Is Wadi Rum Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know
Are you visiting Jordan and deciding whether Wadi Rum is worth visiting?
Wadi Rum is desert found in Southern Jordan, with stunning otherworldly landscapes. It has stunning towering rock formations, and endless red sand dunes and even ancient petroglyphs carved into its cliffs.
The desert in accessed through jeep tours and jeep camel rides, often with a night spent in a traditional Bedouin camp under a sky full of stars.
I recently spent 2 days and 1 night in Wadi Rum on a tour with Wadi Rum Nomads, covering the iconic highlights of Wadi Rum. Below is a guide to what makes Wadi Rum worth visting based on my time there.
Is Wadi Rum Worth Visiting?
Yes, Wadi Rum is absolutely worth visiting for its breathtaking desert landscapes, unique rock formations, unique petroglyphs cave carvings and rich cultural history.
Main reasons to visit Wadi Rum –
- Stunning Scenery – Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum features vast red sand dunes, towering cliffs, and iconic rock formations.
- Desert Adventures – Experience 4×4 jeep tours, camel rides, sandboarding, and hiking through dramatic desert terrain.
- Cultural Experience – Stay in a Bedouin camp, enjoy traditional Jordanian hospitality, and experience authentic desert life.
- Star Gazing – Recognized as one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies.
So what is so special about Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum, also known as the “Valley of the Moon” for its stunning desert landscapes. Its unique combination of red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and canyons that create a breathtaking landscapet. The area is also rich in cultural history, featuring ancient rock carvings and inscriptions that provide insight into the lives of its early inhabitants. The main attractions that make Wadi Rum special and worth visting are –
- Lawrence Spring – A historic water spring named after T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), with stunning views
- Red Sand Dune – The Red Dune is a massive, vividly colored dune with panoramic desert views.People Often sandboard here too.
- Khazali Canyon – A narrow canyon with ancient Nabatean and Thamudic inscriptions
- Little Bridge – A small picturesque natural rock arch that is accessible with a short but challenging climb up, providing stunning views of the desert from a height.
- Anfishiyyeh Inscriptions – These are well-preserved rock carvings from the Nabatean and Thamudic periods, depicting camels, warriors, and early script.
- Lawrence House – These are ruins of a structure believed to have been used by T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt.
- Mushroom Rock – A uniquely shaped rock formation resembling a giant mushroom in teh desert landscape, the rock has rounded like a mushroom with centuries of wind erosion.
- Burdah Rock Bridge – One of the highest and most spectacular rock arches in Wadi Rum, to get up to the bridge requires a short but challenging climb.
- Abu Khashaba Canyon – A stunning slot canyon with a mix of red and white sandstone
- Um Fruth Rock Bridge – Anothernaturally formed bridge by the rock formations in the desert, this one is easy-to-climb, providing breathtaking views
- Um Sabatah – A remote sunset viewpoint, people often come and set up here an hour before sunset to capture the perfect desert sunset shots.
Where is Wadi Rum National Park located?
Wadi Rum is geographically situated about 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the northeast of Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, and roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Amman, Jordan’s capital.
How do you get to Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is easy to get to from most major cities in Jordan. The main international airport in Jordan, Queen Alia International Airport is approximately 300 kilometers from Wadi Rum. with teh drive taking about 4 hours. Hiring a car is the most direct and convenient way to Wadi Rum, however there are public transport options available with JETT bus, although the bus takes much longer, going from Aman to Aqaba then to Wadi Rum.
Wadi Rum from Aqaba Airport
If you’re looking for the quickest route to the desert, then King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about 60 kilometers away, translating to roughly a 60 minute. If flying into Aqaba, then i recommend leaving some time to explore Aqaba itself. This region is best known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline and uniqe coastal landscapes.
Wadi Rum from Petra
The driving time to get to Wadi Rum from Petra is about 1.5 to 2 hours covering 66 mile (106km). The most common route is to take the Desert Highway (Highway 15) south from Petra (Wadi Musa) towards Wadi Rum. You’ll pass through the town of Ma’an before reaching the turnoff for Wadi Rum. The road is well-paved and signposted.
Wadi Rum from Petra By Bus
There is a public bus service that runs from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, but it is infrequent and typically leaves early in the morning (around 6:00 AM). The schedule can vary, so it’s essential to check the timings a day in advance. The bus journey can take around 2.5 to 3 hours due to stops and the condition of the bus.
Alternatively, there is JETT Bus, offering services between major tourist sites. However, the route from Petra to Wadi Rum is not available at certain time of the year. For the latest time table availability, check JETT’s official timetable.
Wadi Rum Visitors Centre
The Wadi Rum Visitor Centre serves as the main gateway to Wadi Rum. Located just off the Desert Highway, about 40 minutes from Aqaba and around 3.5 hours from Amman, it’s accessible by car or tour bus. If you’re driving, follow the well-signed roads leading directly to the Visitor Centre.
You will need to stop here and pay for the entry fee to enter Wadi Rum National Park. Entry to Wadi Rum requires a fee of 5 JD (around 7 USD), which is per person for access, not per day, making it a one-off payment for your stay. This fee grants you entry to the protected area and supports conservation efforts.
There are basic facilities at the Visitor Centre. There are some toilets and a basic cafe for refreshments as well as a gift shop. You can pick up maps and learn about guided tours if you have not pre-booked a tour (which I highly reccommend doing in advance!).
How long to spend in Wadi Rum?
About 1 to 2 days is enough time in Wadi Rum. This provides enough time to do a jeep tour which would typically cover Wadi Rum’s iconic sites, also complete a camel ride and do some stargazing at night whilst experiencing a traditional Bedouin camp. If you’re looking to explore Wadi Rum’s lesser known areas or complete additional activities such as rock climbing or hiking, then 3 to 4 days is a more appropriate amount of time.
Things to see in Wadi Rum
There is plenty to see in Wadi Rum. Most jeep tours follow a very similar itinerary covering all the essential sites.
Top tip: its worth comparing various tour providers as some claim to cover the sites in reverse order, meaning you don’t end up at each site at the same time as all the other tour groups following the standard itinerary.
Lawrence Spring
Our first stop involved hiking up to Lawrence Spring was a not so gentle climb that led up to a beautiful viewing spot, offering a gerat view of the desert landscape.
Red Sand Dunes
Our next stop was the Red Sand Dune climbing up in soft sand is a challenge itself. Reaching the top, we were rewarded with an epic view, probably one of the best viewsof the Wadi Rum valley in my opinion.
Khazali Canyon
Khazali Canyon was like stepping into a secret passage. Our guide did a great job of explaining the inscriptions high on the walls as we wandered through its narrow paths.
Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock was our stop point for lunch.Our guide made us some traditional Bedouin tea and hot food on a fire which was a welcome nourishment after all that walking in the desert.
Burdah Rock Bridge
Next, we did a short hike to Burdah Rock Bridge. The massive natural arch, looking out over Wadi Rum, was incredible.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge
Um Fruth Rock Bridge required a short climb up. It does not look easy as you see other scrambling up narrow steep rocks, however up close it is actually less intimidating to climb. At the top, standing on the arch, we were rewarded with beautiful views of Wadi Rum National Park.
Um Sabatah
Ending our day at Wadi Rum national Park at Um Sabatah to catch the sunset was magical. Sunsets are stunning in Wadi Rum National Park, and this was no exception! We sat there with our phones and camera set up, watching as the sky and sand turned shades of gold and red. It was the perfect, peaceful end to an epic day. As soon as the sun set though, the desert definitely gets cold! A lot colder than you would expect! I highly recommend packing some warm layers and chapstick to brave the cool winds, especially if you are going in the winter months.
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
Upon sunset, we were driven to the Bedouin campsite we were staying for the evening. Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the traditional Bedouin tent, the main large tent where dinner is served. There fire going in the middle of the room with traditional Bedouin music as our backdrop.
The guides then exchanged stories and gave a us a beaufitul history lesson and explained the traditions of the Bedouin people. We ended the evening with a hearty meal, playing a few card games with our local guides and exchaning stories. A special experience getting to know the local people, something we don’t think we would have done without the tour on our own.
Following these, we did some brief stargazing, we couldn’t stay out too long because it was December and it got cold very quickly. We then made out way to our Camping tents which were the traditional Bedouin style tents set up with our bed and winter blankets for the night.
Sunrise and Camel Rides in Wadi Rum National Park
We headed out first thing to a sunrise spot our guides had advised us about the day before. It was a rare treat to be in such a quiet and serene place at the break of dawn. After breakfast, it was time for our camel rides.
Most camel rides are offered at the start or end of a tour. I would highly recommend checking the timing in advance with your company. We did ours first thing in the morning, but sunsets are also great time for the camel ride!
Depening on the location of your desert camp or accommodation, most desert camel rides last anywhere from 30 mins to just over an hour.
What to pack for Wadi Rum?
The weather in the Wadi Rum desert can change a lot across different times of the year. Having traveled there in winter (December) I was surprised between the temperatures even between the day and night! No matter when you’re visiting, the temperature dips significantly once the sun sets, so its important to make sure you pack adequately for a comfortable night in the desert!
Here’s a quick checklist I used:
- Sunscreen: A high SPF for skin protection in the desert.
- Wide-brimmed hat: For added shade and sun protection.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and eco-friendly.
- Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for navigating rocky terrains.
- Breathable clothes: Lightweight fabrics for summer visits.
- Lightweight scarf: Useful for protection against sun and sand.
- Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from the bright sun.
- Long-sleeve shirt: Offers extra protection from the sun, even in summer
- Windproof jacket: With an added layer for winter
- Spare slippers or sandals: Great for relaxing at camp.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Handy for nighttime navigation.
- Camera and tripod: Camera is a given, however a tripod is extremely useful if you’re looking capture the stunning scenery and starry skies at night.
For winter trips, add:
- Thermal underwear: Keeps you warm during cold nights.
- Fleece jacket for an added layer: For layering up against the cold.
- Warm socks, hat, and gloves: Essential for Wadi Rum weather at night.
- Chapstick: The dry desert air can be harsh on your lips.
Are you heading to Wadi Rum? Check out my review of Wadi Rum Nomads for what you can expect on a tour.
