At a glance
- Best for
- Desert landscapes, camping and stargazing
- Nearest airport
- King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba (AQJ)
- Time needed
- One or two nights
- Best season
- March to May and September to November
- From Petra
- About two hours by road
- Getting around
- Jeep with a local guide, camel or on foot
Why visit Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its landscape and its rock art. The Zalabia and other Bedouin communities live in and around Rum Village, and almost all tours, camps and guiding are run by local families. It is the natural partner to Petra and the easiest place in the region to experience a true desert night.
How a visit works
You arrive at the visitor centre on the road into the protected area, pay entry or show your Jordan Pass, then meet your camp or guide, usually at the visitor centre or Rum Village. Private vehicles are not allowed to drive into the desert itself, so you explore in the back of a guide's pick up, on a camel or on foot. Book your camp ahead, and confirm what is included: tours, meals and transfers from the village.
What you will see
A typical jeep tour visits Lawrence's Spring, the Khazali Canyon with its ancient inscriptions, red sand dunes you can climb and roll down, the small Um Fruth rock bridge and a sunset viewpoint. A full day adds the high Burdah rock bridge, which needs a guided scramble, and more remote valleys. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock stands by the visitor centre.
Other ways to explore
Camel treks are slow, quiet and lovely at sunset. Guided hikes and scrambles range from an easy walk to serious climbs on Jebel Rum and Jebel Umm ad Dami, the country's highest summit. Hot air balloon flights run on some mornings in the cooler months. Choose operators licensed with the protected area.
Choosing a camp
Camps range from simple tents with shared bathrooms and a fire to comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and domes or bubble tents with clear roofs for stargazing from bed. Simple family camps give a more personal feel, while bigger camps offer more comfort. Dinner is often zarb, chicken, lamb and vegetables slow cooked in a pit under the sand.
Stars and seasons
On moonless nights the Milky Way spreads across the sky. Days are hot in summer, often very hot, while winter nights can drop close to freezing. Spring and autumn bring warm days and cool nights. Bring a warm layer whatever the season.
Getting there
Wadi Rum is about two hours from Petra, an hour from Aqaba and four hours from Amman. A daily JETT bus links Amman and Aqaba via the area at times, and Aqaba's airport is close, but most visitors book a private driver, join a tour or arrange a transfer through their camp. Plan the timings with our free trip planner and compare camps on our places to visit list.
Respect the desert
Take all rubbish away with you, do not carve or touch inscriptions, ask before photographing people and dress modestly in Rum Village. Stick with your guide away from the main tracks: it is easy to get lost.
Questions about Wadi Rum
How long should I spend in Wadi Rum?
One night with a half or full day jeep tour suits most people. Two nights lets you add a hike, a camel trek or a balloon flight at a slower pace.
Can I drive myself into Wadi Rum?
No. Visitors cannot drive their own vehicles into the protected desert. You explore with a local guide by jeep, camel or on foot.
Is Wadi Rum safe?
Yes, with a licensed camp and guide. The main risks are heat, sun and getting lost, so carry water, cover up and stay with your guide.
Is Wadi Rum covered by the Jordan Pass?
Yes, entry to the protected area is included in the Jordan Pass. Tours, camps and meals are separate and are booked directly with local operators.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
