visit jordan wadi rum

Exploring Wadi Rum: A Visitor's Guide

Written by Jess Lee Apr 14, 2021

Wadi Rum is Jordan's famous desert landscape and one of the country's best places to visit.

This rugged landscape's raw beauty has made it the country's major film star, playing leading roles in movies as diverse as The Martian (where it stood in for Mars) and Jordan's award-winning Theeb (where it played itself).

The movie it is most famous for is, of course, Lawrence of Arabia , which first flaunted Wadi Rum's panoramas of orange and pink sand desert loomed over by vast rock outcrops to a global cinema audience.

Today, visitors come to camel-ride, hike, or 4WD across the desert, and scrabble up the rock ridges and cliffs to soak up the scenery for themselves. Just being amid this grand landscape is the major tourist attraction, but the offered desert tour circuits take visitors to some of the most famous photography spots and rock formations.

If you want to experience Wadi Rum fully, camping overnight should be top of your things to do list while here.

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History of wadi rum, activities at wadi rum, camping at wadi rum, exploring the park, seven pillars of wisdom, lawrence's spring, khazali canyon, lawrence's house, burdah rock bridge, rock inscriptions, umm fruth rock bridge.

Wadi Rum's landscape of sandstone mountains was carved out by millennia of erosion, with wind and water slowly carving out the rock to create wadis (valleys) between.

Human habitation here can be dated back to the Neolithic era, but it was in the Iron Age, when Thamudic tribes from the Arabian Peninsula began using this area as part of their trade routes, that Wadi Rum's importance begins.

The Nabataeans had taken control of the desert by the 2nd Century BC as part of their trading empire, which stretched across much of this region of the Middle East. The area's importance, though, fades in later centuries.

During World War I's Arab Revolt, the Arab fighters led by Emir Faisal and T. E. Lawrence spent some time here, and Lawrence's book, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom , brought Wadi Rum to the attention of the world. It was the 1962 movie Lawrence of Arabia , with its sumptuous desert panoramas, though, that really kicked off interest in Wadi Rum's tourism potential.

Wadi Rum became a national park in the 1990s. The local Bedouin communities of Wadi Rum are closely involved with both managing the park and providing tourism activities for visitors.

Wadi Rum is prime territory for travelers itching for adventurous things to do.

Activities and tours of the national park can be arranged at Wadi Rum Visitor Center on arrival. The list of activities that can be organized quickly without any prior booking includes camel-trekking tours (ranging from a couple of hours to a full day), hikes of various lengths, and half- and full-day 4WD tours.

Hiking and camel-trekking tours allow for a slower, more close-up desert experience. If you want to cover all the major attractions within the national park area, the 4WD tour circuits are the easy option.

Overnight camping, combined with one of the activities and tours, can also be arranged on arrival at the center.

Wadi Rum is Jordan's top rock climbing area , and a couple of qualified local guides operating out of Rum Village offer rock climbing tours of several climbing routes across the cliffs and crags of the area. Specialized tours such as these should be booked in advance.

Although a Wadi Rum day trip offers up plenty of panoramic beauty, the best way to experience the desert scenery here is to stay a little longer and camp overnight.

An overnight Wadi Rum tour means you get to see the desert at sunset and sunrise, when the colors of the cliffs and crags, and sand below, mellow and shimmer in the changing light. With the lack of artificial light, the night sky here is phenomenal and offers some of the clearest stargazing you'll ever have the chance to see.

Several small Rum-Village-based and Bedouin-run tour companies have campsites within the park. These can be booked beforehand through their individual websites or on arrival at Wadi Rum Visitor Center.

The campsites are small and scattered throughout the park area. All offer a "glamping" experience, with individual tent accommodation (usually with actual beds) and a basic, shared bathroom block. Dinner and breakfast (and transport back to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center in the morning) is usually included in the overnight stay.

Note that overnight Wadi Rum tours booked with larger tour agencies that operate from Aqaba, Petra, and Amman usually don't use these campsites. Instead, they use campsites on the edge of Wadi Rum - not actually in the national park area.

The desert surrounding these large camps is not as dramatic as the scenery within the park, and the camps are sprawling affairs, as they're built to facilitate large tour groups.

Wadi Rum's vistas, with expanses of sand streaked orange and pink between towering crags and weathered cliffs, is the main tourist attraction. Wherever you look here, you'll find desert vistas of otherworldly beauty.

There are, though, several specific attractions within the park, and most basic tours try to hit all, or at least, most of them.

Note that if you're hiking or camel trekking, you wouldn't be able to see all of the below on a half-day tour, as the distances between them are too large. Instead, you'd concentrate in one specific area and explore more fully.

First off, this rock formation has nothing to do with T. E. Lawrence's book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom . The impressive crag was simply nicknamed this by local guides (like most other Wadi Rum features that have "Lawrence" in their name) to highlight Wadi Rum's "Lawrence of Arabia" association for tourism.

The crag with its flanks whittled away by wind and water into pillar-like shapes sits amid the sand very near to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, at the beginning of Wadi Rum's national park area. There's an observation platform at the center that offers an excellent view of the formation.

This natural spring area (proper name Ain Ash-Shalalah) is a regular stop on all Wadi Rum tour itineraries.

The spring itself could be the resting place mentioned in T. E. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom , but the area's literary connection only plays a small part in its popularity on the Wadi Rum circuit.

The views from the spring area, across the vast plateau of sand stretching out to a frame of rock outcrops in the distance, is one of Wadi Rum's most famous panoramas.

The spring area itself is shaded by trees and backed by a cliff where you can see some ancient inscriptions on the rock face.

The narrow fissure of Khazali Canyon (Khazali Siq) slices through a massive crag formation. It is particularly photogenic for its sandstone surface of rippling ridges, which are reminiscent of dripping candle wax.

The sand at the entrance to the canyon is streaked in pink and orange and marked by one lonely fig tree.

Inside the canyon, the high walls provide shade from the sun, and it's deliciously cool. The initial 200 meters can be easily explored on a short walk, and the rock faces inside are home to several Thamudic rock inscriptions that show that Khazali Canyon has been used as a place of shelter since ancient times.

The ruins known as Lawrence's House (Al-Qusair) are said to have been where T. E. Lawrence once camped, though the remnants here, on a ridge above the desert plateau, are actually the scant remains of a Nabataean water cistern.

The main reason 4WD tours all stop here, though, is for travelers to admire the scenery and take photos of the surrounding desert view.

If the sweeping panorama of multi-hued desert sand, bordered by lofty mountains and crags, looks vaguely familiar, that's because you've probably seen it before. This particularly beautiful shot has been used in many films, including one of the most famous scenes in Lawrence of Arabia .

Burdah is the highest of three natural arches in the Wadi Rum area, created by wind and water erosion whittling away the softer surrounding rock.

You'll need to be a decent hiker and scrambler to reach the rock bridge, as it is perched at the summit between two rock formations, around 80 meters high.

The views from the top are worth the sweat, though you'll also need to have a good head for heights as you walk across the narrow arch between summits.

Don't attempt this hike in the heat of the day. It's best to strike out in the early morning, so it's a good add-on activity after an overnight at a Wadi Rum camp.

There are several well-preserved rock inscriptions in the Wadi Rum area, most dating from the pre-Islamic Nabataean and Thamudic tribe eras.

The most popular one to visit is the Anfaishiyya Inscription , where the rock face is scratched with highly detailed petroglyphs depicting camel-riders, warriors, and various animals.

If you have a particular interest in petroglyphs, it's well worth making sure to add the much less visited Alameleh Inscriptions into your itinerary. This is in the Diseh area, on the edge of Wadi Rum's national park area, so it's not normally included in a typical Wadi Rum 4WD circuit tour.

The petroglyphs here are the best preserved in the Wadi Rum desert area and portray camel caravans, hunting parties, and desert animals.

There are also several highly detailed petroglyphs inside Khazali Canyon, including depictions of female figures and small pairs of feet.

The most popular of Wadi Rum's three natural rock arches to visit and climb, Umm Fruth Rock Bridge can be summited by anyone with a good head for heights and a decent level of fitness .

It's only a short scramble from the base up the surrounding rock face to the top, from where you can then walk along the narrow bridge.

The bridge is near Wadi Rum's sand dune area and the Anfaishiyya rock face inscriptions, so the three can form a short 4WD itinerary (stops at all three are included in the typical itineraries of Wadi Rum half-day 4WD tours).

If you want to add some fun into your Wadi Rum tour, a visit to the main sand dunes area of the central desert area is a must.

The orange-hued dunes here are prime territory for speed racing down the sand slopes.

On a half-day afternoon 4WD tour of Wadi Rum, the sand dunes are usually one of the last stops, so that you're not attempting to scale the dune up to its summit in the worst heat of the day.

If the sand isn't too hot, it's usually easier to take your shoes off before the ascent and tackle the dune barefoot. Expect to get covered in sand on the descent back down to the base.

Tips & Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Time in Wadi Rum

• If you can, avoid summer visits when the desert heat is energy sapping. Early spring is the best time to visit, as this is when desert flora springs in colorful carpets across some of the sand plateaus.
• Make sure to buy water and snacks beforehand in Rum Village. There are no shops in the desert.
• Bring a sunhat and slather yourself in sunscreen. The sun is harsh here.
• Make sure you have small notes on hand for tipping any guides and/or drivers, as well as staff at the camps.
• The camps have generator electricity but make sure to charge phones and cameras before you get here.
• Wadi Rum's fine sand gets everywhere. If you're staying overnight, make sure to wrap any electronics in your luggage in protective covers. You'll be finding sand in your bag for weeks afterwards.

• Attractions

“The Valley of the Moon”, depicted as Mars in several Hollywood feature films Wadi Rum is an Arabian fairy-tale waiting to be discovered. Home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum is a a quiet getaway of stars, sand, and sun; a perfect complement from Amman’s epicenter. Once inhabited by the Nabataeans of prehistoric times, Wadi Rum allows you to get lost in large landscapes and horizon lines. The calmness of the desert is sure calm your spirit and de-clutter your thoughts. Wadi Rum is waiting for you. 

This site is one of Jordan’s UNESCO world heritage sites, for more information click here    

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• The Jordan Trail

Petra to Wadi Rum

Petra to Wadi Rum 

Connecting the two legendary sites of Petra and Wadi Rum is a week-long trek across one of the longest stretches of wilderness on the Jordan Trail. Here in the empty but striking desert, with its dramatic rock formations, stargazing and peace are found at their best. Starting with deep, rugged wadis and moving into open, sandy plains, this section of the trail takes you deep into the places where humans seldom go. Finishing at Wadi Rum village offers a taste of Bedouin life after the remoteness of this section.

Total Length: 125.4 KM Days: 6 Hiking days 

Main sites in the region:

-      Jabal Haroun (mountaintop burial place of Aaron, off-route)

- Humeima, ancient and Umayyad ruins

- Sandstone mountain “islands” in a sea of sand

- Wadi Rum, Jabal Rum, and Jabal Um Ishrin

Wadi Rum to Aqaba

Wadi Rum to Aqaba  

Leaving Wadi Rum village behind you, the trail passes beneath the towering cliffs of Jabal Rum and Jabal Um Ishrin through the iconic landscape of Wadi Rum – vast, echoing and godlike wrote T.E. Lawrence. Continuing through the magnificent desert landscape, the trail passes the cliffs of Jabal Khazali, Jabal Qattar and weaves between the unique and colorful backdrops of Wadi Rum’s sandstone desert mountains. The trail here follows old shepherd paths, winding its way west across desert wadis and over granite mountains striated with basalt dyke intrusions. At the last pass, the first view of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, beyond which lie the mountains of Sinai. The final destination is the warm waters of the Red Sea and the port of Aqaba.

Total Length: 75.9 KM Days: 5 Hiking days 

- Wadi Rum (World Heritage site)

- Wadi Rum Bedouin village

- Lawrence’s Spring (Ain Shellaleh) and the Nabataean Temple

- Dramatic desert scenery – sandstone domes and granite and basalt striated mountains,

changing color constantly throughout the day

- Bedouin encampments

- Village of Titen

- Aqaba (Red Sea)

Experiences From Travellers

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wadi Rum is everything you’d expect of a quintessential desert: it is extreme in summer heat and winter cold; it is violent and moody as the sun slices through chiselled siqs (canyons) at dawn or melts the division between rock and sand at dusk; it is exacting on the Bedouin who live in it and vengeful on those who ignore its dangers. For most visitors, on half- or full-day trips from Aqaba or Petra, Wadi Rum offers one of the easiest and safest glimpses of the desert in the region. For the lucky few who can afford a day or two in their itinerary to sleep over at one of the desert camps, it can be an unforgettable way of stripping the soul back to basics.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Burdah Rock Bridge

The largest of Rum's three arches is the Burdah Rock Bridge, precariously perched about 80m above surrounding rock. There’s a precipitous hike to the…

Khazali Siq

An easy siq to explore is the narrow fissure that cuts into Jebel Khazali. You can explore on foot for about 150m, far enough to appreciate the cool shade…

Al Hasany Dunes

While there are dunes in several places around Wadi Rum, the most striking are the red sands that bank up against Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya. If you are on a 4WD…

The western flank of Wadi Rum is formed by Jebel Rum (1754m), which towers over Rum village. It is a popular destination for scramblers and climbers who…

Jebel Umm Al Ishrin

The deeply crevassed ‘Mother of Twenty’, a 20-domed mountain forming the east flank of Wadi Rum, is connected to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation…

Alameleh Inscriptions

Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions, depicting camel caravans, hunting warriors and various animals, are common throughout the Wadi Rum area. The Alameleh…

Barrah Canyon

One of the most visited of numerous canyons that riddle Wadi Rum, this 5km-long corridor of rock through the mountains offers opportunities for hiking,…

Ain Abu Aineh

Often mistaken for Lawrence’s Spring, the ‘Father of Aineh Spring’ is piped down the mountain into a large tank for Bedouin sheep, goats and camels. Look…

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Wadi Rum – The Valley of The Moon

A timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and God-like…” The  desert is probably best known because of its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18, and as the setting for the film that carried his name “Lawrence of Arabia”.

Wadi rum protected area

where is wadi rum?

Desert is a protected area covering 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Huge mountains of sandstone and granite emerge, sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach heights of 1700 meters and more.

Narrow canyons and fissures cut deep into the mountains and many conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the peoples of the desert over millennia. Bedouin tribes still live among the mountains of Rum and their large goat-hair tents are a special feature of the landscape.

A maze of monolithic rocks-capes in Jordan rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 m creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers.

Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces and explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4000-year-old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store.

Everywhere in this moonscape place of Rum, are indications of man’s presence since the earliest known times. Scattered around are flint hand axes, while on the rocks at the feet of the mountains the names of ancient travelers are scratched. All around, there is emptiness and silence. In this immense space, man is dwarfed to insignificance.

what is wadi rum famous for

The desert Rum has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures–including the Nabataeans–leaving their mark in the form of petroglyphs, inscriptions, and temple.

In the West, Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T. E. Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18.

In the 1980s one of the rock formations in Desert, originally known as Jabal al-Mazmar (The Mountain of (the) Plague), was named “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” after Lawrence’s book ( Download Seven Pillars of Wisdom T. E. Lawrence ) penned in the aftermath of the war, though the ‘Seven Pillars’ referred to in the book have no connection with Rum.

Lawrence described his entrance into the Valley of Rum, “The hills on the right grew taller and sharper, a fair counterpart of the other side which straightened itself to one massive rampart of redness.

They drew together until only two miles divided them: and then, towering gradually till their parallel parapets must have been a thousand feet above us, ran forward in an avenue for miles.

The crags were capped in nests of domes, less hotly red than then body of the hill; rather grey and shallow. They gave the finishing semblance of Byzantine architecture to this irresistible place: this processional way greater than imagination.”

Lawrence also described his encounter with the spring, Ain Shalaaleh, “On the rock-bulge above were clear-cut Nabathaean inscriptions, and a sunk panel incised with a monogram or symbol.

Around and about were Arab scratches, including tribe-marks, some of which were witnesses of forgotten migrations: but my attention was only for the splashing of water in a crevice under the shadow of the overhanging rock. I looked in to see the spout, a little thinner than my wrist, jetting out firmly from a fissure in the roof, and falling with that clean sound into a shallow, frothing pool, behind the step which served as an entrance. Thick ferns and grasses of the finest green made it a paradise just five feet square.”

The discovery of the Nabataean Temple (located walking distance from the Rest House) in 1933 briefly returned the spotlight to the desert. A French team of archaeologists completed the excavations in 1997.

The desert tribes, Huweitat and Mzanah, inhabiting southern desert maintain the warm hospitality which characterizes genuine Arab culture. It would be difficult to resist their friendly invitation to share mint tea or cardamom-flavored coffee in their black tents. Enjoy the hospitality whilst sitting by the fire under a starry desert sky – an unforgettable experience.

Before reaching Rum desert, visitors will encounter the fort of the desert Patrol. The patrolmen are friendly, hospitable and will answer questions willingly over a cup of coffee.

Perfect ambassadors for their country, the men of the famous Desert Patrol wear perhaps the most beautiful uniforms in the Middle East: a long khaki dish-dash held by a bright red bandoleer, a holster with a dagger around the waist, and rifle slung over the back.

The headdress is the traditional red-and-white checkered Kouffieh worn by the Bedouins of Jordan, but wrapped under the chin. The Desert Patrol operates out of an old beau guest-style police fort built in the 1930’s.

The area is a protected environment. Rare species of animals, small plants, and herbs can be found by the inquisitive traveler. Red anemones, poppies and the striking black iris, Jordan’s national flower, all grow at will by the roadside and in more quiet reaches. Herbal medicinal cures used for centuries by the Bedouins are found in the mountainous regions.

Rum desert is also a bird-watchers’ haven with its 110 recorded species. Vultures, buzzards, eagles and sparrows are a few to be seen by those looking skyward. Other interesting creatures to be found include the camel-spider, feared by local Bedouins for its ability to harm camels, however this spider is not dangerous to man.

Seen gracefully in its natural habitat, the Ibex, mountain goat, is often spotted in the desert terrain. Another interesting animals there, are the Gray Wolf, Blandford’s Fox, and the Arabian Sand Cat which is similar in appearance to a domesticated cat and survives in its harsh desert surroundings.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT WADI RUM?

WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO WADI RUM?

IS WADI RUM WORTH VISITING?

Weather in Wadi Rum Jordan

The sandy valleys of are located on average around 1000 meters above sea level. That is why the temperatures are cooler than in the eastern desert plains of Jordan, the Red Sea and the Jordan valley. Rum is characterized by a dry climate and a high variation of the daily temperature range depending on the time of the year: in summer, temperatures range from 15 C ° to 45 C °, while in winter they range from 5 C ° to 20 C °.

Annual precipitation is low (i.e. 50 to 100 mm) and concentrated in winter. Ideal months to visit are March, April, September, October and November.

Rum receives its annual rainfall in the winter months. It has also been known to snow in the mountains, yet snow quickly melts.

In the winter, it’s recommended to dress in layers, a jacket over a pullover, over a sweatshirt, over a tee shirt: like this you can peel off as much as you want to. Remember that walking in the sun, and sitting in the shade are quite different, and don’t leave a pullover/sweater at the hotel just because the sun is shining and the sky is blue.

You may well appreciate a pair of gloves for visiting Rum! Almost certainly the desert temperature will go down close to freezing point at night, quite probably beyond, possibly well beyond! A difference of 20 or even 25°C between daytime and nighttime temperature is quite normal in Jordan.

Protective clothing should be worn in the summer. Sun block, water and cool covering clothing should be used in the summer months. Conservative clothing should be worn at all times, for respect of the traditional Bedouin culture.

What to bring ? You should have a Light, loose-fitting clothing, Sun hat or Bedouin scarf, sunscreen and sunglasses. Walking shoes or sandals with grip – even if you opt-out of hiking, you will still want to wear comfortable shoes. Day pack or backpack and of course, don’t forget the most important thing: Your Camera !

In Summer time, it’s recommended to wearing comfortable light-weight and light-colored clothing to stay cool. Linen and cotton will keep you comfortable and cool. Wearing a sun hat or Bedouin scarf is essential to protect yourself from the sun.

in Winter time, to wearing warm layers of clothing – jacket or windbreaker, sweater, jumper or fleece jacket, warm hat, gloves and socks. Pack these warmer layers just in case, and hopefully, you won’t have to wear them.

camping in wadi rum

Camping in Wadi Rum allows visitors to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of nature while indulging in Bedouin hospitality. As the sun sets, a symphony of colors paints the horizon, creating a surreal backdrop for evenings spent around crackling campfires, savoring traditional Bedouin cuisine, and listening to tales of ancient lore. Wadi Rum is a sanctuary where the soul finds solace and the spirit is rejuvenated, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike.

wadi rum visitor center

At Wadi Rum visitors centre, you can obtain information about the desert, purchase entry permits, and arrange for guided tours or transportation into the  protected area. The staff at the visitor center can provide you with maps, recommendations, and details about the various activities and attractions available in Wadi Rum.

Additionally, the visitor center often serves as a hub for organizing desert safaris, camel rides, hiking trips, and overnight camping experiences. It’s a great place to start your exploration of Wadi Rum and learn about the local culture, history, and natural wonders.

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Wadi Rum, Jordan

One place that needs to be part of every Jordan itinerary , regardless of the duration of your stay, is Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon , is a mesmerizing desert wilderness located in the southern part of Jordan.

Renowned for its surreal landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a unique blend of towering sandstone mountains , narrow canyons, and vast, wavelike dunes that create an otherworldly panorama .

To make sure your stay is unforgettable, it’s crucial to know key details such as where to stay, what attractions to visit, and what essentials to pack.

This guide to visiting Wadi Rum is based on my own experiences and should help you with planning and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip .

If you need any more tips, feel free to contact me at any time. Otherwise, enjoy reading and planning your trip to this incredible place!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

Basic Facts & Information About Wadi Rum

Besides its fascinating landscape, one of the most captivating features of Wadi Rum is its rich historical significance .

You can find prehistoric rock carvings , ancient inscriptions, and archaeological remnants dating back to the Nabatean era scattered throughout the entire region.

Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Wadi Rum has also gained international acclaim as a prime location for stargazing . Justifiably so, because during our stay we were treated to the most beautiful starry sky we’d seen in a long time!

Beyond its natural wonders, Wadi Rum has served as a backdrop for numerous films , including the iconic “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Martian”.

Location & How to Get There

As already mentioned, Wadi Rum is situated in the southern part of Jordan, approximately 60 kilometers east of Aqaba and 320 kilometers south of the capital, Amman .

There are several ways to reach Wadi Rum. If you’re seeking convenience you might consider opting for a guided tour . Such tours are available from major Jordanian cities and provide a hassle-free experience with knowledgeable guides .

Tours you might find interesting :

Public transport is also available with buses connecting Wadi Musa and Aqaba to Wadi Rum Village . Just keep in mind that schedules may be limited!

The third option, and how we traveled to Wadi Rum, is by car. We decided to rent a car for our time in Jordan because we wanted to be flexible and discover lots of different places in the country.

Before Wadi Rum we stayed in Wadi Musa from where we then took the 2-hour ride to Wadi Rum Village.

The village marks the furthest point accessible by a regular car. There’s a designated parking area where you’ll be picked up by a person from the camp you’ve reserved.

While it’s possible to find accommodations upon arrival in Wadi Rum, booking a camp in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons!

If your time is limited, there’s also the option to do a 2-hour jeep tour from Wadi Rum Village that covers all major sights .

Where to Stay in Wadi Rum, Jordan

There are about as many camps in Wadi Rum as there is sand – well, almost.

But seriously: there are a lot of camps in Wadi Rum and choosing the right one can be quite difficult. I’m speaking of experience.

From traditional Bedouin-style camps to more luxurious options with modern amenities , Wadi Rum offers an array of choices that ensure a comfortable stay.

After extensive research and comparing different camps, we booked one that looked phenomenal in the pictures and had lots of exceptional reviews.

Spoiler alert: The reviews are justified as it was equally stunning in real life!

The place we stayed at is called Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp and is nestled in the heart of the protected area, not far from the village.

When making a booking, you have the option to choose between two distinct room categories : the Deluxe room, situated in luxurious tents at the front row, or the Superior room, housed in Martian-style tents at the rear.

We opted for a Deluxe room in our booking, mainly because we wanted to enjoy uninterrupted views from our terrace of the otherworldly landscape.

Regardless of the category you choose, all rooms come equipped with the finest amenities , including a large double bed, air conditioning, a rain shower, a private terrace , and more!

Beyond the wonderful accommodations, Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp boasts an unparalleled location opposite one of the most iconic sandstone mountains featured in the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’

The camp also provides a continental breakfast buffet , a selection of Jeep tours, desert hikes, and “Zarb”, a type of Bedouin barbecue cooked underground .

Plus, the owner Mohammed is very kind and loves sharing insights about Wadi Rum and Bedouin life.

For us, there could have been no better camp and we truly enjoyed our stay there!

If you’d like more accommodation options, here are some camps we also had on our list of favorites:

• Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
• Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel
• Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel
• Harmony Luxury Camp
• Sun City Camp
• Palmera Camp Wadi Rum

What to See & do in Wadi Rum

One of the absolute must-do experiences in Wadi Rum is embarking on a jeep tour that takes you to all the unique places scattered across the desert.

Typically, every accommodation provides specific tours and we conveniently booked a 3-hour jeep tour through our camp as well.

During the tour, we hiked towering dunes, petted camels , and savored traditional tea in bedouin tents. Of course, we couldn’t leave out the most important sights , which I’ve listed below.

Khazali Canyon

Khazali Canyon is a narrow slot canyon with ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs that provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

The rock walls display carvings dating back centuries , offering a fascinating archaeological experience.

Um Fruth Rock Bridge

One of the natural arches in Wadi Rum , Um Fruth is a stunning rock bridge that spans a gap between two sandstone cliffs. If you dare, climb to its top to enjoy an excellent perspective of the vast desert landscape.

My partner did it but I wasn’t brave enough, I preferred watching him from the safety of the ground 😉

Burdah Rock Bridge

Burdah Rock Bridge continues the list of the most remarkable natural wonders in Wadi Rum.

Just like the Um Fruth Rock Bridge, this rock arch stands out with its large size and unique shape , making it a key feature in the captivating desert scenery.

Here, you also have the opportunity to climb onto it (this time I dared), providing another fantastic view of the surrounding sandstone mountains and the expansive desert landscape.

Lawrence’s House

Although not created by nature but instead man-made, Lawrence’s House is another must-see sight in Wadi Rum.

The simple stone structure , weathered by time, is believed to have been home to T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt.

Adjacent to the house is a rock plateau that shouldn’t be overlooked. Make sure to climb onto it to discover an array of hundreds of small stone cairns .

Alameleh Inscriptions

Apart from the inscriptions in Khazali Canyon, there are numerous others carved into the craggy rocks throughout the desert.

Among the most famous ones are the Alameleh Inscriptions, depicting a large number of camels and lively hunting scenes. They’re believed to be over 2,000 years old .

Big Red Sand Dune

While Wadi Rum may not boast as many towering dunes as the Sahara or other deserts you may have explored already, there is one that stands out as quite extraordinary.

The Big Red Sand Dune truly deserves its name because the sand on it is much redder than the sand nearby. Plus, it not only looks pretty awesome but is also an excellent place for sandboarding .

Of course, no Bedouins without their camels, and you’ll see quite a few of them in Wadi Rum.

During our jeep tour, we encountered a herd of camels belonging to our camp owner. As soon as we saw them, our guide stopped the car whereupon the camels approached us right away.

To our delight, they were incredibly friendly and not at all shy but rather extremely curious. They seemed to enjoy all the attention and even engaged in playful fights just to be petted by us.

How Much Time to Plan

When my partner and I were planning our Jordan itinerary including the stay duration in each place, we often came across advice saying one night in Wadi Rum is enough.

Contrary to popular opinion, we decided to book a two-night stay . Personally, I believe that’s the minimum time you should spend there and we didn’t regret our decision at all – quite the opposite.

Our initial worries that we’ll get bored in the desert have quickly evaporated.

The evening we arrived, we experienced a breathtaking sunset , as the camp faced towards the west. On our full day, we embarked on the adventurous jeep tour and returned right in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, my partner and I enjoyed a relaxing time on our terrace, reading our books and playing card games.

What you’ll quickly notice in Wadi Rum is the complete silence that is incredibly pleasant. The sand absorbs all sounds , creating an environment where you can’t hear anything. It’s truly perfect for unwinding and disconnecting.

On our last morning, we needed to get up very early since we booked a sunrise tour . The camp owner himself took us to one of the best spots that was a 15-minute jeep ride away.

As we sat there, witnessing the sun rise above this incredible landscape, I could hardly believe how fortunate we were. It was my favorite moment and a perfect end to our two-night stay in Wadi Rum.

So if you truly want to savor your time in Wadi Rum, blending relaxation and adventure , then be sure to plan a stay of at least two nights!

What to Pack For Wadi Rum, Jordan

Since Wadi Rum experiences a desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures , it’s crucial to pack accordingly for a comfortable stay.

In the summer, temperatures soar, often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the day , while winter brings milder daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) .

When we visited in September, it was around 40°C . Surprisingly, it wasn’t too humid, unlike the Dead Sea or Aqaba, but rather dry, which I find more comfortable.

If you visit Wadi Rum in summer as well, pack lightweight, breathable clothing , a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen to shield against the intense sun. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the rocky terrain.

In the winter months, bring layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. A jacket or sweater for evenings is advisable, along with a good pair of hiking boots for desert treks.

Before heading to your camp, I advise you to check whether they offer complimentary water to guests.

Most camps, including ours, typically provide complimentary water as part of their services. Nevertheless, it’s still wise to bring enough water , just to be on the safe side.

Don’t forget to pack your camera to capture the stunning landscapes, a power bank to ensure your devices remain charged, and a small backpack for day trips to store essentials like water, snacks, and other essentials.

Pack some books or games as we did for relaxing at your camp or enjoying some downtime in the desert!

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Do you need more info for your trip to Wadi Rum or have other questions? Feel free to reach out!

Check out: Where to Stay in Petra 12 Important & Useful Tips For Visiting Petra Top 10 Places & Ruins to See in Petra Is This The Best Hotel at The Dead Sea?

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Do you want to travel like me? Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals! Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then. Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without having one. I use the simple and flexible one from World Nomads to be protected against unforeseen events. Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide . Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.   

Hey and welcome to my blog! I’m Alina, an Austrian travel addict and vegan food lover who has a passion for exploring new destinations and trying out the best plant-based food around the world. Come and join me as I share exciting bucket list experiences and provide helpful travel guides for your own adventures!

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• Description

The 74,000-hectare property, inscribed as a mixed natural and cultural site, is situated in southern Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia. It features a varied desert landscape consisting of a range of narrow gorges, natural arches, towering cliffs, ramps, massive landslides and caverns. Petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains in the site testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment. The combination of 25,000 rock carvings with 20,000 inscriptions trace the evolution of human thought and the early development of the alphabet. The site illustrates the evolution of pastoral, agricultural and urban activity in the region.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Zone protégée du Wadi Rum

Ce bien couvrant 74 000 hectares, inscrit comme site mixte naturel et culturel, se trouve au sud de la Jordanie, près de la frontière avec l'Arabie saoudite. Il s'agit d'un paysage désertique très spectaculaire, avec des canyons, des arches naturelles, des falaises, des rampes et des grottes. La présence de pétroglyphes, d'inscriptions gravées et de vestiges archéologiques témoigne de 12 000 ans d'occupation humaine et d'interaction avec l'environnement naturel. La combinaison de 25 000 pétroglyphes et de 20 000 inscriptions retrace l'évolution de la pensée humaine et les débuts de l'écriture alphabétique. Le site illustre l'évolution des activités pastorales, agricoles et urbaines dans la région.

محمية وادي رم

موقع مختلط، طبيعي وثقافي في آن، تبلغ مساحته 000 74 هكتار. وتقع منطقة وادي رم جنوب الأردن بالقرب من الحدود الأردنية السعودية وهي عبارة عن صحراء متنوعة التضاريس تشمل مجموعة من الأودية الضيقة والأقواس الطبيعية والمنحدرات الشاهقة والطرق المنحدرة، فضلاً عن أكوام كبيرة من الصخور المنهارة وعدد من الكهوف. وتشهد النقوش والرسوم على الصخور والبقايا الأثرية الموجودة في الموقع على ما عرفته منطقة وادي رم من مستوطنات بشرية وتفاعل بين الإنسان والبيئة الطبيعية على مدى 000 12 سنة. وعُثر في الموقع على 000 25 منحوتة صخرية و000 20 نقش على الصخور تقف شاهداً على تطوُّر الفكر البشري والمراحل الأولى لتطوير الأبجدية. ويجسد هذا الموقع تطوُّر الفلاحة والزراعة والحياة الحضرية في المنطقة.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

作为自然与文化混合遗产列入名录，位于约旦南部，靠近沙特阿拉伯边界，占地74000公顷。瓦迪拉姆保护区一系列形态各异的沙漠景观由狭窄的峡谷、天然拱门、高耸的峭壁、坡道、巨型滑坡和洞穴所组成。保护区内的岩画、碑文和考古遗迹显示了人类在过去12 000年的时间里在此的生活，以及与自然环境互动的证据。25000个石刻与20000个碑文为追溯人类思想的发展及早期字母的演变提供了可能。遗址展现了该地区牧业、农业和城市活动的发展。

Zona Protegida del Uadi Rum

El sitio abarca una zona de 74.000 hectáreas situada al sur de Jordania, cerca de la frontera con Arabia Saudita. Su variado paisaje desértico está formado por una serie de cañones, arcos naturales, farallones, rampas, grutas y grandes derrumbamientos de terreno. Los vestigios de petroglifos e inscripciones, así como los restos arqueológicos subsistentes en el sitio, constituyen un testimonio de doce milenios de ocupación de sus parajes por el ser humano y de la interacción de éste con el medio ambiente. Los 25.000 petroglifos y las 20.000 inscripciones existentes ilustran la evolución del pensamiento humano y los comienzos de la escritura alfabética. El sitio es también ilustrativo de la evolución de las actividades pastorales, agrícolas y urbanas en la región.

source: NFUAJ

Beschermd gebied Wadi Rum

Dit natuur- en cultuurgebied van 74.000 hectare ligt in het zuiden van Jordanië, vlak bij de grens met Saoedi-Arabië. Het beschikt over een gevarieerd woestijnlandschap dat bestaat uit een reeks smalle kloven, natuurlijke bogen, torenhoge kliffen, hellingen, enorme landverschuivingen en grotten. De rotstekeningen, inscripties en archeologische overblijfselen in dit gebied getuigen van 12.000 jaar menselijke bewoning en interactie met de natuurlijke omgeving. De combinatie van 25.000 rotstekeningen met 20.000 inscripties traceren de evolutie van het menselijk denken en de vroege ontwikkeling van het alfabet. Het gebied illustreert de evolutie van pastorale en stedelijke activiteit en van landbouw in de regio.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) is located in the southern part of Jordan, east of the Rift Valley and south of the steep escarpment of the central Jordanian plateau. It comprises an area of 74,200 hectares. WRPA’s natural values include desert landforms developed within continental sandstones. These landforms have been developed under the influence of a combination of various controlling factors, such as lithology, tectonic activities (including rapid uplift, numerous faults and joints) and surface processes (including various types of weathering and erosion associated with desert climate as well as humid climates in the past), representing million years of ongoing landscape evolution.

Widespread petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment, illustrating the evolution of pastoral, agricultural and urban human activity in the Arabian Peninsula and the environmental history of the region.

Criterion (iii) : The rock art, inscriptions and archaeological evidence in WRPA can be considered an exceptional testimony of the cultural traditions of its early inhabitants. The combination of 25,000 petroglyphs, 20,000 inscriptions, and 154 archaeological sites provides evidence to continuity of habitation and land-use over a period of at least 12,000 years. The petroglyphs, representing human and animal figures, are engraved on boulders, stones, and cliff faces. They provide evidence of long-term patterns of pastoral, agricultural and urban human activity in the property. Engravings indicate an elaborate sense of aesthetics in a pictorial culture, and the archaeological findings span all eras from the Neolithic to the Nabataean. Thamudic, Nabataean and numerous Arabic inscriptions in four different scripts testify to the widespread literacy among its pastoral societies.

Criterion (v) : The variety of landforms at WRPA has played an essential role in fostering human settlement. The rock art, inscriptions and water catchment systems document the settlements of successive communities, which developed in areas of mobile animal husbandry and agriculture and form part of a wider context of human interaction with the semi-arid eastern desert environment of the Arabian Peninsula. WRPA assists the understanding of the continuum of settled and mobile lifestyles in a desert landscape illustrating the adaptability and ingenuity of human communities who have made the most of scarce resources to sustain continuous presence after the climate became dryer in the Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC).

Criterion (vii) : WRPA is recognised globally as an iconic desert landscape, renowned for its spectacular series of sandstone mountains and valleys, natural arches, and the range of narrow gorges, towering cliffs, massive landslides, and dramatic cavernous weathering forms displayed. Key attributes of the aesthetic values of the property include the diversity and sheer size of its landforms, together with the mosaic of colours, vistas into both narrow canyons and very large wadis, and the scale of the cliffs. The property displays, in a protected setting, an exceptional combination of landforms resulting from drainage incision, severe weathering by salt, biological and other processes, and the undermining of steep sandstone cliffs by these weathering processes, together with the world’s most spectacular networks of honeycomb weathering features. Its associations with the writings of T.E. Lawrence, stressed strongly in the nomination, have ensured a high profile for the property and have reinforced its reputation of the area as a classic desert landscape both globally and within the Arab States.

Since the identification of Wadi Rum as a potential nature reserve in 1978 the various landforms and cultural resources have been managed in a shared framework, which prevented extensive development impacts and maintained the landscape character of the property. The buffer zone of Rum Village contains significant cultural property values and the cultural landscape character of the property reaches even beyond the mostly 5 kilometers perimeter of the buffer zone.

Authenticity

The rock art remains in its original setting, largely unaltered except for the effects of weathering, which has led to its fading as result of rain and wind erosion, leaving some petroglyphs hard to distinguish. In addition modern graffiti has a negative impact on several of the original drawings and inscriptions. However, the fact that so many petroglyphs and inscriptions have been documented means that their ability to convey the cultural traditions of the people who made them continues and that they qualify as an important resource for research.

Protection and management requirements

WRPA was established in 1997 following cabinet decision no. 27/11/3226 (1997) and extended in 2002, following decision 224/11/1/986 (2002). It is further recognized as an archaeological site under the Law of the Department of Antiquities no. 21 (1988) and constitutes a Special Regulation Area under the Administration of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. In addition to the existing protection for the property, special consideration may need to be given to archaeological artefacts to prevent their removal from the property.

The primary plan guiding the management and development program of WRPA is the Aqaba Special Economic Zone land use plan, which covers the whole governorate of Aqaba and is administrated by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. The property has an up to date management plan and an effective management unit, including rangers and other staff is dedicated to the management of the property. The management plan should provide emphasis to the management of the natural and cultural values of the property.  A comprehensive survey and inventory of the natural and cultural resources, conservation and interpretation programme of the values of the property, and cooperation with antiquity authorities as management partners are all required. The WRPA requires continuous monitoring, preventive conservation of natural and cultural resources, and periodic updating of the management plan.

A number of threats that have been identified require careful attention. In this context priority should be given to the impacts of visitor pressure, in particular car tracks and tourism infrastructure, but also the potential encroachment of the village of Rum, groundwater exploitation and firewood collection by local people.  The wider tourism and planning policies for the property, its buffer zone and wider setting also should prioritise the protection of its Outstanding Universal Value.

• Protectedplanet.net

State of Conservation (SOC)

Protections by other conservation instruments.

1 protection / 1 element

• Cultural space of the Bedu in Petra and Wadi Rum

Read more about synergies

Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Wadi Rum

Written by teresa bitler, adventure travel | jordan | middle east | outdoor travel.

Wadi Rum is one of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. Learn what to see and do on your visit with our ultimate guide to Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum looks like the setting for the “Arabian Nights” tales. And it should. The live-action version of “Aladdin” was filmed here. During my stay, I learned Wadi Rum holds more surprises than a fictional genie trapped in a lamp. It played a major role in the country’s history and has more than its fair share of adventure. This ultimate guide to Wadi Rum details the best to see and do on a visit.

What's in This Article:

What is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum (pronounced Wad-ee Room) is a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Jordan . It covers 278 square miles, which equates to roughly the footprint of New York City. During the day, Wadi Rum wows with Mars-colored sand and rock formations that appear like ships on a dusty sea. At night, it lives up to its nickname, Valley of the Moon, offering incredible stargazing .

People have lived in Wadi Rum for nearly 12,000 years, as evidenced by the over 20,000 petroglyphs. From 1917 to 1918, T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, made Wadi Rum the base for the Great Arab Revolt. Some nomadic Bedouins still live here today, and you might see them on a camel or 4×4 ride.

Wadi Rum stands out for its Mars-colored sand and rock formations. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

Because Wadi Rum boasts such a unique landscape, it appears in many movies. It was the backdrop for the 1963 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, “Lawrence of Arabia.” Scenes from “Rogue One” and much of “The Martian” were also filmed here.

Things to Do When You Visit Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum combines adventure with culture. Most activities occur outdoors, so dress in layers and regularly apply sunscreen to exposed skin. You’ll also want to bring cash to pay for impromptu activities and tip guides.

4×4 Tour

A 4×4 tour is one of the best ways to experience Wadi Rum. You can book online before you go or make arrangements through your overnight camp at check-in. Most tours visit dunes and Khazali Canyon with its petroglyphs, and most end with a stop to watch the sunset. Depending on the tour, you may also see Lawrence’s Springs Um Frouth Bridge, a natural rock arch.

4×4 tours are the most popular way to experience Wadi Rum. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

If you go—and you should—prepare for a rugged ride. Passengers usually sit on benches lining the bed of pick-ups. Sometimes, a cloth attached to metal poles provides some shade, but don’t count on it. As the tour begins, the pick-ups off-road across the sand. I never felt in danger, but the ride sometimes got bumpy. Don’t go if you have back problems.

You can book a full-day camel ride to some of the sites you’d see on a 4×4 tour. Or you can take a short camel ride just long enough to get the feel for it. If you feel especially adventurous, some Bedouin guides even lead multi-day treks.

I went on a sunrise camel ride to a spot where we could watch the sunrise. After watching others getting on and off camels the day before, I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to go. I’m glad I did, though. We rode for about a half hour, and as the sun rose, we sipped tea prepared by our Bedouin guides. It was magical.

The sunrise camel ride was the highlight of my Wadi Rum visit. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

However, I’m glad my ride was short. I couldn’t have spent hours on a camel’s back. And I’m not sure I’d do it again. The whole time, I was keenly aware of how high I was off the ground and how fragile the human spine is.

Because there’s minimal light pollution, Wadi Rum is an excellent destination for stargazing. Most overnight camps have stargazing programs available for an extra charge. (Ask when you check in.) These programs entail a 4×4 ride into the desert, where the guide sets up a high-power telescope.

I chose not to go stargazing while in Wadi Rum. It was late and expensive, but I visited during a full moon. While I could have seen objects through the telescope, I wouldn’t have been able to see as much with my naked eye. I suggest looking at the lunar calendar before stargazing because the camp boasts optimal viewing conditions.

4×4 tours often end with a stop to watch the sunset. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

Other Activities to Do When You Visit Wadi Rum

Hiking: During cooler months, you can hike in Wadi Rum. I strongly recommend hiring a guide since the trails are difficult to find, and there are few landmarks to navigate by. If you notify your 4×4 tour guide in advance, he may be able to coordinate a short hike into your adventures.

Sandboarding: Some 4×4 tours include sandboarding when you stop at the dunes. You can arrange an outing through your overnight camp if yours doesn’t. Some guides also bring sleds as an alternative to standing as you slide down.

Hot air ballooning: Several camps can arrange hot air balloon rides. These usually occur at sunrise, and the complete experience, including balloon inflation, lasts up to three hours. (Balloons soar over the desert for approximately 30 minutes.)

Guests drink tea and watch the sunrise on an early morning camel ride. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Where to Stay in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum has dozens of Bedouin camps, with more on the way. Camps range from affordable options operated by Bedouins to high-priced luxury dwellings. All have a few things in common. First, they have running water, beds, and toilets. Second, they’re all-inclusive and serve traditional Jordanian food. Also, they feature some form of nightly entertainment ranging from music and storytelling to smoking shisha and sipping tea.

Accommodations run the gamut from Bedouin tents with not much more than a bed to bubble domes with luxury amenities. The geodesic bubble domes are extremely popular, but I was underwhelmed. When I pulled back the curtains in mine, I couldn’t see much, especially given the condensation on the plastic. I’ll opt for a more luxurious tent next time.

You can stay in bubble tents at some of the camps in Wadi Rum. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

I’ll also pay close attention to amenities. Some camps offer yoga classes or have hiking trails around their perimeter. At others, you can sign up for cooking classes. Regardless of what you are looking for, ensure the tent (or bubble) you stay in has air conditioning and heating.

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How to Get to Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is four hours south of Amman and one hour north of Aqaba by car. If you don’t have a car, you can get there by bus from Amman, Aqaba, or Petra. Plan to spend at least four hours at Wadi Rum for a 4×4 tour. I recommend staying overnight, though. That way, you can watch the sunset and experience Bedouin hospitality after dinner.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a camel ride at Wadi Rum. Photo by Teresa Bitler

You can visit Wadi Rum year-round. From June through September, temperatures average above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so prepare to sweat. In January, the daily average is 58 degrees. Even in the milder months of March, April, and November, temperatures can fluctuate from hot to freezing in just a few hours.

No matter what time of the year you visit Jordan , make sure you visit Wadi Rum. The impressive landscapes and the opportunity to get to know the Bedouin people here make it worth the journey from Amman, Aqaba, or Jordan. Given the chance, I’ll go again. When looking for the Ultimate Guide to 2 days anywhere, or when planning a trip to the Middle East , Let Wander With Wonder be your guide.

2 Days Ultimate Guide | Outdoor Activities | Outdoor Adventures

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Wadi Rum Travel Guide: Visit Jordan’s Most Breathtaking Desert

Posted by Danielle Dougall | Sep 10, 2023 | Destination Guides , Inspiration , National Parks | 0 |

A Stunning Desert Landscape

Trek the southwestern border of Jordan to the land of Wadi Rum. Across a seemingly unending expanse of sand, the desert gives way to towering arches, sandstone cliffs, and a rich red sand valley. Here, the Valley of the Moon provides an unparalleled look into some of humanity’s early origins.

When the sun tucks behind the cliffs, leaving a glow in the valley, the sky opens to a clear view of the Milky Way. Desert foxes dart across the sand, revealing life in what appears to be an empty land. You are standing on the grounds of ancient caravan travels. Though long gone, they certainly left their mark on Wadi Rum’s rocky canvas.

A Brief History of Wadi Rum

Visiting Wadi Rum is like taking a step back in time. Due to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Much of its topography dates older than the Dead Sea Rift. Its age is evidenced by towering mesas unearthed by the movement of primordial tectonic plates. Wild winds and desert floods paved the sandstone, leaving smooth valleys and gorges in their place.

Now a national park, Wadi Rum Village was once the arid home of struggling hunters and pastoralists. If you’re a history buff, you’d know that even the famous Nabateans (A 6th century BC Arab tribe who founded the city of Petra) settled there at one time. They left behind several prominent structures, including a famous temple.

Archaeologists have discovered over 20,000 petroglyphs and stunning inscriptions within the canyon walls. These markings date back over 12,000 years into human history. Finding these drawings in such a vast space is nothing short of miraculous. Some historic Bedouin still live there today along the migratory courses of the first humans to emerge from the African continent.

Wadi Rum gained notoriety when the locals decided to join King Faisal and fight alongside Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (1917-1918). In his book “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” Lawrence references the region’s many imposing mountains. His acts have become ingrained in local legend. Even some popular tourist sites are named for him. When the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia was released, the area gained a steady flow of visitors from around the globe.

How to Get to Wadi Rum

Since it is only two hours south of Petra, getting to Wadi Rum is surprisingly easy. There are regular flights to Jordan on the national carrier, Royal Jordanian , as well as several other international airlines. Amman and the nearby cities of Aqaba and Petra offer bus and taxi routes at a pretty inexpensive rate. The trip takes anywhere from two to four hours . This is a perfect amount of time to soak in the views on your drive through the desert.

We highly recommend reserving your transportation  in advance. Since bus tickets are cheaper, they tend to sell out fast. To preserve the integrity of the region, private vehicles are prohibited past Wadi Rum Village. If you want to get into the reserve, you will need to hire a guided camel tour or a 4-wheel-drive tour. Hop out into the back of a waiting Jeep, and watch as the city disappears beyond a cloud of red dust.

The Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum’s temperatures can fluctuate greatly. To avoid extreme weather, visit during in the spring (mid-March to mid-May). Although this is also peak tourist season, the desert offers enough space to escape the crowds and enjoy the comfortable weather. The average spring temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider hiring a Bedouin guide or staying at a camp off-the-grid.

Choose Your Own Adventure

There are several ways to explore Wadi Rum: By foot, camel, Jeep, or horseback. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. From immersing yourself in local culture to hiking protected canyon routes, the region offers something for low-key-travelers and thrill-seekers alike.

Here is our list of some must-see and must-do attractions:

Cultural Activities

• Have tea with the locals: Book a stay at Mohammed Mutlak Camp. Sip tea around a roaring fire and learn about traditional Bedouin life. Choose from eighteen private tents and enjoy an unpolluted view of a pure night sky. Each tent is complete with single beds, minimalist furniture, and a carpet that rolls onto an open desert expanse. Far from traditional camping, Mutlak offers full amenities, including full bathrooms, a running shower, and traditional dining.
• Take A Jeep Tour: If you want to see as many of the sites as you can, book a jeep tour. Meet with your Bedouin driver at one of the Wadi Rum Village tourist centers and then head out to tour the desert. Nothing beats traveling with a local. Jeeps can accommodate up to six people and prices vary depending on the length of the tour. On the road, expect to see amazing natural and archaeological wonders, including the natural rock formations Burdha Arch and Umm Fruth. Make sure to stop by Khazali canyon to see prehistoric inscriptions and the famed Lawrence of Arabia’s house.

Adventure Activities

• Go for a Hike:  Feeling adventurous? Go a little off-road and explore the desert by foot. For nature lovers , nothing beats trekking through the unknown in a magnificent ecosystem. Your Bedouin guide will lead you on some of the area’s oldest routes including goat roads used by nomadic families. Depending on your level of fitness and experience, there are several trails to choose from. The Al-Shallaleh Spring trail offers an easier hike. More seasoned hikers might opt for a five-day desert trek complete with climbs and camping out under the stars.
• Travel Back to 1916: Dive into history with a live re-enactment of the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans. The Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC) by Hijaz railway offers an immersive experience for guests to witness a piece of the region’s history. Troops ride, guns blaze, and dust flies. As the JHRC said, this is often “how nations are born.” 
• Go sand-boarding: Take a drive to the biggest dunes in the area and grab a board. One of the most popular activities for tourists is sand-boarding . It’s easy to see why. Normally, it's best to hit the sandy slopes in the morning before temperatures get too high. Try something new. We guarantee you'll have a good time. 

For the Photographers

• Snap Some Unforgettable Photos: For photographers seeking the perfect shot , head to the hills. Often, capturing the best view can be a bit of a trek but it’s well worth the memories. While Lawrence’s Spring is often cited as the spot to see, avoid the most touristy sites and head for something more scenic. Jabal Umm ad Dami offers a unique opportunity to explore the mountainous terrain on camelback. For an epic sunset, we can’t think of a better place to watch it than from atop Burdah Rock Bridge.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty of places to stay in Wadi Rum, we highly recommend booking a stay at a traditional Bedouin camp. For desert dining, stargazing, and culture Wadi Rum Night offers it all. While it is more luxury than camping, you’ll have a truly exceptional experience. There are several different types of accommodations. Among these include Full of Stars Hotel, glamping, and several luxury tents. Each offers something different to the traveler.

Full of Stars offers you the opportunity to experience the night sky in a beautifully-decorated bubble room. Inside you have a full bedroom, bathroom, and endless views of an expansive desert landscape. If you’d rather opt for a tent, you’ll be treated to a full bed, solar power, and a private terrace with fantastic views over the Wadi Rum Mountains.

Credit: Lawrence Murray

Your hosts have an extensive knowledge of the area, activities, and best places to sightsee. Make sure to ask them about their favorite places and excursions.

Visit Wadi Rum

For those seeking a trip off the beaten path, Wadi Rum offers a truly unforgettable experience. From natural to archaeological wonders, the desert beauty does not cease to enchant its visitors. If you’re looking to book a vacation, now is the time. Experience the spring beauty of Jordan’s magical wilderness. Take the time to immerse yourself in a land steeped in tradition and learn about the early origins of human history. You can’t miss Wadi Rum.

Related Article: Where Was The Martian Filmed? The Answer Might Surprise You

About The Author

Danielle Dougall

Danielle Dougall is a photographer, avid writer, and traveler. Hailing from the rainy city of Seattle, WA she now lives in southern California where she enjoys longboarding, hiking, coffee shop hopping, and dreaming up destinations for her next international trip.

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Wadi Rum Blog – Visiting Jordan’s Desert Valley Of The Moon

Like the surface of Mars, the vast and beautiful Wadi Rum desert is a captivating place. Forget the Lawrence of Arabia association for a while (although I have to admit, that was a big part of my interest in visiting) and enjoy the silence, the tough beauty, and the calm. Wadi Rum is breathtaking and according to UNESCO, is recognised globally as an iconic desert landscape. The protected area is recognised as a World Heritage Site since 2011. The Bedouin (nomadic tribespeople) in Wadi Rum live off tourism but still preserve many of their traditional ways. Overtourism has not reached this part of the world so you can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the silence.

I spent a few days in Wadi Rum on an 8-day trip to Jordan . Here are my thoughts on this stunning place and some travel tips for anyone thinking of visiting.

One of the most captivating places I’ve been to in over 25 years of travel

Where is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum (Rum Valley) is a desert valley in the mountains to the south of Jordan, near Aqaba and the Saudi Arabia border. It’s a barren, red place mainly populated by geckos, eagles, and camels. When it rains, hibernating desert plants spring out of the sand changing the landscape from red to green.

It’s a quiet and empty place. And that’s part of the charm. The Jordanian government has done a good job of keeping the national park as untouched as possible. There are no hotels and westernised shopping malls inside the national park. Traditional Bedouin camps and tourist camps are the only man-made features. All are low-key and located in inconspicuous spots around the valley.

The Wadi Rum desert area lacks any kind of infrastructure. You won’t see any true roads apart from the one heading to the village from the highway. Four-wheel drive vehicles buzz around the landscape and leave tracks in the sand. But the tracks are temporary and do little damage to the environment.

How much does it cost to enter Wadi Rum?

It’s free to enter Wadi Rum. But without a guide or transport and without somewhere to stay at night, you won’t have the best experience. (If you’re the kind that likes to make your own adventure, go right ahead) 

You can’t enter the valley (past the Bedouin village) in your own (or rented) vehicle. So if you plan on going it alone in Wadi Rum, you’ll be on foot from that point. At the risk of sounding obvious, this is the desert and it can be hazardous to your health. Be prepared. 

Most of the travellers I met had pre-booked their entire stay and activities in Wadi Rum. I’d advise you to do the same as it makes things easier to manage and it can work out cheaper. You can book accommodation in advance and just turn up but you’ll find it harder to bargain and find the right activity deal for you. You might also find that everything is booked.

There are limited spaces across all of the Bedouin camp operators and tour providers so avoid disappointment and check it out in advance. Everyone else is doing it.

Camping Overnight

Everyone should camp overnight in the desert wadi. It’s a fantastic experience and inexpensive. The camping grounds are scattered around the valley but are inconspicuous and low profile.

A word of warning: unscrupulous tour operators that don’t have a licence to lead groups in Wadi Rum often trick visitors into camping outside of the UNESCO World Heritage area . I haven’t seen these areas, and by all accounts, they are beautiful places to stay. But if you’re here to visit the real Wadi Rum, make sure you stay with a reputable guide. The GPS on your phone will also show you if you’ve strayed too far off track. 

Most of the camps will provide food in the form of a traditional underground bbq , called a zarb . That’s the food that goes underground, not you. Your evening’s entertainment will be traditional Bedouin songs, played by musicians who also double as cooks, guides, and most likely, your driver for the Wadi Rum tours.

The tents range from square framed shacks with material stitched onto the outside to luxury tents good enough for the likes of Elon Musk. 

I stayed at the Bedouin Lifestyle Camp , which by all means, is similar to the other camps. There are few differences between the aesthetics of the Bedouin camps dotted around the Wadi. This is a basic place but it’s fine for solo travellers as it forces you to get out and meet people.

My accommodation was a little more modest. A tiny square box with a hole in the wall (a window that wouldn’t shut) and a thin mattress gave the place an air of prison cell, albeit with free entry and exit. But who was complaining?

If you want something a little different, and are prepared to pay for it, the Sun City camp might be your thing. This is glamping at its most glam (for the desert, at least). If you’ve been researching Jordan you might have seen images of the camp’s domed tents. The one’s that look like something Matt Damon inhabited in the movie The Martian. That’s the place. #instagramfriendly

The Desert Night Sky

At night in the desert, there is little light pollution and you’ll have almost uninterrupted views of the night sky and the stars. This part of the world has been inhabited for almost half a million years. The only thing that has changed is the people. The scenery and stars look similar to how they did when the first inhabitants arrived. 

If you’ve seen the movie The Martian , with Matt Damon, you’ll recognise the scenery here. How about Rogue One (Star Wars) or Prometheus ? Yep, this place is Hollywood’s “go to” spot for Mars or other world scenery shoots. 

Lawrence of Arabia

In the movie of the same name, the legendary T.E. Lawrence fought with the Arabs and the Bedouin against Turkish rule back in 1917. The movie of Lawrence’s life (based on the 7 Pillars of Wisdom book) was partly filmed here and Wadi Rum stands in for, well, Wadi Rum.

One of my favourite movies, Lawrence of Arabia kickstarted the Jordan tourist industry . Word has it that the man himself is not popular. In fact he’s reviled by a lot of Jordanians. But it hasn’t stopped tourist dollars from softening his image. If you believe the press, the man’s a hero to the Bedouin.

And some creative naming around the valley means you’ll see some Lawrence-related “landmarks” every now and again. The S even Pillars cliff (named after Lawrence’s book) is just a cliff. In a brilliant marketing ploy, someone decided to link this spot with the famous British soldier. It worked.

Don’t forget: #Sevenpillars

Lawrence Spring sounds like a delicious oasis with crystalline cold water. Don’t get too excited. The spring resembles a puddle of water etched into the side of a mountain. To get to this slightly underwhelming landmark, you have to scramble up about 500 metres of rock. I loved the climb up. It was great to stretch the legs after a lot of driving.

If you’re not fit or you’ve got hip problems, skip this part. But it’s a great spot to look out over the places T.E. would have looked at every day. It wouldn’t have looked much different.

Wadi Rum Tours & Activities

Most tours are for 4-8 people and there’s often space for one more. Solo travellers to Jordan won’t be left out. The independent and lone travellers I met weren’t disadvantaged (although most visitors travelled as couples). Accommodation options for solo people are plenty. Many of the places to stay at the low-mid price range are no cheaper for couples. 

I recommend you do a full day trip tour by 4WD. Using camels as transport might sound more romantic but it takes a lot more time to cover ground.

There’s a lot to see and do here and you probably don’t want saddle soreness and rash to hamper the rest of your visit.

My initial thoughts about spending 5 or more hours in the back of a 4WD taking photos out the side weren’t happy ones. I decided to look for an alternative. I soon found out that there aren’t any. So with some reluctance, I signed up for the long tour. Happily, that turned out to be the better choice. 

The entire tour took almost 7 hours (a real day trip) and it wasn’t just an opportunity to take photos. We got to hike up to Lawrence spring, take sandboards out on the sand dunes (like snowboarding but in the desert), climb up mini-mountains to gaze at beautiful vistas, visit beautiful rock formations such as the Umm Fruth Rock Bridge, walk through the Petra-like valley formation called Jebel Khaz’ali, drink tea with the Bedouin, and tick off a few locations made famous by that guy Lawrence again.

After a day in the back of a 4-wheel drive, running up sand dunes, and climbing the sides of valleys, the thin-mattressed bench in my airy shack was calling. As basic as it was, I quickly fell asleep. After what seemed like 10 seconds, I woke to the sound of hammering on my door and a constant white noise outside the shack. Rain. 

Someone had come to deliver a wake up call. It was pouring and a 2 to 3-inch sheet of water ran between shacks by this stage. 

I did what any sensible person would do and went back to sleep. With my earplugs in. After another 10 seconds, someone else called by to find out if I’d drowned or not. They must have done a headcount and noticed someone was missing. It was one of the Italians I had befriended and in Italian-Spanish-English, they made it clear that I had to get moving, right then. 

By this stage, the water had turned into a mini torrent. I trudged up to the large tent at higher ground and found that I had nowhere to sleep. The other campers had taken all the mattresses and spaces on the floor. Fair enough. I had nobody to blame for that one. The Italians took pity on me again and shifted their things around to offer me some space. Grazie. 

From experience, sleeping in large tents with full-bellied, weary travellers in an enclosed space is like trying to sleep at a chainsaw convention. I plugged my ears, moved the half-eaten chicken leg from dinner out of the way of my face on the floor and tried to sleep. And to my surprise, I did.

Wadi Rum Climbing

If you’re into climbing and bouldering, the valley is an awesome location. The granite and sandstone rock here is perfect for  There are millions of potential routes here with some well known climbs marked out and maintained. The Crag website for climbers lists over 60 known routes. Winter is climbing season as the 40C summer temperatures make things a little uncomfortable. 

This is one of the best places in the middle east to trek . The Jordan Tourist Board promotes the activity and encouraging trekkers, hikers, and walkers to visit Jordan by supporting organisations that develop mark hiking trails throughout the country.

Hiking tours are popular but you can walk any of the routes alone. The Jordan Trail is a popular trail promoted by tourist boards. The Jordan Trail is long distance trail running the length of the country. It’s a 40-day hike so not for the casual walker but with some training and a steady pace, any fit hiker should be able to tackle it. Passing from forests in the north to wadis and mountain villages like Petra and finally to Aqaba on the Red Sea, the Jordan Trail is a great addition to any hiker’s bucket list. I don’t maintain a bucket list but this trail is on my mental list of things I’d like to do. 

One interesting aspect of the trails in Jordan is that many of them have been used for thousands of years. Walking the length of the country was something travellers had to do as part of their migrations, family duties, work, and trading.

In 2019 (March to April) an annual event called the Jordan Thru-Hike  takes in 684km of challenging trails. It costs 3000 JOD, which is around 4200 USD or 3700 EUR. The price includes food, water, accommodation, and a local guide.  

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Ballooning is a thing too. I can’t vouch for the safety or quality but searches on Google for “hot air balloon accident Wadi Rum” return nothing. I assume that it’s safe. 

The Wadi Rum Bedouin camp runs hot air balloon trips of 1 hour starting early in the morning. Rum Stars (love the name) also does trips. The cost is 150 JOD, which isn’t cheap by any means, but I guess they burn a lot of fuel getting that balloon airborne. Fuel in the form of gas/petrol isn’t cheap in Jordan, despite (or maybe because of) its oil-rich neighbours.

Weather in Wadi Rum

It’s a desert so expect a hot and dry atmosphere for most of the year. The summer is blisteringly hot but humidity is low. In the winter it can get very cold. I visited in November and it was freezing at night. Thermals, hats and gloves outside at night are essential. Unless you’re from Norway or something.

The Wadi rum desert in December and January is colder again and less frequented by tourists. Don’t expect to use the hotel pool during this time though.

The maximum average temperature in July and August is 35C and this drops to 14C in December and January. There’s a regular sloping scale between these two times. 

• Spring (March to May): The warmer weather kickstarts the growth of plants all over the valley after the rains. A beautiful time to visit but this is also peak season (along with autumn/fall)
• Summer (June to August) : Hot, dry and sunny. Best for early morning and late evening sightseeing.
• Autumn/Fall (September to November): More bearable daytime temperatures. Easier to see the (later) sunrise and (earlier) sunset. Peak hiking and trekking season. More crowds.
• Winter (December to February): expect rain, nicer daytime temperatures, cold evenings and nights, some cloud cover.

Travel To And From Wadi Rum

To the Dead Sea From Wadi Rum to the dead sea your best bet is to rent a car (in Aqaba or Amman ) or take a taxi from the Wadi Rum village. Call for the taxi in advance as they don’t hang around for long.

To Petra A bus leaves once a day from Wadi Rum to Petra . It’s a comfortable and fast bus and caters to tourists so it generally leaves on time. Ask the camp managers for the departure times (usually midday)

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7 Reasons To Fall In Love With Spectacular Wadi Rum

• Destinations
• Middle East

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of many wonders. From Roman ruins to the stunning remnants of the ancient Nabataean civilization, it’s impossible not to become swept up in the splendor of this awe-inspiring and welcoming country.

Among the many must-sees in Jordan is Wadi Rum — Valley of the Moon — located in Jordan’s southwestern corner. (A “wadi” is defined as a valley, river, or channel that is dry, except in the rainy season.) The drive to the wadi on main roads takes 3.5 hours from Jordan’s capital of Amman, 1.5 hours from the marvels of Petra, and less than one hour from the coastal city of Aqaba. Some hotels arrange bus tours, or you can negotiate a taxi from Aqaba and Petra, but a rental car will give you the most flexibility.

My husband, guide dog, and I spent 24 unforgettable hours under the spell of Wadi Rum and the delightful Bedouin family who acted as our guides and hosts at Saleh’s Safari Camp and Tours . There we discovered a world set apart from anything we had experienced before or since. Here are a few of the reasons we fell in love with Wadi Rum, and why you will, too.

1. The Inhospitable Yet Eerily Beautiful Desert Landscape

We first met Saleh upon our arrival in Wadi Rum Village. After securing our luggage and us in the bed of his 4×4, he headed into the desert. There are a number of ways to travel, including on camelback, but for us, bumping along in the back of the pickup was perfect.

The deeper we drove into the desert, the more alien it appeared. The sand was red in some places and yellow in others. Outcroppings of jagged rock formations, sand dunes of all sizes, scrub brush, and the occasional tree rolled by. As the sun climbed higher, the land took on a baron, lifeless appearance. But the desert was very much alive.

A woman herded goats, while other goats grazed on whatever was growing in craggy rock surfaces. Animals, reptiles, and even small birds were present but preferred the cold night to the heat of the scorching sun.

In 1998, the Jordanian government declared Wadi Rum a protected area. This act recognized the need to preserve its fragile environment, as well as its unique natural and cultural history while acknowledging the importance of tourism to the local economy.

The vast majority of people living in the Wadi Rum area are of Bedouin origin. They rely heavily on tourism to sustain themselves and their families. However, they have not lost the ability to be self-sufficient, thanks to the resourcefulness handed down through millennia from their ancestors.

Pro Tip: The visitor center is located opposite the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom . This is the main gateway to Wadi Rum. There you will find a reception area, information, bathrooms, restaurants, and shops. If you are driving a rental car, you’ll have to leave it behind before entering the protected area.

2. The Magnificent Rock Formations

Many of the rocks we saw on our drive through Wadi Rum were, well, rocks. However, some took on interesting shapes, while others held ancient secrets.

The Border Rock Bridge (Jebel Burdah), located in the southeast of the protected area, towered above us. It is considered one of the world’s largest natural rock arches.

Khazali Canyon, a narrow fissure in a mountainside, required a bit of a scramble over rocks to reach the entrance, but it was definitely worth it. On one wall, 7th-century Arabic inscriptions praised Allah. On the other, Nabatean drawings from as far back as 2,500 B.C. depicted mountain goats and other desert animals, as well as human figures. 

Pro Tip: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and sturdy comfortable walking shoes or boots for negotiating sand and rock

3. The Reminders Of Films Old And New

It didn’t take long for us to understand why Wadi Rum’s landscape has inspired Hollywood to choose this location to shoot unearthly films such as Martian and Red Planet . But perhaps the most enduring film shot at Wadi Rum was the 1962 classic, Lawrence of Arabia .

Lawrence is still revered to this day. That is why it came as no surprise when we found ourselves gazing at Lawrence’s Spring, a tiny oasis sheltered by overhanging rock. According to legend, this was where the man himself washed during the Arab Revolt.

4. The Thrill Of A Glorious Desert Sunset

Saleh promised us an incredible sunset, and he was true to his word. He deposited us near a rock formation facing the distant mountains, and my husband climbed to the top of the rocks to get that perfect shot.

The surrounding landscape began to take on a deepening reddish tinge. The sky gradually lost its azure hue, turning to a softer blue and then to pink, as the sun slowly changed from flaming yellow to hazy orange. As soon as the sun disappeared, darkness descended almost immediately, allowing only a brief period of twilight.

Pro Tip: Early spring and late fall are the best times to visit Wadi Rum.

5. The Tantalizing Tastes Of Traditional Foods

Upon our arrival at the camp, we headed for the communal tent for dinner and conversation. Saleh’s wife, Alia, had prepared a traditional feast for us.

A sumptuous spread of tantalizing salads lay along one side of the sitting area. Alia had assembled a large pot of upside-down chicken, a hardy dish popular throughout Jordan, as the centerpiece. She had layered chicken pieces, eggplant, cauliflower, spices, and rice in a large pot. When the dish was ready, a platter was placed on top of the pot, and the entire thing inverted. When the pot was lifted, the dish was as pleasing to the eye as it was a delight to consume. We washed everything down with copious amounts of a popular tea blend that had a mild, pleasant flavor.

6. The Silence And Solitude Of Night In The Desert

After dinner, we walked the short distance to our tent. It was spacious and clean. It also had electric lighting and outlets for charging our phones, courtesy of solar power.

Alia had piled our bed with warm blankets against the cold desert night. With the addition of our sweats, we were warm and comfortable.

We were fortunate to have the bathrooms only a few yards from our tent. They, too, were clean, and functional. No WiFi, but the complete silence, clear sky, full moon, and bright stars more than made up for it.

Pro Tip: Bring a flashlight, in case there’s no moon.

7. The Warmth Of Bedouin Hospitality

Saleh’s Safari Camp and Tours consistently garners a five-star rating on Tripadvisor and has earned the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. The accolades are well deserved, as we can attest.

Jordan is a Muslim country, and the same laws relating to access with a certified service animal in other countries don’t apply. I wrote in advance to ask if my guide dog would be allowed to accompany us and received an immediate affirmative response.

The next morning, following an excellent breakfast, we had the opportunity to spend a little time with Saleh, Alia, and some of their brood. Alia, who is as delightful as she is accomplished, tried to teach us a few Arabic words, all of which we have long forgotten.

When we reluctantly took our leave; it was with hugs and the sense we were leaving pieces of our hearts with these warm, hardworking, generous people of Wadi Rum.

Pro Tip: If you plan to be in Jordan for several days, consider purchasing a Jordan Pass online before you leave home. Your entry visa fees, admission to 40 attractions (including Wadi Rum), and downloadable brochures make it a true value.

For more on Jordan:

• 6 Key Things To Know About Jordan Culture
• 8 Fascinating Facts About Petra, Jordan

Penny Zibula has been a freelance writer and blogger since she retired in 2013. Her background is in public relations and community outreach, with stints as a newspaper reporter, television talk show host, and producer. She applies her life-long love of learning and passion for travel to her writing about destinations, history, culture, food, and accessibility.

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The Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan: A Travel Guide

The awe-inspiring Wadi Rum Protected Area lies in the heart of Jordan 's southern desert, a stunning expanse of sandstone cliffs, rugged mountains, and sweeping desert landscapes. 

This unique region is steeped in history and culture, inhabited by nomadic tribes for thousands of years. With its incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and countless opportunities for adventure, it's no wonder that Wadi Rum has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. 

In this travel guide, we'll take you through Wadi Rum, sharing everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a new adventure, Wadi Rum will captivate your heart and soul.

If you're looking for an  Egypt Jordan Tour , have a look at our tours above - we might have the right one for you.

The history of Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a valley in Jordan's southern desert region. It is one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The area is renowned for its unique rock formations, dunes, and vast open spaces. 

The history of Wadi Rum dates back to prehistory when nomadic hunter-gatherers roamed the area. Early artifacts have been found in the area that dates back to around 12,000 BCE. During this time, Wadi Rum was home to several nomadic tribes who lived off the land and hunted wild animals for food. 

During ancient times, Wadi Rum was part of the Nabataean kingdom, which extended from Syria to Egypt. The Nabataeans were trading people who developed an extensive network of trade routes throughout the Middle East and North Africa. They built several cities in Wadi Rum, including Petra, their capital city. 

In the 7th century CE, Wadi Rum became part of the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate, which stretched from Spain to India at its peak. Many Bedouin tribes moved into Wadi Rum and began herding sheep and goats to survive in this harsh environment. 

In 1917, during World War I, Lawrence of Arabia led an Arab revolt against Ottoman rule in Wadi Rum with help from local Bedouin tribesmen who provided invaluable assistance during his campaign. This revolt eventually led to British rule over Jordan after World War I ended in 1918. 

After World War II ended in 1945, Wadi Rum became a tourist destination for visitors worldwide, drawn by its unique landscape and rich cultural heritage. In 1998, it was declared a protected area by UNESCO due to its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. 

Today, Wadi Rum is a popular tourist destination with visitors worldwide to explore its unique landscape and experience its rich cultural heritage firsthand. It is also home to many Bedouin tribes living off the land as they have done for centuries. The area has become an important symbol for Jordanians, representing their proud past and connection with nature and their environment.

Where is Wadi Rum located?

The exact location of Wadi Rum is in the southwest corner of Jordan, close to the border with Saudi Arabia. It lies within a large desert region known as the Great Arabian Desert and covers an area of 720 square kilometers (280 square miles). The nearest cities are Aqaba to the west, Petra to the north, and Amman to the east. 

The landscape of Wadi Rum is dominated by its towering mountains, which rise from the desert floor like sentinels. These mountains are made of sandstone eroded over time by wind and water into dramatic shapes such as arches, cliffs, canyons, gorges and valleys. The highest peak in Wadi Rum is Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1,734 meters (5,700 feet). 

The desert floor is covered with dunes that shift with the wind, creating ever-changing patterns. There are also numerous springs which provide a water source for wildlife, including ibex and foxes, as well as for nomadic Bedouin tribes who have lived in this area for centuries. 

Wadi Rum has long been a popular destination for adventurers exploring its rugged beauty on foot or by camel or jeep. Visitors can explore ancient rock art sites left by early inhabitants or participate in rock climbing or sandboarding down its dunes. There are also several luxury campsites where visitors can stay overnight under canvas or in traditional Bedouin tents while enjoying starlit skies and campfire stories around a crackling fire.

The Bedouins of Wadi Rum

The Bedouins of Wadi Rum are a unique group of people who have lived in the desert for centuries. They are nomadic and have adapted to the harsh environment of the desert. They live in tents, travel on camelback, and rely on their resources to survive. 

The Bedouins have a strong sense of community and tradition. They are fiercely loyal to their families and clans and take pride in their culture and heritage. They have a deep respect for nature, reflected in their lifestyle. They use the resources from the desert to sustain themselves, such as collecting firewood, hunting animals, gathering wild plants, and harvesting dates from palm trees. 

The Bedouins are incredibly hospitable and welcome visitors into their homes with open arms. They will often invite visitors to stay for dinner or even spend the night in one of their tents. Visitors will be treated with traditional Bedouin hospitality, which includes sharing stories around a campfire or enjoying a cup of tea made from local herbs. 

The Bedouins are also known for their music and artistry. Music is integral to their culture; it expresses emotions, tells stories, and celebrates special occasions. Traditional instruments include drums, flutes, lutes, violins, and ouds (Arabic stringed instruments). The Bedouins also create beautiful artwork, such as rugs and jewelry, that reflect their culture and beliefs. 

The Bedouins of Wadi Rum are integral to Jordanian culture; they exemplify how people can adapt to harsh conditions while maintaining a strong sense of identity and community. Their hospitality is renowned throughout the region; they offer visitors a unique insight into life in the desert that cannot be found anywhere else.

When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?

The best time to visit Wadi Rum depends on what type of experience you're looking for. If you want to explore the desert in peace and quiet, then the winter months are your best bet. From December to February, temperatures are mild and comfortable during the day, making it ideal for exploration. The nights can be chilly, so bring warm clothing to camp in the desert. 

If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, summer is the best time to visit Wadi Rum. From June to August, temperatures can get quite hot during the day (upwards of 40 degrees Celsius), making it perfect for rock climbing and sandboarding down dunes. The nights are cooler and more comfortable than during the day, making it ideal for camping out under the stars. 

No matter when you choose to visit Wadi Rum, plenty of activities available year-round will make your trip unforgettable. You can explore ancient ruins like Lawrence's Spring or take a camel ride through the desert landscape. You can also take a jeep tour or hike up one of its many mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities for stargazing at night - truly magical in this part of Jordan!

How much does it cost to visit Wadi Rum?

The cost of visiting Wadi Rum can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. Generally, the biggest expenses will be accommodation, transportation, and tours or activities.

If you're on a budget, you can pay around 10-20 JOD (14-28 USD) per night for a basic campsite or homestay. However, for a more luxurious experience, you can expect to pay upwards of 100 JOD (140 USD) per night for a high-end desert camp or hotel.

Transportation costs will also vary depending on your mode of travel. If traveling independently, you can rent a car or take a public bus from Amman or Aqaba, which will cost around 5-15 JOD (7-21 USD) per person. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or join a guided tour ranging from 50-200 JOD (70-280 USD) per person, depending on the duration and inclusions.

Finally, the cost of tours and activities will depend on what you choose to do. A typical 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum will cost around 40-60 JOD (56-84 USD) per person, while longer tours or specialized activities like camel riding, rock climbing, or hot air balloon rides can cost upwards of 100 JOD (140 USD) per person.

With careful planning and budgeting, visiting Wadi Rum on various budgets is possible.

What's the best way to travel to Wadi Rum?

The best way to travel to Wadi Rum will depend on your starting point and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

• Private car or rental car:  If traveling from Amman or Aqaba, you can rent a car or hire a private driver to take you to Wadi Rum. This option gives you more flexibility and control over your itinerary and allows you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
• Public bus:  Regular buses run from Amman and Aqaba to Wadi Rum village. This is the most affordable option but it can be time-consuming and crowded.
• Taxi:  Taxis are available in Amman and Aqaba, and you can negotiate a price with the driver to take you to Wadi Rum. This option can be more expensive than the bus but faster and more convenient.
• Guided tour:  Many tour operators offer guided tours to Wadi Rum from Amman or Aqaba. This option covers all logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and activities. It can be a bit more expensive, but it's a great way to see all the area's highlights without hassle.

Ultimately, the best way to travel to Wadi Rum depends on your preferences, budget, and style.

What activities can travelers experience in Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum offers various activities for travelers of all interests and fitness levels. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Wadi Rum:

• Jeep tours:  One of the best ways to explore the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum is by taking a jeep tour. Experienced local drivers will take you on a thrilling ride through the desert, stopping at scenic viewpoints and historical sites.
• Camel rides:  Another classic desert experience is a ride through Wadi Rum. You can choose from short rides or multi-day treks through the desert, staying in traditional Bedouin camps.
• Rock climbing:  Wadi Rum is a world-famous rock climbing destination with towering sandstone cliffs that offer a range of climbing challenges for both beginner and advanced climbers.
• Hiking:  Wadi Rum has numerous hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Um Fruth Rock Bridge and the Burdah Rock Bridge trails.
• Hot air balloon rides:  For a truly unique perspective on Wadi Rum, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the desert. This experience offers unparalleled views of stunning landscapes and will surely be a highlight of any trip to the area.
• Stargazing:  With its clear skies and remote location, Wadi Rum is an excellent place for stargazing. You can join a guided stargazing tour or enjoy the stars from your desert camp.

These are just a few of the many activities that travelers can experience in Wadi Rum. Whatever your interests, there's something for everyone in this stunning desert wilderness.

Everything to know about Jeep tours in Wadi Rum

Jeep tours in Wadi Rum are a fantastic way to explore the beautiful desert landscape of Jordan. Wadi Rum is a stunning desert valley in the country's south with unique rock formations, ancient ruins, and breathtaking views. A jeep tour is a perfect way to enjoy all this area offers. Whether you're looking for a thrilling off-road adventure or a relaxing sightseeing experience, there's something for everyone. Here's everything you need to know about jeep tours in Wadi Rum.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that jeep tours in Wadi Rum are not just about driving around in a 4x4 vehicle. They are guided tours where you can learn about the history and culture of the area as well as take in some of its most spectacular sights. Most jeep tours include stops at various points of interest, such as Bedouin villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking vistas. Depending on your interests, you can choose from jeep tours ranging from half-day to multi-day excursions. 

When planning your Jeep tour in Wadi Rum, there are several things to consider. First and foremost is safety - it's important to make sure that you choose a reputable tour operator who has experience leading off-road trips through this rugged terrain. It's also essential to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with all necessary safety equipment, such as seatbelts and fire extinguishers. 

Another important factor when planning your jeep tour is cost - prices can vary significantly depending on the length of your trip and any additional services you may require, such as meals or overnight accommodation. It's also worth noting that some operators may offer discounts for groups or special packages for families or couples. 

Finally, it's important to think about what type of experience you want from your Jeep tour - do you want an adrenaline-filled off-road adventure, or would you prefer something more leisurely? If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, then look out for operators who offer more challenging routes with steep climbs and rocky terrain - but if relaxation is more your thing, then look out for operators who offer more leisurely routes with plenty of stops along the way so that you can take time to admire the scenery and learn about the local culture and history.

A detailed guide to rock climbing in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a world-renowned rock climbing destination with towering sandstone cliffs offering beginner and advanced climbers a range of climbing challenges. Here is a detailed guide to rock climbing in Wadi Rum:

• When to go:  The best time to rock climb in Wadi Rum is from September to May, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. During summer, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), challenging climbing.
• Planning your trip:  If you're an experienced climber, you can plan your climbing trip to Wadi Rum, but hiring a local guide who knows the area well and can provide you with the necessary equipment and support is recommended. You can also join a guided climbing tour, which covers all the logistics and includes accommodation, food, and transportation.
• Types of climbs:  Wadi Rum offers a wide range of climbing challenges, from easy beginner routes to multi-pitch climbs for experienced climbers. Some of the most famous climbs include:
• Jebel Rum: This is the highest peak in Wadi Rum, and climbing to the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding desert. The climb is challenging and requires advanced skills, but it's a bucket-list experience for many climbers.
• Burdah Rock Bridge:  This popular climbing spot in Wadi Rum, thanks to its iconic rock bridge and breathtaking views. The climb is relatively easy and suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers.
• Hammad's Route:  This classic multi-pitch climb takes you up a 300-meter (984-foot) sandstone wall. The climb is challenging and requires advanced skills, but the views from the top are well worth it.
• Safety and equipment:  As with any outdoor activity, safety is paramount when climbing in Wadi Rum. Always wear a helmet and harness, and make sure your equipment is in good condition. It's also essential to climb with a partner or a guide and to communicate clearly with your climbing partner and any support staff.
• Accommodation:  Many Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum offer comfortable accommodations for climbers, often in traditional tents or stone huts. Many of these camps also provide meals and other amenities, making them an ideal base for your climbing trip.

Rock climbing in Wadi Rum is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views, challenging climbs, and a deep sense of adventure. With careful planning and preparation, you can have a safe and rewarding climbing trip in this stunning desert wilderness.

Useful tips for travelers visiting Wadi Rum

If you're planning a trip to Wadi Rum, here are some valuable tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• Dress appropriately:  Wadi Rum is a desert region, so it's important to dress appropriately for the climate. Loose, lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs is recommended to protect you from the sun and sand. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are also a must for activities like hiking and climbing.
• Please bring plenty of water:  It's essential to stay hydrated in the desert, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Packing electrolyte tablets or sports drinks to replenish lost fluids and minerals is also good.
• Respect local culture:  Wadi Rum is home to a vibrant Bedouin culture, and it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when interacting with locals, and always ask permission before taking photos of people or their homes.
• Hire a local guide:  Hiring a local guide is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Wadi Rum and access some of the more remote and stunning areas of the desert. Local guides can also help you navigate the desert and ensure your safety during activities like hiking and climbing.
• Bring a headlamp or flashlight:  Wadi Rum is known for its stunning night skies, but navigating the desert after dark can be challenging. Bring a headlamp or flashlight to help you see in the dark and avoid potential hazards.
• Pack a first aid kit:  It's always a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit when traveling, especially in remote areas like Wadi Rum. Ensure to include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and medications.
• Be prepared for variable weather:  While Wadi Rum is generally warm and sunny, weather conditions can change quickly in the desert. Be prepared for sudden rain or windstorms by packing a lightweight rain jacket and dressing in layers.

By following these tips, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience in Wadi Rum.

Why is Wadi Rum a popular filming location?

Wadi Rum is a popular filming location due to its unique and otherworldly landscape. The desert's dramatic sandstone cliffs, vast expanses of sand, and unusual rock formations create a visually stunning and distinctive backdrop used in numerous films and TV shows.

Some of the most famous movies filmed in Wadi Rum include "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Martian," "Prometheus," and "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker." In science fiction films, the area's rugged and remote terrain has also been used as a stand-in for other planets and alien landscapes.

In addition to its striking scenery, Wadi Rum is a popular filming location due to its easy access and relatively low filming costs. The Jordanian government actively promotes the area as a filming destination and supports filmmakers through its Film Commission.

In conclusion, the Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable desert adventure. From exploring ancient rock art and ruins to hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing, there is no shortage of activities to experience in this stunning landscape.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Bedouin people, who have lived in the area for centuries and continue to maintain their traditional way of life. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, Wadi Rum offers something for everyone.

With this travel guide, we hope to provide you with all the information you need to plan your Wadi Rum adventure. We've covered all the essentials, from how to get there and where to stay, to what to see and do. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the beauty and wonder of Wadi Rum for yourself.

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What to do in Wadi Rum: Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Want to know what to do in Wadi Rum? Wadi Rum desert (also known as the Valley of the Moon) covers over 183,000 acres of land and lies in the south of Jordan.  It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions of the country and is somewhere every backpacker should have on their bucket list.

The red sands, sandstone rocks and otherworldly landscapes are enough to convince us we’re on another planet.  It’s so similar to the red planet, that it’s been used as a filming location for movies such as The Martian and Star Wars. Being such an area of natural beauty, it was proclaimed as a protected area back in 1997.

Knowing this, there’s no surprise that Wadi Rum is one of the best locations to visit when in Jordan. In this post, you’ll be able to create a bucket list of activities of the best things to do in Wadi Rum (plus how to visit, where to stay and any travel information you might need). So, let’s get started with the best things to do in Wadi Rum Jordan!

​​Visiting Jordan? Check out my other posts below:

• Is The Jordan Pass Worth It? A Must-Read Before Purchasing!
• Tipping in Jordan: Everything You Need To Know
• Driving in Jordan: The Ultimate Car Hire Guide
• Where To Stay In Wadi Rum: Best Desert & Bubble Camps

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

What to do in Wadi Rum: A Summary

Your trip to Wadi Rum will be full of adventure. From driving over sand dunes on 4x4s, stargazing, and hiking to spotting petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back over 12,00 years ago, Wadi Rum is a magical place in Jordan.

To make your stay in Wadi Rum even more special, opportunists have jumped at the chance to build unique bubble tents and domes. They’re strategically placed in the middle of the desert , surrounded by nothing but sand and 4×4 trucks, making your experience feel like you’re visiting another planet. ➡ You can view the best places to stay in Wadi Rum here.

If you’re visiting Wadi Rum for the first time, there are some activities that you won’t want to miss out on; from the 4×4 tours to spotting some of the momentous landmarks. Most hotels and bubble domes will organise these tours for you, and it’s worth checking with your accommodation before you arrive. This will make your visit to Wadi Rum a lot easier.

➡ Need accommodation in Wadi Rum? You can check out the best places to stay in here.

Book your flights to Jordan now!

Wh ere to stay in wadi rum.

🏆 TOP CHOICE: UFO Luxotel Camp

The UFO Luxotel camp in Wadi Rum was one of the best unique stays we have ever experienced, and if we were to return to Wadi Rum, we would stay here again! The staff are sweet and kind and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The food is amazing, served in a buffet style for breakfast and lunch, with vegetarian options and Western-style food, as well as local cuisines.

UFO Luxotel has the classic bubble dome rooms, with views overlooking the desert, seemingly in the ‘middle of nowhere’. All rooms come with A/C and wifi, and a large balcony with a hammock.

➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

Tour option

🏜️If you want to try out something different from what your hotel offers, check out this option – guided jeep tour with traditional tribe foods tastings and an opportunity to spend the night.

Top 12 things to do in Wadi Rum

1. explore the wadi rum desert by 4×4.

One of the best things to do in the Wadi Rum desert is to explore by 4×4. Due to the large sand dunes and uneven terrain of the desert, it is not recommended that you use your own car to travel around. Instead, hotels and accommodations put on 4×4 tours for you to see the desert with a knowledgeable and expert guide (who is also usually a Bedouin local).

Most hotels in Wadi Rum offer either a two, three or four-hour tour around the desert. Most start in the afternoon, so you can finish in time to watch the sunset over the dramatic landscapes. These tours are inexpensive but contact your accommodation directly to find out prices.

Due to the sheer size of the desert (it stretches all the way to Saudi Arabia!), it is not recommended to explore by yourself. It’s easy to get lost, and the midday sun is stifling. If you want to visit the landmarks and most historical parts of the desert, book a 4×4 tour!

We stayed at the UFO Luxotel , and they organised all of our tours for us. They were reasonably priced, and had amazing local Bedouin tour guides. We couldn’t recommend them enough! ➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

2. Take a stargazing tour in Wadi Rum at night

Stargazing is another amazing activity to do in Wadi Rum. It is again, inexpensive, but an experience that you’ll always remember. There is little light pollution in Wadi Rum, so you can spot the stars on your own, but talking to a guide and using professional telescopes is an incredible experience. The telescopes used in the tour cost over £50,000, meaning we could see some of the stars, planets and satellites clearer than with the naked eye.

Not only did we learn more about the stars and constellations, but we were able to hold and look at some ancient artefacts found in Wadi Rum. As the desert used to be entirely engulfed by the ocean, we were able to hold a shark’s tooth that was thousands of years old.

Our hotel, the UFO Luxotel , organised our experience, and it took place a few minutes from our bubble domes, meaning we could head straight back to the bar afterwards!

3. Drink tea in a traditional Bedouin camp

The local Bedouin nomads have roamed Jordan’s land for centuries, with the belief that they arrived in the Middle East as early as the 14th Century. When it comes to talking about their country, the desert and their way of life, they’re the best Jordanian tour guides you can find.

As you travel around the desert on your 4×4 tour, you will stop at many local Bedouin camps, and be offered hand-made souvenirs and fresh tea. Many will invite you to sit around the fire, as you listen to the stories of their lives and families. Some may even play music, and invite you to dance. It’s an amazing and eye-opening way to see a snapshot of their way of life.

If you’d like to spend more time with the local Bedouin people, you can stay in a traditional Bedouin camp. You can check out some of the best unique Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum here.

🇯🇴 FUN FACT: Guests to the Bedouin culture can stay in their homes for up to three days without any questions being asked. It is only on the fourth day that the host can ask why they are there, and who they are!

4. Sleep in a unique bubble dome in Wadi Rum

Another incredible and unique thing to do in Wadi Rum is to stay in a bubble dome. Bubble domes and tents in Wadi Rum started popping up after Matt Damon’s Hollywood movie The Martian. They’re a different way to experience the desert, as most have transparent ceilings to watch the stars, and hot tubs on the balcony to soak in the views.

Staying in a bubble dome gives you an ‘outer-worldy’ experience, and from my first-hand experience, it  does  feel like your own little bubble on Mars. If you are visiting Wadi Rum for the first time, we recommend staying for at least 3-4 nights.  If you can only budget for 1-2 nights in a bubble tent, book a special stay for a night, then  move to a cheaper Bedouin tent to explore more of the desert.

We were fortunate enough to have stayed in the UFO Luxotel . It’s one of the most remote bubble hotels, and we did truly feel like we were on another planet. When you book your stay, it’s inclusive of both breakfast and lunch (served buffet style), and you can book as many desert tours as you desire. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one I highly recommend!

➡ You can book your stay at the UFO Luxotel here , or view all bubble domes in Wadi Rum here !

5. Hike through the Wadi Rum desert

Most activities in Wadi Rum are organised with a guide. Whilst you can hike by yourself, I still recommend speaking to your hotel and telling them where you are going before setting off.

Hiking in Wadi Rum is one of the most popular things to do. From climbing gigantic rocks to walking around stone bridges, it’s an incredible experience for any adrenaline junkie. However, it can be dangerous if you do not know where you are going, or don’t have enough water. It’s important to remember that Wadi Rum is a desert . The heat during the day (especially during the summer months) is stifling. Be prepared, carry a map, tell your hotel where you are going, and if you can; hire a guide.

6. Experience either a sunrise or sunset in Wadi Rum

As you can imagine, the sunsets in Wadi Rum are not to be missed. You’ll watch as the sky turns from blue to blood orange, to a deep red and finally an overpowering, blushing pink. It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen.

As long as you have an unobstructed view of the sky, you can see the sunset from all over Wadi Rum. However, some people like to hike to some of the higher rocks and stones to watch. Our 4×4 tour run by the UFO Luxotel stopped just before sunset so we could watch it by ourselves from one of the best viewpoints in the desert!

7. Walk in Matt Damon’s footsteps by visiting the filming locations of ‘The Martian’

It’s no secret that the local Bedouins and Jordanians are proud that the successful Matt Damon, Hollywood movie was filmed in the Wadi Rum Desert. The landscapes of Wadi Rum look exactly like the terrain of Mars, and visiting some of the Martian filming locations is a fun experience!

If you have a good tour guide, they will tell you where Matt Damon was when he was filming, and some fun behind-the-scenes facts. I won’t spoil it for you now, but visiting the filming locations is definitely one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum!

8. Admire the Nabataean inscriptions

Another spot in Wadi Rum to add to your list is the thousands of years old petroglyphs made by the Nabateans. An Arab nomad tribe who was first known to be around in the sixth century BC , the Nabateans are the same group of people who built the lost city of Petra. As they were often moving and travelling to the surrounding lands, they created petroglyphs to communicate with those arriving after them.

Admiring the ancient petroglyphs is one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum, and the local Bedouins are glad to tell you more about their history. Just expect the sites to get busy – we had to share our experience here with many other tourists!

9. Learn about the history of Lawrence of Arabia

As you travel around the Wadi Rum desert, you will be able to visit the Lawrence Canyon and Lawrence House, where Lawrence of Arabia supposedly lived. A British Intelligence Officer living in Jordan in the 19th century, he acted as the liaison officer between the British government and the Arab tribes.

10. Walk across the Umm Al Froth rock bridge

At fifteen metres high, the Umm Al Froth rock bridge isn’t for the faint-hearted! Whilst most opt to stay on the ground, you can climb up the rock side to walk across this famous natural structure. Due to the unique rock formations, it is one of the most photographed and visited areas in Wadi Rum.

🇯🇴 FUN FACT: Most local Bedouins are able to safely climb steep rockfaces without any additional support! This is something that is believed to have developed from living in these types of landscapes for centuries. But don’t worry; if you want to climb the rockface today, small carvings and footholds have been made to make it easier for tourists.

11. Visit Mushroom Rock

Another popular rock formation that’s popular to photograph in Wadi Rum! Mushroom Rock is called Mushroom Rock simply because of its strange shape (like a large mushroom, of course). It’s also a great shaded spot to shelter from the desert sun!

12. Ride the Wadi Rum steam train

The Wadi Rum steam train is an original from the Arab Revolt of 1917. It extends all the way to both Saudi Arabia and Syria. Officially named the Hijaz train, you can take a short ride on the Wadi Rum steam train by buying a tourist ticket (don’t worry, you don’t travel to the next country!).

Even if you don’t buy a ticket to ride the steam train, it’s a fun and interesting thing to see. The main station is by the main Wadi Rum entrance, so you can’t miss it.

➡ Don’t forget to pre-book your Wadi Rum accommodation! Bubble tents sell out quickly, so don’t miss out. You can book your stay at the UFO Luxotel here , or view all bubble domes in Wadi Rum here !

Tips for visiting Wadi Rum for the first time

🇯🇴 You will need to have your Jordan Pass stamped at the Visitor Centre before entering Wadi Rum. If you don’t have a Jordan Pass, you will need to pay 5 JD upon entry. ➡ Not sure what a Jordan pass is? Check out my full Jordan pass guide here.

🚶🏼 Whenever possible, use a guide to travel around Wadi Rum . It is unsafe to wander into the desert alone, due to the sheer size, vast open space and heat.

💸 Tipping in Jordan is not expected by encouraged. If someone impresses you on a tour or goes out of their way to help you, tip them! Some employers expect their workers to be given tips by tourists, so they actually pay them a lower wage. You can find out more about tipping in Jordan here.

☀️ Avoid walking around the desert between 11am-3pm, due to the extreme heat. We found the wind to pick up and cool down around 4pm, which was our favourite time to explore.

🚽 There aren’t any toilets on the 4×4 tours, or in the Bedouin camps, you will visit. Nature peeing is the only option (but don’t worry, everyone does it).

Booking hostels?

Choosing the right hostel as a backpacker is crucial to how successful your trip will be. Always use Hostelworld.com for the cheapest rates, widest availability and most importantly – honest reviews from other travellers! Click here to view the best hostels for your trip.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Amman

🚗 Amman is roughly 320km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward 4-hour drive away. The best way to travel from Amman to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to  hire a car . 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡  You can check out the  prices for car hire  in Jordan now!

🚕 Amman to Wadi Rum with a private driver or taxi is the most expensive option. You can expect to pay at least £100 (100 JD) for a single journey. You may also consider booking a transfer , which is not the cheapest, but probably one of the most convenient and secure options.

🚌 Getting from Amman to Wadi Rum by public transport is the cheapest option, but the most difficult. You can check out shuttles, bus routes and options here.

There isn’t a direct bus to Wadi Rum, so you will need to board the JETT bus, which is roughly 10 JD, at 6.30 am. This goes from Amman to Petra. You can also take a public bus to Aqaba, and then get a taxi to Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is approximately one hour from Aqaba or 90 minutes from Petra.

Don’t forget insurance!

Whilst you’re backpacking, you will always need insurance. We use SafetyWing, for the most flexible, reliable and budget-friendly options. They have the best cover for worldwide, long-term trips, and at the most affordable backpacker prices! You can check out their cover here.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Aqaba

🚗 Aqaba is roughly 72km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward one-hour and 10-minute drive away. The best way to travel from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to  hire a car . 

➡ Not sure about driving in Jordan? Check out my detailed guide to hiring a car in Jordan here.

🚕 Alternatively, you can ask a taxi to take you from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. However, this isn’t ideal, as you won’t find a taxi in Wadi Rum to take you anywhere after! If you aren’t keen on hiring a car, speak to your accommodation and see if they can provide a transfer from Aqaba. You can check out other shuttles, bus routes and options here.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Petra

🚗 Petra and the town of Wadi Musa is roughly 114km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward two hour drive away. The best way to travel from Petra to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to  hire a car . 

🚕 Alternatively, you can ask a taxi to take you from Petra/Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum. However, this isn’t ideal, as you won’t find a taxi in Wadi Rum to take you anywhere after! If you aren’t keen on hiring a car, speak to your accommodation and see if they can provide a transfer from Petra or Wadi Musa. You can check out other shuttles, bus routes and options here.

Using a Jordan Pass in Wadi Rum

A Jordan Pass allows entrance into sites all over the country at a discounted rate. If you have a Jordan Pass, you will need to visit the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Centre before heading to your accommodation.

If you haven’t got a Jordan Pass, you will still need to visit the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Centre before heading to your accommodation and pay 5 JD on arrival. ➡ Not sure whether or not the Jordan Pass is worth it? Check out my full guide here.

What to do in Wadi Rum: FAQs

1) should i ride a camel in wadi rum.

This is a personal preference, but we do not condone any kind of animal tourism. Yes, the photo may look great, but take it from a distance and admire the camel without riding it. It is also not known the kind of treatment the camels are given away from tourists. If possible, avoid any kind of animal tourism when travelling.

2) What is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum (translation ‘Valley of the Moon’) is a desert in the southwest of Jordan. It is known for its outer-world-looking rocks and red sands, and covers over 720 square kilometres of land. Wadi Rum was once inhabited by the Nabateans, who left fingerprints and markings that are still evident today. The Nabateans are also known for building the ancient city of Petra , another popular attraction in Jordan.

3) When should I visit Wadi Rum?

The best time to visit Wadi Rum is either in spring (March, April, and May) or autumn (September, October, and November). This is because the temperatures are lower than in summer, so you can have more time exploring during the day.

During the autumn months, the daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking and trekking through the desert. The skies are also clear at night for stargazing and watching the Wadi Rum sunsets.

4) Can you visit Wadi Rum by yourself?

It is not recommended to visit Wadi Rum by yourself. The best option is to book at least one night’s stay and book all activities through your accommodation. This means you are safe when exploring the desert, and are at no risk of getting lost!

We stayed at the UFO Luxotel , and they organised all of our tours for us. They were reasonably priced and had amazing local Bedouin tour guides. We couldn’t recommend them enough! ➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

5) What do people do for a living in Wadi Rum, Jordan?

Most of the local Bedouins live in Wadi Rum Village, which is in the centre of the desert. Currently, tourists do not visit the village on the 4×4 tours. Whether the local is living in the village or in a more remote area of the desert, they often raise cattle, farm, sell goods or work in the tourism industry.

6) Is it worth staying in Wadi Rum?

Yes, it is worth staying in Wadi Rum. There is simply not enough time to explore and enjoy the desert to its fullest in just one day! The stars at night alone with so little light pollution are enough to stay for the night. Most of the accommodations in Wadi Rum are also an experience in themselves worth staying for.

7) Can you drive yourself in the Wadi Rum desert ?

Some of the camps are accessible by your own car, but you will be met by a member of staff and directed to the car park. They’ll carefully lead you over the bumpy dunes and ensure no damage is made to your car! After that, you will need to take a 4×4 tour to explore more of the Wadi Rum desert.

Not sure whether or not to hire a car Jordan? Check out my detailed guide to driving in Jordan here!

8) What should I wear in Wadi Rum, Jordan?

Dress codes and rules are more lenient in some of the bubble camps and resorts in Wadi Rum. However, it’s important to remember that Jordan is an Islamic country, and dressing conservatively is important. If you’re not sure about what to wear, check out my detailed guide on Jordan dress codes here.

9) What tours should I do in Jordan? 

Looking to book a tour in Jordan? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours . Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

Some of the best tours in Jordan include: 

• Scuba diving in the Red Sea ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Private Petra tour with transfers ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman ➡ BOOK NOW!

➡ Check out more tours for your trip here!

10) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Jordan? 

Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

11) Do I need a car to travel around Jordan?

Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car . 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in Jordan now!

Where else to stay if you’re visiting Jordan for the first time

If you’re travelling around Jordan for the first time, these are some of the best hotels and hostels. 

• Hotel: W Amman: for a 5* hotel in Shmeisani, within walking distance of all of the best attractions ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
• Hostel: Nomads Hostel (Jabal Amman) For backpackers and solo travellers in Amman ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

🇯🇴 WADI RUM

• Bubble dome: UFO Luxotel has classic bubble dome rooms, with views overlooking the desert. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW
• Traditional Bedouin tent: Wadi Rum Desert Adventures is one of the most popular authentic desert camps in Wadi Rum. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW
• Hotel: Petra Sky Hotel : A hotel close to Petra’s entrance that’s cheap, includes breakfast and has a decent-sized room.
• Hostel: Petra Boxtel Hostel : for backpackers and solo travellers. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

What to do in Wadi Rum: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to do in Wadi Rum. When you’re planning a trip to Jordan,  make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at  first-time backpackers on a budget.   I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend  (read more  here !), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Jordan content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates  here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Other Jordan posts:

• Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: A Perfect Trip to the Middle East
• What to Wear in Jordan (That Isn’t Ugly)

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Wadi Rum in Jordan: Best Camps & Ultimate Planning Guide

Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most iconic natural attractions and most popular tourist destinations. This is an area of rugged beauty, where sand rocks have been shaped into impressive features by the desert sands over millennia. 

Wadi Rum is home to the Bedouin, who have lived through this wide valley for generations.

One of the best ways to experience this spectacular valley is to spend the night at a Wadi Rum Camp, where you can sleep under the stars, with the shifting desert sands all around you. 

To inspire your next Jordanian adventure, here’s our guide to exploring this beautiful part of the country and choosing the perfect Wadi Rum Camp for your trip. 

Want to visit Jordan ? We took this tour 8 Day Jordan Explorer

Wadi Rum: Best Camps & Planning Guide

Table of Contents

Where is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most famous natural sights. It’s also Jordan’s largest Wadi , the Arabic name for a large valley or dried up river bed.

Wadi Rum is located in the south of Jordan, hidden amongst the red sands and rocky landscapes of the desert.

The Wadi is 60 kilometers from the Red Sea port of Aqaba, and around 300 kilometers to the south of the capital Amman. It’s also not far from the Saudi Arabian border.

The total area of the Wadi is 700 square kilometers, making this a huge, remote and for the uninitiated, an inhospitable place to visit. 

The History of Wadi Rum

The sandstone rocks, canyons and cliffs of Wadi Rum have formed over millions of years in the deserts of Jordan, while humans are known to have lived in the area since the Prehistoric era.

The earliest evidence of human settlement comes in the form of archaeological finds and Petroglyphs which have been discovered in the valley.

The Nabataeans are the first known group to have made Wadi Rum their home, having left behind Petroglyphs carved into the cliffs.

These nomadic people would go on to carve out the great temples of Petra too, around the turn of the 1st Century BC.

For the Bedouin tribes that would come to dominate the desert in later centuries, this was an important place, and they would make their own temporary Wadi Rum Camp set-ups here for generations as they made use of the freshwater.

They named the area Wadi Rum, which translates into English as ‘Valley of the Moon’. 

In the 20th century, the wadi was made famous by Lawrence of Arabia, who wrote about its beauty in his famed book, Pillars of Wisdom.

He helped to stir up the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans during World War I, and Wadi Rum, with its remote water sources, would prove to be an invaluable asset to their cause. 

Through Lawrence of Arabia’s writings, Wadi Rum became a popular tourist attraction and is now one of the most well-known destinations in Jordan.

How to Travel to Wadi Rum

You can visit Wadi Rum independently or as part of a tour. If you’re on a multi-day tour of Jordan, then there’s little chance that Wadi Rum won’t be included on the itinerary.

You can also visit on overnight tours from Amman, staying in a desert camp before returning to the capital, or on a day, or overnight trip from Aqaba and the Red Sea, which is less than one hour away. 

The Wadi Rum Visitors Centre is the main gateway into the valley, however, there is no direct public transport here.

If you’re traveling independently then you can catch a bus heading along the Desert Highway towards Aqaba from Amman and jump off on the highway junction.

From here you need to hitchhike to the visitors center or try and arrange a guide to meet you in advance.

At the Visitors Centre, you can find guides and organize tours and trips into the valley, although you might want to have these arranged in advance if you are traveling independently.

From the Visitors Centre, the next stop is Wadi Rum Village. From here, you can head further afield to the Wadi Rum camps. You will need a four by four and guide or you can join a camel tour. 

If you’ve booked into a Wadi Rum Camp, then they should arrange pickup for you from the Visitors Center or from Wadi Rum Village. 

Wadi Rum Tours that leave from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center:

• Wadi Rum Tour with Bedouin Camp | 2 Days | Meal Included | Guide

Visiting Wadi Rum from Amman? Check out these tours:

• Private Full-Day Trip to Wadi Rum from Amman
• 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman
• 3-Day Private Tour from Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana, Aqaba, and Dead Sea from Amman

Visting Wadi Rum from Aqaba? Check out these tours:

• Full-Day Wadi Rum from Aqaba
• 3 Day Jordan Short Break from Aqaba

Visiting Wadi Rum from Israel? Check out these tours:

• 2 Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Tel Aviv
• 3-Day Petra Wadi Rum and Jordan Tour from Jerusalem

Want to see the best of Jordan? We took this tour 8 Day Jordan Explorer

Best Time to Stay in a Wadi Rum Camp

Wadi Rum has a desert climate and that means it’s subject to extreme conditions. In winter, the nights are bitterly cold while in the summer the heat can be unbearable. 

The most pleasant time to explore the area and to stay in a Wadi Rum Camp is in spring or autumn. High season is March, April and May before it gets too hot and when it’s not too cold at night. 

Skip summer and the brutal sun, but you can travel to Wadi Rum again from September through to November when things cool down but the nights aren’t as cold as the winter. 

The Top 5 Wadi Rum Camps

There’s a wonderful range of Wadi Rum Camps to choose from, and you can spend your night in a luxury glamping site or you can bed down in more rustic, authentic digs in the desert.

Here are our top five Wadi Rum Camps. 

Beyond Wadi Rum Camp

One of the best choices for travelers looking to experience the best of the desert without breaking the bank is the Beyond Wadi Rum Camp. 

The campsite offers excellent value in wonderfully authentic Bedouin-style tents that sit out under the red rocks of the valley.

Conditions aren’t basic but aren’t luxurious. The amenities are fantastic though, and the campsite can arrange everything from a buffet breakfast to airport transfers. 

Check the availability and the price to stay at the Beyond Wadi Rum Camp .

Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp

Another great choice for travelers is the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp. Here you’ll find a great range of tents, all in the traditional Bedouin style. 

The camp arranges a huge variety of tours and activities and you can learn more about the Bedouin lifestyle as you explore the desert sands by camel or in a four by four. 

Check the availability and the price to stay at the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp .

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxhotel

If you’re looking for a unique experience in the desert, then book into the Wadi Rum Bubble Luxhotel. You’ll spend the night in comfort, inside a unique bubble tent, which looks like something that could be straight out of a sci-fi film. 

This is a glamping site, so you’ll be living in luxury, while the panoramic bubble lets you really enjoy the night sky and the sunrise from the comfort of your bed. 

Check the availability and the price to stay at the Wadi Rum Bubble Luxhotel & Campsite .

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

For a more authentic, yet utterly luxurious camping experience, then book into the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp.

This spectacular camping site is where tradition meets with luxury, and it’s the ultimate Glamping experience. 

The large canvas tents offer a fantastic level of comfort and amenities, while the location ensures that you’re surrounded by dark night skies for stargazing. 

Check the availability and the price to stay at the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp .

Sun City Camp

The excellent Sun City Camp offers visitors the choice between panoramic bubble tents or more traditional canvas tents.

Both choices are luxurious because this is one of the original luxury Wadi Rum Camp options in the desert.

Sun City Camp has a great range of activities to help you explore Wadi Rum, from learning about Bedouin culture to off-roading in the sand dunes. 

Check the availability and the price to stay at the Sun City Camp .

The Best Things to do in Wadi Rum

Camel tours .

The most traditional way to travel around Wadi Rum is to join a camel tour through the desert.

This is how the Bedouin have traversed these inhospitable landscapes for centuries and it’s a real adventure as you ride through the valley.

Camel tours will be led by local Bedouin guides who know the animals and the desert, so you’ll have little to worry about as you slowly trek through the sands and beneath the red rocks of the canyon walls.

Below are the best Camel tours in Wadi Rum:

• Camel Ride to Lawrence Spring, Wadi Rum
• Sunset Camel Ride in Wadi Rum Desert | 2 hours
• 2 Day Jeep Tour with Camel Ride at Wadi Rum (All Meals incl.)

4×4 Tours

Of course, the modern way to get around the valley from your Wadi Rum Camp is to join a Four by Four Tour. You can bring your own if you’re road-tripping Jordan or you can hire a guide and a driver in Wadi Rum.

You’ll be able to cover much more distance in a Four by Four, so it’s perfect for those travelers with limited time who still want an adventure as you bash your way through the dunes and along the rocky wadi. 

Below are the best 4×4 tours in Wadi Rum:

• Half-day Wadi Rum Jeep Tour
• Full Day Jeep Tour with Overnight in Beduin Camp Stay! (All Meals Included)

There are several hiking trails through Wadi Rum too, and in fact, several of the overnight camps are within walking distance of Wadi Rum Village.

Make sure you stick to the hiking trails though, because this is an inhospitable place to get lost in. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. 

If you’re not confident hiking on your own, then you can always hire a guide too. 

Below are the best Hiking tours in Wadi Rum:

• Hiking Adventure in Wadi Rum
• Hiking Adventure through the Canyons of Wadi Rum
• 3 Day Hiking Tour with Bedouin Guide at Wadi Rum

Rock Climbing

The red, sandstone rocks of Wadi Rum have been a popular rock climbing destination for decades.

There are a huge number of routes that have been set into the cliffs, and you can spend the day climbing these beautiful rocks for outstanding views over the valley. 

You can rock climb with local guides to show you the ropes or bring your own kit if you’re experienced enough.  

Have you stayed in a Wadi Rum camp in Jordan? Tell us about it below!

More on Jordan:

• Is Jordan Safe to Visit?
• 27 Special Things to Do in Jordan
• 15 Best Places to Visit in Jordan (That May Surprise You)
• Best Time to Visit Jordan: Month by Month Breakdown
• 15 Interesting Things to Do in Amman
• 15 Best Things to Do in Aqaba
• The Jordan Pass: Is It Worth It? Plus How to Maximize Your Ticket
• Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan
• Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting
• Petra by Night is Pure Magic

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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What is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?

• December 29, 2023
• Bianca Abma
• climate & seasons , Wadi Rum desert , Wadi Rum events
• Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The best time to visit Wadi Rum

The best time to visit Wadi Rum is usually suggested to be in spring or autumn, as per most guidebooks and online sources. These seasons offer enjoyable weather conditions, so this advice is not incorrect. However, if you would like to avoid large crowds, prefer to sleep outdoors, or don’t mind the cold, other seasons may offer a more rewarding experience. We believe the ideal time to visit Wadi Rum depends on several factors, not just the weather. Therefore, in this blog post, we will discuss the weather and other important factors you should consider before planning your trip. We will also provide a helpful overview of every month to assist you in planning your visit.

Table of Contents

Seasons and weather.

When planning a vacation, it is crucial to factor in the weather and seasons at your destination. In this regard, we would like to provide you with detailed descriptions of each season. If you want to learn more about the desert climate, you can check out our blog post titled ‘ An interesting insight on Wadi Rum climate and seasons ’. Additionally, for more information about the weather, head to our ‘ Wadi Rum weather ’ page. On this page, we have shared useful charts and links to the best weather forecast websites for Wadi Rum. And lastly, we have blog posts about all the seasons with more specific information about each season.

Spring in Wadi Rum (March-May)

Spring arrives in Wadi Rum when the days are getting longer, and the sun rises higher in the sky, causing the temperature to rise. The weather is pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20 during March to 31 degrees Celsius during May. And the nighttime temperatures average between 8 degrees Celsius during March and 16 degrees Celsius during May. Although we receive abundant sunshine, some days may be cloudy, and we might experience occasional rainfall, but typically not more than two days per month. During spring, the desert comes to life. The sandy flats transform into lush green pastures filled with wildflowers blooming abundantly during April.

Summer in Wadi Rum (June-August)

During the long summer days in Wadi Rum, the weather is typically warm and dry, with bright sunshine throughout the day. The average daytime temperature is between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius, while at night, the temperature ranges from 21 to 23 degrees Celsius. However, during heatwaves, the temperature during the day can rise well above 40 degrees Celsius. And even at night, temperatures may not drop below 26 degrees Celsius. During early and late summer, we experience a natural phenomenon known as Khamsin. These are south-southeastern windstorms that cause sudden rises in temperatures, a drop in humidity, and huge amounts of dust in the sky.

Autumn in Wadi Rum (September-November)

When autumn finally arrives, the weather starts to become more pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 33 degrees Celsius in September to 21 degrees Celsius in November. At night, temperatures average between 19 degrees Celsius in September and 9 degrees Celsius in November. After the endless blue skies of summer, clouds begin to return, bringing occasional rain and thunderstorms with them. On average, there are 15 rainy days per year from September to May. With the return of rain, the desert will become greener again, and some plants, like Drimia, will grow and bloom abundantly. Another great thing about autumn is the clearer air.

Winter in Wadi Rum (December-February)

Winter in Wadi Rum may seem unusual, but it is a reality. During the short days of the year, when the sun is low in the sky, the temperature drops, and it can become quite chilly. The average daytime temperature ranges between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius, while at night, it can drop to an average of between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. However, due to the wind, the perceived temperature can feel even colder. If the temperature drops below zero at ground level, the sand can become frosty. Cloudy conditions and occasional rainfall are more common during winter. Moreover, in January and February, snow might fall in the higher elevated areas near the Saudi border.

The tourism seasons of Wadi Rum

The breathtaking beauty of our desert has not gone unnoticed, and as a result, Wadi Rum has become a popular destination for travelers visiting Jordan. When deciding on the best time to visit Wadi Rum, it is important to consider the tourism season.

• Low season : January, February, July, and August Due to the less favorable weather conditions in summer and winter, the crowds are less, and booking shortly before arrival or last minute usually works fine.
• Shoulder season : March, June, September, and December These months are the beginning and end of peak season. Meaning there are slightly fewer travelers around than during the peak season. Booking ahead is recommended as some days may still be busy at your preferred company.
• Peak season : April, May, October, and November
 During these months, the desert is crowded with many travelers. Therefore, it is important to book well ahead to secure your preferred desert tour and accommodation.

Exploring the desert

All of our tour packages, except for our trekking programs, are designed to make the most of the day regardless of the season. During the warm and long summer days, we take extended lunch breaks in quiet and picturesque locations in the desert. This allows you to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the desert surroundings while avoiding the harsh midday sun. During the short and cold winter days, we keep lunch breaks brief to maximize the available daytime for exploring the desert. And even on rainy days, we enjoy adventurous days exploring the desert. Therefore, if you are not interested in trekking, which is better done outside of the warm summer months, you can choose the timing of your visit based on the season you prefer.

To check out our tour packages, please visit our Wadi Rum tours page.

Accommodation options

There are two options for spending a night in Wadi Rum; sleep indoors or outdoors. The first option, sleeping indoors, is possible all year round and comes in all comfort levels. We plan to cover this option in a future blog post. The second option, sleeping outdoors, is also known as wild or bivouac camping. It is an adventure and is most enjoyable when the nights are pleasant. Although some companies may offer this option all year round, we have made environmentally conscious choices. We offer sleeping at our ‘cave’ from June till September. And from mid-spring until late autumn, sleeping outdoors at one of the scenic locations near our campsite is possible. All in all, when deciding on the best time to visit Wadi Rum, your accommodation preference is crucial.

If you want to know more about our camp and the options for sleeping outdoors, please check our accommodations page.

Wadi Rum is remote with minimal light pollution and mostly clear skies. Therefore, it an ideal place for stargazing to enjoy a breathtaking view of the billions of stars in all their glory. However, it is important to note that the size of the moon impacts stargazing. During the nights around a full moon, you will see few stars, while the nights around a new moon provide the best stargazing experience possible. Therefore, checking the moon phases around your preferred time of visit is recommended. The Time and Date website is a great resource for finding moon phases. Also, it is worth noting that stargazing is more reliable during the summer months, as the sky is usually clear. However, you can still catch incredible views throughout the year.

Celestial events

If you want to see shooting stars, the best time to visit Wadi Rum is during the biggest meteor showers. The biggest meteor showers that you can see are the Quadrantids from December 28 to January 12, the Perseids from July 17 to August 24, and the Germinids from December 4 to 20. These meteor showers offer up to 110, 100, and 150 meteors per hour, respectively. In our blog post, ' Enjoy the Perseid meteor shower in Wadi Rum ', you can find more information about meteor showers. Lastly, if you want to witness an eclipse, you must be patient. Because the next total lunar eclipse will happen on September 7, 2025. Meanwhile, the next partial solar eclipse will take place in 2027.

Birdwatching

Our desert is an important place for many birds. It provides a breeding or holding area for 34 different bird species. Additionally, around 90 species use Wadi Rum as a passage or wintering ground. So, bird watching is feasible all year round in Wadi Rum. However, the best season for observing a large variety of birds is spring, when many migrating birds are on their way to Europe and Asia. Autumn is also a great time for birding, although it may be slightly less remarkable than spring. For further information about birdwatching, you can check out our blog post, ' Bird watching in Wadi Rum desert '.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holy month during which we fast, pray, and reflect. Travelers usually avoid visiting Jordan during Ramadan as they need to plan their food and drink consumption ahead of time. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public can be considered impolite during this time. However, if you are okay with planning ahead, you can enjoy fewer crowds and have a fantastic experience. We are open during Ramadan and will provide you with meals at the regular times and drinks throughout the day. Just keep in mind that we won’t join you before sunset. Ramadan 2024 will be from March 11 to April 7, from February 27 to March 29 in 2025, and from February 17 to March 18 in 2026.

Christmas & New Year’s Eve

If you are someone who loves to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a unique place, consider coming to Wadi Rum. Although it may not be one of the most popular holiday destinations, it is special. During the day, you can explore the desert, and at night, you can enjoy delicious Bedouin cuisine. When you decide to spend Christmas with us, we will have some decorations and music to make it festive. And when you decide to join us on New Year’s Eve, we will celebrate Bedouin style. Lastly, if you want to know more about celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum, you can check out our blog posts ' How to Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum Desert ' and ' Get Enchanted by Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum Jordan '.

Price level

During the peak seasons (spring and autumn) and holidays, it is common for prices to increase significantly. However, we provide flat rates all year round, meaning our prices remain the same regardless of the season or any other factors. So, if you plan to join us, every month can be the best time to visit Wadi Rum.

Brief monthly overview to determine your best time to visit Wadi Rum

• 14 degrees Celsius
• 3 degrees Celsius
• tent at our camp
• Quadrantids
• birdwatching
• 10 hours daylight
• 17 degrees Celsius
• 5 degrees Celsius
• 11 hours daylight
• early spring
• 20 degrees Celsius
• 8 degrees Celsius
• shoulder season
• bird migration
• 12 hours daylight
• 25 degrees Celsius
• 11 degrees Celsius
• peak season
• tent/outdoors at our camp
• 13 hours daylight
• 31 degrees Celsius
• 16 degrees Celsius
• Eta Aquarids
• early summer
• 34 degrees Celsius
• 21 degrees Celsius
• outdoor at our 'cave'
• 14 hours daylight
• 36 degrees Celsius
• 23 degrees Celsius
• outdoors at our 'cave'
• early autumn
• 33 degrees Celsius
• 19 degrees Celsius
• 27 degrees Celsius
• 9 degrees Celsius
• early winter

Our conclusion about the best time to visit Wadi Rum

To sum it all up, Wadi Rum is a destination that can be visited all year round. When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum, depends on your personal preferences. There are multiple factors that can influence your experience, but two of the most significant ones are weather and the number of visitors. Therefore, it is essential to consider both of these factors and then take into account any other relevant information you came across in this blog to decide what the best time to visit our desert is for you.

Team Wadi Rum Nomads

You may also want to read

Enjoy the Perseid meteor shower in Wadi Rum

Get enchanted by celebrating New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum Jordan

How to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Wadi Rum desert

Wadi rum nomads listings in guidebooks.

© 2014-2024 Wadi Rum Nomads. All rights Reserved. Design by Wadi Rum Nomads.

Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is one of the famous places in Jordan to visit, thanks to its stunning landscapes shown off in recent Hollywood Movies like Star Wars and the Martian. Wadi Rum’s desert climate makes for hot summer days, and cold winter nights. They have even had a dusting of snow in the winter. While you can visit Jordan’s desert any time of the year, the best time to visit Wadi Rum is Spring and Fall.

Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum: Spring and Fall

Why visit wadi rum in spring.

Mid-March, April, and May are the best time to visit Wadi Rum in the spring. The days are warm, but not too hot, the sun is warm and bright and the nights are not fridged. The weather is usually good, but do keep in mind that the end of winter / early spring is when you can see rain / snow or sandstorms. These are rare, but do check the weather during your time in Jordan.

Why Visit Wadi Rum in Fall

Mid-September, October, to Mid-November is the best time to visit Wadi Rum in the fall. The hot summer days are gone (although it is still very warm in the sun) and the evenings are still warm. If you are visiting in November, bring a warm jacket, it can be cold as soon as the sun goes down and in the early mornings.

Wadi Rum Weather

WInter in Wadi Rum can be colder than you might think. While it is assumed the desert will be scorching in the summer, read about the seasonal temperatures before you come to Jordan. You can read more about Wadi Rum weather here

Visiting Wadi Rum in the Summer and Winter

As I mentioned, you can visit Wadi Rum any time of the year. It is just that spring and fall are best, temperature-wise. I was recently there in July, and as soon as the sun rose, our tent was quite hot (even with air conditioning). In the evening, after the sun set, the air conditioning was nice to sleep. Otherwise, the tents are quite warm all night.

If you are visiting in the winter, the sun is warm, but the nights are very cold. You need warm clothes, and opt for a luxury tent with a heater! Most camps will have bonfires in the evenings for hot tea and warmth.

What to Pack for Wadi Rum

• Flashlight/Torch or headlamp
• Bug Repellant and After Bite (some areas have mosquitos, some do not)
• Snacks and Alcohol (Most camps include meals while you are there, but there are not a lot of snack options. Some  Wadi Rum camps  serve alcohol and some do not. Buy it in Aqaba or Amman)
• Battery Pack (some tents will have electricity in your room, this is common in the luxury tents. Basic tents will not have plugs. Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged)
• Sleep Sheet / Pillowcase (this is optional, I don’t pack one, but if you are someone who wants to have your own sleep sheet, bring one for Wadi Rum)
• Water Bottle Filter (a  Grayl Water Bottle  is something I recommend for every traveller, not just those going to the Middle East. The streets, the forests and even the desert are littered with plastic bottles. With a water bottle filter, you can filter the water in the camp and avoid using the plastic water bottles)

Further Reading on Wadi Rum:

Cute and funny Instagram camel captions

Wadi Rum Guide

Best Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum

How to get from Amman to Wadi Rum

How to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum

More Jordan Travel Resources

In order to help make your visit to Jordan as memorable as possible, I have created a number of resources from planning guides to local eats.

If you have just begun the planning, check out 101 Things to do in Jordan to give you some inspiration on the places you want to make sure you have time to see.

Rental Cars are very popular in Jordan, get a quote on renting a car before you arrive.

If you are working on a self-drive itinerary or plan to see the country independently, there is a guide on getting around in Jordan .

If you are thinking of booking a tour, or wondering how much hassle a self drive itinerary can be, check out this post I have on the best Jordan tours to book.

For your time in Amman, check out top things to do in Amman and where to eat.

For your time in Petra, check out our guide to Petra and what to eat in Wadi Musa .

Lindsay fell in love with Jordan when she first visited in 2016. She now goes back every year to explore more of this special place. Lindsay is also the owner of Amman Food Tours , a social enterprise that is women-owned and hires local female guides. This project provides meaningful employment for women in Amman.

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, how to visit the wadi rum desert from aqaba, jordan – 2024.

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone

All you need to know to visit Wadi Rum from Aqaba – including what tour to do, 1 day Aqaba cruise stop itinerary, transportation from Aqaba to Wadi Rum, and more.

Beyond Petra, the Wadi Rum desert is Jordan’s most visited attraction .

And for good reason!

Between its dramatic sandstone mountains, rocky red sands, and just generally otherworldly landscape (after all, there was a reason The Martian was filmed here – just watch the video below to see what I mean!), it’s certainly a place you want to make time for if you’re in Jordan.

And the Red Sea port city of Aqaba, being just a 1 hour drive from the desert, is a great spot for you to begin your desert adventures (for comparison: Amman, Jordan’s capital city, is a 4+ hour drive away) – whether you’re visiting Aqaba for a longer period of time, on a short trip, or just a single day on a cruise stop.

The 1st half of today’s article will be about visiting Wadi Rum from Aqaba in general and then the 2nd half will be about visiting Wadi Rum from Aqaba during your Aqaba cruise stop.

Let’s go!

(Or as they’d say in Jordan…. “Yallah!”)

Table of Contents

• 1.1 How to get to the Wadi Rum Desert from Aqaba
• 1.2 How to do a Wadi Rum Day Trip from Aqaba
• 1.3 What to do in the Wadi Rum Desert – Attractions
• 1.4 The Best & Cheapest Tours in Wadi Rum
• 1.5 How to Stay Overnight in Wadi Rum Desert
• 2.1 How to get from Aqaba Port to Aqaba City Center via the Aqaba Port Shuttle
• 2.2 Final tips about visiting the Wadi Rum Desert
• 3 Other tours, activities and excursions to do in Jordan
• 4 Planning your next trip?

How to Visit the Wadi Rum Desert from Aqaba

In this section, I’ll give you step-by-step directions for all you need to know.

How to get to the Wadi Rum Desert from Aqaba

Basically, you have 3 options which I’ll give details below.

Option #1: Aqaba to Wadi Rum by bus

Frankly, it’s a bit hard to get info about buses between Aqaba & Wadi Rum because there doesn’t seem to be much demand for it. But based on what I can tell, you have two options for buses.

The first option is the daily local minibusses which leave at around noon on all days but Friday from the Aqaba bus terminal . These buses drop you off at the Wadi Rum visitor center and from there you can arrange your tour into the desert.

What makes these minibusses tricky is that they don’t have a set schedule and apparently only run when full. But on the plus side, they do cost just 3 JOD (approximately $4.00 USD).

You also have the option to take the JETT bus, which leaves at 8 AM daily and costs 18 JOD (about $24.00 USD) roundtrip. You can find the schedule and book your ticket here .

JETT also has a bus from Wadi Rum to Petra if that’s your next stop.

Wikitravel here has more information about taking the bus to Wadi Rum. https://wikitravel.org/en/Wadi_Rum

Option #2: Aqaba to Wadi Rum by taxi

Obviously, this will be a more expensive option. If this is what you chose, make sure you negotiate your price before you start the journey. Expect to spend at least 25 JOD (about $33.00 USD) per person.

As you’ll see below when I discuss tours, your tour operator may be able to arrange this for you and get a slightly better price.

Option #3: Aqaba to Wadi Rum by rental car

You can definitely find cheap rental cars in Aqaba , and I’d recommend this option if you’re short on time (and thus can’t risk the bus).

We’ve found rental cars for as low as $45. Although this may be more expensive than a taxi, it’s quite reasonable if you split it with other travelers.

Check our article about the 5 best websites to find cheap rental cars to begin your search for a rental car in Aqaba.

How to do a Wadi Rum Day Trip from Aqaba

Ideally, you’d be able to spend a night sleeping out under the stars in the desert.

But if you don’t have the time, you can still have a wonderful day trip to the desert quite easily.

If you have just 1 day, then I highly recommend you book your tour ahead of time so you’re not disappointed with a last-minute option and don’t waste any time trying to set something up on arrival (see the section “The Best & Cheapest Tours in Wadi Rum” below for more details on this).

And if you’re just doing a day trip, you won’t have time to take the bus. So, your best options are either renting a car or taking a taxi like as described above.

What to do in the Wadi Rum Desert – Attractions

Obviously, the Wadi Rum Desert is huge and there’s a ton of things to see.

Here are just a few of the highlights of the Wadi Rum….

Khazali canyon:

Um Frouth rock bridge:

Al Ramal sand dune:

Abu Khashaba Canyon:

Giant red sand dunes: 

There is the option to rent your own 4×4 if you’re feeling adventurous and want to head out on your own.

However, to get to the spots above, it really is worth going with a local tour to make sure 1) you can find everything (remember: this is a desert with no real roads) and 2) you don’t get lost or stuck in the sand. Not to mention you’ll have a guide who you can learn from along the way!

Beyond a tour through the nature preserve, you can also arrange hikes, camel rides, and overnight camping in the desert.

The Best & Cheapest Tours in Wadi Rum

There are a ton of different companies running tours to the Wadi Rum desert ranging from simple, no-frills cultural experiences, to full-on luxury desert camping.

Personally, we set up our tour with Wild Wadi Rum and would recommend them 100%. 

The tour company, run by a Bedouin family who has lived in Wadi Rum for generations, was local, friendly (they had Bedouin tea waiting for us when we arrived!), and tried really hard to share with us their love and knowledge of the desert.

The guides of Wild Wadi Rum

They have a lot of different tours, but since we just had 1 day on our cruise stop in Aqaba, we chose the 5-hour jeep tour.

Although, our guide was so great that he added on a bit of extra time to show us the incredible red sand dunes. As he put it, “in the desert, we don’t worry about time.”

Here’s what the 5-hour itinerary with Wild Wadi Rum includes:

They have jeep tours of many different lengths, as well as hiking tours, adventure tours , climbing tours, and overnight desert camping.

For the two of us, the 5-hour tour cost 70 JOD (or 35 JOD per person). The price per person goes down significantly if you have more people on the tour (as an example: it’s under $20/person if you have 6 people).

Based on what I saw while researching other tour companies before booking, Wild Wadi Rum definitely has some of the lowest prices for these types of tours.

If you’re interested, you can see Wild Wadi Rum’s tours here . To book, just send them a message to Salman through their “contact” page.

Alternatively, the Wadi Rum visitor center also runs tours which you don’t need to book in advance.

The price for these tours is just slightly more than our recommendation above, but based on what we’ve heard from other travelers, these tours can be really hit or miss (it depends completely on the guide you get).

The tour routes are fixed ahead of time and I’m not sure how much flexibility you’ll have with them (example: requesting to spend more time somewhere, to visit something additional, etc.) 

How to Stay Overnight in Wadi Rum Desert

As with the Wadi Rum tours, there are also a lot of ways to stay overnight – ranging from simple camping to luxury desert accommodation.

Wild Wadi Rum also has campsites and offers overnight camping tours . We haven’t tested these personally, but they do look to be highly reviewed.

Otherwise, Booking.com has a huge list of other options to sleep in the Wadi Rum desert for all budgets & levels of luxury.

How to Visit the Wadi Rum Desert on a Cruise Ship (Aqaba Port Stop 1-Day Itinerary)

What to do on an Aqaba cruise stop?

What to do if you only have 1 day in Aqaba?

How to visit Wadi Rum from Aqaba on your own without a cruise ship excursion?

You see, it’s no big secret that those cruise ship excursions are really expensive .

And if you don’t feel like visiting Petra with 17 other tour buses from your cruise but still want something awesome to do with your cruise stop in Aqaba, then the Wadi Rum Desert is your best choice.

Here’s how you can plan your visit to Wadi Rum on your cruise stop in 3 steps.

Step #1: Check how long your cruise stop is in Aqaba

Most cruise stops in Aqaba are long (ours was 8 AM – 8 PM) or even include an overnight in Aqaba to make sure the cruise ship excursions have time to go to Petra and back.

Either way, make sure you know this so you don’t miss your ship!

Step #2: Choose your Wadi Rum tour

Like we said in the “Best & Cheapest Wadi Rum Tours” section above, we highly recommend going on one of Wild Wadi Rum’s jeep tours for your cruise stop in Aqaba.

Wild Wadi Rum organized everything for us, had some of the most reasonable prices we saw, and brought us to most incredible spots Wadi Rum has to offer (our guide was even nice enough to bring us on to a special “bonus” stop not included in our usual tour itinerary).

We personally did the 5-hour tour, but depending on your cruise itinerary, you might be able to extend it to their full-day tour.

Scroll up to the “What to Do in Wadi Rum” section above see some pictures of the tour & get an idea of the “attractions” you can see during your day in the desert.

And then scroll up to the “Best & Cheapest Tours in Wadi Rum” for more details about our experience with Wild Wadi Rum and for more tour company options .

No matter what tour company you choose, make sure you book in advance and let the tour operator know you are on a ship and what time you have to be back.

Step #3: Figure out how to get to Wadi Rum

In the “How to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum” section above, we talk about 3 options.

If you’re on a cruise ship, a bus is out of the question. You won’t have time.

This leaves you with either the taxi (organized by your tour operator) or the rental car.

The upside of the taxi is that there’s no risk. All you have to do is ask your tour operator to arrange a taxi for you…and then you’ll have someone waiting for you with your name on a signed when you get out of the port in Aqaba. But the downside is that it’s more expensive (25 JOD per person roundtrip).

The upside of rental cars is that they can be a cheaper option if you are traveling with more people and can split the cost. They also give you a bit more freedom to stop along the way (or explore Aqaba a bit after your desert tour on your way back). The drive to Wadi Rum from Aqaba is very straightforward (in other words, you really can’t get lost).

The downside is that renting a car is a bit riskier since you’re ship won’t wait for you if your car breaks down, you get lost, etc. One other consideration is that we passed a lot of police checkpoints along the way. We aren’t sure if they would have given us a hard time or not as tourists (especially because we didn’t have our passports with us – our cruise held on to them for the duration of our trip).

If you’d like to rent a car in Aqaba, then head to our article with the 5 Best & Cheapest websites to rent cars in Jordan to get started.

IMPORTANT TIP!

How to get from Aqaba Port to Aqaba City Center via the Aqaba Port Shuttle

One thing we noticed in many cruise port terminals in the Middle East is that you can’t just leave them on foot (like you can with many ports in the Caribbean and Europe ).

This means the only way you can get out of the Aqaba port is with your pre-organized cruise ship excursion bus or the free port shuttle bus.

We were told that the free shuttle bus would go from the port to Aqaba city center every 30 minutes. However, we were off our ship just after 8:00 AM and the shuttle didn’t leave until 9:00 AM when the bus was completely full (leaving our poor taxi driver waiting for us to arrive at the visitor’s center for quite a long time). 

The shuttle drivers might not speak much English, so you’ll probably want to ask the cruise front desk about bus times (including the buses that go back to the port) before you depart from the port.

The shuttle is free, takes about 10 minutes, and will drop you off right in the middle of the city at the Aqaba Visitor’s Center.

If you organize a ride to Wadi Rum with your tour operator, this is where your driver will wait for you.

And if get back from your Wadi Rum tour early, you’ll be right in the center of the city (and there will be a map right in front of the visitor’s center) and can easily spend some time wandering this area of Aqaba.

Final tips about visiting the Wadi Rum Desert

• Bring lots of sunscreen   – even in March, the sun was very strong!
• Bring lots of layers   – the sun may be strong during the day, but the temperature drops fast as the sun goes down (and it gets windy in the back of the jeep)
• If you’re a lady, dress modestly   – although Jordan is certainly more open than many of its neighboring countries, it still is a Muslim country. In other words, if you’re a woman, you’ll probably feel most comfortable and will be most respectful if you were loose clothing that covers your knees and shoulders
• Withdraw cash in Aqaba to pay for your tour since there’s no ATM in the desert (obviously)
• Make sure you bring an extra 5 JOD per person for the Wadi Rum Protected Area entrance fee . You’ll pay this fee at the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Center.

Other tours, activities and excursions to do in Jordan

If you are looking for activities and tours to do in Jordan, I recommend taking a look at GetYourGuide and Viator . On these sites you search and buy different tours and excursions with discounts and promotions. Check out!

GetYourGuide

And that’s all! Planning to visit the incredible Wadi Rum Desert yourself? Have any questions?

Let us know in the comments below and I will try to help!

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

4 Responses

[…] fish living in the Aqaba Gulf or scuba dive the famous wreck dive site “The Tank”. Getting from Aqaba to Wadi Rum or vice-versa is very easy so it is great to combine […]

Wow I enjoyed your blog thoroughly. Definitely while I come down for a visit I am planning to take Option 3. Makes more sense as I have the slightest clue about the place. As I am studying my master of finance with University of Wollongong in Dubai, I have to come down to Jordan during the fall season. Looking forward to visiting soon. https://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/degrees/masters/business/master-applied-finance-investing #masteroffinance

Hi Shahana, thanks for your comment. Let me know if you have any questions about the article!

[…] tourists visit Jordan to go and visit Petra or the Wadi Rum desert, and rightly so, as they are amazing experiences, […]

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

50+ Photos To Inspire You To Visit Wadi Rum Desert In Jordan

Is Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan worth visiting? You bet, it is! One of the main Jordan attractions and the unique ecosystem has a lot of reasons to draw you in. The barren desert landscape, red rocks carved by the winds, thousands of stars and years of the history embedded in the land – all make for a unique excursion. Have a look at a few of the photos from Wadi Rum in Jordan, that I had a very hard time choosing ( there are just too many! ) which will hopefully inspire you to visit this beautiful place.

Photos to inspire you to visit Wadi Rum Desert

When we visited Jordan, one of the places that I was looking forward to the most was Wadi Rum. I pictured red sand dunes and dramatic rocks with the vast open plane. And, surprise, surprise , that’s what I found. And more .

Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan, part of the UNESCO Heritage Sites List , is a very special place. Located in the south of the country, it has been inhabited for thousands of years by the nomadic Bedouin tribes. The freedom of the local people with the human and natural history that shaped the surrounding area give the Wadi Rum a distinctive atmosphere. It’s also a wonderful place for photographers, adventure seekers, and camping lovers! Whenever you travel, make sure to put Wadi Rum on your Jordan itinerary .

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

Nights in the desert

Nights in the desert start with the sunset that paints the whole landscape red. The colour of the rocks becomes deeper and more intensive, and the sky matches the ground. After the sun sets behind the mountains, the dark night crawls in. Millions of stars sparkle in the sky brightening up the deserted landscape and leading the way in the dark. Those are the same stars that Bedouins used for navigation in the desert.  You can sit on the soft sand, listening to the void, almost touching the night in front of you.

Wadi Rum Camping

Camping in Wadi Rum is the best way of experiencing the area. You can set up your own tent or use the traditional Bedouin tents located in the different parts of the desert. In the morning, you will get welcomed by the sun rising over the sand – a different spectacle every day.

Wadi Rum hiking and the highest mountain in Jordan

There is plenty of opportunities for Wadi Rum hiking in the desert. My favorite hike was the one to top of Jabal Umm Ad Dami – the highest mountain in Jordan . The mountain towers to the height of 1854 m and offers the views stretching out to Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.

The surreal landscape

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is full of surreal rock formations, towering hills, sweeping red sand dunes, and sandstone arches or bridges. You can visit them with a Wadi Rum jeep tour or travelling through the desert with your own car or on foot. The red coloured rocks are beautifully carved by erosion and many are 30 million years old. This part of Jordan is the most dramatic in terms of landscape. The valleys and gorges smoothed by wind and water, the sand dunes, the striking granite, and sandstone formation, and clear night skies create the landscape out of this world.

The camels in Wadi Rum

The camels in Wadi Rum are the natural part of the desert. Riding the camels has always been the traditional way for the Bedouins to move around the desert. The animals used to play an important part in Bedouins life – providing them with a mean of transport, food, and milk. Bedouins believe that camel’s milk has medicinal purposes. Nowadays, some of the Bedouins still own camels but mainly use them for tourists. When you visit Wadi Rum you will have an opportunity to ride the camel. However, always make sure that the animals are well treated and by riding them you are not compromising their well being.

The camels do add the magical touch to the landscape with their humps moving slightly when they walk towards the sunset and their funny faces snuffing for the food when they see a person nearby.

Useful info

Where to stay in wadi rum.

We stayed in the traditional Bedouin camp – Wadi Rum Green Desert Camp – for two nights. The friendly, quiet atmosphere, ideal for relaxing evenings after adventure-filled activities in the desert, delicious food and the nicest Bedouins it’s what describes that place. You can book the Wadi Rum camp here. 

What to take for Wadi Rum?

Pack for Wadi Rum:

• Water bottle – to keep your water cold or hot. Check the prices and models here.
• Biodegradable wet wipes
• Camera and tripod – I use Fuji X-E1 and Samyang 12mm , Manfrotto tripod , which I used to capture photos in this post.
• A scarf –  to blend in you can try this type of scarf

In winter take:

• Sleeping bag –  goose down sleeping bag , or a vegan option from Marmot
• Thermal underwear – merino wool top and bottoms , woolen socks .

Would you like to visit Wadi Rum in Jordan? Which place would you like to see the most? Have you ever been? Let me know in the comments!

Read more about Jordan:

Jordan 10 days itinerary

Hiking in Wadi Rum – the highest mountain in Jordan Jabal Umm Ad Dami

Visit Petra – most amazing views in Petra and how to get to the viewpoints

Camping in Wadi Rum

The Best Hotels In Jordan – Full Guide On Where To Stay In Jordan

Dana Biosphere Reserve – Jordan’s hiking paradise

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Related posts:

• Jordan Wadi Rum Camping Guide & Best Bedouin Camps On The Desert
• The Highest Mountain In Jordan – Jabal Umm ad Dami Hiking in Wadi Rum
• Visit Petra Jordan – Most Amazing Views in Petra in Jordan & How to Get To The Viewpoints [PHOTOS]
• 50+ zdjęć, które zainspirują Cię do odwiedzenia Wadi Rum w Jordanii

4 thoughts on “ 50+ Photos To Inspire You To Visit Wadi Rum Desert In Jordan ”

Went to Jordan for 3 days for some reason I skipped wadi rum. well, now I have reason to get back there. Lovely pictures.

Oh no, you definitely need to come back then! Thank you 🙂

Hi Aga. I agree that your Photos inspire people to visit Wadi Rum Desert including me. By the way, I haven’t been to desert. Could you please share me how to prepare myself or items before the trip?

Hi Jenny, I share some of what I took for camping and hiking in Wadi Rum here: camping & hiking

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What To See And Do In Jordan’s Wadi Rum “2023”

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Visit Jordan's Desert Wadi Rum

If you're looking for an adventure while you are in Jordan, then you need to check out Wadi Rum! This is a place where you can explore the desert landscape and enjoy some amazing views. There are Bedouin camps all around, and it's one of the best places in the world to go star gazing. There are plenty of things to see and do in this area, so it's the perfect destination for anyone who wants to have an exciting vacation. This article will show you some of the best attractions in Wadi Rum. We'll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit. So, if you're ready to explore this amazing place, keep reading!

Table of Contents

1. Stargazing In Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The clear night skies offer an unobstructed view of the stars, and the lack of light pollution means that you can see even the faintest stars with the naked eye. What's more, Wadi Rum is home to some of the world's largest telescopes, making it an ideal spot for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers alike.

If you want to get the most out of your stargazing experience, be sure to head to Wadi Rum during a new moon when the skies are at their darkest. Most of the Bedouin camps are set into valleys which means that they are often great places to view the stars. As they are lower in elevation from the surrounding mountains, light pollution from other camps isn't usually a challenge.

2. Sample Traditional Bedouin Meals And Tea

If you want to experience the traditional culture of the Bedouins, then you need to try their food! Traditional dishes include lamb and chicken and vegetarian options like falafel. The food is usually cooked in a clay oven known as a ‘saj', and it's served with fresh bread and salad. You can also try ‘shark', a type of flatbread popular in the region. And, of course, no meal is complete without a cup of Bedouin tea. This is made with green tea leaves, mint, and lots of sugar, and it's sure to boost energy. I was a little concerned about the tea keeping me awake with the amount of sugar they add, but I didn't have a challenge.

3. See Um Frouth Arch or Rock Bridge

This natural rock arch is one of the most popular attractions in Wadi Rum. It's located in the southern part of the reserve and is a great spot for hiking and rock climbing. If you're lucky, you might even spot some desert wildlife like gazelles or ibexes. There are also a number of Bedouin camps located nearby, so you can enjoy some traditional hospitality after a long day of exploring. Yes you can climb up on top of the rock bridge but you need shoes with great grip, a calm head and be prepared to slide down on your butt if necessary. The climb up can be quite slippery depending on the wind conditions. If its blowing from a certain direction the stone is covered in a fine layer of sand which is like glass on the rock. Be very careful and don't do it if you aren't confident.

4. Go Camel Riding

Camels are the go-to animal for transportation in the Wadi Rum. While Landcruisers have taken over the camel for the local tribespeople, there are still tours that enable you to see this stunning desert from on top of a camel.

While they can be cantankerous creatures, the trip operators know that they wouldn't have a business for long if the camels weren't well behaved. Because of this they select the camels that are well trained and easiest to get along with for these adventures. And an adventure it is. Once you are up its pretty easy going but I won't lie, when the camel gets up or down its a little hairy. I wouldn't have missed it for anything and it was one of the highlights of Wadi Rum for me.

Check out this Camel tour from Viator . They can do morning, afternoon or evening camel treks.

5. Go Sandboarding

One of the best things to do in Wadi Rum is go sandboarding. It's like snowboarding or surfing, but on sand instead of snow or water. Many companies offer sandboarding tours, and they'll provide you with all the equipment you need. The great thing about sandboarding is that anyone can do it, regardless of experience or skill level. Even if you've never surfed or snowboarded before, you'll be able to pick it up quickly and have a great time. And if you're an experienced boarder, there are some challenging dunes to test your skills on. So whether you're a beginner or an expert, sandboarding is a great activity for anyone visiting Wadi Rum.

If you want to spend more time than just one or two downward runs, you will have to find a local operator to help out. Most of the tours that you can book online offer Sandboarding as part of a larger days trip. This one offers a 4wd tour, with a camel ride and also sandboarding. That a fair bit to pack into one day.

Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She's always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.

6. Do a Jeep Tour

One of the best ways to explore Wadi Rum is by taking a jeep tour. This way, you can cover more ground and see more of the desert in a shorter amount of time. Many companies offer jeep tours, and they'll take you to all the best spots in Wadi Rum. You can even go on a night tour to see the desert in a whole new light. So if you're looking for an adventure, sign up for a jeep tour when you visit Wadi Rum.

A Jeep Tour is also great for when you have limited time. You can see a lot in a day from a jeep and the drivers and guides are super experienced with where to go and what to see.

Jeep Tours For Wadi Rum

7. do an overnight stay at a bedouin camp.

You have to stay overnight in Wadi Rum to make the most of the full experience. Many operators do overnight stays in Bedouin camps all over the desert which means you can almost always find something to suit your style and budget.

Staying overnight gives you the chance to star gaze, sample the local food and not be rushed seeing everything Wadi Rum has to offer.

Overnight Stays In Wadi Rum

8. see khazali canyon.

Khazali Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wadi Rum. It's a narrow gorge with high walls, and it's full of ancient petroglyphs. The Nabateans carved the petroglyphs into the rock walls of the canyon, depicting a wide range of scenes, from hunting and war to daily life. If you're interested in learning more about the Nabateans, be sure to visit Khazali Canyon when you're in Wadi Rum.

9. Anfishiyyeh Rock Art

Wadi Rum is best known for its rock art, and the Anfishiyyeh site is one of the most important. The petroglyphs here date back over 7,000 years and depict a wide range of subjects, from hunting scenes to animals and geometric designs. The carvings were made by the Nabateans, an ancient civilization that once inhabited this area. Today, the Anfishiyyeh Rock Art site is a protected archaeological area, and visitors can explore it on foot or by camel.

Please ignore the horrible quality of the photo below. I've edited it to be very over processed so you can see the rock art. I got about 5 photos of this area but when I got home they are all not great. I should have taken some more closer ones but shoulda woulda coulda hey?

10. Lawrence's Spring & The 7 Pillars Of Wisdom

Lawrence's Spring is a small oasis in the middle of the desert. Lawrence's Spring is named after the British adventurer T.E. Lawrence, better known as “Lawrence of Arabia.” It was here that Lawrence rested and refilled his water bottles during his travels through the desert. The spring still flows today, and visitors can drink from its refreshing waters.

The spring is located in a small oasis surrounded by date palms and other vegetation. There are also several Bedouin tents in the area, where visitors can rest and enjoy traditional hospitality. The spring is also a good place to take photos. Visitors can get to Lawrence's Spring on foot, and it's a great place to rest if you're hiking through the desert.

While the 7 pillars of wisdom aren't near the spring, they are named in honour of Lawrence’s book, which tells the story of his time in the desert and WW1 exploits. This large rock formation, with seven fluted turrets, is easy to see from the road near the Wadi Rum visitor centre, however you can only see 5 of the pillars from this angle. You will have to hike out to the pillars if you want to see the other 2 that are tucked behind the main view.

11. Do a Desert Hike

One of the best ways to explore Wadi Rum is on foot. Hiking through the desert gives you a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. You'll wind your way through canyons and pass by towering sandstone cliffs. And if you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way. Best of all, hiking is a great way to work up a sweat and escape the heat of the day. So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a casual stroll, don't miss out on this quintessential Wadi Rum experience.

My biggest recommendation is NOT to do this on your own. I would seriously consider a guided hike to get the most out of your adventure and also to stay safe.

Hikes in and Around Wadi Rum

These hikes below should help you to see lots of the amazing scenery and also enjoy your hiking adventure through Jordan's premiere desert region.

About The Bedouin

The Bedouin are a people who have historically inhabited the desert regions of the Middle East. In recent years, many Bedouins have begun to settle in villages and towns, but some still live as nomads, moving their camps from place to place in search of pasture for their animals.

The Bedouin way of life is deeply rooted in their tradition and culture. They are known for their camel breeding, trading skills, generosity, and hospitality to strangers. The Bedouin are also renowned for their beautiful hand-crafted jewelry and textiles.

Today, the Bedouin people are an important part of Jordanian society and play a significant role in the country's economy and tourism industry. As you travel Jordan you can see Bedouin camps regularly in all corners of the country and its really nice to know this way of life is still celebrated.

Tips On How To Make The Most Of Your Visit

When visiting Jordan, there are a few things to remember to make the most of your trip.

• Be sure to dress conservatively, especially if you're visiting religious sites.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and don't take any risks that could put you in danger.
• Make the most of your time by planning your days in advance.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• And finally, don't forget to enjoy everything Jordan offers!

FAQ's About Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan depends on what you want to see and do. Jordan is a diverse country with a lot to offer, from historic sites and natural wonders to world-class cuisine and adventure activities. If you're interested in exploring Jordan's ancient history, the best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During this time of year, you can visit iconic sites like Petra and Jerash without having to deal with the summer heat.

The climate in Jordan is varied depending on the region. The cooler months are between October and April, while the hotter months are from May to September. In the capital city of Amman, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius in summer and can drop to below freezing in winter. In Petra, temperatures are a bit cooler due to its location in the mountains. The weather in Wadi Rum is hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching over 40 degrees Celsius in summer. Rainfall is sporadic and usually occurs in winter. Nights can be cool year-round, so it's always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater when traveling to Jordan.

Yes most definitely. There are a great amount of things to see and do in Wadi Rum. It is way more than just red sand and the locals are very knowledgeable about both the area, the history and what to see and do.

I would say 2 days are ideal. This will give you time to see everything that Wadi Rum has to offer without being rushed. It will also mean that you get to stay overnight in a desert camp and get a chance to view the most amazing starry nights – something that Wadi Rum is famous for.

Technically yes if you have a car, but it would be difficult to find the locations you need to see and you would have to be a VERY experienced 4 wheel driver. It would be much more cost effective and a better experience to leave your car in the village and take a tour.

You want light weight light coloured clothing for during the day and something warm for nights. If you are planning on hiking or climbing any of the rock arches, good quality trekking pants and shoes are a necessity. Simple day use sandshoes won't cut it for those climbs. You will need trekking shoes or boots with excellent grip. You should also have a hat with a decent brim to shade not just your face but your neck as well.

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Ꮤay cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the site is extremely good.

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Visit Wadi Rum Desert

A UNESCO listed must see desert destination, known as ‘the Valley of the Moon’. Visit Wadi Rum Protected Area is a famous red sand desert landscape with steep sandstone cliffs. Cliffs rise a hundred metres above the valleys and create long narrow canyons. It is a major Jordan tourist attraction, second only to the world wonder of Petra. Part of the Jordan tourism trinity along with the rock hewn tombs of Petra and the ancient Roman city of Jerash.

Due to Wadi Rum’s altitude, above 1,000m, and a cooler climate than other parts of Jordan. Long narrow valleys and high cliffs provide ample shade. Wadi Rum has been used as a passage on ancient trade routes for millennia as a result. The area has been inhabited continually by man throughout the ages despite limited water sources.

Jordan’s dual listed UNESCO site!

Due to its unique landscapes as well as cultural significance it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. There is an amazing concentration of natural beauty within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Red sand valleys, natural arches, canyons, sandstone cliffs, caves and sand dunes are part of the scenery. The Mars like desert landscapes host a variety of prehistoric rock art, inscriptions and historic ruins. Lawrence of Arabia related sites make up most of the 20th century attractions. The area has evidence of continual human habitation for over 12,000 years. The ability to exist with few resources dictates the desert culture of the Bedouins.  Local nomads have kept high levels of autonomy in the region, despite several significant changes of power and influence.

Modern Wadi Rum is inhabited solely by Bedouin families tracing their origins in the region over 300 years. The people are passionate about their Bedouin identity . Wadi Rum society has kept much of its historic cultural identity and is distinct from other regions of Jordan.

Wadi Rum is dual listed by UNESCO. For its natural beauty as well as its cultural significance. Therefore there are a multiple experiences on offer for visitors. Overnight stays in Bedouin camps allow close contact with the nomadic local cultures. The camps location inside the Protected Area allows guests to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Why is Wadi Rum famous?

The rocks and sand reflect a wide range of colours, effected by the high levels of iron oxide. Wadi Rum draws its fame from the red ochre desert colours and sandstone rock formations. It is a particularly photogenic landscape and has been used as a location for several major films. The eroded sandstone cliffs create a variety of interesting features. Light and shadows in the deep gorges and wide valleys provide beautiful lighting that create unique photo opportunities.

Wadi Rum’s cultural value is both current and historic. Tangible present day opportunities to experience:

• Nomadic Tent living
• Bedouin lifestyle
• Camel caravans
• Desert survival
• Unique cooking techniques
• Music and dress

Additionally historic elements of:

• Ancient rock art
• Nabatean and Roman ruins
• Evidence of human irrigations systems
• Arab WW1 revolt sites related to Lawrence of Arabia

The Bedouin cultures of southern Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia are closely related. Little removed from lifestyles during the Arab expansion they provide an interesting insight into history and culture. Experience a true desert culture that holds its traditional routes.

Best Sights in Wadi Rum

We provide summary information on all the attractions within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Before you visit the desert, prepare by making yourself aware of the best sights and find out which attactions appeal to you.

How to get to Wadi Rum?

What to do in wadi rum.

Arabian Nights » Wadi Rum

Glory of the Snow

January 25, 2024

The Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Adventure: Petra, Wadi Rum, And Beyond

From cultural gems to breathtaking vistas, this Jordan road trip is a whirlwind adventure waiting to be discovered. Let’s hit the road, exploring ancient wonders like Petra and the mesmerizing terrains of Wadi Rum. Get ready for a quick escape into the heart of this Middle Eastern marvel!

I am sure you have been researching and found that there is so much to do on a trip to Jordan. And you are right. From snorkeling to desert exploring, I promise you will not be bored here.

With so many things to see and do, renting a car is the best way to see Jordan .

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about exploring Jordan by car. It includes the best companies to use, Jordan driving rules, a Jordan Itinerary, and the best places to stay during your trip.

By the end of this article, I’m sure you will feel confident about renting a car in Jordan and finding the best places to visit!

Is it Safe to Drive in Jordan?

Driving around Jordan is not only very safe but pretty straightforward.

The great thing about the roads is that most road signs are in Arabic and English. This makes it much less stressful when trying to find your destination.

The roads are also in good condition, especially on the highways, so this instantly takes the stress away from damaging your rental car (just watch out for the curious camels!).

When driving through Jordan, you will find there are a lot of police checkpoints. 

For some, this could make them uneasy, but it’s helpful. The police tend to give you useful information when stopping you, like the nearest petrol station and places we should take a detour to!

However, it’s worth noting that Amman can be tricky to drive through. This is simply because it’s like any other city, busy with many pedestrians. This is why most visitors start their journey in Amman and end up in a resort to relax for the last few days.

For the best journey, packing a   good travel pillow for your road trip will help!

Essential Information For Driving In Jordan

Driving the roads in Jordan is pretty easy, but it helps if you know what’s going on like in any destination!

Here, you will find everything you need to know about car rentals and the roads in Jordan:

What Are The Speed Limits In Jordan?

🇯🇴 Town and city: 50 km/h ( 30 mph)

🇯🇴 Open roads: 70 km/h ( 40 mph)

🇯🇴 Motorways: 110 km/h ( 70 mph)

Make sure you sort your visa out on Arrival. It costs 40 JD (£40 or $56).

There are a few countries that are exempt from visas for Jordan. One of the most popular options for travelers is the Jordan Pass. The pass waives the visa fee and includes many benefits.

Renting And Driving A Car In Jordan

To rent a car for your Jordan Trip, you must be at least 25 years old and have your license for a minimum of 1 year. Renting a car in Jordan was incredibly easy. You should do it in advance to arrive at the airport and drive away.

Follow these tips when going through the car rental process to make your experience easier:

• Film around the car when you do the vehicle check. This is the best way to show any damage to the car before you receive it.
• If you spot any damage when receiving your car, make sure it is pointed out, and the company makes a note of it.
• Take a photo of car miles before you set up. This helps avoid any additional millage charges.
• Know your insurance options. Many people sort out their car insurance before their trip because they know exactly what is covered and any additional costs.

Car Rental Options And Prices 

Avis is a good rental company for reliable service and easy communication. 

Most travelers, including myself, loved that the car they gave us was spotless. Also, all the documents were in place, and we had no issues using them. 

The average car rental price based on a standard vehicle for seven days is about £70/$99.

This may change based on the time of year you go, so the best option is to book in advance.

The Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Itinerary

Renting a car in Jordan allows you to move across the country and see everything. In just a few days, you can create the most unforgettable itinerary.

You will see so much more if you split your time over several destinations. Dedicating seven days to this trip is also recommended for the best experience. However, it can be done in much less.

For the best time, here are some of the best stops to add to your Jordan rod trip itinerary: 

• Wadi Rum: there are lots of options here to explore Wadi Rum Reserve
• Amman: a really good base for not only exploring the capital but also Jerash and The Sand Castles
• Wadi Musa and Petra: t he closest town to Petra
• Aqaba: t he perfect location for scuba diving and relaxing at the beach
• Sowayma: a n amazing base for the Dead Sea and the Baptism Site 

To live out your Arabian fantasy, Wadi Rum is an all-around crowd-pleaser. With sunset camel rides, the Hejaz Railway Train of Wadi Rum, and jeep tours, this is the place for every adventurer. 

There are many places to stay in Wadi Rum, but they are all camps. Each camp offers something slightly different, from luxury to family-friendly. 

The Bedouin Lifestyle Camp is popular because it includes food, a private room under the stars, and many activities for a reasonable price. You could also add these activities as you went, so you didn’t have to book them all in advance.

There was also a car park at their HQ site, and we were taken into the camp by 4×4. So, there is no need to worry about your rental car getting damaged.

This is one of the more remote destinations in Jordan, so some visitors like to pack a walkie-talkie just for a backup in case they cannot get a phone signal. 

This is the perfect place to start your ultimate Road Trip. Amman offers many great things to do for urban explorers. Amman Citadel is an amazing site to visit and offers the best landscape views over Amman (perfect for a photo or two!).

This site is also included in the Jordan Pass and includes Major buildings like the Temple of Hercules and The Jordan Archeological Museum.

One of the must-visit sites is Rainbow Street. This street is near downtown Amman and is full of bars and restaurants. This place is full of locals and Tourists enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. 

It is also where you find the best Falafel. So make sure you stop by Al Quds Falafel!

You won’t struggle to find a place to stay in Amman. There are so many options, so pick the one that’s best for you. However, I will always recommend The Sahara Gulf Hotel .

They have apartments at this hotel, which have a TV where you can access Netflix and other streaming services. It also had a kitchen so we could make food when wanting to keep costs low.

Make sure you bring some good luggage with you, as Amman also has some of the best shopping in the Country!

Wadi Musa And Petra

The main reason for visiting this location on your Jordan Road Trip is Petra. With only a few places to explore, it’s the perfect place to base yourself and relax. 

The best tip for visiting Petra is to go as early as possible. It means you can avoid the high temperatures and take some amazing pictures. Petra gets incredibly busy around 11 AM, so avoid this time.

The night before you visit Petra, stop by the Cave Bar. Not only is it one of the oldest bars in the world, but it is also one of the oldest locations, dating back to 14AD.

 It’s the most incredible setting for food and drink, creating the most unforgettable experience. A visit here isn’t cheap; a bottle of wine costs about £7. But as it’s a Muslim country, Alcohol is fairly expensive.

The Sunset Hotel is one of the best places to stay as  It is only a 3-minute walk from Petra. It’s clean, amazing value for money, and the staff are great!

Aqaba is a port city on the Red Sea’s gulf and the perfect location to relax on a Jordan holiday. This destination is extremely popular for scuba diving and beach lovers. And if you love a good sunset, this is the place for you!

The center is also a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening.  Not only are the locals super friendly and wanting to chat, but there are so many amazing places to eat and drink!

If you are a Coronation Street fan, stop at the Rovers Return for a cheeky pint!

One of the best places to stay is the Beau Rivage Resort . It has a large pool & private beach. The hotel also offers an evening meal for 10 JD PP, which is perfect for those on a budget and is really good quality!

Sowayma is the ideal location to stay if you want to take a dip into the Dead Sea. 

Visiting Jordan is truly incomplete without a stop at the Dead Sea. The lowest point on Earth offers breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes. It is also perfect for those who want to experience this unique sensation, mud baths, and healing properties.

While in the area, jump in the car and visit the Baptism Site of Christ (Al-Maghtas). This sacred site is set along the Jordan River and holds historical and religious importance. 

Even if you are not religious, this is a great place to visit and understand more about this place. 

There are lots of hotels around the Dead Sea and The Baptism Site. But make sure you book these in advance because they tend to fill up quickly.

For somewhere that feels like pure luxury, book the Ramada Resort Dead Sea . This hotel has a pool, swim-up bar, and private beach. The private beach was amazing because it was quiet and had a mud pool to use before entering the sea!

Jordan Road Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

I’m sure a few more questions about planning the ultimate road trip have popped into your head. To help you plan the best trip to Jordan, here are the most asked questions and answers:

How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Jordan?

This depends on the speed you want to explore and what you want to see. However, a 7-day road trip across Jordan is plenty of time to visit the main attractions and have a few days relaxing at the beach, too.

What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Jordan?

The best time to visit Jordan is during the Spring (March-June) . There are usually fewer tourists during this period, and the days are warm.

May is a great time to visit because it is an off-peak travel period, so there are fewer tourists. Also, the weather is warm, but it’s not too hot to walk around Petra and other attractions.

Is Jordan Expensive?

Jordan is one of the destinations where you can easily overspend because there is so much to do.

However, accommodation and meals aren’t expensive unless you are near tourist places . One way to save money is to get the Jordan pass, which includes entry into over 40 sites and your Visa.

Jordan Road Trip: Final Thoughts

No matter when you visit Jordan, you are guaranteed the most epic trip. With natural wonders, thousands of years of history, and endless activities, you will not run out of things to do.

You can arrange some great tours to see the highlights around Jordan. However, if you want to save money and explore on your own terms, hiring a car is the best way. 

Whether you spend two days or two weeks driving around Jordan, you will see some of the best places on Earth. For the most enjoyable experience, make sure you visit Petra, The Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. 

About The Author Of “The Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Adventure: Petra, Wadi Rum, And Beyond”

Lowri, the creator of Many Other Roads , has been exploring Europe for over ten years and has been to over 38 countries. Originally from Wales, you will now find Lowri exploring Europe with her border collie Scout, sharing in-depth knowledge and tips for those wanting to hit the road!

Social Media:   Many Other Roads Instagram |   Many Other Roads Facebook

Thanks for stopping by!

Magda 

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Best travel agency to visit Jordan - Jordan Artist Tours

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We are a party of 2 and were well taken care of at every step of our trip with Jordan Artist Tours... read more

The personal attention to our wishes for a detailed, brief visit to Jordan were unsurpassed! One... read more

Best travel agency to visit Jordan

This is the best travel agency with which we have booked tours. From the moment we arrived, everything was exceptional. They were already waiting for us inside the airport and took us to our hotel. Every wish we had for things to do, places to see, and foods to try, they always tried to make it happen.The agency owner, Mr. Abdelazeez, and his family are extremely attentive. We had the great privilege of being invited to their home and having a delicious family dinner with them. They took us to see the most beautiful places in Jordan: the baptism site of Jesus, the Dead Sea, Petra, the Little Petra, and the desert. Mr Hamseh , who is not only the son but also a guide from the company, accompanied us to Wadi Rum a very special and magical place. We dined in the desert because he cooked for us, we saw camels and roses there too. in Little Petra we rode horses and Ahmed who is also a son from Mr Abdelazeez took care of us. Now we are touring Amman. This agency is really nice they take care of all little details and they gave us 2 Cups as present with our names and a beautiful picture of Petra. Before we left Petra Mr Abdelazeez’s wife sent me a beautiful hand-embroidered Bedouin dress as a gift. I can only recommend this Jordan Artist Tours company and say that it is worth coming to this place. My daughter and I fell in love with the landscapes, the people, and the food. We are Christians and were able to visit such historic places as where the prophet Elijah lived, the Dead Sea where Israel crossed on dry land, and Mount Nebo where Moses saw his people enter the promised land. Thank you to Jordan Artist Tours, to Abdelazeez and his family , and to his entire family.

We are a party of 2 and were well taken care of at every step of our trip with Jordan Artist Tours (JAT), and communication pre-trip was fairly prompt too. The drivers and guides who accompanied us were very friendly and had a good command of English. Shoutout to Abdul, Hamzah and Osama who were the highlights of our trip and always made us feel safe! JAT's proposed itinerary was logical and allowed first-time travellers to Jordan like us to properly experience the sights and sounds without feeling too rushed. We had an excellent time sand-sledding in the desert and enjoying a hot cup of Bedouin tea while lounging on carpets and cushions as we watched the sun set. We highly recommend to add this to your trip! Car rides never felt too long and were well-stocked with basic amenities like water and light snacks, which was a nice touch. JAT was also accommodating in our last minute requests during the trip to make slight tweaks to the itinerary, which we appreciated. Do experience Jordan with JAT and I'm sure you will have a great time.

The personal attention to our wishes for a detailed, brief visit to Jordan were unsurpassed! One leaves wishing to return just to be with the tour company family!

‏We reached the agency through a local agent in our country of origin. We had only 3 days, we are a family of 8 people. They have built with us a busy but very enjoyable program. We were met, by a representative at the Jordanian border that helped us to cross the border. We arrived to a large new and comfortable Toyota car with 13 seats, a very safe and nice driver and the car had very good air-conditioning. According to the Hashemite kingdom's there is an obligation to accompany each group that travels in Jordan, so a policeman also joined us, he was with us throughout the trip, a very polite and nice policeman. On the first day we were in Wadi Rum, we swapped car to two pickups vehicles, with a very nice local drivers, that took us professionally through the deep sands. We asked to go to places that are not too crowded and accessible and the agency has built for us many beautiful spots. The agency was asked to arrange a suitable accommodation, since there was someone in our family who is limited in walking. At first we didn't believe it, but it really was everything they promised, a room with an attached bathroom and an air condition that worked all night in the middle of nowhere. The place was lovely. We sat around the fire and watched the stars in the endless sky. So everybody in family enjoyed both the desert and comfortable conditions. In the morning after a lovely breakfast we left for Petra, where the agency arranged for us a local guide who explained about the place for about 3 hours. The agency arranged a club car for us that accompanied the disabled people through a narrow path up to the highlight place called the treasury. We slept in a very good hotel near the visitor center, which the agency arranged for us. On the third day we went snorkeling in Aqaba and returned to the country of origin. During the whole trip the guide took care of everything we needed, and way above our expectation. The trip was absolutely stunning, a small taste of this wonderful land. At the end of the trip they spoiled us with a souvenir, coffee mugs with our names on each one. They make the extra effort for you. A special thanks to our lovely guide Hamza, you are getting married, get yourself a haircut, meenfadlack!

Dear Joel & the family. Greetings to you from Jordan Artist Tours and the team. Thank you for the detailed feedback .. That is really kind of you to day-to-day describe your journey with. Our guests' satisfaction is very important for us; this is why we are working for hard to make it happen. Hamza is a great guy; i will have to pass him your note about his haircut. Regards, Say hi to all.

We went to a trip from our work. We went to wadi rum and petra. This was anazing and i am considering to come back for more. Hamza our tour guide was very very good! Very good trip.

Dear Ohad. Greetings to you from Jordan Artist Tours and the team. Thank you for the feedback .. That is really kind of you. Our guests' satisfaction is very important for us; this is why we are working for hard to make it happen. I am happy that you all liked this much ... please advise when you come back herein; give us one more opportunity to assist. Regards, Say hi to all.

A breath taking trip to Wadi Rum, with Hamsa, a fantastic guide. We so much enjoyed his company from the very first moment he welcomed us at the hotel until he brought us back late in the evening. His knowledge and sense of humour, his ability to „read“ us and sense our flow, his perfect timing without feeling rushed - all this let us to only one conclusion - next trip to Jordan again with Hamsa!

Dear Dennis R, Greetings to you from the team of Jordan Artist Tours Thank you very much for visiting Jordan and being our guest ... Thanks also for letting us be your tour operator for this trip ... Thank you for your feedback .. Please say hi to all your accompany .. Let us know when the next time coming to Jordan is. We will extend your warm feedback to Hamza. Regards, Management

These Are 6 Of The World’s Rarest Travel Experiences

Y ou should look for an unforgettable experience when considering the most unique places to travel. There are some experiences you can only find in specific destinations around the world, and there are some experiences you will soon find out of this world.

From getting into a space balloon to travel to the Earth’s stratosphere (something only 600 people have done so far) to pink dolphin watching in the Amazon region, here are some of the world’s rarest travel experiences.

Be Among The First To Look At Planet Earth From A SpaceBalloon

In 2024, there will be a way for people to experience the Earth’s stratosphere. Space Perspective has a roughly six-hour experience that will give explorers a front-row seat on a capsule through the largest windows ever flown to space.

Capsules will come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable seats, and a bathroom to view the world from the vantage points only afforded to astronauts and recorded for people to experience through video and pictures.

Flights will take off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre from the company’s launch vessel, Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager. It’s the first marine spaceport for human spaceflight. You’ll have two hours to view the curve of the Earth, the total blackness of space, and the thin blue line of our atmosphere—the quintessential astronaut experience. The vessel reaches an apogee of 30,480m before a gentle ocean splashdown. 

It’s an expensive experience, as flights cost $125,000 per person. However, it’s one of the rarest, as only 600 people have looked down at our home from above. Flights are fully booked with Space Perspective until 2025.

Participate In A Temazcal Ceremony In Mexico

Temazcal is an ancestral shamanic ritual practiced by ancient civilizations throughout Central and North America, including the Mayans, Aztecs, and Toltecs. Often compared to saunas and hot baths, ancient civilizations believed temazcals helped to relieve stress, aches, and injuries, cure skin diseases, and help with respiratory conditions, to name a few.

Shamans accompany people who want to participate in a temazcal ceremony in Mexico. The ceremony is said to help people to detoxify their bodies and purify their minds.

Mars on Earth: Visiting Wadi Rum in Jordan

Wadi Rum desert is one of the most unique places in the world. It’s full of red sand, sandstone rocks, and otherworldly landscapes that easily convince visitors they’re on another planet. It’s so unique that scientists say it’s the only place on Earth that will get us closest to Mars. That’s precisely why Star Wars’ “The Rise of Skywalker” and “Rogue One” were filmed here.

Make no mistake. The New World Wonder of Petra and the Dead Sea are must-sees attractions in Jordan but don’t leave without visiting Wadi Rum, as it’s a wonder of its own. Over 20,000 petroglyphs and 20,000 inscriptions are documented inside Wadi Rum, tracing human existence for over 12,000 years. The Wadi Rum Protected Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.

Float in Jordan’s Dead Sea

Swimming in the dead sea is a rare experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and it has everything to do with the water’s makeup.

Jordan’s Dead Sea is the saltiest water on the planet, to the point that not a single creature lives in it. According to scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the high salinity increases the density of the water, making objects that touch the Dead Sea more buoyant. You don’t need to know how to swim. You lay back and float in the water.

Floating in the Dead Sea has some benefits. The water is known to heal skin ailments, back pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation as it calms the nervous system. Talk about bragging rights.

Pink River Dolphin Watching In Brazil

The Amazon is home to unique dolphins you won’t find anywhere else—pink river dolphins. The Amazon region is the only place you will find this beautiful species in its natural habitat.

Pink river dolphins only live in freshwater. They’re typically found in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Manaus, Brazil is the best place to see them.

According to World Wild Life, pink dolphins are vulnerable in some areas because dams fragment and threaten specific populations. Contamination of rivers and lakes also threatens the population.

The most responsible way to see pink river dolphins is by watching them during a boat ride versus swimming with the creatures. Boat rides from Manaus to Tabatinga are the most popular for pink dolphin watching.

Cruise to Antarctica

Visiting Antarctica isn’t impossible, but it’s rare and challenging. Its extreme weather and harsh conditions mean no regular passenger-plane flights are available for people.

People get around the challenge by booking a trip to Argentina and then sailing to the continent. It’s a polar expedition allowing brave explorers to cross the iconic Drake Passage, witness iconic wildlife and icebergs, but most importantly, set foot on the White Continent that very few people have ventured to.

Like traveling to space, an Antarctica cruise has a hefty price tag averaging between $10,000 and $20,000. The National Geographic and Poseidon Expeditions offer the opportunity to visit Antarctica with a team of scientists and experts to help lead the way.