ArticlesWadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking places to visit in Jordan. With its towering sandstone cliffs, red sand dunes, ancient Nabataean inscriptions, and clear star-filled skies, Wadi Rum isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. In this Wadi Rum travel guide, we’ll discover everything you need to know: from the top things to do and the best camps to stay in, to travel tips and how to plan your perfect desert adventure. This Wadi Rum travel guide will help you make the most of every moment in the desert.
What Is Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan and one of the top places to visit in the Middle East. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has served as the dramatic backdrop for films like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Dune. Beyond its cinematic scenery, it’s a land where Bedouin culture and raw natural beauty converge. No Wadi Rum travel guide would be complete without highlighting its historic and cinematic significance.
How to Get to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is located about:
- 4 hours by car from Amman / or Amman Airport
- 1.5 hours from Petra
- 45 minutes from Aqaba / or Aqaba Airport
Main Access Point:
The Wadi Rum Visitor Center is your starting point, where you’ll check in and either meet your local Bedouin guide or begin your desert tour. Note that there is an entrance fee of 7 JOD per person, payable on arrival (free with the Jordan Pass).
Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum
- Spring (March–May): Pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September–November): Warm days and cooler nights—perfect for adventure tours.
- Winter (December–February): Cold nights, but excellent for stargazing in Wadi Rum.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, but less crowded.
Local Tip: Spring and autumn are ideal not only for the weather but also for avoiding peak crowds plan your trip mid week for a quieter desert experience, avoid staying under the sun in summer and noun and make sure you always have a lot of Water.
As any Wadi Rum travel guide will tell you, timing your visit right makes all the difference.
Top Things to Do in Wadi Rum
Jeep Safari Tours in Wadi Rum
The most popular way to explore Wadi Rum. Local Bedouin drivers take you deep into the desert to visit natural rock bridges, sand dunes, canyons, and ancient petroglyphs.
many tours start with a 2-hour sunset drive—perfect for capturing the golden glow over the sandstone mountains and multi-colored canyons. If time doesn’t allow, the sunrise tour may be scheduled the next morning (weather permitting during winter). At the end of the tour, guests are typically dropped off directly at their Wadi Rum camp inside the protected area.
Camel Rides in Wadi Rum
Camel rides are one of the most serene ways to take in the beauty of Wadi Rum. Most travelers enjoy them at sunrise or sunset, when the desert glows in soft light and the silence feels almost spiritual. It’s not just a ride — it’s a moment of connection with the landscape and the local Bedouin way of life. The cost for a 1-hour camel ride is typically around 20 USD per person, payable directly to your Bedouin guide.
Rock Climbing & Hiking in Wadi Rum.
Wadi Rum is a true playground for hikers, and if you’re up for a rewarding challenge, Jebel Umm ad Dami is your go-to. It’s the highest peak in both Wadi Rum and Jordan, standing tall at over 1,800 meters. The hike takes around 2 hours up and 2 hours down, depending on your pace. Once you reach the summit, the reward is breathtaking 360° panoramic views stretching across the endless desert and deep into Saudi Arabia. It’s one of those moments that makes the climb absolutely worth it.
Stargazing & Desert Night Photography and meteor Shower.
Wadi Rum’s clear skies are perfect for astrophotography. Spend the night watching shooting stars and the Milky Way. If you’re lucky and your trip coincides with a meteor shower like the Perseids in August, you’ll witness a truly magical night under a sky bursting with light.
Wadi Rum nights are nothing short of magical. With zero light pollution, you can spot entire constellations with the naked eye. Stay in a bubble tent, lay back, and watch the stars as you fall asleep—trust me, you’ve never seen this many stars in your life. 😉
Stay Overnight in a Bedouin Camp
Spend the night in the heart of Wadi Rum with warm Bedouin hospitality, local dishes, music, and tea around the fire. You’ll find two main types of camps: traditional Bedouin tents and modern bubble tents. The regular camps offer a cozy, cultural stay with shared facilities, while the bubble tents provide panoramic glass domes ideal for stargazing in comfort and privacy.
Here are some of the most recommended camps with stunning views:
- Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – iconic panoramic bubble tents and top-tier service, Best Camp in my personal opinion .
- Oasis Luxury Camp – elegant domes with wide desert views and stargazing experience.
- Mazyan Camp – well-rated for its calm location, warm hospitality, and unique mix of traditional tents and dome-style accommodation.
- Sharah Luxury Camp – offers a beautiful blend of traditional Bedouin hospitality with stylish, panoramic bubble tents and a quiet desert setting with fantastic food , best camp regarding the Food .
- Luxotel Wadi Rum – stylish domes with unbeatable sunrise views Glass sealing for sleeping under the stars
- Sun City Camp: mix of traditional and Martian-style tents
- Rum Imagination Luxury Camp: a new Polish-owned camp with great desert views, an unforgettable fire camp experience under the stars, and plenty of beautifully designed Bedouin-style seating areas that invite guests to relax and connect with local community.
Historic Train Ride in Wadi Rum
Hop aboard a restored Ottoman-era train for a journey straight through 1916, where the Great Arab Revolt comes to life in the heart of the desert. This 30-minute experience runs every Sunday and Wednesday from 16:00 to 16:30, offering not just a ride, but a dramatic reenactment surrounded by Wadi Rum’s epic scenery. Expect action, smoke, and storytelling. Tickets are around 28 USD per person, and it’s a must for history lovers and photographers alike.
Hot Air Balloon Ride – A Bird’s-Eye View of Wadi Rum
Nothing beats seeing Wadi Rum from the sky—and the hot air balloon ride gives you that rare bird’s-eye view you’ll never forget. The ride lifts off right at sunrise, just as the desert starts to glow. It’s calm, surreal, and absolutely breathtaking. The experience is weather-dependent, so clear skies are essential. The price is around 200 USD per ticket, and children under 7 years old are not permitted for safety reasons.
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum
Choose from:
- bubble tents with en-suite bathrooms and glass domes
- Authentic Bedouin camps for a cultural stay
- Private eco-camps for seclusion and stargazing
Top Recommended Camps:
- Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
- Sun City Camp
- Oasis Luxury Camp
- Imagination Luxury Camp .
Wadi Rum Entrance Fees & Booking Info
- Entrance fee: 7 JOD (approx. 10 USD) — included in the Jordan Pass.
- Desert tours and overnight stays: Book through a licensed local tour operator or at the Visitor Center.
- Private Wadi Rum guides: Ideal for tailored desert tours, photography, or romantic experiences.
Wadi Rum Travel Tips
Wadi Rum isn’t your average destination, and a few smart tips go a long way in making your desert journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable:
- Dress in layers: Hot days, cold nights.
- Try to avoid heading out during the peak afternoon hours when the sun is strongest—it’s the toughest time for both walking and photography.
- Bring cash: Many camps don’t accept cards.
- Book early in peak seasons (March–May, Sep–Nov).
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly and follow Bedouin etiquette.
- Stay hydrated: Desert air can dehydrate quickly.
Top Photo Spots in Wadi Rum
- The Red Sand Dune
- Burdah Rock Bridge
- Lawrence’s Spring
- Khazali Canyon
- Sunset at Um Fruth Rock Bridge
Final Thoughts
Wadi Rum doesn’t just look like another world it feels like one too. The silence here is powerful, the cliffs massive, the skies endless. Add in the warmth of the Bedouins and the glow of the stars, and it becomes a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you’re traveling light or going all-in on a luxury escape, Wadi Rum in Jordan is one of those rare places that lives up to the hype and then some.
Need help planning your trip to Wadi Rum?
Our local experts design personalized itineraries including jeep tours, private camps, camel rides, and transfers from Petra, Aqaba, or Amman. Let us help you explore Wadi Rum your way!
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