Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a breathtaking desert landscape in southern Jordan. With its towering red mountains, golden sands, and deep cultural roots, it offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for travelers seeking both natural beauty and authentic experiences. Whether you’re drawn by its cinematic scenery, outdoor activities, or Bedouin traditions, Wadi Rum promises memories that will last a lifetime.
A Landscape Like No Other
Located about 380 kilometers from Amman (roughly a 4-hour drive), 2 hours from Petra, and just 1 hour from Aqaba, Wadi Rum is known for its dramatic desert scenery. Its towering sandstone and granite cliffs, deep canyons, and soft, golden-red sand create a landscape so surreal that it has often been compared to Mars. In fact, Ridley Scott’s film The Martian was shot here, along with many other Hollywood movies.
Adventures in the Wadi Rum Desert
For adventure lovers, Wadi Rum is a playground of thrilling activities. Wadi Rum tours offer a wide range of exciting options to explore the vast desert, from Jeep tours—the most popular way to discover the landscape, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the sands with spectacular colors—to camel rides across the dunes, hot air ballooning above the desert, and even horseback riding, which offers a slower, more intimate way to experience the valley.
Exploration tours in Wadi Rum are exciting. When you take a jeep tour, you will drive through the red and golden sands, moving between the mountains and valleys. The scenery looks like Mars, with its rocky landscapes. The jeep tour uses a four-wheel drive vehicle, but locals often call it a “jeep.” When you arrive at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, you can see a list of jeep tour prices. The shortest tour is two hours. There is also a Wadi Rum sunset tour where you stop at a place to watch the sunset and take beautiful photos. You can enjoy traditional Bedouin tea while sitting there. It is best to book the jeep tour through your guide, as they know the best options for drivers and vehicles. For example, choose a jeep with a shade to protect you from the sun. Only local residents can drive in Wadi Rum because it is a large desert, and there are no clear paths or phone signals. During your jeep tour, you will see many famous sites, including:
- The Anfashieh inscriptions
- Lawrence’s spring
- The Mushroom Rock
- The Burdah Rock Bridge
- The red sand dunes
- Um Fruth Rock Bridge
- The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Cave drawings, rock carvings, and remains of ancient trade routes
General tips: Avoid the sun if it is hot. It is better to take the tour at least two hours before sunset. Make sure you are not too tired. For example, do not visit Petra and then Wadi Rum on the same day. Give yourself time to rest so you can enjoy your evening and stay healthy.
One of the most magical experiences is riding a horse through Wadi Rum’s iconic landmarks, such as Lawrence’s Spring and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Guided tours are available for all experience levels, and local Bedouin guides ensure both safety and fun. For those seeking even more challenge and excitement, Wadi Rum climbing is a favorite among adventurers—offering routes for both beginners and expert climbers across its majestic red cliffs.
The hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum is an amazing experience for adventure lovers. You can ride the balloon and enjoy a panoramic view of Wadi Rum from the highest points. It is recommended to book your trip a day or two in advance, as there is high demand. The ride usually starts at sunrise, early in the morning, and lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, it is not available every day due to changing weather conditions. If the wind is strong, or there is dust or rain, the balloon cannot fly.
There is a well-trained crew that prepares for the flight during the night, ready in the far desert. The prices for a hot air balloon ride may vary depending on the balloon company. You can negotiate the price, or book through your guide, driver, or even tour office, as they know the current rates. Nobody is allowed to raise prices unfairly.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, don’t hesitate to try the hot air balloon ride. Leave your camp at dawn before having breakfast, which usually starts at 7 AM in the camps.
Whether you’re exploring pustynia Wadi Rum (the Wadi Rum Desert, as it’s called in Polish) by vehicle, on foot, or by climbing its towering rocks, this destination delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends natural wonder with unforgettable adventure.
Living the Bedouin Way In Wadi Rum
No trip to Wadi Rum is complete without experiencing Bedouin hospitality. After a day of adventure, visitors are welcomed into desert camps where they can enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner called zarb, cooked underground and served with salads, bread, and tea. Nights in the desert are unforgettable—sitting around a campfire under a sky full of stars, listening to Bedouin music and stories, and feeling the calm of the silent wilderness.
The Bedouins of Wadi Rum are warm and multilingual, thanks to the diverse travelers they host. They offer unique insights into their culture, traditions, and deep connection to the desert. Camps are spread across two main areas: Disi and The Village. Most travelers begin their visit at The Village, where the Visitor Center is located. Entry to Wadi Rum is 7 Jordanian Dinars, and from there, you can organize your Jeep tour or transfer to your camp.
A Day in Wadi Rum: Sample Itinerary
Morning: Start early to catch the desert at sunrise. Whether hiking or taking a hot air balloon ride, the soft morning light over the red sand dunes is unforgettable.
Midday: Enjoy a traditional Bedouin breakfast at a local campsite, featuring fresh flatbread, mansaf, or zarb. Take the time to chat with your hosts and learn about their daily life.
Afternoon: Set out on a Wadi Rum Jeep safari to explore famous landmarks such as Khazali Canyon and Lawrence’s Spring. Marvel at the sheer size of the rock formations and the wide, open spaces of the desert.
Late Afternoon: Relax with a cup of tea and soak in the peacefulness as the sun begins to set. This is the perfect time to reflect and take stunning photos.
Evening: Share a meal with the Bedouins, enjoy live music, and gather around the fire as the stars fill the sky. The sense of community and connection is truly special.
Night: Sleep in a cozy Wadi Rum Camping or under the open sky. The silence of the desert at night, broken only by a gentle breeze or a distant animal call, is both calming and surreal.
Practical Tips
- The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cooler.
- Always wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera.
- A 4×4 Jeep Tour is required to travel through the desert. Regular cars cannot handle the terrain.
Final Thoughts
Wadi Rum is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, experience, and remember. Whether you’re exploring by wadi Rum Jeep, camel, horse, or hot air balloon, or enjoying the warmth of a Bedouin camp, the spirit of Wadi Rum will stay with you forever. So, if you’re dreaming of adventure under starry skies and endless sandscapes, Wadi Rum should be at the top of your travel list.
