Wadi Shah Jordan
Experience the 'Valley of the Moon' in Jordan, a surreal desert landscape of towering sandstone mountains and vast red dunes, perfect for adventure an...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Wadi Shah Jordan
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Valley of the Moon' in Jordan, a surreal desert landscape of towering sandstone mountains and vast red dunes, perfect for adventure and stargazing.
"Wadi Rum feels like stepping onto another planet, with breathtaking views and unforgettable nights under the stars."
Pack for Extremes
Desert temps fluctuate wildly. Bring layers, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses. :sunglasses:
Book Camps in Advance
Popular Bedouin camps, especially luxury ones, fill up fast. Book ahead! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Martian Landscapes
Throughout Wadi Shah
Towering sandstone mountains and vast red sand dunes create an alien, Mars-like terrain. It's truly breathtaking.
Stargazing Under the Stars
Desert Camps
With minimal light pollution, the night sky explodes with stars. An unforgettable celestial spectacle.
Bedouin Camp Experience
Various Camps
Immerse yourself in Bedouin culture with traditional hospitality, food, and music in a desert camp.
Jeep and Camel Tours
Across Wadi Shah
Explore the vast desert and its hidden gems on an exhilarating jeep or a traditional camel ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert's Majesty
Navigating Wadi Shah
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Extremes
Desert temps fluctuate wildly. Bring layers, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses. :sunglasses:
Book Camps in Advance
Popular Bedouin camps, especially luxury ones, fill up fast. Book ahead! :calendar:
Hydration is Key
Carry ample water, especially during hikes or tours. Dehydration is a real risk. :droplet:
Embrace the Silence
Wadi Rum's vastness offers profound peace. Disconnect and soak in the tranquility. :zzz:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Extremes
Desert temps fluctuate wildly. Bring layers, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses. :sunglasses:
Book Camps in Advance
Popular Bedouin camps, especially luxury ones, fill up fast. Book ahead! :calendar:
Hydration is Key
Carry ample water, especially during hikes or tours. Dehydration is a real risk. :droplet:
Embrace the Silence
Wadi Rum's vastness offers profound peace. Disconnect and soak in the tranquility. :zzz:
4x4 for Exploration
A 4x4 vehicle is ideal for navigating the sandy terrain and reaching remote spots. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Wadi Rum's breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes and the magical experience of sleeping under a canopy of stars. The hospitality of the Bedouin people and the unique desert camps are frequently praised, creating an unforgettable adventure. Some note that while the desert is stunning, it can be extremely hot in summer and requires careful planning for hydration and sun protection.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wadi Shah (Wadi Rum) is accessible by road. Most visitors drive from Aqaba (about 1 hour) or Petra (about 3-4 hours). Renting a 4x4 is recommended for exploring the desert. Guided tours from these cities are also readily available.
You can drive your own car to the Wadi Rum Village, where most camps are located. However, for deeper exploration into the desert, a 4x4 is essential, and many camps offer guided jeep tours.
The easiest way is to hire a taxi or arrange a transfer through your accommodation in Aqaba. The drive takes about an hour.
Yes, it's possible to do a day trip from Petra, but it's a long day with significant travel time (3-4 hours each way). An overnight stay is highly recommended to fully experience Wadi Rum.
Public transport is limited. While buses run between major cities, they don't go directly into Wadi Rum. Hiring a private driver or joining a tour is the most practical option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Wadi Rum, which is typically included in organized tours. If you are driving in independently, you will pay at the visitor center.
Wadi Rum is a protected area and is generally open 24/7. However, visitor centers and tour operators have specific operating hours. It's best to arrive during daylight for your first visit.
While some last-minute bookings might be possible, it's highly recommended to book your accommodation and any specific tours (like jeep or camel rides) in advance, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! Wadi Rum offers a range from basic Bedouin camps to luxurious glamping sites with private tents, domes, and even Martian-style accommodations. 
Many travelers book through their accommodation in Aqaba or Petra, or directly with Bedouin camps online. Comparing options and reading reviews is a good strategy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular activities include jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and experiencing Bedouin culture. Many camps offer packages that include these.
Most visitors spend at least one night to experience the sunset, stargazing, and sunrise. A 2-night stay allows for more in-depth exploration and relaxation.
Yes, Wadi Rum can be a fantastic experience for families. Jeep tours are generally safe and exciting for kids, and many camps offer family-friendly accommodations.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must. Bring a warm layer for the evenings.
Signal can be spotty, especially deeper in the desert. Some luxury camps offer Wi-Fi, but it's best to disconnect and enjoy the experience. Download offline maps.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most camps serve traditional Jordanian cuisine, often including 'Zarb' – a Bedouin barbecue cooked underground. Expect dishes like mansaf, grilled meats, rice, and fresh salads.
Yes, most camps can accommodate dietary restrictions if informed in advance. It's always best to communicate your needs when booking.
Typically, water is provided. Other beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks may be included or available for purchase. Alcohol is rarely served in traditional Bedouin camps.
You can bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. However, many visitors prefer to enjoy the authentic meals prepared by their camps.
'Zarb' is a traditional Bedouin method of cooking meat and vegetables in an underground oven. It's a unique culinary experience and highly recommended by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The dramatic rock formations, vast sand dunes, Bedouin camps, and the night sky offer endless photographic opportunities. Key spots include Lawrence's Spring and the Burdah Rock Bridge.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and painting the desert in warm hues. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
A good smartphone camera is sufficient for most travelers. However, if you're serious about photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens will capture the expansive landscapes beautifully.
Some tour operators offer photography-focused tours that take you to the most scenic locations at the best times for light. Inquire with your chosen camp or tour provider.
Wadi Rum is a photographer's dream for astrophotography. Bring a tripod and learn your camera's manual settings for long exposures to capture the Milky Way.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, ensure your chosen camp can cater to any dietary needs and that the activities are suitable for your children's ages. Bringing plenty of snacks and water is always a good idea. The experience of sleeping under a blanket of stars is often a highlight for kids, creating lasting memories.
+1✨ Couples & Honeymooners
Many camps cater specifically to couples, offering private dining experiences and secluded spots for stargazing. A sunset camel ride followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner creates an intimate and memorable experience. The sheer silence and vastness of the desert provide a perfect backdrop for connection and relaxation.
+1 Consider booking a camp known for its ambiance and romantic touches for an extra special trip. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 For night shots, the lack of light pollution makes it one of the best places on Earth to capture the Milky Way. +1Consider booking a photography-specific tour that can take you to the most iconic and photogenic locations at the optimal times. Bringing a tripod and a wide-angle lens will be beneficial. Don't forget to capture the unique accommodations, like the 'Martian domes' or bubble tents, which add a futuristic element to your portfolio.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Bedouin Camps
+2 Many offer incredible views, traditional Jordanian cuisine (often including the famous 'Zarb' underground barbecue), and opportunities to learn about Bedouin culture. The hospitality is a highlight for many visitors, creating a truly immersive desert adventure. When choosing a camp, consider your budget and desired comfort level. Some camps are known for their stargazing facilities, while others focus on adventure activities. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for the more popular or luxurious options, as they tend to fill up quickly.
It's also worth checking if your chosen camp offers guided tours or activities, as this can simplify your planning. Beyond accommodation, the camps serve as hubs for experiencing Wadi Rum. Evenings are often spent around a campfire, sharing stories, enjoying traditional music, and marveling at the star-filled sky. This communal aspect adds a rich layer to the desert sojourn, making it more than just a scenic visit but a cultural immersion.
+1Exploring Wadi Rum: Tours and Activities
Camel treks offer a more traditional and serene way to experience the desert, allowing you to connect with the landscape at a slower pace. Sunrise and sunset camel rides are particularly magical.
For the adventurous, hiking and rock climbing opportunities abound, with guides available to lead you to challenging routes and breathtaking viewpoints. Many visitors also highlight the incredible stargazing opportunities. Away from city lights, the desert sky is a canvas of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Some camps even offer dedicated stargazing sessions or telescopes.
+1 Booking tours in advance, either directly with camps or through tour operators, is highly recommended to secure your spot and ensure a well-organized experience. Photography in the Valley of the Moon
+1 The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset, when the desert is bathed in golden light, casting long shadows and enhancing the vibrant colors of the sand and rocks. Beyond the daytime scenery, Wadi Rum is renowned for its astrophotography. The minimal light pollution allows for incredibly clear views of the night sky, making it an ideal location to photograph the Milky Way and countless stars. Bringing a tripod and understanding your camera's manual settings for long exposures will be key to capturing these celestial wonders.
+1Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, Wadi Rum offers endless opportunities for breathtaking shots. Don't forget to capture the unique accommodations, like the 'Martian domes' or traditional Bedouin tents, which add another layer of visual interest to your photos.
+1 Many visitors recommend downloading offline maps and exploring with a guide to discover the most photogenic spots. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit