Jeep Tour
In Wadi Rum, Jordan, one of the most sought-after experiences is embarking on a thrilling jeep tour, exploring the desert's captivating highlights. These jeep tours can vary in duration, ranging from a few hours of excitement to a full-day adventure. Traditionally, the nomadic Bedouins traversed the vast desert on camels or by foot. However, in modern times, most camps are equipped with jeeps to cater to their clients' needs. Furthermore, even the Bedouins who call the desert their home often rely on jeeps for transportation. Thus, opting for a jeep tour in Wadi Rum doesn't merely offer an unforgettable experience, but it also provides a chance to partake in the daily journeys of the Bedouins, creating a sense of kinship with their time-honored ways of life. While you may have sustainability preferences, joining a jeep tour allows you to immerse yourself in their nomadic lifestyle and witness the wonders of the desert as they have for generations.
Go Camel Riding
The second unmissable thing to do in Wadi Rum is going for a camel ride! In fact, I would argue that no Wadi Rum itinerary is complete without at least a quick camel ride. Wadi Rum sightseeing couldn’t get any better than this – and it’s perfect for Wadi Rum bedouin camp photos. Unlike the camels in Petra which looked to be a little too skinny and exhausted, the camels of Wadi Rum are living in the desert for many generations and are cherished by their owners. During many years, they were the main mean of transport to roam the desert and were particularly helpful in everyday life. Also known as the “ships of the desert”, they can carry up to 270 kg and are often the main source of wool, milk, and meat in the desert. On top, their entire body is made to resist the harshness of the desert: they can close their nostrils against sandstorms and two rows of long lashes protect their eyes.
Watch the Sunset
I think after the sunset in the Dead Sea, the sunset in Wadi Rum was one of the most epic experiences and one of Wadi Rum things to see during these Jordan holidays. It was a very quiet moment (until the jeep tourists arrived) and it was awe-inspiring to see how the colors of the desert changed slowly with the sun going down. The colors turned from light pink to dark orange and brown in only a few minutes. Watching the sunset in Wadi Rum is definitely a highlight of any trip to the Jordanian desert, and it is thus just one reason more to stay in a Wadi Rum Desert camp. Because if you only go for a day trip from Aqaba or Petra, it will be almost impossible to enjoy this natural, colorful show. I found that it was at sunset when Wadi Rum looks the most like Mars and it’s no wonder that it had been chosen as a movie set for blockbusters such as “The Martian”, “Aladdin” or “Lawrence of Arabia”. But at certain moments, the landscape and other places to see Wadi Rum also reminded me of the settings of “Star Wars”.
Stargazing in the Desert
Stargazing in Wadi Rum is an unmissable experience that promises to leave you spellbound amidst the natural wonders of this enchanting destination. Whether you are an avid photography lover seeking to capture the celestial beauty or simply wish to bask in the silent marvel of the night sky, the stars of Wadi Rum will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your soul. With just a step outside your tent, the starlit heavens will unfold above you, painting a mesmerizing picture that you won't soon forget. To truly savor the celestial spectacle, consider embarking on a short walk away from your cozy Bedouin camp. Escaping the city lights and light pollution will reveal the stars in all their radiant glory, elevating the experience to new heights of wonder. For those seeking expert guidance and a deeper understanding of the cosmic wonders above, there are guided tours available in Wadi Rum. Knowledgeable experts will lead you through the night sky, unraveling the secrets of constellations and celestial phenomena, making your stargazing journey even more profound and meaningful.
Go Hiking
Hiking in Wadi Rum means that you’ll be confronted with vast plains, desert landscapes, dazzling heights, and challenging situations. There are hiking trails for any level and you’ll find all the information you need at the Visitor’s Centre in Wadi Rum Village. Please remember that Wadi Rum is a protected area and home to many species of flora and fauna. Some of them are endangered and very rare, so please be a responsible traveler and don’t forget to have some good hiking sandals on. Your hike can be combined with a 4×4 tour or a camel tour. One of the most spectacular (and challenging) hikes is the one that will lead you up to Burdah Rock Bridge. However, the views will be worth it all, after all, you’re standing on top of Wadi Rum’s most important attractions. – Book here your hiking holiday in Wadi Rum Other popular treks are the “Makharas Canyon Hike”, the “Jebel Rum Round Trip” or the “Rakhabat Canyon”, these are one of Wadi Rum highlights. If you want to go hiking in Jordan, Wadi Rum is a must and you’ll get to see lots of beautiful places in Wadi Rum.
Visit Lawrence Spring
When visiting Wadi Rum, two essential sites to include in your itinerary are Lawrence Spring, also known as Ain Abu Aineh, and Lawrence House, both of which pay tribute to the legendary figure T.E. Lawrence, famously known as "Lawrence of Arabia," who once used this region as his military base and home. Lawrence Spring, marked by a water tank near the entrance of Wadi Shallalah, offers breathtaking views from its elevated position. Officially known as Ain Abu Aineh, this small spring is a regular stop on the 4WD circuit, and its location on the edge of the open sands adds to its allure. Alternatively, adventurous souls can opt for a soft sand hike from the Rest House, which takes about 1½ hours for a round trip. Simply follow the path that leads uphill to reach this picturesque spring. As for Lawrence House, not much remains of the building today. It was erected on the Nabataean ruins of a water cistern, providing an interesting historical context to explore during your Wadi Rum journey.