Wadi Rum – A Guide to Jordan’s Red Desert

Wadi Rum is an incredible desert in southern Jordan known for its red sands and towering rock formations. Entering the otherworldly terrain of Jordan’s Red Desert is like stepping onto another planet. The Martian landscape feels a million miles from the grassy hillsides in the north of the country. In this guide we’ll cover the best things to see and do in Wadi Rum, how to get there, and where to stay for your perfect desert experience.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a vast desert region in Jordan, located about 40 miles east of the city of Aqaba. This UNESCO World Heritage site is sometimes referred to as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, though we think ‘Valley of Mars’ seems more appropriate. It covers an area of nearly 300 square miles, making it one of the largest deserts in the country. The landscape is a beautiful combination of sand dunes, granite and sandstone mountains, and narrow canyons, all in blended hues of red, orange, and pink. This stunning color palette is especially eye-catching under the soft light of sunrise and sunset.

The history of Wadi Rum is as rich as its landscape. It has been inhabited by various cultures for thousands of years, including the Nabataeans, who left behind ancient inscriptions. The Bedouins—desert-dwelling nomads, still live in and around Wadi Rum, maintaining their traditional lifestyle.

Things to Do in Wadi Rum

The activities you’re offered will depend on where you stay and for how long. You won’t visit some of the lesser visited landmarks when only staying the night, but most trips include everything on this list.

Al Ramal Red Sand Dune

Al Ramal is one of Wadi Rum’s most famous sand dunes, known for its size and striking red color. Climbing this dune is a worthy challenge in the heat and a must-do activity if you’re fit enough.

Although the climb can be challenging due to the soft sand, the effort is well worth it. As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert and rock formations. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of Wadi Rum before heading back down for a much-needed drink!

Um Frouth Rock Arch

The Um Frouth Rock Arch is an impressive natural bridge in Wadi Rum. This rock formation is a popular spot for climbing, as it only takes a short scramble to reach the top. Once you’re on the arch, you can enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape below.

The Um Frouth Rock Arch is a great place to experience the thrill of standing on a natural bridge and get the all-important photo.

Khazali Canyon – Inscriptions

Khazali Canyon is a narrow, winding gorge that is famous for its ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs. The canyon walls are adorned with carvings dating back to the Nabataean era, depicting human figures, animals, and symbols.

As you walk through the canyon, you can feel the history etched into the rocks. It’s a fleeting glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. The inscriptions at Khazali Canyon are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Wadi Rum.

Lawrence Spring

Lawrence Spring is a natural water source located on a mountain in Wadi Rum. Named after T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, this spring is said to have been used by him during the Arab Revolt.

The spring itself is a small, unassuming pool, but the journey to it is an enjoyable scramble and it offers stunning views of the desert and mountains. A noticeable feature is the presence of greenery, something absent in the surrounding arid landscape. It must have been a treasured find for Lawrence and his companions in this harsh environment.

Mushroom Rock

Mushroom Rock is one of the most iconic rock formations in Wadi Rum, named for its distinctive shape that resembles a giant mushroom. This peculiar rock formation is a popular photo spot, and it’s easy to see why.

The contrast between the smooth, round top and the narrow base creates a striking image against the sky.

Lawrence’s House

Lawrence’s House is a ruin located in Wadi Rum, believed to be the remains of a Nabataean building that was used by T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt. While there isn’t much left of the structure, the site is of historical significance and offers insight into Lawrence’s time in the desert.

The location of the house provides a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape. It’s interesting to imagine what it must have been like for Lawrence to live and plan his campaigns from this remote outpost.

Little Bridge

Little Bridge is a smaller natural rock arch in Wadi Rum. This formation is easier to climb than some of the larger arches, making it a great spot for families. Once at the top, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding desert.

The relatively low heigh makes it accessible for most visitors and it’s still a perfect place for a photo opportunity.

Where to Stay in Wadi Rum

When visiting Wadi Rum, you have the opportunity to stay in some of the most unique accommodations in the world. The desert is home to a variety of camps that range from basic Bedouin-style tents to luxurious glamping options. We settled on Memories Aicha Luxury Camp and would highly recommend it.

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp offers a high-end glamping experience in the heart of Wadi Rum. The camp features beautifully decorated tents that combine traditional Bedouin design with modern comforts. Each tent is equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning, ensuring that you can enjoy the beauty of the desert without sacrificing comfort. They also offer luxury domes or ‘panoramic tents’ for an extra-special stay.

The camp organizes a range of activities, including jeep tours to the places mentioned above. After a day of exploring Wadi Rum, you can relax in the camp’s lounge area, enjoy a buffet meal of traditional Jordanian foods, and watch the sunset over the desert.

How to Get to Wadi Rum

The best way to get around Jordan is to rent a car and drive. The roads are generally good and with the exception of Amman, fairly quiet in terms of traffic. The nearest city to Wadi Rum is Aqaba, which is about an hour’s drive from the desert. If you’re coming from Amman, the drive takes around four hours.

If you don’t like the thought of driving, then you can hire a private driver or use taxis, but this will be a lot more expensive.

When you arrive in Wadi Rum Village, you will need to leave your car there and ask about your accommodation. Someone will point you in the right direction and you’ll be picked up by someone from your camp.

If you’re flying into Jordan, the nearest airport is King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. From there, you can also rent a car or take a taxi to Wadi Rum Village.

There are also tour companies that run day trips to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman or a 2-day trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. These are good options if you’d prefer not to make your own way to the desert.

How Long to Stay in Wadi Rum

The length of your stay in Wadi Rum depends on how much you want to see and do. If you’re short on time, you can visit some of the main sights on a half-day guided jeep tour.

However, we’d recommend spending at least one night in the desert to truly experience the beauty. This allows you to see the desert at different times of the day, including the magical moments at sunrise and sunset.

Wadi Rum FAQs

What Was Filmed in Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum’s otherworldly landscape has made it a popular filming location for movies set on Mars or in other alien environments. Some of the most famous films shot in Wadi Rum include ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, which brought global attention to the desert, ‘The Martian’, where the red sands perfectly doubled as the surface of Mars, and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.

Is Wadi Rum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Wadi Rum is a unique destination that offers a combination of stunning natural beauty, history, and rich desert culture. The breathtaking landscapes are a rare sight around the world and it’s an opportunity to explore ancient locations and learn about Bedouin culture.

Is Wadi Rum Expensive?

The cost of visiting Wadi Rum can vary depending on the level of comfort and activities you choose. Entrance to the Wadi Rum Protected Area isn’t expensive, but guided tours, accommodations, and meals will add to the overall cost. That said, there are options to suit different budgets. Basic Bedouin camps offer a more affordable experience, while luxury camps provide additional comforts at a higher price.

Is There Alcohol in Wadi Rum?

Alcohol is not widely available in Wadi Rum, as it is a conservative area with Bedouin traditions. Some luxury camps may offer alcohol, but it is generally not served in the desert camps. If you want to enjoy a drink during your stay, it’s recommended to bring your own. However, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and to consume alcohol discreetly. The focus in Wadi Rum is on enjoying the natural beauty and cultural experiences, so you may find that alcohol is not necessary to have a great time.

Are There Mosquitos in Wadi Rum?

Mosquitos are generally not a significant problem in Wadi Rum due to the dry desert climate. However, depending on the time of year and weather conditions, you might encounter a few. If you’re concerned about mosquitos, it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to sleep outside.

Wadi Rum – A Guide to Jordan’s Red Desert

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