How to Explore Wadi Rum: The Valley of the Moon in Jordan
Wadi Rum is one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world and is located in the southwest of Jordan. This desert is also called the Valley of the Moon, because of its otherworldly appearance and atmosphere. It is a paradise for adventurers, who can enjoy activities such as jeep or quad bike rides, hikes, mountain climbs and hot air balloon rides. This is also a place to relax, come into contact with Bedouin culture and spend the night in one of the many tent camps in the desert. In this article you will find all the information you need to get the most out of your visit to Wadi Rum.
How to get to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Aqaba by rental car and a four to six hour drive from Amman depending on whether you take Highway 15 or 35. You can park your car in Wadi Rum Village. The parking lot can be found at the very beginning on the right, here you will find the exact location. You will be picked up there by someone from your booked Bedouin camp. Agree in advance what time they can pick you up. If no one is there yet, don’t worry. Speak to one of the many locals, they are always willing to call your accommodation.
You can also get there by public transport, but that is less convenient and flexible. Buses run from Amman, Aqaba and Petra to Wadi Rum Village, where you can transfer to a taxi or minibus to the Wadi Rum visitor center. Want to know more? Read soon all about the transport options in Jordan in our future article.
Tip: There is no ATM in Wadi Rum Village. We recommend to have sufficient money with you so that you have enough for the activities in Wadi Rum. Take at least between 35 JD to 75 JD with you, of course completely depending on what you want to do.
What can you do in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is known for the adventurous activities in and around the desert. We are happy to list the most popular ones for you.
Take a 4×4 jeep tour
A 4×4 jeep tour is the best way to see the highlights of Wadi Rum, such as the red dunes, rock bridges, petroglyphs and film locations. From Wadi Rum you can also see other countries, such as Saudi Arabia in the south and Israel in the west. You can choose a day or multi-day tour with breaks for lunch, tea and the sunset. You can also put together your own route in consultation with your guide to visit the most beautiful places in the desert. The guide will tell you all about the history and geology of this unique landscape. If you stay in Aqaba, this day tour to the beautiful desert is highly recommended. Are you only in Jordan for a short time and are you staying in Amman? Then this day tour to Petra and Wadi Rum is a must.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding in Wadi Rum is an exciting activity that you can do in the beautiful desert of Jordan. With a sandboard (a type of snowboard) you walk up a large sand hill, stand or sit on it and race down. You can sandboard as part of a 4×4 jeep tour through the desert, or book it as a separate activity at one of the many camps in the desert.
Balloon flight
A hot air balloon ride is a magical way to admire Wadi Rum, from a different perspective that you will never forget. You enjoy the view of the desert, the mountains, the sunrise and the special shadows that the landscape creates. This unique experience is not widely offered and is best booked at the camp where you are staying or via this website.
Hiking or rock climbing
Hiking or rock climbing is a challenging way to discover the desert, for sporty travelers who are not afraid of a little sweat. There are hiking or climbing routes for different levels, from easy trails to steep rocks. With this tour (which includes an overnight stay) you can climb the highest mountain in Jordan, Umm Ad Dami. Arrange this well in advance as everything in Wadi Rum is led by a guide or with professional guidance.
Jordan Trail
The Jordan Trail is an epic hiking trail that runs across Jordan, from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. The entire route is more than 600 kilometers long and takes approximately 40 days. You can also do parts of the Jordan Trail. The trail from Petra to Wadi Rum is approximately 90 kilometers long and takes five days.
A night under the stars
Sleeping outside in the desert for a night is an experience you will never forget. The sky above Wadi Rum is one of the clearest in the world at night. Many of the camps offer this activity and we can only recommend it. Your guide will look for a nice place in the middle of the desert to spend the night and will have all the equipment with him to make you comfortable. During this experience you lie under warm blankets looking at the starry sky while a small campfire burns next to you. You can even see the Milky Way, planets, constellations and shooting stars. For the ultimate experience set your alarm clock at 03:00 or 04:00 and look at the sky, it will be worth it. Imagine sleeping at night under a clear starry sky while surrounded by endless sand dunes.
Tip: Bring warm clothes! It can get very cold at night. Don’t worry, there are wonderfully warm blankets everywhere for you to crawl under.
Where can you stay in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum has a wide range of accommodations in the desert, ranging from simple tents to luxurious domes with a view of the starry sky. Here are our recommendations.
- Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp: This camp offers several types of tents, including domes with panoramic windows, royal tents with jacuzzis and family tents with multiple beds. The camp also has a restaurant with buffet meals, a lounge with a fireplace and a souvenir shop.
- Wadi Rum Nature Tours And Camp (See photo): This is an authentic camp run by a local Bedouin family. The camp consists of several Bedouin tents for sleeping and a cozy communal area where you can enjoy a glass of traditional Bedouin tea or a delicious home-cooked meal with fresh local quality products. The camp organizes activities such as 4×4 jeep tours, walks and music evenings.
- Wadi Rum Desert Adventures: This cozy and affordable camp is located deep in the desert. They offer both luxury tents with private bathrooms or a private Bedouin tent with a shared bathroom. The view from the camp is great, there are no lights so you can fully enjoy the starry sky at night.
Wadi Rum offers countless opportunities to enjoy the spectacular nature and unique experiences. Whether you are a fan of camping, off-road adventures or simply want to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the sand and mountains. The Valley of the Moon has it all.
