WADI RUM PROTECTED AREA
Wadi Rum, the Valley of the Moon, is a stunning landscape of towering sandstone mountains, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping orange desert. It is the heart of Bedouin culture and a profound experience of natural majesty.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is Jordan’s most iconic wilderness. It offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations, a chance to follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
Most Popular Attractions
Desert Landscapes & Geological Wonders:
Jabal Umm ad Dami: The highest mountain in Jordan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire desert from its summit (guided hike).
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A massive, iconic mountain formation named after T.E. Lawrence’s book, guarding the entrance to the protected area.
Al Khazali Canyon: A narrow gorge famous for its well-preserved ancient Nabataean and Thamudic rock inscriptions and petroglyphs.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge: A naturally formed rock bridge that is easily climbable and offers excellent photo opportunities over the desert plain.
Burdah Rock Bridge: A much higher and more challenging-to-climb rock bridge on Jabal Burdah, providing spectacular views.
Lawrence’s Spring (Ain Ash-Shallaleh): A small spring hidden beneath a rock outcropping, historically significant and surrounded by green vegetation.
Mushroom Rock (Wadi Rum): A unique, isolated rock formation naturally carved by wind and erosion into the shape of a giant mushroom.
Red Sand Dunes: Massive, vibrant dunes of orange-red sand, perfect for sandboarding or simply enjoying the contrast against the mountains.
Siq Um Tawaqi: A beautiful, shaded canyon known for the inscription of T.E. Lawrence’s face carved into the rock.
The White Desert: A section of the protected area characterized by lighter-colored, almost white sand and mountains.
Cow Rock: A distinctively shaped rock formation resembling a resting cow.
Ancient History & Culture:
Nabataean Temple: The ruins of a small temple near the Wadi Rum village, linked to the ancient Nabataean civilization that built Petra.
Anfashiyeh Inscriptions: A large rock face covered with intricate Thamudic and Nabataean petroglyphs depicting camels, human figures, and tribal markings.
Lawrence’s House: The remains of a small stone structure, believed to have been a staging post or supply depot used by T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt.
Bedouin Camps: Traditional desert camps offering an authentic cultural experience, including hospitality, traditional zarb dinner, and storytelling.
Wadi Rum Village: The main settlement and gateway to the protected area, where most guided tours and activities begin.
Activities & Experiences:
Jeep Tours: The most popular way to explore the vastness of Wadi Rum, covering major attractions in a few hours or a full day.
Camel Treks: A traditional and immersive way to experience the desert, often following ancient Bedouin routes.
Stargazing & Astronomy: Due to the minimal light pollution, Wadi Rum offers one of the best locations in the world for viewing the Milky Way and constellations.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: An unforgettable sunrise experience, offering an aerial perspective of the desert’s massive scale and contours.
Hiking & Scrambling: Guided treks through canyons and up mountains, suitable for various fitness levels.
Glamping in Bubble Tents: Modern, clear-roofed accommodation allowing for comfortable, private stargazing from inside your room.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a 4×4 Desert Safari: Explore the vast canyons, towering sandstone mountains, and iconic red dunes of the protected area in a comfortable and guided four-wheel-drive vehicle. This is the primary way to cover the major sites.
Spend a Night in a Bedouin Camp: Experience traditional Bedouin hospitality by staying overnight in a desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner (often Zarb—meat and vegetables cooked underground), stargazing, and local storytelling.
Hike to Jebel Umm ad Dami: Summit Jordan’s highest peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Wadi Rum area and, on a clear day, Saudi Arabia. It typically requires a guide and can take 5-6 hours round trip.
Take a Camel Ride: Embrace the historical mode of transport by taking a short or multi-hour camel trek through the quieter parts of the desert, connecting you with the Bedouin way of life.
Explore Lawrence’s Spring (Ain Ash-Shallaleh): Visit the historic spring, named after T.E. Lawrence, that provides a surprising patch of green against the desert backdrop, offering fantastic views of the valley.
View Ancient Nabataean and Thamudic Rock Inscriptions: Seek out the numerous inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into the rock faces, offering insight into the early civilizations and trading routes that passed through the area.
Climb/Scramble over Sand Dunes: Find a massive red sand dune, such as the famous Al Hasany Dune, and enjoy the exhilarating challenge of scrambling to the top for sunset photos.
Hike the Burdah Rock Bridge: Take a guided, strenuous hike to reach the top of this massive natural rock arch, one of Wadi Rum’s most famous natural formations. A guide and possibly climbing gear are required.
Stargazing and Astronomy Tours: Due to the extremely low light pollution, Wadi Rum is one of the world’s best locations for stargazing. Join a specialized tour using telescopes to view the Milky Way, planets, and constellations.
Go Rock Climbing (Guided): For experienced climbers, the massive sandstone mountains offer spectacular and challenging routes. Local guides can arrange equipment and access to popular spots.
Walk through the Khazali Canyon: Explore this narrow canyon where you can find well-preserved ancient rock inscriptions on the walls, providing cool shade and a unique geological experience.
Local Tips & Transport
Organized Tours are Essential: The Wadi Rum Protected Area is a remote wilderness. You cannot self-drive or wander freely in a normal vehicle. Access is strictly controlled, and local Bedouin guides handle all transportation within the protected zone.
Accessing the Village: All visits begin at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre. From there, you are escorted by your pre-arranged Bedouin guide to the Wadi Rum Village, where tours begin.
Internal Transport: The 4×4 vehicle is the standard and most efficient way to see the key sites. It’s a combination of modern practicality and necessary ruggedness for the terrain.
Leaving Your Car: If you arrive by rental car, you will leave it safely parked at the Visitor Centre or the Wadi Rum Village. Do not attempt to drive into the protected area itself.
Getting to Wadi Rum:
- Taxi: A private taxi from Aqaba or Petra is the fastest and most convenient option.
- JETT Bus: An affordable and comfortable option, particularly from Amman.
- Local Bus/Minibus: Cheaper but less predictable services run between Aqaba and Wadi Rum Village.
Respect the Bedouin Culture: Wadi Rum is managed by local Bedouin tribes who are the custodians of the land and its tourism. Their hospitality is central to the experience.
Hospitality: Accepting an offer of tea is customary and a sign of respect. Bedouin tea is typically strong, sweet, and spiced with cardamom.
Dress Code: While more relaxed in the desert than in cities, modest dress is appreciated, particularly when interacting with locals in the village. This means covering shoulders and knees.
Tipping: Tipping your Bedouin guide and camp staff is common and expected, especially for good service. It is a major source of income for the community.
Language: Your guides will almost certainly speak English, especially regarding tour logistics. Learning a few words of Arabic (Shukran – Thank you, Marhaba – Hello) is always appreciated.
The Zarb Experience: This is a key part of the desert stay. It is a traditional Bedouin barbecue where meat (usually lamb or chicken) and vegetables are cooked in a metal container buried in the hot sand beneath the desert floor.
Hidden Gems:
- Sunsets and Sunrises: The intense red and orange colors of the sand and mountains during these times are unforgettable. Always try to catch one from a high vantage point near your camp.
- T.E. Lawrence’s House: The ruins of a stone structure believed to have been used by Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt. While simple, it holds great historical significance.
- Mushroom Rock: A distinctive geological formation that looks exactly like a giant mushroom, a great spot for memorable photos.
Top Restaurants
Bedouin Camp Dinner Experience (Various Camps) [$20-$35] – The quintessential Wadi Rum dining experience, often featuring a buffet of traditional dishes, most notably the Zarb, a unique Bedouin BBQ where meat (usually chicken or lamb) and vegetables are cooked in a pot lowered into a pit under the sand.
Zarb Dinner at Camp [$20-$35] – A specific focus on the Zarb cooking method, a must-try local delicacy resulting in incredibly tender, smoky meat and vegetables, typically served communally with rice and salads.
Mansaf at a Local’s Home [$25-$40] – Often arranged through local guides, this offers a chance to try Jordan’s national dish—lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed), served over rice and shrak (thin Bedouin bread)—in an authentic, non-touristic village setting.
The Full Bedouin Spread (Various Camps) [$20-$35] – A buffet-style dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays, featuring traditional items like ful (fava beans), hummus, gilayet bandora (tomatoes stewed with onions and peppers), eggs, bread, and local cheeses and jams.
Gilayet Bandora in the Desert [$15-$25] – A simple but flavorful dish of fresh tomatoes, onions, and green peppers stewed together, often cooked over a fire by guides during a daytime jeep tour and served with bread.
Sharak Bread with Dips [$5-$15] – The fresh, thin Bedouin flatbread (sharak) cooked over a saj (domed metal griddle) and served with local dips like hummus, muttabal (eggplant dip), and labneh (strained yogurt).
Mazayen Rum Restaurant (Mazayen Luxury Camp) [$40-$60] – Offers a sophisticated buffet experience with high-quality local dishes and international cuisine, served in a well-appointed indoor or outdoor dining area at a luxury camp.
Sharah Restaurant (Sharah Luxury Camp) [$40-$60] – Known for a focus on quality and presentation, their buffet includes a wide variety of meats, salads, rice, desserts, and the featured traditional Bedouin dish.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp Dining [$50-$80] – Part of a premium stay, the meals here are high-quality buffets with a focus on fresh ingredients and presentation, often served in a communal dining space beneath a stunning dome.
Wadi Rum Desert Adventures Dining Tent [$30-$50] – Offers a large communal dining tent where their traditional buffet meals, including the specialty Zarb, are served, often with a commitment to sourcing from local suppliers.
Private Dinner in the Desert (Various Luxury Camps) [$80-$150] – An exclusive experience arranged by high-end camps, offering a private, specially prepared meal (often a selection of fine local dishes) under the stars at a secluded spot in the desert.
Lunch Box (Various Camps/Guides) [$10-$20] – A convenient packed lunch option for those on long jeep tours, typically including a sandwich, fruit, water, and perhaps a small local treat.