Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, known as the “Valley of the Moon,” is one of the world’s most dramatic desert landscapes, where towering red sandstone cliffs showcase vast golden sands creating an otherworldly setting that has drawn travelers, adventurers, and filmmakers for decades. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to experience this region-from jeep safaris and overnight stays in traditional Bedouin camps to hiking, rock climbing, ATV adventures, and hot air ballooning-while also covering its rich history, local culture, and practical tips for getting there, helping you make the most of your unforgettable desert adventure.

Introducing Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is the largest ‘wadi’, dry valley, in Jordan. It is a diverse desert area, with tough rocky outcrops of red rock and flat areas covered in sand or salt. Many civilizations have inhabited the area, but always sparsely due to its harsh, inhospitable nature. Today, a handful of Bedouin tribes live in the area.

This region rose to fame in the West following the movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, which followed the story of TE Lawrence when he fought in the then Transjordan during the Second World War. In recent years, it has become a popular filming location for movies looking for lunar, moon-like landscapes. Notable recent movies filmed here include ‘The Martian’ and scenes from ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’.

Wadi Rum is a designated nature reserve and requires an entrance fee. There is also a Visitor Center at the entrance to the area.

Things To Do in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert area with little in the way of permanent construction or modern facilities. The area is incredibly popular with tourists, however. The main activities here are jeep safaris through the desert. Most jeep tours are around 2 hours and cover the highlights of the area, although longer half-day, full-day, or multi-day tours are also available.

Even if you only have 24 hours in Wadi Rum, visitors opt to spend one of their overnights in Jordan in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, to gain a local experience. There are tens of different camps in the area, some of which are quite makeshift with locals just setting up tents in the desert, whilst others are more Western-style resorts, with cabins as well as tents, en-suite rooms, swimming pools, dining facilities, and so on. We recommend this Bedouin Experience Tour.

This is also a major hiking area, with many trails through the desert drawing visitors. Rock climbing is another major draw to the region.

Appealing to adventure seekers and extreme nature lovers, this destination offers opportunities for long desert hikes, high-speed ATV or desert buggy rides, and scenic hot air balloon flights. Hiring a local tour guide in Wadi Rum is recommended, not only for navigation and safety in the vast, remote terrain, but also to gain insight into the desert’s unique landscapes, Bedouin culture, and hidden landmarks that might otherwise be missed.

How To Get to Wadi Rum

While public transport in Jordan can be limited, most visitors arrive by private taxi, arranged transfer, or as part of an organized tour-either private or with a group. It’s located about 45 minutes north of Aqaba and roughly 1 hour south of Petra, making it an easy stop when exploring southern Jordan. Travelers driving the highway between Aqaba and Petra will catch striking views of the desert, but venturing deeper into Wadi Rum offers the most dramatic and unforgettable vistas, from towering sandstone cliffs to endless sand dunes.

Your Journey Through Jordan’s Moonlit Valley

Wadi Rum is a spectacular place where every turn feels like stepping onto another planet. From exploring its dramatic landscapes on a jeep safari or on foot, to spending a night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp, the desert offers adventure and culture all in one trip. In general, Jordan is full of incredible experiences, including the ancient wonders of Petra and the serene beauty of the Dead Sea. Our Jordan travel resources provide practical tips, suggested itineraries, and insider advice to help you explore the country at your own pace.

To truly make the most of your visit, join one of our Wadi Rum tours. These well-planned, exceptional journeys offer local insight, safe navigation through the vast desert, and a chance to experience hidden corners of the landscape that are easy to miss on your own. For travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, there’s no better way to experience Wadi Rum and the best of Jordan.

Start Your Desert Adventure