Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, known as the "Valley of the Moon," is a breathtaking desert landscape in southern Jordan. Its red dunes, towering sandstone cliffs, and ancient rock carvings create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. Popular for Jeep tours, camel rides, and stargazing, Wadi Rum offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. This iconic desert has also served as a backdrop for several Mars-themed movies, adding to its mystique.
Wadi Rum → Amman = 4 hours, 320 km
Wadi Rum → Petra = 2 hours, 120 km
Wadi Rum → Aqaba = 1 hour, 70 km
The area is 720 square kilometer, making it the biggest Wadi of Jordan. More than 25.000 rock carvings, 20.000 inscriptions and lots of archaeological sites have been discovered in Wadi Rum. People have been living there for thousands of years.
To visit Wadi Rum, I recommend spending at least one full day in the area. You have two main options:
Two-Night Stay
Arrive in the late afternoon, spend the night in a camp, and enjoy a full day tour the next day. Stay another night and leave the following morning for Wadi Rum Village, where your car is parked. This relaxed option lets you experience the stunning Wadi Rum sunset, which is truly otherworldly.One-Night Stay
If short on time, arrive in Wadi Rum Village by 9 or 10 AM, start your tour, then eat and sleep at the camp, leaving the next morning.
To start your visit, book a camp in advance—there are over 100 options ranging from luxury to basic. Check Booking.com for choices. One basic but recommended camp is Joy of Life, where I stayed with an excellent guide, Hammed. After booking, contact your host via WhatsApp to arrange meeting in the village. You can park your car in Wadi Rum Village for free, and begin your adventure from there.
How does a full or half day tour look like?
Full Day Jeep Tour
Lawrence Spring
Pink Sand dune
Naqsh Al-Anfishiyyah, ancient Bedouin inscriptions
Lawrence’s House
Lunch, fresh cooked by our guide Hammed. Not all guides do this!
Mushroom rock and some tea
Umm Rabaa Rock Bridge, you can climb up
The Small Bridge, go up to enjoy the view over the desert
Wadi Khazali, 30/45 min walk through a pink canyon
Sunset on the best spot of the valley with tea
Bedouin dinner back at the cam
Four Hour Jeep Tour
Nabatean Temple
Lawrence Spring
Pink Sand dune
Naqsh Al-Anfishiyyah, ancient Bedouin inscriptions
Lawrence’s House
The Small Bridge, go up to enjoy the view over the desert
Wadi Khazali, 30/45 min walk through a pink canyon
Back to the camp
Visiting Wadi Rum in 8 hours might seem like a lot, but most stops are quick, and the real highlight is simply enjoying the scenery from the back of the Jeep. The tour price is per Jeep, which can fit 4 to 5 people, and most prices are similar. I recommend choosing the 8-hour tour that includes the sunset—it’s worth it!
Many spots in Wadi Rum are connected to T.E. Lawrence, a famous British figure known for his role in the Arab Revolt during World War I. His story has drawn thousands of visitors to Wadi Rum.
Thanks to its red landscape, Wadi Rum has also been a filming location for several Mars-themed movies, like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) and The Martian (2015).
