Wadi Rum

From nature and tradition

One of the most picturesque deserts in the world, Wadi Rum is a highlight of many guests’ adventures in Jordan. Its beauty has been immortalised by Hollywood in films such as Lawrence of Arabia. The contrast of the sandstone and granite mountains combined with the red of the sand creates an otherworldly landscape that is unforgettable.

The unique nature of the desert was recognised in 1997 with the establishment of the Wadi Rum Protected Area; in 2011 UNESCO placed Wadi Rum on the World Heritage List. This area encompasses 74,000 ha of natural beauty including the highest peak in Jordan, Mount Um Dami at 1,840 m.

FROM / TO WADI RUM - Directions

You can reach Wadi Rum by bus from Petra and Aqaba. From Amman there are regular bus services to Aqaba. Please keep in mind public transport may be limited on Fridays.

If you have any questions about transportation or if you would like assistance in booking a taxi please let us know.

  • From Aqaba :

From Aqaba there is a bus at 12pm, but there may be additional buses in the morning and it is advisable to confirm the departure time the day before. On average the price is 3JD. By car or taxi the journey from Aqaba to Wadi Rum takes about 1 h.

  • From Petra/Wadi Musa :

From Petra a bus departs at 6am. Make advance arrangements with your hotel for collection. On average the price is 7JD. By car or taxi the journey from Petra/Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum takes about 2 hrs.

  • Meeting point :

All visitors will be met by a Rumshines representative at the Visitor’s Centre located at the entrance to Wadi Rum prior to the start of their trip. Here a payment of 5JD per person is required for entrance to Wadi Rum. If you have the Jordan Pass, the entrance is included.

  • To Aqaba :

Buses leave for Aqaba everyday at 7 am excluding Fridays. The Aqaba bus is a local bus service and there is not always availability for tourists. Alternatively we can arrange for a taxi to take you to your desired location.

  • To Petra :

Buses leave for Petra every day at 8:30am. We also can arrange a taxi to take you to your desired location.

  • Taxi prices average : 

To Aqaba : 25JD
To Petra : 40 JD
To Amman the price ranges from 85-100 JD

SIGHTS IN WADI RUM

While each guest will leave the desert with their own special memories, some of the most popular highlights are outlined below.

 

  • Anfashieh Inscriptions: This mountain has various Thamudic and Nabataen inscriptions, as well as ancient drawings of animals and humans.
  • Burrah Canyon: This beautiful canyon can be walked easily in around an hour. The surroundings provide wonderful photo opportunities framed by dramatic rock formations and the views are particularly dramatic at sunrise and sunset when the rocks take on an orange glow.
  • Natural Rock Formations: Natural erosion of the sandstone has resulted in some extraordinary rock formations that make excellent photo opportunities.
  • Jebel Al Hash: Located in the Al Forah area, near the border of Saudi Arabia, this mountain is a relatively easy hike of 3-4 hours and rewards climbers with spectacular views of  Wadi Rum.
  • Jebel Burdah and Burdah Bridge: Located south east of Rum Village, Jebel Burdah is home to the Burdah Bridge or ‘High Bridge’ which is a naturally formed rock arch providing impressive views. It takes about three hours to complete and some scrambling is involved at later stages. This moderate hike is a highlight for many.
  • Um Frouth Rock Bridge: This is a natural rock bridge similar to Burdah Bridge but only takes ten minutes to climb.
  • Jebel Um Dami: Located far south of Rum Village, Jebel Um Adami is the tallest mountain in Jordan, reaching a height of 1830m (6004ft). The drive across the desert to reach the mountain provides a scenic start to your day before completing the easy four-five hour hike to the peak of  Jebel Um Adami. At the summit enjoy a sense of achievement along with spectacular views towards Saudi Arabia.
  •  Khazali Canyon: An iconic feature in Wadi Rum, Khazali Canyon is an easy 20 minute walk that allows you to see many Nabatean and Thamudic inscriptions and drawings.
  • Lawrence’s Spring: One of the most accessible sights in the desert is that of Lawrence’s Spring, a half hour walk or camel ride from Rum Village. It is said that Lawrence of Arabia washed at this spring during the Arab Revolt. Inscriptions can also be found on a nearby rock.
  • Qattar Spring: Located south of Rum Village, Qattar Spring is one of several natural springs in Wadi Rum. This spring has long been used by Bedouins living in the desert and produces an area of lush greenery. This is an easy 30 minute walk.
  • Rakabet Canyon: Located directly east of Rum Village, this canyon connects Jabel Um Ishrin with Jabel Ansrineh. This is a medium hike that takes two hours.
  •  Sand Dunes: The area of Wadi Rum has several large sand dunes which, although hard work to climb, are great fun to run or sandboard down.
  • Seven Pillars of Wisdom: Located near the Visitor Centre this famous landmark takes it’s name from the book by T. E. Lawrence.
  • Sunset Area: This is an area of Wadi Rum that has the most picturesque sunsets and luckily is home to our camp. We invite guests to settle in at camp before walking into the desert or climbing a small mountain to enjoy the spectacular desert sunset in all its glory.

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR DESERT TIME

You won’t need any specialist equipment but there are a few general items that will make your stay more comfortable.

  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Good shoes for walking and hiking
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Backpack
  • If you are sleeping at the camp blankets are provided but if you want to sleep outside and would prefer to bring your own sleeping bag you may
  • If you are on a hiking trip please bring a sleeping bag
  • Torch (Flashlight) – you will need it in the camp
  • Towel
  • Anything else you can’t miss

And most importantly a sense of adventure !

HOW TO MEET AT WADI RUM - Entrance fee

Meeting Point

All visitors will be met by a Rumshines representative at the Visitor’s Centre located at the entrance to Wadi Rum prior to the start of their trip.

Here a payment of 5JD per person is required for entrance to Wadi Rum. If you have the Jordan Pass, the entrance is included.

HOW TO LEAVE WADI RUM

Leaving Wadi Rum

Buses leave for Petra every day at 8:30am and for Aqaba everyday at 7 am excluding Fridays.

The Aqaba bus is a local bus service and there is not always availability for tourists.

Alternatively we can arrange for a taxi to take you to your desired location.

Taxi prices average : 

To Aqaba : 25JD
To Petra : 40 JD
To Amman the price ranges from 85-100 JD

HOW TO PARK AT WADI RUM - Parking

If you travel by car to Wadi Rum you can park your vehicle in Rum Village, 6km after the Visitor Centre where a Rumshines representative will welcome you. This parking is located at the Tourist Police site and is a safe spot to leave your car.

You are most welcome !

12 + 13 =