You may recognize the Wadi Rum, also known as The Desert of the Moon, from movies like The Martian, Aladdin, and most recently – Dune. A visit to the Wadi Rum desert is a remarkable experience that will transport you to another planet entirely. The Wadi Rum is an UNSECO World Heritage site famous for its sandstone mountains, narrow canyons and towering cliffs. If you’re an adventure seeker and nature lover or history enthusiast, this spot is for you.
Getting to the Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum desert is located in southern Jordan about 4-hours from Amman and 1-hour from Aqaba. The Rum Village is the closest town and the gateway to the desert. You will begin your journey in the Rum Village before hopping in a 4×4 jeep or on a camel to venture into the stunning desert wilderness. You can arrive in the Rum Village by rental car or arrange a car transport via your Wadi Rum hosts.
When to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the best temperatures for exploring the desert, with daytime highs ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Summer (June-August) can be very hot, with daytime temperatures soaring above 104°F (40°C). Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially overnight.
We visited the Wadi Rum in March and found it very pleasant with enjoyable day temperatures and manageable overnight temperatures for the tents. The only downside was it was still too cold to sleep out under the stars. If that is important to you, aim for a little later in the spring.
Highlights in the Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum offers a wide array of activities depending on what you like to do. Activities also vary by tour company and how much time you have to spend in the desert. Some of the highlights include:
Lawrence Spring
A spring associated with T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), where he is said to have bathed during his time in the area. This was a short canyon walk we did first thing in the morning.
Red Sand Dune
Just like it sounds. A giant red sand dune you can climb up and run down. We hung out at the top of the dune for awhile and loved the desert views. I’m talking serious martian vibes.
Um Sabatah
Rock scramble to the top for amazing views of the sunset over the Wadi Rum. This was one of our favorite things. We loved just relaxing on the rocks and watching the slow sunset over the desert before we had a nighttime Jeep 4×4 ride back to camp.
Little Bridge
There are many rock bridges to visit in the Wadi Rum. This one is the smallest and easiest to climb.
Um Fruth
A larger rock bridge requiring a bit more rock scrambling to get to the top. A fun climb for rock scrambling enthusiasts and even those who aren’t. These rock structures were really fun to see.
Khazali Canyon
A narrow canyon with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the rock by the Nabateans. Our guides dropped us off at one end of the canyon and picked us up at the other. This was a fun walk with lots to see.
Jebel Al-Hash
A less popular trek gives you a more rustic experience. The summit offers expansive panoramic views of the desert landscape overlooking the Jordan-Saudi Arabian border. This was an easy out and back hike. We got to spend some time at the end overlooking Saudi Arabia before heading back. A great last stop before we left the desert.
Burdah Rock Bridge
One of the most iconic natural landscapes in the Wadi Rum. An alternative half day hike instead of Jebel Al-Hash. We didn’t get to do this one since we completed Jebel Al-Hash instead but we hear this is an amazing alternative.
Bedouin Culture + Where to Stay in the Wadi Rum
We stayed with Wadi Rum Nomads during our time in the desert and absolutely loved it. They were so easy to work with during the booking process and they were super accommodating during our stay. We would absolutely recommend booking through them for your stay (our stay was NOT sponsored we just loved their company).
Wadi Rum Nomads: We booked the 2 Day 2 Night Desert Tour with Jabal Al-Hash hike. Read more about it and book your stay here.
Bedouin people have lived in the desert for centuries. One of the most immersive experiences for a trip to the Wadi Rum is staying overnight in a Bedouin camp. These camps offer a chance to learn about the nomadic way of life for the Bedouin people. Bedouin hospitality is an integral part of the experience as guests are invited to share food, tea (always) and stories. They played music for us each night, cooked food in the ground in a traditional style and accompanied us during all of our daytime excursions.
Stay overnight in a private tent with beds and have traditional Bedouin meals at camp and in the middle of the desert during the day. Some camps are more luxurious while others offer a more authentic, rustic experience. Depending on the overnight temperatures when you’re in the desert, many camps offer the opportunity to sleep under the stars instead of in a tent. This is a unique experience for anyone brave enough to sleep out on the ground, with no tent. We wished we could have done this during our stay in the Wadi Rum but the temperatures were still a bit chilly.
Practical Tips
What to Bring: The weather in the desert is always changing. It’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy footwear for hiking/rock scrambling. Be sure to pack different layer options so you’re prepared for the warm daytime temps and the cool evening temps.
Guides/Permits: It’s highly recommended to explore Wadi Rum with a local guide since they are very familiar with the desert and where things are located. Entry to Wadi Rum is regulated and you’ll need to acquire a Wadi Rum Visitor’s Permit which is usually included with tour packages. We had a great experience with Wadi Rum Nomads. They booked our transportation to and from the desert, providing someone to pick us up in Aqaba at the border and someone to take us to our following destination. Their Bedouin guides were all very friendly and knowledgable and they made amazing tea and food for us every meal! Their camp was perfect and it was an overall amazing experience. I would definitely travel with them again.
Combining Wadi Rum with Other Destinations
A trip to the Wadi Rum pairs perfectly with stops at the Dead Sea (Wadi Mujib), Aqaba, Petra (Wadi Musa) and Israel. Check out our full 10-day Jordan Itinerary for trip ideas.
Overall, a trip to Wadi Rum offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or simply soaking in the views, the desert’s vastness and beauty will leave a lasting impression. The blend of adventure, culture, history, and natural wonder makes Wadi Rum a must-see destination for anyone visiting Jordan.
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