Wadi Rum is a sweeping desert of mythic proportions located in Jordan that is nearly like no other on Earth. Translating to the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum’s sandy expanse and rocky mountains more closely resemble the surface of Mars thanks to the minerals that have lent the scenery a reddish hue. Step foot on another world while never leaving the planet when you explore this unearthly landscape.

If you’re traveling to Jordan and want to know the best things to see and do in Wadi Rum, here’s the ultimate guide for you! Situated to the very south of Jordan near the seaside town of Aqaba (home of the Red Sea), the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s vibrant terrain is a must-see when traveling through the Middle East.

Although many people only travel to the Kingdom of Heaven to get to Petra, Wadi Rum is one destination that shouldn’t be missed, especially for history and film buffs. From prehistoric petroglyphs to iconic film sets, this Arabian desert has plenty of allure to keep you as intrigued as much as the scenery does. If you’ve never visited a desert before, now is the perfect chance!

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The Legend

Best Activities to Do in Wadi Rum

Why Visit Wadi Rum

Final Thoughts

THE LEGEND

Wadi Rum (translation, ‘‘Valley of the Moon’’) is the largest valley in Jordan, spanning nearly 74000 hectares of sandstone and granite for as far as the eye can see. Full of rock arches, winding caverns, narrow chasms, and jutting cliff faces, the splendor of its natural formations cannot be understated. It’s no wonder then that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

The almost barren desert landscape has actually been home to people for millennia, with the first signs of life dating back to over 12000 years ago. These days, the majority of the inhabitants are Bedouins, desert nomads whose name derives from the Arabic word bawadi, meaning ‘‘desert dweller.’’ Don’t be surprised if you spot a few out of them roaming the titian-hued setting atop their trusty camels, a common form of transportation among their tribes.

Apart from rock carvings left by ancient Bedouins, Wadi Rum has also been the backdrop for many pop-culture films ever since Lawrence of Arabia made the site popular in 1962. Chronicling the life and war efforts of T.E. Lawrence, the classic saga isn’t the only blockbuster to grace Wadi Rum. Its reddish hue and resemblance to Mars have been used as inspiration in movies such as The Martian and The Last Days on Mars. However, the sci-fi hits don’t end there since scenes were also shot for Prometheus, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the new Dune franchise. Prefer action flicks? John Wick: Chapter 4 also owes its opening scene to this lovely locale.

There’s a reason that Hollywood seems to be obsessed with this enchanting environment and you will be, too! Uncovering Wadi Rum’s secrets for myself was the highlight of my NYE 2022 trip to Jordan so why not see it for yourself? Just make sure to wear a comfy pair of closed-toed shoes!

BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN WADI RUM

Being the vastest desert in Jordan, there’s no shortage of things to do in Wadi Rum. In case your accommodation doesn’t provide excursion packages, several reputable tour operators such as Wadi Rum Tours, Wadi Rum Day Tours, and Wadi Rum Magic Tours come highly reviewed. All of these establishments offer a variety of tours from half-day tours to full-day tours to multi-day overnight tours, with the latter being a great option to save on accommodation and meals since they’re included in the overall price.

The entire expanse of Wadi Rum is steeped with deep history and jaw-dropping natural landmarks so you’ll have plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your holiday. Ideally, you should give yourself at least two or three days to discover everything and most respectable jeep and/or hiking tours will take you to many of these locations. Some of the best excursions consist of camel rides, horseback riding, or even hot-air balloons so the sky’s the limit.

MOST MEMORABLE LANDMARKS

If you happen to have a car, then you can feel free to explore the following monuments on your own using the map provided below:

Lawrence’s House

T.E. Lawrence was a British army officer, diplomat, and archeologist who gained prominence after joining the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the latter half of the First World War. Meanwhile, he wrote down his copious experiences and adventures, culminating in his most famous work, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The book was used as the basis for a semi-biographical historical epic, Lawrence of Arabia, which catapulted his legend into fame in 1962.
These days, travelers can visit the remains of the home he constructed out of stones, though many have been pillaged by treasure-hunters over the decades. While there, climb up the rock formation right behind the ruins to get some incredible views of the landscape.

Lawrence’s Spring

This waterway was purportedly used by Lawrence to wash when he resided in Jordan. Check out the nearby rocks for some interesting inscriptions left by travelers of yesteryear.

Anfashieh Inscriptions

Carved into a mountain renowned for its grandeur, these inscriptions are thousands of years old and left by the Thamudic and Nabatean people, ancient tribes that resided in the area as early as the 8th century BC. The writings were thought to act as markers for routes and petroglyphs depict drawings of humans, animals, and camel-led caravans from those times. Even though both tribes eventually faded into antiquity, their writings and artwork will last for generations to come.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Named after Lawrence’s most famous writing, this behemothic landmark is nearly as massive as its legacy. The rigged peak consists of two separate geological formations formed over eons; the granitoid base originates from the Precambrian Age (some 4.6 billion years ago) whereas the top cliffs were made from thick sandstone during the Paleozoic Era (only 500 million years ago). See if you can spot every pillar.

Um Frouth Rock Bridge

This natural archway is one of Wadi Rum’s most iconic landmarks. Hovering about 15 meters above the desert floor, the steep climb up to the bridge can be a bit daunting for travelers suffering from vertigo or physical disabilities. However, if you’re game, the astounding view from the top certainly makes the venture upward worth it. Just don’t slip on the way back down!

Red Sand Dunes

A large portion of Wadi Rum is made up of its famous red sand dunes, heaps of sand piled high against the backside of mountains. Caused by centuries of wind erosion grinding sandstone into a fine powder, the sand dunes have been featured in several movies. Although climbing up takes some effort, the view from the top is incredible, especially if you’re adventurous enough to sand-board down. Hang ten!

Khazali Canyon

Located toward the center of Wadi Rum stands Jebel Khazali, a mountain hiding a deep, narrow fissure known as Khazali Canyon. The canyon’s high walls are covered in more writings from ancient Thamudic and Nabataen tribes along with petroglyphs portraying vignettes of daily life such as humans and wildlife. Once you get to the end of the canyon, note the man-made basins cut into the rock to collect water for weary, bygone travelers.

Alameleh Inscriptions

Similar to other inscriptions in the area, these carvings were inscribed over 2,000 years ago by people from various Thamudic tribes. The petroglyphs are some of the most famous in Wadi Rum for their artistry and are situated at the base of massive sandstone cliffs. They display large herds of camels traveling northward, each one with an inscription to denote ownership while the biggest camel measures nearly a meter tall. The variation in scripts is the most obvious indication that they weren’t all drawn by a single tribe but by many over centuries.

Nabataen Temple

While the Thamudic tribes had largely faded into obscurity by the turn of the 1st century AD, the Nabataen continued to flourish in the area. As an important outpost along the trade route between Petra and other Arabian civilizations, Wadi Rum gained more prestige. Thus, with increased wealth, the Nabataen erected a temple dedicated to the goddess Allat at the base of Jebel Rum, including a palace and bathing complex. You can find the ruins of this once-great nation within walking distance of Rum Village.

Siq Um al Tawaqi

Translating to ‘’canyon,’’ Wadi Rum is filled with siqs yet none is as well-known as Siq Um al Tawaqi for a variety of reasons. Its white sand dunes and enormous red sandstone cliffs create a stunning landscape not too far from a notable local village. Within the canyon, you’ll find two famous carvings honoring the heroes of the Arab Revolt, Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal I of Iraq. Marvel at the inscriptions before journeying to the nearby village for some authentic tea or souvenirs.

Burrah Canyon

One of the bigger canyons of Wadi Rum, Burrah Canyon’s name translates to ‘’fertile ground’’ in Arabic since the valley was once used for crop-growing. The canyon starts out narrower on its north side but widens out toward its south, however, travelers will have to navigate a series of twists and turns before exiting either end. Through this winding route, expect to stumble up white sand dunes which contrast beautifully with the colorful striations of the towering cliffs. For my fellow rock-climbing enthusiasts, make sure to pack some gear since the canyon is also an assigned climbing area.

Burdah Rock Bridge

Adjoined to Jebel Burdah, this rock bridge stands 35 meters high and is thought to be one of the highest natural rock bridges in the world. While climbing up is not advisable for travelers with physical disabilities or vertigo, the path upward is manageable for moderate or avid hikers. If you’re able, this is one activity you should definitely tick off your bucket list.

Al Ghuroub (Sunset sites)

If you’re a sucker for sunsets like I am, there’s no better place to be at twilight than Al Ghuroub (Arabic for ‘’sunset point’’). The most popular sunset site is to the west of Um Sabatah, however, there are many others scattered throughout Wadi Rum that are sure to be less crowded. Pick your favorite according to the season since the sun’s angle changes throughout the year, producing unique visuals as its dying light passes below the horizon.

Little Bridge

Named for its smaller stature, Little Bridge is another famous natural arch in Wadi Rum. You can even reach out and touch the bridge from its base if you’re tall enough but the real thrill comes from climbing it. Compared to the other bridges in the area, it is also much easier to climb without sacrificing views of the majestic landscape in the distance. Vertigo who?

Jebel Rum

Standing at 1734 above sea level, Jebel Rum is the most famous mountain in Wai Rum and was also once considered the highest point in all of Jordan (it’s actually the second-highest). Its total area covers over 10 square kilometers with a mostly flat surface despite its copious fissures, ridges, and canyons. The mountain makes for the perfect place to rock-climb, with about 10 climbing routes for experienced climbers. Most routes require equipment to scale so hiring a local guide is recommended to accompany climbers who can even sleep among the cliffs under the stars for a truly unforgettable experience.

WHY VISIT WADI RUM

As a nearly one-of-a-kind landscape, exploring Wadi Rum was absolutely the highlight of my trip to Jordan. The unrivaled desert scenery has something to offer for all visitors, from thrill-seekers looking for adventure sports to nature lovers in search of astounding views and rare wildlife. With its first civilizations spanning back some 12000 years, it’s no wonder that the protected reserve is brimming with over 25000 rock carvings and around 20000 inscriptions from travelers long gone.

Besides these ancient engravings, the reserve has a unique ecosystem filled with exotic life although much of it is hidden from the naked eye. Like in most deserts, the majority of the animals are nocturnal to escape the desert heat, such as the desert gerbil (noticed the little burrowed holes they leave in the sand?). Still, during the day, you might be able to spot up to 10 species of snakes (2 of them venomous vipers) 8 species of scorpions (mostly all venomous) as well as indigenous bird species (like the desert lark), and seasonal birds (like the steppe buzzard or steppe eagle).

Even if you’re not into bird-watching, Wadi Rum has plenty more excitement for the physically able. Depending on whether you prefer to partake in overnight tours or day tours from Aqaba, you can go hiking through canyons, camel- or horseback-riding across the sand dunes, or rock-climbing over mountains (sandstone becomes brittle when wet so it's best to wait at least 24 hours after recent rainfall before attempting a climb). Open-air jeep tours are also a great option (mind the bumpy ride!) whereas a hot-air balloon tour could be what you need to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip truly magical.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, your accommodation and, thus, the tours you choose will definitely make or break your experience (for the best places to stay in Wadi Rum for any budget, check out this guide). Even though I was enchanted by the majestic landscape (deserts are my favorites), I continually experienced a series of terrible events, from being price-gouged and then constantly harassed by my host to lacking hot water despite the chilly winter climate and the aforementioned upcharge. Worse yet, all the English tours I’d paid for only ended up being given in Arabic (I’m still brushing up on my Duolingo).

I still loved the experience of staying in a ‘‘Martian’’ bubble tent and highly recommend the experience, especially in winter months when desert temperatures tend to drop to single digits. These suites are usually more luxurious and have AC/heating (though mine barely worked) so at least I was somewhat comfy in bed as my host proceeded to try and solicit me through the night on Christmas via text in spite of my many negations (he had my Jordanian number from organizing my pick-up time).

By the time the desert flooded on my last morning due to heavy rain, I knew it was time to escape back to civilization before it was too late. Thankfully, I’d made friends with a nice French family of Moroccan descent who offered me a lift to Aqaba, rather than have me ride back alone with our host (ladies, never stay at Wadi Rum Moon Camp, alias Wadi Rum Rise Camp ever!).

Nevertheless, I still miss Wadi Rum for its gorgeous sunsets and its unforgettable night sky, so full of constellations and more stars than I’d ever seen. Why not go and uncover its undeniable charms for yourself? Who knows? You might even be lucky enough to catch sight of a few shooting stars like I did. so make some wishes and may they all come true!

May you get lost in the wonder,

M