Wadi Rum

In the south western corner Jordan, history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty collide. Wadi Rum is a land of varied desert landscapes, including towering cliffs, sandstone mountains, natural arches, and narrow gorges. The name Wadi Rum translates from Arabic to mean elevated valley, as the surrounding mountains are the highest in all of Jordan, although it is affectionately called the Valley of the Moon . Wadi Rum may already be familiar to film buffs, as it was the backdrop for the classic Lawrence of Arabia.

Wadi Rum has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and petroglyphs, rock paintings, and temple ruins throughout the valley still pay homage to the distant past. Today, most of the inhabitants of the valley are Bedouin farmers and villagers, who until recently, led a nomadic existence. Today, many villagers make a living from eco and adventure tourism, leading climbing expeditions, safaris, and tours of the surrounding terrain. Travelers come to trek the desert, embark on camel safaris, or camp under the starry desert sky. The region even offers some of the finest rock climbing in the world.

The vast, open desert, unique geological features, and historical significance of Wadi Rum create a landscape that is both mysterious and majestic. Given half a chance, the Valley of the Moon will enrich your soul and steal your heart.

Making it Happen

The nearest airport is in the coastal town of Aqaba, about 40 miles from Wadi Rum. The Desert Highway runs from Aqaba to Amman, with a well-marked turn-off for Wadi Rum. At least one bus runs every day from Aqaba to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre and Wadi Rum Village. Taxis and minibuses are plentiful, and hitch-hiking is a safe and respected way to travel. You will find plenty of camping opportunities in Wadi Rum. As for actual lodging, your only choice is The Rest House in Rum Village, with very basic accommodations. Most camps provide authentic Bedouin meals, comfortable, private tents, and full facilities for bathing and washing.

To really experience to beauty and allure of the desert valley, you must spend some time there. The pillars and canyons change colors throughout the day, and the stars sparkle beyond compare on clear nights. Guided treks through the desert are offered via horse, camel, or 4x4, and can last anywhere from a few hours to many days. Plenty of Bedouin guides are also expert rock-climbers, and many offer their services on climbing expeditions. Hundreds of routes exist throughout the valleys, cliffs, and towers in Wadi Rum, from beginner climbs to technically challenging ascents.