Summary
The vast, surreal desert landscape of Wadi Rum Jordan in the Middle East has been featured in numerous famous Hollywood movie sets.
Exploring the Mars-like valleys of the Wadi Rum desert by jeep strongly reminded me of the vibrant red canyons and mesas in Utah, while also offering a significant dose of world history and culture along the way.
It seems like everyone is heading to Jordan these days to visit Petra. However, if you take a day or two to swing by Wadi Rum, you certainly won’t regret it—it’s one of the most exhilarating adventures you can experience in this part of the world!
This Wadi Rum travel blog will elucidate how to get there and everything essential to know before you embark on your journey!
History Of Wadi Rum Desert
The valleys and canyons of the Wadi Rum desert have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. This region is well known for its association with Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt in World War I, and there are numerous carvings and ruins dedicated to T.E. Lawrence.
No man can live this life and emerge unchanged. He will carry…the imprint of the desert…and he will have within him the yearning to return. For this cruel land can cast a spell which no temperate clime can match.
Explorer Wilfred Thesiger
Today, Wadi Rum is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a popular side trip for visitors to Petra, Jordan.
The stunning landscape is a prominent filming location for epic sci-fi movies like Transformers, The Martian, Star Wars, Dune, and of course, the 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia.
Day Tours To Wadi Rum
If you’re on a tight schedule and prefer to skip the extra steps of planning your own trip to Wadi Rum, there are several options available. Numerous highly-rated companies offer prearranged day tours to the Wadi Rum desert, which include pickup and drop-off. Some packages also incorporate tours to Petra Jordan.
If you prefer making your own arrangements while seeking a more budget-friendly option, details on that will be provided next.
How To Get To Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is situated in southern Jordan, approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of Petra and 175 miles south of the capital city, Amman.
There is no airport in Wadi Rum, so travelers will usually need to fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. You can check for flights to Amman on Skyscanner.
Once you arrive in Jordan, you can make your way to Wadi Rum via rental car, private taxi, or bus (the latter being highly recommended).
🔸 From Amman
The drive from Amman to Wadi Rum takes about 5-6 hours. Opting for a private taxi is the easiest route, although it typically costs at least 100 JD (~$140 USD) one way.
Alternatively, you can take the JETT bus for about 9 JD from Amman to Aqaba, getting off at the Wadi Rum intersection which is clearly marked.
For the reverse trip, you can take a taxi to Aqaba for approximately 25 JD, which takes about an hour. From Aqaba, the JETT bus (9 JD) can take you back to 7th Circle in Amman. For the bus schedule, refer to their website.
🔸 From Petra
Wadi Rum is just a 1.5 hour drive from Petra. A private taxi will cost around 35 JD (~$50 USD) each way. A minibus also runs once a day, leaving Petra at 6:00 AM for 7 JD; you can arrange this with your Petra hotel, which provides pickup. The same bus returns from Wadi Rum at either 8:00 or 9:00 AM.
🔸 From Aqaba
Aqaba to Wadi Rum takes about 1 hour by car. A private taxi will cost around 30 JD (~$40 USD). Alternatively, buses operate from the Aqaba bus station to Amman or Petra (3 JD), and you can disembark at the Wadi Rum intersection, with departures every hour from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Map Of Wadi Rum Jordan
Here’s a detailed map of Wadi Rum, provided by the Jordanian Tourism official website. The entire protected area spans 275 square miles (720 sq km), which is extensive!
The most effective means to navigate the area is by a 4×4 vehicle. More on that next.
How To Get Around
🔹 By Jeep
The standard mode of exploration in Wadi Rum is via jeep or other 4×4 vehicles. My tour was conducted in an Isuzu pickup truck, but it served its purpose. Jeep tours typically last 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours. If you’re making a one-day visit to Wadi Rum, I recommend opting for the longest tour (4 or 5 hours).
Your driver will guide you to all the main sights while offering explanations, and you’ll also have opportunities for foot exploration.
🔹 By Camel
Camels are often regarded as the ships of the desert, and Wadi Rum presents an ideal setting for those memorable camel riding photos. Though camelback travel offers a more serene experience than jeep rides, it’s worth noting that camels are slow, and given the vastness of the canyons, I recommend refraining from a full day camel tour unless you can extend your stay in Wadi Rum.
Shorter 1-hour camel rides are available for about 15 JD (~$20 USD).
🔹 By Foot
Hiking tours can be enjoyed in Wadi Rum Jordan, particularly during the cooler months; however, it’s not the most efficient approach. There’s nothing particularly unique to gain by walking alone, as the canyons’ expansive nature necessitates efficient transport, especially if your time in Jordan is limited.
Entrance Fees
- Adults: 5 JD (~$7 USD)
- Kids: Free (under 12)
- Jordan Pass: Free
This fee is administered per person for entry into the protected Wadi Rum desert. If you possess a Jordan Pass (highly recommended for many visitors!), this fee is waived.
Dress Code
While there is no rigid dress code at Wadi Rum, Jordanian culture tends to be relatively conservative; thus, wearing modest clothing in public is advisable. This typically means attire that covers your knees and shoulders.
Best Things To Do & See In Wadi Rum
The most striking aspects of Wadi Rum are the magnificent mountains and canyons visible in all directions. Additionally, there are several smaller landmarks worth visiting. This isn’t an exhaustive list of every canyon, rock, or point of interest in Wadi Rum, but here are some highlights to consider. You can see most of these in a day, yet prioritizing those that pique your interest is advisable.
🔸 Siq Um Tawaqi
This narrow canyon features impressive walls and old carvings. The brief walk through is simple, yet the scale makes one feel diminutive.
🔸 Lawrence’s Face
These comedic carvings depict Lawrence of Arabia’s visage in the canyon, clearly visible as you traverse through.
🔸 Anfashieh Inscriptions
These ancient petroglyphs include stick figures carved by nomadic tribes, showcasing camels, tools, and weapons among others. The drawings are elevated on a rock wall, so climbing boulders is necessary for a closer view.
🔸 Lawrence’s House
Here lie ruins purported to be a house where T.E. Lawrence once stayed and stored arms. While not particularly impressive, the historical relevance adds interest. Ascending the rocks provides a good vantage point with scattered rock cairns atop.
🔸 Burdah Bridge
This enormous natural rock bridge requires a guide for a moderately difficult hike to the summit, taking several hours. It’s not advisable if you have a fear of heights!
🔸 Burrah Canyon
As one of Wadi Rum’s most narrow canyons, it occasionally resembles a Utah slot canyon. The purplish colors in dim light are reminiscent of the Siq at Petra.
🔸 Um Frouth Rock Bridge
This striking rock bridge is reminiscent of Utah’s arches. A path leads to the summit where you can walk across, but be cautious as the height can be deceptive, and sandstone surfaces may be slippery.
🔸 Little Bridge
This natural bridge, made of bright orange rock, can be quickly scaled, offering stunning 360-degree views of the encircling mountains.
🔸 Mushroom Rock
This large mushroom-shaped rock is perfect for photo opportunities, though I regrettably missed this attraction during my tour, despite the impressive images I’ve seen.
🔸 Seven Pillars Of Wisdom
This massive, dramatic rock formation was named after Lawrence’s 1922 autobiography. It’s among the very first landmarks that greet you upon entering Wadi Rum.
Camping At Wadi Rum Jordan
If you wish to extend your stay in Wadi Rum and enjoy the celestial views over the desert, numerous Bedouin companies provide tent camping at a rate starting as low as 10 JD (~$15 USD) with complimentary breakfast.
While camping could be an enticing option, I chose to skip it. I felt it would exceed my desired length of stay, and I generally dislike paying for camping. Additionally, I had some reservations concerning safety, given the remote location; however, in a glamping arrangement with attentive staff, it should be quite secure.
Let me clarify, Jordan is overall a safe country, and the populace is primarily friendly and welcoming. During my time there, I noticed many tourists camping in Wadi Rum, and I’ve never encountered alarming stories from travelers who have done so. Without a doubt, it provides a unique and fascinating experience!
Where I Stayed
I spent the night at Rocky Mountain Hotel near Petra, which cost 26 JD ($37 USD) nightly—a worthwhile deal compared to other hotels I’ve experienced in the area (Jordan can be rather costly to visit).
Rocky Mountain is conveniently located a 20-minute walk from Petra, and the hotel provides a daily shuttle service. The owner, Jane, a New Zealander, kindly offered to drive me to and from Petra herself.
Additionally, the hotel assisted in arranging my Wadi Rum jeep tour from Petra. Overall, it met my needs perfectly, with staff readily available to manage transfers, meals, and other arrangements.
Note that prices are subject to fluctuations, so always check for favorable rates.
Is Jordan Safe?
Yes, I believe Wadi Rum is safe. While absolute safety cannot be guaranteed anywhere globally, Jordan is a stable nation welcoming millions of tourists annually. Risks such as terrorist attacks exist, but they seem no more prevalent in Jordan than in other places.
In today’s world, it’s advisable to avoid large crowds, but this is a universal precaution applicable anywhere nowadays. Personally, I feel Jordan is significantly safer than Egypt, but I have successfully enjoyed both destinations! 🙂
Best Time To Visit
Wadi Rum Jordan is a worthwhile destination year-round; however, the optimal times to visit are during spring (March – May) and fall (September – November).
During the sweltering summer months, temperatures can soar to 93°F (34°C). My trip in early October proved delightful, particularly in the refreshing vehicle-driven breeze.
Happy travels!
