Wadi Rum National Park – The Ultimate 48 Hour Itinerary

Are you thinking of visiting Wadi Rum National Park in Jordan? Think vast deserts, towering cliffs, and a sky so full of stars you won’t believe it’s real. From adrenaline-pumping jeep tours and rock climbing to chilling in a Bedouin camp under the stars, Wadi Rum packs in adventure, culture, and history against the backdrop of stunning scenery.

I recently spent 2 days and 2 nights in Wadi Rum National park while in Jordan. I did a tonne of research in advance as I really wanted to maximise my time whilst visting the Wadi Rum in Jordan. The below post is a guide to Wadi Rum based on the best things to see and do, how best to see the dessert, including camping tours and overnight stays based on my own experience and trip research.

Where is Wadi Rum National Park located?

The Wadi Rum protected area, is a breathtaking expanse of desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Itss renowned for its towering sandstone mountains, wide sandy valleys, and ancient rock carvings. Its unique landscape has not only attracted adventure seekers but also served as a backdrop for numerous films. Geographically, it’s 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, the country’s capital. That being said there are multiple options in terms of where you can fly in from.

How do you get to Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum is easy to get to from most major cities in Jordan, with multiple options for transport.

Wadi Rum from Amman

As the main international gateway to Jordan, Queen Alia International Airport is approximately 300 kilometers from Wadi Rum. The drive can take around 4 hours, leading you through varying landscapes, from the bustling streets of Amman to the serene vastness of the desert. This airport offers a wide range of facilities and connects travelers to major cities worldwide, making it a convenient starting point for your journey to Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum from Aqaba

For those looking for the quickest route to the desert, King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about 60 kilometers away, translating to roughly an hour’s drive to Wadi Rum. This proximity makes Aqaba’s airport to Wadi Rum is its main advantage here. However, I personally think Aqaba itself is worth exploring if you have the time. Its best known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline and uniqe coastal landscape, as well we some excellent diving.

Wadi Rum from Petra

If however, you are like me and likely seeing more of Jordan in addition to Wadi Rum, chances are you will be coming to Wadi Rum from Petra.

Wadi Rum from Petra By Car

By far the easiest way to commute from point A to B in Jordan, is via a car. Driving on the highway is relatively easy in Jordan, the only time we had any issues were when we hired our car and were getting out of the city, as the lanes and roads are not always the best marked.

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, a popular bus company in Jordan that offers services between major tourist sites. However, the Jett bus service directly from Petra to Wadi Rum is not available at certain time of the year, and you may need to take a bus to Aqaba and then another to Wadi Rum. For the latest time table availability, check out their official site here.

For more details on how to get to Wadi Rum, including other parts of Jordan during your trip, read our detailed blog post on this topic.

Wadi Rum Visitor Center

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 of your trip to Wadi Rum)!

How long to spend in Wadi Rum National Park

If you’re wondering how long to dedicate to Wadi Rum, aim for at least one full day, and if your schedule allows, two days would be even better. Most tours in Wadi Rum are 1 full day and overnight tours, ending in the following morning. If you want to explore the dessert any longer, which I highly recommend, then consider staying a little longer.

Wadi Rum National Park 48 Hour Itinerary

Below is a suggested itineray based on our own time in Wadi Rum National Park, after having done considerable research to see how we could get the most out of our time in the desert, feel free to modify this to suit your own preferences. First things first, after having read various other travel blogs and researched what to do in Wadi Rum, we realised the main things to do in Wadi Rum National Park consisted of:

1. Wadi Rum national park tour (guided tour in a typical 4WD), often followed by some sort of authentic Bedouin camping experience;
2. Wadi Rum Luxury camp often referred to as Luxotel/ Bubble camps, which are in a more luxury type accommodation in the iconic clear dome like tents.

After much research, we decided it was worth doing both! I definitely recommend doing both and here is why.

Firstly, the 4WD tours provide a chance to see all the essential sites across the desert, something which you definitely can’t do on your own given Wadi Rum has restricted access to tourists and as such travel across the desert needs to be with a guided tour of some sort. A day of exploring is typically followed by a traditional Bedouin entertainment, music and food in the evening. Something that we found incredibly unique and are extremely glad to have experienced. It was heartwarming to hear stories of their ancestors and life in the desert, and their hospitality and enthusiasm throughout it really what made the tour for us.

Secondly, the Bubble Luxotels are a different experience and completely worth a night on their own to observe the Wadi Rum night sky. They provide a unique experience in a desert landscape, the iconic large bubble domes with their clear windows allow you observe sunset and sunrise and well as stargaze right from your own tent. This was truely a magical experience as one I highly recommend as a must do in Wadi Rum National Park!

Below is our itinerary from our 2 days in Wadi Rum covering both experiences.

Day 1: Wadi Rum Camping at a Bubble Luxotel

5pm: arrive into Wadi Rum National Park. This was a stunning drive from Petra. The landscapes transformed as we enter the main part of Wadi Rum National Park and drive off the main roads to reach our accommodation. We made it an hour ahead of sunset so we could capture some shots before dinner.

7pm: Having settled in and taken in our surroundings and the camping area, we were in awe of the desert and martain like landscape and headed out to explore the surroundings.

8pm: Dinner at our hotel, we opted for half board at our hotel and there arent any restaurant options at this point in the desert unless you want to drive back to the main roads which we didnt want to do after arriving in the desert.

10pm: The sun was set and sky had sufficiently darkened, allowing us to venture out for some stargazing! This was a once in a lifetime experience as I have never seen the sky quiet as clear as you can see it in the desert sky. The further away you can get from the neighbouring towns the better the statgazing! We downloaded a couple of stargazing apps and spent the next hour in complete awe.

Day 2: Wadi Rum National Park Guided Tour

7am: We had breakfast at the hotel and checked out, on our way to start our overnight tour with Wadi Rum/ Nomads Jeep Tours. We were welcomed by the tour owner and our guide at teh start point. Here they explained information on the desert and plan for next day and night over some traditional Bedouin tea.

We then set out for the day in our open 4WD, I would highly recommend doing a tour this way, experiencing the desert landscape is so much better this way! The adrenline rush and steller views are unparalled.

Wadi Rum Attractions

I would say most tour cover the following main heritage sites on their Wadi Rum tour. These are as follows:

• Lawrence spring
• Red sand dune
• Khazali canyon
• Little bridge
• Lawrence house
• Mushroom rock
• Burdah rock bridge
• Abu Khashaba canyon
• Um Fruth rock bridge
• Um Sabatah

I would recomend checking the and comparing the Wadi Rum Jordan tours for their coverage of these main sites as well as the accomodation and evening activities they provide ahead of booking.

Wadi Rum Desert Tour Stops: Morning

Lawrence Spring

Our first stop involved hiking up to Lawrence Spring felt like a treasure hunt, a gentle climb that led up to a beautiful oasis. It was a lush spot that felt a world away from the desert heat.

Red Sand Dun

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

Next we stopped by Mushroom Rock for our lunch. Here the tour guides made us some decolcous tea and hot food on a fire which was a welcome nourishment after all that walking and heat in the desert!

Wadi Rum Tour Stops: Afternoon

Little Bridge

Our post lunch climb the Little Bridge was easier than I expected. Standing on top of this natural rock arch, I felt like I could see the whole desert. It was a quick climb but one of those ‘top of the world’ moments.

Burdah Rock Bridge

Next, we did a short hike to Burdah Rock Bridge. The massive natural arch, looking out over Wadi Rum, was incredible. The view was something I’ll never forget.

Abu Khashaba Canyon

We also covered the Abu Khashaba Canyon which offered a peaceful break from the sun. surrounded by towering rock walls.

Um Fruth Rock Bridge

Um Fruth Rock Bridge is a perfect mix of thrill and beauty. The climb up wasn’t too tough, even though it does not look easy when you see others doing it! However getting to the top and standing on the arch, you are rewarded with beautiful views of the 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 Camping – Wadi Rum at Night

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.

Day 3: Sunrise and Camel Rides in Wadi Rum National Park

AM: 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, with glowing desert landscapes as the sun dips beyond the golden sand dunes.

Depening on the location of your desert camp or accommodation, most desert camel rides last anywhere from 30 mins to just over an hour.

Wadi Rum National Park: Visitor Packing List

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

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.

Don’t forget:

• Chapstick: The dry desert air can be harsh on your lips.
• 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.

Wadi Rum in Movies

If you’re a movie buff, you may recognise part so the Wadi Rum landscape as movie backdrops. Most tour guides will point out where famous movies where shot and when. There is no shortsage of iconic movies filmed here, the most famous ones being:

• “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962): This classic film, which tells the story of T.E. Lawrence’s adventures in the Arabian Peninsula during WWI, showcases the vast, untouched desert of Wadi Rum, bringing its historical significance to the forefront.
• “The Martian” (2015): Wadi Rum stood in for the Martian surface in this sci-fi hit. Its red sands and unique rock formations provided the perfect alien landscape for the movie’s Mars scenes.
• “Aladdin” (2019): The live-action remake of this beloved Disney animated film used Wadi Rum to create the magical, fictional city of Agrabah, capturing the enchanting atmosphere of the Middle East.
• “Star Wars: Rogue One” (2016) and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019): Wadi Rum’s otherworldly terrain was used to represent alien planets in these entries of the Star Wars saga, adding to the franchise’s rich, intergalactic settings.