Wadi Rum Protected Area
Experience otherworldly red desert landscapes, Bedouin hospitality, and unique stays under starry skies in Wadi Rum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploration
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience otherworldly red desert landscapes, Bedouin hospitality, and unique stays under starry skies in Wadi Rum.
"Wadi Rum is not just a beautiful place, it’s a life experience you never forget."
Book Your Camp Early
Luxury bubble tents and unique stays fill up fast! Book well in advance.
Jordan Pass for Entry
The Jordan Pass often includes entry to Wadi Rum, saving you money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bedouin Camp Stay
Experience authentic hospitality, sleep under the stars, and enjoy traditional meals in the heart of the desert.
Jeep Safari Adventure
Explore dramatic landscapes, towering rock formations, and ancient sites on an exhilarating 4x4 desert tour.
Camel Ride at Sunset
Glide through the desert on a camel's back as the sun paints the sky in breathtaking hues of orange and red.
Otherworldly Landscapes
Marvel at the unique rock formations and vast red sands that have famously doubled for Mars in films like Dune.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert: Bedouin Camps are Key
Plan Your Desert Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Your Camp Early
Luxury bubble tents and unique stays fill up fast! Book well in advance. 
Jordan Pass for Entry
The Jordan Pass often includes entry to Wadi Rum, saving you money.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The desert is dry! Carry plenty of water, especially during tours.
Embrace the Silence
Disconnect and enjoy the profound peace and quiet of the desert.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Your Camp Early
Luxury bubble tents and unique stays fill up fast! Book well in advance.
Jordan Pass for Entry
The Jordan Pass often includes entry to Wadi Rum, saving you money.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The desert is dry! Carry plenty of water, especially during tours.
Embrace the Silence
Disconnect and enjoy the profound peace and quiet of the desert.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate significantly from day to night.
Local Bedouin Guides
Opt for tours led by local Bedouins for authentic insights and experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wadi Rum is consistently praised as a life-changing desert experience, lauded for its breathtaking landscapes, authentic Bedouin hospitality, and unique accommodations like luxury bubble tents. Visitors rave about jeep safaris, camel rides at sunset, and the unforgettable underground-cooked meals. While some found stargazing less spectacular than anticipated, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its profound peace and natural beauty.
"Wadi Rum – a desert that stays in your heart forever
Wadi Rum is not just a beautiful place, it’s a life experience. Riding jeeps over red dunes, watching the sun set on endless rock formations, and then sitting with the Bedouins around the fire is something you never forget. Sleeping under the stars here feels almost unreal — the sky is so bright it looks painted. Between the silence of the desert and the warmth of the people, Wadi Rum is one of those places you simply must experience at least once in your life."
Francisco Javier Lorenzo
"Wadi Rum is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re coming from Europe or anywhere without deserts. I would strongly recommend spending a night here — the landscape is unlike anything else. That said, I was a bit disappointed in one aspect: if you’re into stargazing, don’t expect the sky to look like the photos you see online. It felt rather ordinary to me and that was the only letdown."
Mesut Gönültaş
"Wadi Rum may be a desert, but it's far from ordinary. This incredible landscape carries centuries of history — once a vital trade route linking Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. With its dramatic red sands, towering rock formations, and wide-open silence, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression.
Entry is free with the Jordan Pass, and once inside, a Jeep tour is a must. I highly recommend the 4-hour tour — it hits all the major highlights, gives you time to sip herbal tea in a local Bedouin village, and includes some adrenaline-pumping rides through the sand dunes. Our driver made the dune drifting part a blast — we couldn’t stop smiling!
If you're planning to stay overnight (and you should!), book a tent inside the protected area. Watching the sunset fade into a night full of stars is a surreal experience. Don’t miss the stargazing tour — the desert sky here is unbelievably clear.
Dinner is another highlight — a traditional meal slow-cooked underground in the sand for over three hours. The flavor and the experience both are unforgettable.
Wadi Rum is more than just a desert — it’s an experience of nature, history, and Bedouin hospitality all in one. Absolutely worth the visit!"
SONICK THUKKANI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel to Wadi Rum from Petra or Amman. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, with well-maintained roads. Alternatively, you can arrange private transfers or join organized tours. The drive from Petra is about 1.5-2 hours, and from Amman, it's around 4 hours. +1
Personal cars are generally permitted to drive into Wadi Rum, but it's recommended to have a 4x4 or be comfortable driving on sandy terrain. Many camps will arrange to meet you at the Wadi Rum Village to guide you to their location.
Public transportation directly to Wadi Rum is limited. Buses typically go to the nearby town of Wadi Rum Village, from where you'll need to arrange a transfer with your chosen camp.
Once you're in Wadi Rum, exploration is best done via guided tours. Jeep tours are highly recommended for covering significant distances and seeing multiple sites. Camel rides offer a more traditional and slower-paced experience.
Wadi Rum is conveniently located about an hour's drive from Aqaba, making it an easy addition to a coastal itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Wadi Rum Protected Area is free if you have the Jordan Pass. Otherwise, there's a small entrance fee.
Wadi Rum is a vast desert landscape and is generally accessible at all times. However, organized tours and camp activities operate during daylight hours and into the evening.
Entry is free with the Jordan Pass. If you don't have the pass, there's a nominal entrance fee. The main costs will be for accommodation and tours.
While you can enter the area, exploring its vastness and reaching key sites is best done with a guided tour. Local Bedouin guides are essential for navigating and understanding the desert.
Wadi Rum is a protected area, so visitors are expected to respect the environment and local culture. Littering and off-road driving outside designated areas are discouraged.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-do activities include staying overnight in a Bedouin camp (from basic to luxury bubbles), taking a jeep safari to explore canyons and rock formations, and enjoying a camel ride, especially at sunset.
While a day trip is possible, spending at least one night in a Bedouin camp is highly recommended to experience the desert's magic, including stargazing and traditional dinners. Many recommend 2-3 days for a fuller experience.
Accommodation is primarily in Bedouin camps, ranging from traditional tents to luxurious 'bubble' or dome hotels offering panoramic desert views.
Yes, Wadi Rum can be a fantastic experience for families. Jeep tours and camel rides are generally enjoyable for children, and many camps offer family-friendly accommodations.
Dress in layers as temperatures can vary greatly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring. Light, breathable clothing for the day and warmer layers for the evening are recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most Bedouin camps offer traditional Jordanian cuisine, with a highlight being 'Zarb,' a meal slow-cooked underground in sand for hours. Expect flavorful dishes and warm hospitality.
It's advisable to inform your camp in advance about any dietary restrictions. While traditional meals are meat-heavy, many camps can accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests with advance notice.
Dining options are primarily limited to the Bedouin camps. The Wadi Rum Village might have a few small eateries, but most visitors dine at their accommodation.
Camps typically offer water, tea (often herbal), and sometimes coffee. Alcoholic beverages are generally not available in the desert camps.
While you can bring your own snacks, most visitors enjoy the meals provided by their camps. The experience of dining with Bedouins is a significant part of the Wadi Rum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Wadi Rum landscape is photogenic! Key spots include the rock bridges (like Um Fruth), canyons (like Khazali), and viewpoints offering panoramic vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Golden hour – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offers the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and bathing the red sands in warm, golden hues.
Drone usage regulations can change, and it's best to check with local authorities or your camp operator. Some areas might have restrictions due to their protected status or proximity to sensitive sites.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating rock formations. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light and astrophotography. Protect your gear from sand and dust.
Many jeep tours can be customized to include stops at prime photography locations. Some operators may offer specialized photography tours focusing on specific times of day or unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a luxury bubble tent for a unique and comfortable stay that will captivate children's imaginations. The vast, open spaces provide plenty of room to explore (under supervision, of course!), and the starry nights are a magical experience for all ages. Ensure your chosen camp can cater to any specific needs your children might have.
+1✨ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Arrange for a private sunset camel ride followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner for an intimate and memorable experience. The profound silence and vastness of the desert create a uniquely serene and romantic atmosphere, perfect for reconnecting.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Consider booking a specialized photography tour that can take you to less-visited spots or time your visits to capture specific light conditions. Don't forget to protect your gear from sand and dust, and be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards of desert photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bedouin Experience: More Than Just a Stay
Expect to be welcomed with traditional hospitality, often including sweet Bedouin tea. Evenings are typically spent around a campfire, sharing stories and enjoying delicious, slow-cooked meals like 'Zarb,' cooked underground. This communal dining experience is a highlight for many visitors, fostering a sense of connection and warmth.
Some camps offer unique activities like traditional music performances or even the chance to learn about Bedouin customs. Engaging with your hosts provides invaluable insights into their resilience and deep understanding of the desert environment.
Exploring Wadi Rum: Jeeps, Camels, and Beyond
For a more traditional and serene experience, camel rides are a must. Imagine traversing the red dunes at golden hour, with the silence of the desert broken only by the soft padding of camel hooves. Some operators even offer longer camel treks for those seeking a deeper connection with the landscape.
Beyond jeeps and camels, adventurous travelers can explore Wadi Rum through hiking, rock climbing, or even hot air balloon rides for a breathtaking aerial perspective. The key is to book with reputable local operators who prioritize safety and offer authentic experiences.
Wadi Rum's Cinematic Fame
Fans of science fiction will recognize Wadi Rum from films like 'Dune' (both parts), 'The Martian,' and 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.' It also served as a backdrop for classic films like 'Lawrence of Arabia,' capturing the epic scale of the desert.
Visiting Wadi Rum offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of movie stars and experience the very landscapes that have transported audiences to distant galaxies. Many tours can even take you to specific filming locations, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit