Wadi Rum, also nicknamed as the Valley of the Moon, is a desert valley (or "Wadi" as the locals call it) located in southern Jordan. It's an absolute must see when you are travelling here! Whether you are there to admire the stunning landscapes, the unique cultural heritage or the outdoor adventure, you won't be disappointed.
In this guide, you'll find useful information on how to plan your trip to the desert, with helpful tips on how to get there and what to do when you are there!
History
Wadi Rum may look like a quite desolate area, but there has been evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest that Paleolithic hunter-gatherers lived in the region around 12,000 years ago.
Wadi Rum was a part of the Nabataean Kingdom, which flourished from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD (You may be able to spot some petroglyphs along your journey). The Nabataeans were skilled traders who established a prosperous network that spanned from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean. Wadi Rum served as an important crossroad for their caravans.
During the Roman period, Wadi Rum came under Roman control after the annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom. The Romans used the area as a military base and a strategic point along their trade routes. With the rise of Islam in the 7th century AD, Wadi Rum came under Islamic rule. It became an important transit point for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina.
Yet it was during World War I that Wadi Rum catapulted onto the world stage. The legendary figure of T.E. Lawrence, a British army officer and known as Lawrence of Arabia, chose this rugged terrain as his sanctuary. From these very sands, he orchestrated daring military campaigns that would forever shape the region's destiny. Explore the caves and canyons that once served as his refuge and feel the echoes of his heroic endeavors.
In more recent days, Wadi Rum has been a popular filming location for several renowned movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, Star Wars and Dune. Visiting Wadi Rum allows you to walk in the footsteps of these cinematic experiences, and Timothée Chalamet, witnessing the same majestic landscapes that graced the silver screen.
Highlights
It's difficult to do Wadi Rum justice with only a short list of highlights. These are just a few of the many enchanting sights awaiting you. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, this desert wonderland will amaze you.
Ain Abu Aineh (Lawrence's Spring) - Quench your thirst at Lawrence's Spring, a natural water source believed to have been frequented by T.E. Lawrence himself. This historical spot offers a refreshing pause in the midst of the arid desert and provides a glimpse into the region's storied past. It's the first stop on many tours, given its proximity to the village, and you can do a short hike up to the natural spring.
Khazali Siq - Venture into the narrow, winding corridors of Khazali Canyon, where ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs adorn the rock walls. These etchings offer glimpses into the daily life and beliefs of the ancient civilizations that once roamed the area.
Burdah Rock Bridge - Marvel at nature's architectural masterpiece, the Burdah Rock Bridge, the biggest of the three bridges in Wadi Rum. This majestic rock arch spans a wide chasm, offering breathtaking views and an opportunity to capture some truly remarkable photographs.
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom - Feel the weight of history at the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a towering rock formation immortalized by T.E. Lawrence in his famous book of the same name. The sight of these majestic pillars rising from the desert floor is truly awe-inspiring, and can be easily spotted from the road near the visitor centre.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge - Another impressive rock bridge, Um Fruth, beckons adventurers to witness its splendor. Many guides will say it's an easy climb, but the path looked incredibly steep!
Jebel Rum - Embark on a challenging ascent up Jebel Rum, the highest peak in Wadi Rum. Conquer the summit and be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the vast desert expanse, an experience that will make you feel on top of the world.
Getting there
When planning your Jordan itinerary, the southern city of Aqaba and Petra (Wadi Musa) are the two most sensible destinations to visit before or after Wadi Rum, or convenient bases for an easy Wadi Rum day trip (especially if you don't have a rental car).
Another point to note is that, regardless on how you are reaching Wadi Rum (i.e. rental car, taxi or public transit), you will still need to arrange a tour or transport to take you into the desert once you have reached Wadi Rum Village. It is not advised to take your own vehicle onto the sandy "roads" as you will most probably get stuck very quickly. If you are set on driving in the desert yourself, and have knowledge and experience driving on soft sand, you'll need to buy a permit at the visitor centre (25 JOD for owned vehicles, 35 JOD for rented vehicles)
A 4x4 permit is available at the Visitor Centre at 25 JD for owned vehicles, 35 JD for rentals, but we would strongly advise against doing this if you have a rental 4x4; it's likely against the Ts&Cs, there are no roads, and getting lost and stuck in the sand is inevitable.
Rental Car
Getting to Wadi Rum by car is incredibly straightforward. It's about a 2 hr drive from Petra and 1hr from Aqaba. You'll need to follow Desert Highway (route 15) and then take the exit towards Wadi Rum (which is clearly signposted). From the Highway it's a 30 min drive on the same road that will bring straight to Wadi Rum Village.
Are you not sure whether renting a car is something you want to consider for your trip? Read our guide with tips about renting a car in Jordan.
If you are driving and have booked a tour or accommodation that will pick you up in Wadi Rum village, you will need to park your car on the free parking when entering the village (link on Google Maps). We didn't see anything dodgy going on and were happy to leave our car here for the duration of our visit to Wadi Rum, but I would recommend to put your valuables out of sight and take your passports with you. Don't forget to make a quick stop by the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (link on Google Maps) to pay the entry fee (5 JOD; free with Jordan Pass) before continuing to Wadi Rum Village.
Public Transit
There is a daily Jett Bus connection from Aqaba and Amman to Wadi Rum (check all routes and timetables on their website) that offers comfortable seats and reasonable prices. At time of writing, there is no longer a Jett bus running between Petra and Wadi Rum. There is however a different service running (Asri Tours, which you can prebook here), which leaves between 6AM-6:30AM from Wadi Musa. Enquire about this in your hotel, as they may have further detail on the schedule.
Taxi
A popular option to reach Wadi Rum is to arrange a private transfer. The easiest way to negotiate a decent rate is to go through your accommodation, as they will be able to put you in touch with a trustworthy driver. Do notify them at least 24hrs in advance of your plans.
Tours
Another popular option to reach Wadi Rum is through an organised tour with a pick up at the place you are staying at and a 4x4 ride through the desert taking you to see the sights. I've seen a good number of operators offering tours that combine both Petra and Wadi Rum on the same day, which may be a good option if you are only staying in Jordan for a few days, but I would recommend against this if you have the time to spread out these visits over multiple days.
There are many options to choose from, but here is a selection of the highest rated tours:
This tour departing from Aqaba offers a private transfer to Wadi Rum and a half -day tour by 4x4, including lunch. There is a full-day option to visit more sights and this also includes a sunset view from the Um Sabatah Valley. You can also opt to include a camel ride.
If you are travelling from Amman, this option offers a private transfer and a 2-hour (or 4-hour if you decide to upgrade) tour through Wadi Rum.
Entry
Before heading into the desert, make sure to stop at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (link on Google Maps - opening times between 7AM and 10PM) to pay the government fee (5 JOD). If you have a Jordan Pass, it's free and they'll just stamp it (so make sure to bring a printed out version). If you are arriving without a pre-arranged tour or accommodation, this is the best place to make arrangements spontaneously.
Not sure whether the Jordan Pass is right for you, read all about it in our post: "A complete review of the Jordan Pass | Is it worth your cash?"
Getting around
The easiest and most common way to explore the desert is by hiring a 4x4 with a driver. This is easily done upon arrival at the excursion office at the visitor centre. We opted to book our tour in advance, not to lose time and the prices online are quite in line with what it would cost you when organising something more spontaneous.
The tour we booked was a fantastic experience (link to tour). We opted for a 4 hr sunset tour that allowed us to see all the main sights and at the end we got to experience the sunset from Um Sabatah, where we enjoyed the changing colours of the sky with some sweet Bedouin tea.
Of course Wadi Rum offers more than driving around for sightseeing. For the more adventurous souls, you can go camel or horse riding, hiking up some of the peaks or go rock climbing.
How long should I stay in Wadi Rum?
As mentioned above, we explored Wadi Rum as part of a half-day 4x4 tour, ending with a nice sunset in the desert. Whilst this was a very good option and gave us the perfect intro (yes, I am planning to go back one day!) to Wadi Rum, I wish I had the opportunity to stay longer and spend the night there.
There are different camps scattered around Wadi Rum, ranging from luxurious bubble domes to Bedouin tents. You can even opt to spend the night under the stars on top of a dune or in a cave.
Practical tips
Bring a pair of sturdy footwear! You can get away with a pair of sneakers, but I would avoid wearing sandals or flip flops. As part of your tour through Wadi Rum, you'll be hiking up the rocks and dunes, which will be easier wearing appropriate footwear. As an added bonus, you can bring back some sand home as a souvenir.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. Also bring a scarf (the locals will help you tie it) so your hair doesn't turn into a big knot at the end of your tour.
Unsurprisingly, there aren't any toilets in the desert or in the bedouin tents you'll visit during your tour. There is however a toilet you can use at the Visitor Centre before heading into the desert.
I hope this guide helps you to organise your visit to Wadi Rum. Whether you want to explore the ancient petroglyphs, hike up those dramatic rock formations, or simply gaze under the clear desert sky, Wadi Rum has a way of etching itself into your heart. What did you find most impressive about your visit?
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