Jordan - Wadi Rum: places you must visit!
Wadi Rum is a mythical place. This 720-square-kilometer desert offers unique views and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. If you are visiting Jordan, you will definitely want to spend a few days and nights here. But how do you make this adventure happen? There are no hotels or roads in Wadi Rum. In this article, you will read about the must-see spots and where you can spend your nights. While there may be no hotels, the desert is dotted with Wadi Rum camps, ranging from very basic Bedouin camps to luxury camps that make you feel like you are on another planet!
What to see in Wadi Rum
When you make a roadtrip in Jordan, Wadi Rum is one of the place you absolutely have to visit! Wadi Rum is a protected area of 720 square kilometers and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, its popularity comes with challenges, including litter and numerous cars crossing the desert. Despite these issues, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Jordan. So, which places are the most interesting to visit in Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is most known for its Martian landscapes. The scenery in Wadi Rum is truly out of this world and is often compared to the landscapes of Mars. The area features towering red sandstone mountains, canyons, and spectacular sand dunes.
Wadi Rum is all about the Bedouin Culture: The Bedouin people have lived in Wadi Rum for generations, and it's an excellent opportunity to learn about their culture and way of life. You can spend the night in Bedouin camps or take a tour with a Bedouin guide (more about this later in this article).
Lawrence of Arabia's House: Several areas in Wadi Rum are named after T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. One of the most popular is the house where Lawrence lived during the Arab Revolt. All the piles of rocks make the atmosphere a bit mysterious here and the view from de top of the rock is spectacular!
Special rock formations with names like 'the mushroom', 'the window' and 'the chicken with eggs'. Every guide stops here for a few minutes so you can make some pictures. Barrah Canyon and Khazali Canyon are also popular. And in the evening there is 'sunset point'. If you are lucky and the weather is good you will witness one of the most stunning sunsets you'll ever see!
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom: The Seven Pillars of Wisdom is one of the most iconic formations in Wadi Rum. The seven towering sandstone pillars are said to have inspired the title of Lawrence of Arabia's book.
​Rock Climbing: Wadi Rum is a popular destination for rock climbers, thanks to its unique rock formations and challenging climbs. There are numerous routes available for climbers of all skill levels.​
How to get around in Wadi Rum Desert
By foot. Many groups of travelers hike here with their backpacks and spend the night in tents. Very adventurous, but Wadi Rum is immense, so by exploring by foot you only see a small part.
In the back of a pickup truck. Bedouin guides pick you up at the visitor center and drive you around showing all the beautiful spots. They cook you a nice lunch and make some tea.
Camel Riding: Visitors can experience the beauty of Wadi Rum on camelback. Bedouin guides offer guided tours through the area on camelback, where you can take in the stunning views at a leisurely pace.
Hot Air Ballooning: A hot air balloon ride is an exciting way to see Wadi Rum from above. As you glide over the desert landscape, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. But ... the weather has to be good, so you're trip is not confirmed until just a few hours before you're suppose to leave that your trip can actually take place.
Where to spend the night in Wadi Rum desert
Spending the night at one of the Wadi Rum camps is an absolute must-do. You can choose from various levels of luxury! The more traditional camps offer a more authentic experience, complete with a traditional meal in the evening, a hearty breakfast in the morning, and, of course, lots of tea!
Most camps organize tours themselves. We stayed in the Milky Way bedouin camp. You have basic tents here, but also a few glamping tents. And the food was good!! When you want to experience a stay in one of the very luxury camps I can recommend you Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, one of the nicest camps!
When you book your stay in one of the Wadi Rum camps, you can also arrange your tours. No matter which camp you choose, spending the night in the Wadi Rum desert is incredibly affordable!
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Hi! We are Bart, Kris, Lore and Ruben. We are a family of 5, yes, we also have a dog named Spike.
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