For those who really wish to leave the city life behind and escape into the wilderness, the desert in Jordan is certainly the place for you. Jordan is home to a plethora of desert both to the east and the south. For thrill-seeking adventures, visitors can take on jeep rides, mountain climbing, and overnight camping. The city of Aqaba is just a short drive away and is well connected with regular buses, taxis and tour operators to suit all budgets and timeframes.
Where is The Desert in Jordan?
Nestled less than an hour away from the coastal city of Aqaba lies Wadi Rum; the gateway to the Jordanian desert. Wadi Rum is the most visitor-friendly section of the desert in Jordan with plenty of activities and excursions to choose from. It is easy to get to and the coastal city of Aqaba located along the Red Sea is a perfect base.
Also known as the Valley of the Moon due to the beautiful night’s sky here, Wadi Rum spans across 278 square miles of mountains, rock bridges, sand dunes and notable sites including the alleged house of Lawrence of Arabia. The drive between Aqaba and Wadi Rum takes visitors along the Desert Highway which was once the route of the Hejaz Railway. Here visitors can bask themselves in the beauty of desert either side of them as they await the adventures at Wadi Rum.
Jordan is also home to a large amount of desert in the east. The eastern desert in Jordan is rarely visited by tourists as it is far stonier than the sand dunes of the south.
Things to Do in The Desert in Jordan
Wadi Rum is really the only desert in Jordan with plenty of things to do. Wadi Rum is visitor friendly and easy to access from the city of Aqaba. From leisurely walks to adrenaline fuelled adventures, there are lots of things to do in the Jordanian desert.
Hiking
Follow the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a hike across the Jordanian desert. Wadi Rum is a great destination for long leisurely walks through the ancient Jordanian desert. Opt for a guided expedition through a range of easy and challenging routes including the rocky Lawrence Spring for fabulous desert views, or, Khazali Canyon for a look at the ancient inscriptions that were discovered on the rocks.
Camping in The Desert in Jordan
Spend a night gazing up at the spectacular Milky Way as part of this desert camping adventure. At Wadi Rum, visitors can embrace the night’s sky in the desert in Jordan by staying in a Bedouin-style tent. These tents take visitors back to a simpler way of living – perfect for romantic getaways or a unique experience with the children. There are many Bedouin Camps to choose from and each one provides delicious traditional Jordanian food and snacks. Our recommendation is this 2-day Bedouin Experience Tour.
Jeep Tours
For the thrill seekers amongst us, why not rip through Jordan’s desert on a four by four adventure. Jeep tours are a great way to see as much of the desert in Jordan as possible. These pickup style jeeps are operated by local people who will give visitors an insight into the historical and cultural significance of this spectacular desert, for example with this Wadi Rum Jeep Safari Tour.
Camel Rides
There is nothing that screams desert adventure more than venturing through the wilderness on a back of a camel. Wadi Rum is brimming with camel ride excursions that last from one hour to a few days. A three-hour camel trek through Rum village and into the Wadi Rum desert will cost around 60JD (85 USD) for one person, or, 150JD (212 USD) for four people.
All in all – The Desert in Jordan
The desert in Jordan was home to local farmers and traders for thousands of years who struggled to survive the harsh climate of the desert. Today the desert in Jordan, mainly Wadi Rum, is a number one tourist destination with lots of unique things to see and do. A visit to Wadi Rum can be expensive but it is certainly something that you will not forget in a hurry.
