When I think of Jordan, I think of Petra. Petra and the desert. So it’s amazing that during my stay in Jordan, I’m able to overnight in the desert, just around the corner from Petra. I’m staying at Seven Wonders Luxury Camp in Wadi Musa, which serves as the perfect base. The main entrance to the famous Petra is just a few kilometers away. Even closer is the beginning of the backdoor trail to Petra, and the sights of Al Beidha, including Little Petra, are within walking distance from Seven Wonders Luxury Camp.
Seven Wonders Luxury Camp
Located about 8 kilometers from the center of Wadi Musa, the city known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, Seven Wonders Luxury Camp is nestled in a place steeped in history. Wadi Musa, which means “Valley of Moses,” is historically significant, as it is said that Moses and his followers passed through the valley and found water at the Ain Musa spring, also known as Moses’s Well.
Seven Wonders Luxury Camp is adjacent to Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp, sharing the same owner. As the name suggests, the accommodations at the Luxury Camp are far more luxurious than those at the Bedouin Camp. The Luxury Camp offers two types of accommodations: cozy cabins and stylish dome tents.
Seven Wonders Luxury Dome (tent)
The Seven Wonders Luxury Dome is a fantastic accommodation option. A large portion of the dome is transparent, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. All the domes are arranged in a tiered fashion on a slope, each with its own terrace and outdoor furniture. You can choose between two single beds or a large double bed. One thing to note is that there is no private toilet, which might be a bit less comfortable if you’re traveling with friends or a group, but it’s fine if you’re staying as a couple.
At first, I’m eager to upgrade from the cabin to the dome, but after arriving at the camp feeling cold and chilled, I’m advised to stick with the cabin. The dome doesn’t retain heat as well due to the tent material, which could be uncomfortable, especially in January when temperatures drop below freezing at night. The cabins, with their concrete walls, are more temperature-friendly in the winter months.
Seven Wonders Superior Hut
In the end, I stay in a Seven Wonders Superior Hut. Inside, the heating makes it nice and warm, and the generous amount of hot water from the rain shower quickly makes me forget about the cold. The towels smell wonderfully fresh, just like the bed linens. Fresh fruit is provided, along with bottled mineral water. After a refreshing shower, I can relax in the bathrobe hanging in the closet. I can imagine that on warmer summer evenings, you might want to sit on your own terrace, watching the many lights on the rocks and, of course, the stars in the sky!
Breakfast and dinner at Seven Wonders Luxury Camp
Breakfast, served buffet-style, is included in the price. It’s quite varied, with coffee, tea, and flatbread served with a range of spreads like hummus and olive oil dips. If you’re not a fan of olives or spicy vegetable mixes early in the morning, there’s also spreadable cheese, butter, and jam.
Dinner is not included, but it can be added on-site. During our stay, both breakfast and dinner are served at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp. The Mansaf on the dinner buffet is delicious, along with various vegetables and salads. Drinks are not included but can be purchased on-site. For example, a can of Diet Coke costs 1 dinar (€1.25). Alcohol is not sold, but you’re welcome to bring your own to enjoy during dinner.
Attractions near Seven Wonders Luxury Camp
Seven Wonders Luxury Camp is the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions. You can walk to Little Petra, and with a taxi (or your own rental car), you can quickly reach the main entrance of Petra. Here’s a bit more information about these attractions.
Petra, 8 kilometers away
The main entrance to Petra is 8 kilometers from Seven Wonders Luxury Camp, about a 15-minute drive. If you’re taking a taxi, expect to pay around 10 dinars for a one-way ride. Keep in mind that visiting Petra takes quite a bit of time. From the main entrance, you’ll walk over 4 kilometers before reaching the start of the 900 steps leading to the Monastery. These 900 steps are spread across 1.5 kilometers, meaning you’ll cover a total of 5.5 kilometers to reach the Monastery. Afterward, you can either retrace your steps or choose to take the backdoor trail.
Backdoor Trail to Petra, 1.5 kilometers away
Just 1.5 kilometers from Seven Wonders Luxury Camp is the starting point of the backdoor trail to Petra. The staff at the reception can provide exact directions to this point. The trail takes you on a beautiful 5.5-kilometer route through the mountains, bringing you first to the Monastery. The hike is challenging in places due to the steep stairs, but the views along the way are absolutely stunning, and the rock formations you pass are awe-inspiring. On clear days, you can even spot Israel in the distance—quite impressive!
The benefit of this backdoor trail is that you won’t have to retrace your steps in Petra. From the Monastery, you descend the 900 steps and then follow the Colonnaded Street toward the Treasury. It’s a highly recommended route.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pick up your entrance ticket at the Petra Visitor Center, even if you’ve already purchased a Jordan Pass online. At the Visitor Center, you’ll show your Jordan Pass and receive a separate ticket for Petra, which is valid for either one or two days, depending on what you selected when purchasing the Jordan Pass. Since the Jordan Pass provides access to many sites beyond Petra, it is not considered an official entry ticket for Petra. While you may get lucky and have a lenient official at the entrance, I wouldn’t take the risk.
Tip: Park your rental car at the Visitor Center, pick up your ticket, and then take a taxi to the starting point of the backdoor trail. Hike the backdoor trail, explore Petra, and then return to the Visitor Center to collect your car.
Little Petra, 1.5 kilometers away
Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is just 1.5 kilometers from Seven Wonders Luxury Camp. It’s an easy walk, and if you’re unsure of the way, the reception staff can guide you, especially if Google Maps isn’t clear.
Tip: At the far end of the 350-meter-long gorge in Little Petra, you can climb up a “staircase” between steep rock walls. This will bring you to a plateau with a fantastic viewpoint. Early in the morning, during sunrise, this is the perfect place to be, all alone!
Exploring Jordan by rental car
If you’d rather explore Jordan on your own, renting a car is a great option. Make sure to choose a rental with comprehensive insurance, so you’re fully covered. Opt for an all-inclusive insurance plan that eliminates additional charges or extra coverage at the rental desk. Even in case of damage, some companies offer reimbursement for your excess. This way, you can hit the Jordanian roads with peace of mind.
