rather have a permanent camp with some basic facilities though, you'll like Harb's camp and one of the permanent camps is an easy option for a one night stay in Wadi Rum.
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Join Date: Sep 2007
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I just visited Al-Zawaydeh Camp in late August. Do you mind forwarding to me the camp owner's, Harb, contact info? He was a great host and I would certainly visit again.
The dessert was not what I expected...it was better. I had very little expectations but was pleasantly surprised. Some may not, but I actually appreciated the relatively clean bathrooms with shower stalls. Although, not luxury by western standards I would say that it sure felt like a luxury to me especially after visiting some of the places in Egypt, spending two nights on a crowed felluca, an all nighter on a bus, etc. I was anticipating sleeping on the floor and to my surprise I had a cox and I welcomed it at that point in the trip. I would agree however, that one should bring a sheet or liner for the bed covers but all this is meaningless once you view the blanket of stars at night. Just mesmerizing!
The dessert was not what I expected...it was better. I had very little expectations but was pleasantly surprised. Some may not, but I actually appreciated the relatively clean bathrooms with shower stalls. Although, not luxury by western standards I would say that it sure felt like a luxury to me especially after visiting some of the places in Egypt, spending two nights on a crowed felluca, an all nighter on a bus, etc. I was anticipating sleeping on the floor and to my surprise I had a cox and I welcomed it at that point in the trip. I would agree however, that one should bring a sheet or liner for the bed covers but all this is meaningless once you view the blanket of stars at night. Just mesmerizing!
#9
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I am delighted to hear all the good reports. We are four people on a tour arranged by Atlas Tours early in October this year. It is comforting to know that it is a good place. Any message to Harb?
#10
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Yes please...can you get his contact info.? I would like to revisit at some point but all I have is the camp's name. I also wanted to thank him for the dance lesson but I will wait til I get his email so I can email him the video. Thanks so much.
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