The wilderness of Wadi Rum is undoubtedly one of the world’s most dramatic, off-the-beaten-track adventure destinations. If you’re searching for an out-of-this-world experience, you'll find it here.
Photo © Jase Wilson
A lifetime of adventures await the willing in Wadi Rum. Trekking, canyoning, desert camping, rock climbing, and the Bedouin guides provide unforgettable adventures to experience.
- Climbing and canyoning in Wadi Rum
- Desert camping in Wadi Rum
- Explore by camel back or 4x4 Jeep tours
- About the Bedouins
- Accommodation
- Getting to Wadi Rum
- When to go
- What to bring
Climbing and canyoning in Wadi Rum
Not a climber? No worries. There are traditional Bedouin trekking routes to tackle, and guides available to take you through the maze of sandstone domes.
It's possible to trek and climb to the summits of Jebel Rum, Jebel Um Ishrin, or the spectacular Burdah rock bridge. Jebel Khazali has an extremely adventurous canyon descent – you’ll need waterproof gear!
Wadi Rum Bedouin guides can take care of you. The Bedouin are nomadic Arab people who inhabit the deserts of the Middle East. Prices for guiding vary, but you can expect to pay a minimum of 50 dinar/day (US $70/day) per person, depending on the group size and itinerary.
Desert camping in Wadi Rum
There are many Bedouin camps where travelers can stay. These are open tents which are fully serviced.
However, if you want to have your own unique experience, Barrah Canyon is a remote and wildly beautiful destination. You will need your own camping gear for this.
Explore by camel back or 4x4 Jeep tours
Camel back, or 4x4 jeep tours, are the best ways to view the landscape if you have a limited timeframe. These can be organized easily once in Rum.
Rides out into the desert cost around 100 dinar (US $140) for a return trip.
About the Bedouins
Hospitality is important to Bedouins – they will do everything possible to be accommodating. Be careful, because they will go to great lengths to meet your requests, even if you change your mind.
You should dress sensibly. Men and women should wear long pants while in Rum, and tank tops are out of the question. If you’re invited to any public events by your hosts – a wedding, for example – don’t say no. Just go: it’ll be an experience to remember.
Accommodation
There are many accommodation providers in Rum, and booking.com has plenty of options to choose from. For the more spontaneous, it’s possible to find a family to host you once in Rum by going to the Government Rest House at the edge of town.
Getting to Wadi Rum
Fly to Amman, or Aqaba and take a bus, rental car, or taxi – depending on the size of your group. The village of Rum is a 4hr drive straight south of Amman.
A one-way taxi from the airport to Rum costs 100 dinar (US $140). The bus trip takes most of the day, and costs less than 20 dinar (US $28) – JETT and Petra are the companies you’ll go with.
When to go
Early spring (Feb-April) and late fall (Oct-Nov) are the best times to visit for trekking routes. This is the ‘just-right’ time to visit when its neither too hot, or cold.
What to bring
Lightweight hiking boots, long pants, a sleeping pad and bag, a mosquito net to keep the earwigs out, high SPF sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses.
Bring warm clothes: temperatures can drop below zero in the desert at night. Bring plenty of cash, there are no ATMs in Rum.
Above everything else, bring fitness, and a sense of adventure!
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4 Comments
My wife and I have travelled extensively in Jordan and have made numerous trips to Wadi Rum. The desert there is unique in the world and since it is a UNESCO world site, untouched once you leave Rum Village and enter he pink desserts. We have been hosted at Rainbow Camp, by the Zlabeih family and they have become family to us as well. They have a beautiful camp with fantastic views. They offer all the choices you could want for exploration, hiking, camel and jeep tours etc. The Bedouin are the most hospitable and generous people you could hope to meet. Wadi Rum is unique on the planet.
www.rainbowcampsite.com - or -Sulieman Al Zlabeih, Manager 962-77-654-6470
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Hi, may I know where was the first photo taken? It is a stunning view! It is possible to get there without rope?
Hi Maria,
The first photo is taken on the top of a peak that is in a very remote corner of the nature reserve. Getting to the top without a rope is not possible. However, off in the distance behind the climber, is the "Old Aquaba Highway", which fully takes you out into the middle of nowhere, and its possible to either take a jeep or a camel trek, although you will have to search around for such adventure providers.
Jase
We wreathe first non Bedouin climbers to explore Rum ack in 1984. Welcomed and hosted by the Zalabia bedouin of Rum. A magnificent place, and great climbing. No village back then, just tents and a few houses. No electricity either and water from Lawrence's Spring. Had a great time. Wrote numerous editions of Treks & Climbs in Wadi Rum. There's a village now and times have changed but it's still a great place to climb and trek. Enjoy!