Scramble rock bridges
The rock bridges in Wadi Rum are an irresistible attraction to those who enjoy the beauty of nature. The bridges are formed by natural erosion and can be found throughout the desert. Scrambling up to the top of a rock bridge is a thrilling experience, and the views from the top are wonderful.
A journey through 1916 with a ride on the Hijazi train
The Hijazi train is a new addition to Wadi Rum attractions. After whisking past beautiful red sand dunes, passengers witness an engaging live re-enactment of the 1916 Arab Great Revolt against the Ottoman Empire followed by a meet-and-greet with the actors
Watch a camel race
The Disi Camel racing festival is a race you don’t want to miss. It is scheduled six times a year, and the races last approximately one hour. Time is given between each race to meet the winning camels and jockeys.
Go for a guided hike
While hiking in Wadi Rum, you will discover a moonlike landscape that looks unearthly. Ancient valleys with petroglyphs and inscriptions telling you stories about times long passed, vast sandy plains dotted with desert plants, gorges providing heavenly shadow on a hot summer day, high sand dunes, and mountains offering impressive desert views.
Adami trail (Jabal Umm ad Dami)
Jordan’s tallest mountain, located inside Wadi Rum and near the border with Saudi Arabia, Jabal Umm ad Dami provides summit views at an elevation of approximately 1,850 meters. Surprisingly, the ascent is not particularly difficult, taking about two hours and involving very little scrambling. Naturally, given the incline involved, it does require being in decent shape. The view from the top shows a largely isolated and empty landscape – you can even see the Gulf of Aqaba from 45 kilometres away! The geology in this area is particularly striking, and the drive alone is worth the trip.
Ain Ash-Shallaleh (Lawrence of Arabia Spring)
This pleasant hike from the parking lot in Wadi Rum village will take you to the actual spring that TE Lawrence visited (not the same thing as the “Lawrence Spring” south of Wadi Rum village). There are shallow, paved steps carved into the hillside along the path to the spring to help you reach your destination, and there is even a picnic area near the top of the path. This trail will also take you to the Nabatean temple, which you can stop to explore. Once you reach the actual spring, follow the trail onwards along the water toward a wonderful view.
Take a hike and enjoy the sand dunes
Wadi Rum desert is dotted with sand dunes, a special phenomenon of nature. Lots of loose sand, wind, and a dry climate are the ingredients needed to form sand dunes. Some of the popular sand dunes and hiking spots include Al Ramal near Jabal Khazali, Abu Breshmana near Jabal Um Ishrin, Alhassani dune near Jabal Um Ishrin, Al Ramal near Um Sabatah, and sand dunes in Abu Khashaba canyon in addition to the Burdha Arch.
Moon yoga retreats
Embark on a transformative journey with Pink Spirit Wellness Retreats led by Sandra Jelly, Laura di Salvo, and a team of experienced teachers. This unique four-day retreat at Wadi Rum's Bedouin yoga camp transports you into the heart of the protected desert, igniting inner reflection and healing. Amidst the desert's grandeur, find tranquillity and self-discovery through sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, guided meditations, and meditative walks. Unveil your life's patterns through a horse soul session, releasing what no longer serves you. This retreat, renowned internationally, offers authentic Bedouin cuisine, restoring your connection with nature and yourself.
Hot air ballooning
Hop into a hot air balloon for a unique view of Wadi Rum. You will experience the desert as never before with a majestic one-hour tour of Wadi Rum from 2,000 meters above. The flights take place in the early morning at 6:00 and the flight duration is approximately one hour but allow around two hours for the total experience. The balloon capacity is eight passengers.
Experience Bedouin life: Spend a day in Wadi Rum desert
Wadi Rum desert is a perfect escape from the modern world, offering a back-in-time experience of Bedouin life. The Bedouin people have inhabited this area for thousands of years, adapting their lifestyle perfectly to the semi-arid environment. Their survival in the desert is based on certain core rules and values that you can learn and experience while spending a day with them.
Bake traditional bread, try Bedouin coffee with the Hakawati
During your day with the Bedouin, you can learn how to bake traditional bread called arboud or shrak bread and taste the spicy tingle of a Bedouins coffee. You can also rub your palms with ajram, the Bedouin soap, wear kohl to protect your eyes
Try food cooked in the underground oven (Zarb)
The Bedouin people use traditional cooking methods to preserve the flavours of their food. One of the most intriguing "picnic" dishes is zarb, which involves cooking a whole goat, chicken, or lamb in an underground oven. The slow-cooking method produces a dish that is crispy on the exterior and tender inside. Today, Bedouins also cook potatoes and other vegetables in the oven.
Visit the workshops of local women
In the heart of Wadi Rum red rose desert, Bedouin women work on projects that enable them to achieve better economic and social life. By visiting their workshops, you can support the local community of Wadi Rum, purchase astonishing handmade souvenirs, and even do voluntary work.
Visit the remains of the Nabatean temple
The Nabatean presence at Wadi Rum can be seen today in the remains of the temple to the goddess Allat (dated 32 AD), close to the modern village of Rum. The Nabateans' elaborate methods of harvesting and managing water can be seen in water channels, reservoirs carved in the bedrock, and dams blocking small canyons scattered in the surrounding mountains
See the Thamudic inscriptions
With over 25,000 petroglyphs and over 20,000 inscriptions which are mostly Thamudic, Wadi Rum desert is a truly unique place on earth. The numerous inscriptions found in Wadi Rum desert are made in four different North-Arabian scripts, demonstrating the very early development of alphabetical writing among the societies in the peninsula. According to UNESCO, Wadi Rum desert is a critical site for the study and understanding of the evolution of aesthetics, writing, and literacy.
Experience romance in Wadi Rum desert
Wadi Rum desert is a perfect place for a romantic escape. You can take a romantic trek on camels, have a romantic dinner or couples’ massage under the stars. You can even hold your wedding in the desert or rent a honeymoon suite in one of the amazing camping sites and hotel
Explore the unique flora and fauna
Wadi Rum is a paradise for nature lovers. Discover a unique ecosystem where rare plants and herbs can be found, long known by the Bedouin for their curative powers. Most visitors only see camels and herds of goats and sheep, but with a little observation, the desert is very much alive. Hyrax, hares, jerboas, and gerbils abound and at night, the desert hunters, foxes and Arabian sand cats, make their appearance.
Celebrate a Bedouin wedding
Experience a condensed version of the vibrant Bedouin wedding festivities, complete with rituals, music, and dance. This captivating encounter is open to groups, offering a window into this celebration. This experience also caters to couples seeking a unique wedding celebration.
RumSky gazing
Witness the sky like you've never seen it before. In the desert, far away from civilization, the sky is filled with millions of stars shining in a dark velvet sky. Informative stargazing activities can be arranged through desert camps, so make sure to book your place in advance.
Hand loom weaving
Discover the essence of Bedouin life through their weaving tradition, a collaborative artistry predominantly upheld by women. Ground looms, requiring joint effort to assemble, are the tools of choice, symbolizing cooperation in their nomadic lifestyle. Wool spun from their animals is dyed with natural hues, creating vibrant shades like hibiscus red and turmeric yellow. These fibres are then woven into functional pieces like the iconic goat hair tents, which expand when wet and breathe when dry. This experience showcases an array of traditional woven items, bridging past and present and sharing the intricate stories of desert existence.
Discover the desert on a jeep safari
No description is published for this item.
Climb the majestic mountains of Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a world-renowned rock-climbing destination. The landscape is unique and captivating, with towering rock formations begging to be climbed. The urge to explore the next canyon or climb the next mountain is irresistible. The complex systems of canyons and sub-canyons, along with wind-sculpted towers and domes, offer a challenge for climbers of all levels.
Wild camping in Wadi Rum
Experience the enchantment of Wadi Rum through an overnight camping adventure. Guided by a local expert, explore the desert's wonders before settling into your own campsite. In tents provided and equipped with sleeping bags, and mattresses, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the desert night. You can even choose to sleep under the stars and witness the celestial expanse of Wadi Rum.
Trekking on camel back or a horseback ride in the desert
Experience the true essence of the desert by riding the "ships of the desert" (camels) or “enchanters of the sand” (horses). Learn how to mount and sit on horses and camels like a Bedouin and enjoy the beauty and silence of the desert.
