You know us. We are dreaming of Mars daily. But for most of us, getting there will only be a dream. But you can live out the fantasy close to where the film The Martian was shot –– by staying in Freedomes owned by the SunCity Camp in Jordan. The glamping site offers one of 20 geodesic domes for glamor camping. Find similar experiences in Abu Dhabi at Pura’s glamping sites.
Freedomes is a company that offers a relatively inexpensive DIY backyard dome kits. But the company also constructed the domed habitat for astronaut Mark Watney in The Martian’s set.
The Freedomes camp is situated around gorgeous sandstone and granite rock formations, allowing you to feel like you have travelled to another planet. Each dome offers a private bathroom and large window for a viewing Wadi Rum.
What is Wadi Rum known for?
Wadi Rum Desert is famed for its link to T.E. Lawrence the original “Lawrence of Arabia”. Along with Prince Feisal bin Al-Hussein, he made his base here during the Arab Revolt of 1917-1918. At the center of Wadi Rum village is the Desert Police fort.
There are about 5,000 Bedouins who call Wadi Rum home. They call it Valley of the Moon. If you are hankering for more exploration, the camp can set you up with local Bedouin tour guides for more in-depth exploration of the region. Try SunCity’s restaurant if you want a taste of local lamb.
The cost for travelling to and staying on Mars will set you back a few billion likely. So SunCity offers an affordable alternative – at $159 to $318 a night.
I’ve had a lot of experience in domes. Check out my greenhouse from my roof last winter.
Author: Karin Kloosterman
Karin Kloosterman is an award-winning journalist, innovation strategist, and founder of Green Prophet, one of the Middle East’s pioneering sustainability platforms. She has ranked in the Top 10 of Verizon innovation competitions, participated in NASA-linked challenges, and spoken worldwide on climate, food security, and future resilience. With an IoT technology patent, features in Canada’s National Post, and leadership inside teams building next-generation agricultural and planetary systems — including Mars-farming concepts — Karin operates at the intersection of storytelling, science, and systems change. She doesn’t report on the future – she helps design it. Reach out directly to [email protected]
