I arrived in Wadi Rum and felt like I was looking at something from outer space. The red sand dunes stretched out before me, with massive sandstone cliffs rising from the valley floor. I had come looking for things to do in Wadi Rum, and the reality was even better than the pictures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected area of over 720 km2. It is a place where time moves differently, and the silence of the desert takes over.
- Best time
- Spring (March to May) or fall (September to November).
- Where to stay
- A desert camp or in Wadi Rum Village.
- Perfect for
- Adventure travelers and photographers.
- Don't miss
- A sunset jeep tour to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Things I'd Tell a Friend
A few things I wish someone had told me before I arrived.
Book Your Camp in Advance
Avoid the hassle at the visitor center. I booked my camp before arriving and was met by a staff member at the Roadhouse. Book ahead to avoid scammers who target tourists on the spot.
Source · Learned this the hard way.
Bring Enough Cash
There is no ATM in Wadi Rum Village. You need cash for tips, souvenirs, and anything extra. Get your money out in Amman, Petra, or Aqaba before you head into the desert.
Source · Local advice I always give.
Plan for 2 to 3 Nights
Most tourists stay only one night. That is too short. Take your time. You can do a jeep tour, a hike, and a camel ride without rushing. You will not regret staying longer.
Source · The best tip I can offer.
Jeep Safari (4x4 Tour)
A jeep safari is the easiest way to see the wide desert. It is the most popular way to get around and covers a lot of ground quickly.
- Visits the Um Fruth Rock Arch
- Stops at ancient Nabatean petroglyphs
- Passes the Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Includes sunset views over the red sand dunes
You will sit on benches in the open back, covered by a sunroof. The ride can be bumpy. Most camps can arrange a tour, which usually lasts between 2 to 6 hours. Tours stop at several sights, including Lawrence House, Mushroom Rock, and the red sand dunes. Some drivers offer sandboarding if they have a board. The canyons offer shade and a break from the sun. I did a private tour every day with a different guide. If you book a sunset tour, you will watch the landscape change colors.
Arranged by your camp
Most tours can be arranged directly through your camp. You will be picked up from your accommodation.
Wear long sleeves
You will get a lot of sun in the open back. Wear long sleeves and put on sunscreen before you go.
Clarify the guide's English
Some guides speak very little English. Ask your camp for a guide with good English if this matters to you.
Book a sunset tour if you can only do one.
Most camps offer jeep tours as part of their packages.
Wadi Rum Quiet Village Camp
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Breakfast
Wadi Rum Meteorite Camp
- Good free WiFi (26 Mbps)
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- Exceptional breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Camel Trekking
A camel ride is a classic desert experience. In Wadi Rum, camels are still part of everyday life for the Bedouin communities.
- Ride a camel across the red sand dunes
- See the desert at a slower pace
- Visit Lawrence's Spring on camelback
- Learn about Bedouin life from your guide
I booked a half-day ride, which took about 6 hours in total including breaks. You do not spend the whole time on the camel. There are stops for tea, lunch, and climbing rocks. If you know how to ride, you might be allowed to guide the camel yourself. The saddles here are comfortable for longer rides. We rode towards Lawrence's Spring, though climbing the loose rock to reach the water is tough. The camp owner went pale when I told him I had galloped the camel. It was fun, but maybe ask permission first.
Tours last from 1 to 6 hours
Most camps offer one or two hour rides. Longer half-day options are also available if you book ahead.
Cash only for tips
Bring small bills. If your guide does a great job, a tip is expected. There is no card machine in the desert.
A half-day ride is long enough to get the full experience.
Bedouin Zarb Dinner
The Zarb dinner is one of the most memorable things to do in Wadi Rum. It is a traditional Bedouin meal cooked in an underground oven.
- Watch the food being buried in the sand to cook
- Eat tender lamb and chicken with rice
- Listen to Bedouin stories and songs after the meal
- Experience the authentic desert atmosphere around a campfire
The camp chef digs a hole in the sand and fills it with hot coals. A large pot with chicken, vegetables, and potatoes is lowered into the makeshift oven. It is covered with a metal plate, and sand is poured over it. The food is unearthed a few hours later, filmed by all the tourists. It is served with hummus, salad, and warm flatbread. While it was the same menu every night at my camp, it was also very tasty every night. Jordanian Zarb was one of the best meals I have ever had.
Included in your camp stay
Dinner and breakfast are usually included when you book a night at a desert camp. It is the main meal of the evening.
Watch the unearthing ceremony
Make sure you are there when they open the sand oven. It is the most theatrical part of the dinner.
Sit close to the fire; the desert gets cold at night.
Hiking Jebel al Hash
Hiking is the best way to see the desert geology up close. I booked two tours and asked for a guide who spoke good English.
- Summit Jebel al Hash for views of Saudi Arabia
- Walk through fields of wild thyme and flowers
- Spot herds of camels in the valley
- A quieter experience than the jeep tours
The hike up Jebel al Hash is the nicer and easier of the main hikes. You walk up the mountain from the back. It is steadily uphill but never very steep. There is a lot to see, including wild herbs that the guide picks for tea at the top. From the summit, you get an absolutely breathtaking view of the valley and neighbouring Saudi Arabia. On the way back, we helped a friend round up his camels. The highest mountain in Jordan is Jebel Um Ad Dami. It is very steep and covered in scree. If you only have time for one hike, choose Jebel al Hash.
Arranged through your camp
You do not walk from the camp. Your guide will drive you to the trailhead in a 4x4.
Much cooler at higher altitude
It can be windy and cool at the summit. Bring a layer, even if it is warm in the valley.
Wear proper hiking boots, even if your guide wears sandals.
Desert Stargazing
Wadi Rum is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The altitude is over 1000 meters, and there is almost no light pollution.
- See the Milky Way with the naked eye
- Bedouin guides point out constellations
- Plan your trip around the new moon for best views
- Catch meteor showers in August or December
The stars above Wadi Rum shine incredibly brightly. Many camps offer guided stargazing where your Bedouin host shares stories about the constellations. You can also book a dedicated astronomy tour with an expert guide who teaches you about planets and nebulas. Spread a blanket on the sand and look for falling stars. If you want the best conditions, plan your trip for the week before the new moon. The Perseids in August and the Geminids in December are spectacular.
Choose your moon phase carefully
The week before and after the new moon is best. A full moon is beautiful, but it washes out the stars.
Bring extra batteries
There is no reliable electricity in many camps. Charge your camera and phone before you arrive.
Don't forget a headlamp for the walk back to your tent.
Desert domes with glass ceilings offer a unique way to stargaze from your bed.
Hasan Zawaideh Camp
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Very Good Breakfast
Wadi Rum Dream Camp
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Hot Air Ballooning
Seeing the Martian landscape from the ground is impressive. Seeing it from the air at sunrise is unforgettable.
- Float above the red sand dunes at sunrise
- See the wind-carved sandstone formations
- Experience the silence of the desert from above
- Get a unique perspective of the 720 km2 area
The hot air balloons take off around sunrise when the winds are calm. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours. It gives you a unique perspective of the rusty-red desert stretching across the horizon. The views of the rolling sand dunes and rock formations are remarkable. This experience comes with a premium price. It costs around 140 Jordanian Dinars (about 200 USD) per person. If you are traveling with a group, it is easier to share the cost. It was high on my list, but no one else in camp was interested.
1.5 hours at sunrise
The ride is about 90 minutes and costs roughly 140 JD (200 USD) per person.
Weather dependent activity
Balloons only fly in calm winds. Tours can be cancelled at the last minute if conditions are not right.
It is expensive, but the view at sunrise is worth every dinar.
What is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?
The best times are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Summer can be too hot for long walks, and winter nights get very cold.
How much is the entrance fee to Wadi Rum?
The entrance fee is 5 Jordanian Dinars. It is included in the Jordan Pass. Make sure to buy your ticket at the Visitor Center before continuing to the Roadhouse.
How many days should I spend in Wadi Rum?
At least 2 full days with 2-3 nights. Most tourists stay only one night, but that is too short to see everything the desert has to offer.
What should I pack for a trip to Wadi Rum?
Bring cash because there are no ATMs. Bring sunscreen, a headlamp, and hiking boots. Wear long sleeves for sun protection.
Is a guide necessary for hiking in Wadi Rum?
Yes, hiking with a guide is recommended. You can book tours through your camp. Make sure to ask for a guide who speaks good English.
What is the Zarb dinner like in a Bedouin camp?
Zarb is a traditional meal cooked in an underground oven. It usually includes chicken, lamb, and vegetables. It is served with hummus, salad, and flatbread.
