Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum

Aqaba GovernorateJordan

campingrock formations

Why You'll Love Wadi Rum

Yo, have you guys ever heard of Wadi Rum in Jordan? It's this crazy cool desert destination that's been on my bucket list for a while now. Basically, it's this huge valley that's surrounded by all sorts of crazy-shaped red sandstone mountains and boulders. It's like something out of another planet, for real.

But the best part about it is that you can go on tours and stuff to explore the whole area. You can go on camel rides or 4x4 tours that take you around to all the coolest spots. I hear there's a rock bridge that's super Instagram-worthy, and apparently there are even some ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years.

If you're really feeling adventurous, you can even go on a hot air balloon ride and get an aerial view of the whole place. Or you can do some rock climbing or hiking if you're into that sort of thing. There's all kinds of wildlife around too, like lizards and birds and stuff.

Oh, and did I mention that Wadi Rum was featured in a bunch of movies? Like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Martian"? It's pretty surreal to visit a place that you've seen on the big screen, if you ask me.

Overall, Wadi Rum is one of those destinations that's perfect for people who love nature and adventure. And the fact that it's in Jordan makes it even cooler, because there's a whole bunch of other historical and cultural stuff to check out in the country too. So if you're thinking about a trip to the Middle East anytime soon, definitely put Wadi Rum on your list of must-sees.

Getting to Wadi Rum

The nearest airport to Wadi Rum is the King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan. From there, you can hire a taxi or arrange for a shuttle to take you to Wadi Rum. The drive takes about an hour. Alternatively, if you are coming from the city of Amman, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Wadi Rum. The journey takes about 4.5 hours by road.

The closest city to Wadi Rum is Aqaba, in Aqaba Governorate.

Travelling from Queen Alia International Airport to Wadi Rum

When to Visit

The best time to visit Wadi Rum, Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months (June to August) can be very hot, and the winter months (December to February) can be cold and rainy. However, if you are interested in stargazing, the winter months are ideal as the clear sky offers excellent visibility of the night sky.

Weather and Climate

Wadi Rum, Jordan experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 40°C (90°F to 104°F) during the day and cooling down to 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) at night. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F) during the day and dropping to 4°C to 8°C (39°F to 46°F) at night. The best time to visit Wadi Rum is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, it is important to note that even during these seasons, temperatures can still reach as high as 28°C (82°F) during the day.

Costs When Visiting

In Jordan, the currency is the Jordanian Dinar.
Some sample costs when travelling around Wadi Rum are:

Food:
- Local street food: 2-5 JOD per meal
- Restaurant meal: 10-20 JOD per person
- Fast food: 5-10 JOD per person

Accommodation:
- Luxury desert camp: 120-250 JOD per night
- Mid-range desert camp: 50-100 JOD per night
- Guesthouse or hostel: 20-40 JOD per night

Safety Rating

Wadi Rum, Jordan is considered relatively safe for tourists. Crime rates are low and violent crime is rare. Women travelers should dress conservatively and exercise caution when traveling alone, but overall, Wadi Rum is considered safe for women. Jordan is generally tolerant of different races and religions, but LGBTQ+ rights and tolerance are not as advanced as in some other countries. However, LGBTQ+ travelers are generally not targeted for violence or discrimination as long as they are discreet.

Local Population

Wadi Rum is a sparsely populated desert region in Jordan, with a relatively small population of around 5,000. The majority of the population in Wadi Rum is of Bedouin descent, with Arabic being the most commonly spoken language. The gender breakdown is roughly equal, with both men and women living in the area. In terms of racial breakdown, the majority of the population is Arab, with a small number of other ethnic groups present.

Things to Do

1. Jeep tours through the desert
2. Camel trekking
3. Hot air balloon rides
4. Camping under the stars
5. Rock-climbing and mountaineering
6. Sandboarding
7. Hiking and trekking through the mountains
8. Bedouin cultural experiences, including traditional meals and music
9. Visiting ancient petroglyphs and Nabataean inscriptions
10. Stargazing and astronomy tours.