When you arrive in Wadi Rum, you might feel like you've landed on another planet. The sandstone cliffs and red sands create a unique, Mars-like landscape. This desert in southern Jordan, often called the 'Valley of the Moon,' offers many memorable things to do. To truly appreciate its scale and history, consider spending a few days here.
Wadi Rum desert overview
Wadi Rum is more than just a desert landscape. It's a protected UNESCO site covering over 720 square kilometers. The area holds significant history and offers a glimpse into ancient cultures.
The desert is known for its distinct rock formations and red dunes. You can find ancient writings on canyon walls from the Thamud people. The Bedouin people have lived here for centuries, and you might see their camel caravans moving across the sand. Wadi Rum also gained fame from films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
Wadi Rum accommodation options
Staying overnight in Wadi Rum allows you to experience the desert's magic. You have a few choices, from traditional camps to more modern domes.
Many camps provide a comfortable experience, often described as 'glamping.' These offer sturdy beds, electricity, and even Wi-Fi in some cases. They typically serve buffet-style dinners and breakfasts. Some camps light pathways with lanterns leading to higher spots perfect for stargazing.
Desert camps
Many desert camps are run by local Bedouins. They offer cozy tents and warm hospitality. Dinner and breakfast are often included in your stay. You can enjoy the desert's silence around a campfire under a starry sky. Recommended camps include Sand Star Camp, Desert Magic Camp, and Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. Sun City Camp is also a popular choice.
Dome rooms and Mars camps
For a unique experience, consider staying in a dome room. These glamping domes are designed to blend with the environment. They offer a luxurious camping style, sometimes with glass ceilings for stargazing. You might also find options with private hot tubs. This type of accommodation gives a full 'Mars experience' under a starry sky. Sun City Camp offers this type of accommodation.
Wadi Rum Village
If a desert camp is not for you, Wadi Rum Village offers hotels and hostels. However, for easier access to certain tours, staying in a nearby desert camp is often better. Some sunset or sunrise jeep tours will only pick up from accommodations in the vicinity of popular arch formations.
Activities in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum offers many activities to immerse yourself in the desert. You can choose from guided tours to unique adventures across the landscape.
Jeep tours and desert exploration
A jeep safari is a popular way to see the desert. You can drive through sand dunes, narrow canyons, and hidden valleys. These tours often stop at ancient rock formations and their inscriptions. You might also spot camels and thousand-year-old Nabatean petroglyphs carved into the rocks. Experienced guides can take you to sights like the Um Frouth Rock Arch and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom is significant in the story of Lawrence of Arabia. Jeep tours typically last 2 to 6 hours and can be arranged at your campsite. It is recommended to include sunset views in your tour.
Camel riding
Camel trekking is another way to experience the desert. You can book rides into the desert, often timed for sunrise. A typical ride is around 30 minutes one way. Camels can be uncomfortable if you are not used to them, so some physical effort is needed to stay on. Bedouin guides will lead you to viewpoints for watching the sunrise.
Stargazing
Wadi Rum is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The high altitude of over 1000 meters, clear skies, and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions. You can spread a blanket on the sand and look for constellations. Many desert camps offer guided stargazing tours led by Bedouin hosts. They share stories and myths about the night sky.
Sandboarding
The large sand dunes in Wadi Rum are suitable for sandboarding. This activity involves gliding down the soft slopes. You can arrange sandboarding tours with your Bedouin camp. It is best to go in the morning before the desert heat becomes too strong.
Hot air ballooning
For a different view of Wadi Rum, consider a hot air balloon ride. This offers a unique perspective, floating above the rusty-red desert. Balloons usually take off around sunrise when winds are calm. A ride lasts about 1.5 hours.
Approximately 140 JD (200 USD) per person
Food and local culture in Wadi Rum
Experiencing the local food and hospitality is a key part of visiting Wadi Rum. The Bedouin culture offers unique culinary traditions and warm welcomes.
Traditional Bedouin dinner (Zarb)
A memorable experience is savoring a traditional Bedouin Zarb dinner. This meal usually consists of lamb and chicken with locally grown vegetables. It is cooked in an underground oven called a 'taboon.' The camp chef digs a hole, fills it with hot coals, and lowers the food pot into the oven. It is then covered with sand and cooks for several hours. The result is tender, flavorful dishes. Zarb is typically served with hummus, fragrant rice, warm flatbread, and salad. After the meal, camps often feature campfires, shisha, and stories and songs from the Bedouin hosts.
Sharing tea with locals
The Bedouin locals in Wadi Rum are known for being friendly and welcoming. They have extensive knowledge about the desert and its landscapes. They enjoy sharing their insights with guests over a cup of tea. This is a simple way to connect with the local culture.
Planning your Wadi Rum trip
To make the most of your visit, consider the logistics of travel, duration, and what to bring. Proper planning ensures a smooth desert adventure.
How many days in Wadi Rum
Many visitors combine Wadi Rum with a one-day tour from Petra or Amman. However, there are enough things to do in Wadi Rum to warrant a longer stay. Spending at least two days allows for a more relaxed and complete experience.
Getting to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is accessible by road. Most camps are located just a short distance off the main road. The most common ways to reach Wadi Rum are by rental car, private driver, or an organized tour.
Amman to Wadi Rum: approximately 4 hours
Petra to Wadi Rum: approximately 2 hours
Aqaba to Wadi Rum: approximately 1 hour
Entry to Wadi Rum: 5 JD (approximately 7.05 USD) or included with a Jordan Pass
If driving yourself into the wider desert, always bring a map, compass, water, and food. Inform your camp of your plans. Many camps also organize jeep tours into the desert for safety.
Best time to visit Wadi Rum
The best times to visit Wadi Rum are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are more comfortable for daytime activities. Summers (July and August) can be very hot, with temperatures reaching 40-42 °C. Winters (December to February) can be cold at night, sometimes dropping to 4 °C, requiring extra preparation.
What to pack for Wadi Rum
When visiting Wadi Rum, it's wise to pack carefully for desert conditions and local customs.
Key Features
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Conservative clothing (to respect local Bedouin people)
- Plenty of water
- Cash (USD or Jordanian Dinar)
- Scarf (to protect eyes and hair from sand)
- Camera
- Tripod (for night photography)
Avoid walking around the desert dunes between 11 AM and 3 PM due to extreme heat. It is best to rest at your camp or use a pool during these hours. After 4 PM, it cools down and is suitable for exploring.
There are no toilets on 4x4 tours or in Bedouin camps; it is common practice to use the desert.
Tipping guides or hosts is a good practice if they provide good service.
Budget for Wadi Rum
The cost of traveling in Wadi Rum varies based on your accommodation and activity choices. You can find options for various budgets.
Hotels: $50-$70 USD per night
Hostels: $30-$50 USD per night
Transport: $5-$20 USD per day
Car Rental: $30-$70 USD per day
Food: $5-$15 USD per day
Activities: $30-$70 USD per day