JORDAN
Wadi Rum - Jordan
Wadi Rum is a vast desert landscape in southern Jordan, famous for its dramatic sandstone mountains, red dunes, and star-filled skies.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to Bedouin culture and unforgettable desert experiences.
Where to stay?
With over 200 camps in the desert, choosing where to stay can be challenging.
Many travelers prefer authentic Bedouin camps inside the protected area, which all operate with solar power and water tanks.
Camps outside the protected area are closer to villages and use electricity and water pipes, offering a more hotel-style setup rather than a true desert experience.
Tourism in Wadi Rum began to develop after the film Lawrence of Arabia made the area internationally known. From the late 1970s and 1980s, increasing numbers of visitors came to Jordan, and Bedouins started offering simple overnight stays under the stars or in traditional tents.
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Tourism grew significantly after Wadi Rum was declared a protected area in 1998 and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
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Today, Wadi Rum is a major ecotourism destination, offering accommodation ranging from basic Bedouin camps to luxury bubble tents.
The Bedouin Villages of Wadi Rum
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Along the boundary of the protected area are the Bedouin villages of Rum, Ad Disah, At-Tuweisa, Mansir and Shakriya.
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Rum Village is the only village located inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
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Most desert camps belong to Bedouin families from Rum and Disah. This is largely due to traditional land ownership.
Families from Rum possess land inside the protected area, while families from Disah mainly own land outside the protected boundary.
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The difference is therefore primarily regulatory and infrastructural. Camps inside the protected area near Rum Village are subject to environmental rules, size limits, and sustainability requirements.
Camps outside the protected area near Disah are not bound by the same construction and infrastructure restrictions and can install permanent water and electricity connections more easily.
In summary, Rum Village represents the regulated core inside the protected desert, while Disah, At-Tuweisa, Mansir and Shakriya lie along the outer boundary, where development conditions differ.
Our recommendations
It goes without saying that we personally favour camps with authentic character and a genuine connection to the desert environment.
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All the camps are located within the "Red Desert - The Protected Area" and offer unique Views!
However, visitors are often surprised to discover that all comfort categories are available inside the desert: from simple traditional camps to high-end accommodation.
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The camps we recommend are not only family-owned and locally operated; we have also carefully selected and tested them ourselves.
Our own guests have stayed in these camps, allowing us to evaluate quality, atmosphere, service, and overall experience firsthand.
We fully understand that every traveller has different expectations, comfort levels, and ideas of what makes the perfect desert stay.
That is why we offer carefully chosen options to suit a variety of preferences – without compromising on authenticity and responsibility.
All you need to know
All about the desert
Size: The desert covers about 720 km², stretching roughly 45 km north–south and 38 km east–west.​
Population: Around 2,000 residents live in Rum Village, with a few thousand Bedouins across nearby desert settlements.​
Camps: There are approximately 200–300 desert camps in the region.
Entrance & Jordan Pass
Visitors entering Wadi Rum must pay the entrance fee of 7 JD per person. If you have a Jordan Pass, simply show it at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center to get free entry. Without the pass, you can pay the fee in cash (7 JoD per person) at the center before starting your tour.
The Water Problem
Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world. It has extremely limited freshwater resources, high water stress, and strict management of groundwater in many regions. Water scarcity is a national issue, and this directly affects how tourism infrastructure is regulated in desert areas.
Desert Tours
The classic 4×4 desert tours range from 2 to 8 hours, exploring Wadi Rum’s sand dunes, canyons, and rock formations. Tours are arranged by any camp and guided by local Bedouins. They can include sunset viewpoints, natural arches, and cultural stops. Prices depend on group size, with 1–9 people per vehicle.
Desert Trails
Jebel Umm Ad Dami – Jordan’s highest peak (1,854 m), a moderate all‑day hike with panoramic views over the desert and toward Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.
Burdah Rock Bridge – Iconic rock arch hike, moderate to challenging, with some scrambling to reach the arch and great vista points.
Jebel Al‑Hash Trail – Easy to moderate ridge hike with wide views; perfect for a half‑day outing.
Rakkabat Canyon / Raqabat Um Ajl – Canyon traverse involving scrambling and narrow passages — adventurous and scenic.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge – Moderate hike (~6 km) to a beautiful natural rock bridge (less scrambling than Burdah).
Barrah Canyon – Short canyon walk (~3 km) with dramatic cliffs — great for a relaxed hike.
How to organise
Trekking and hiking tours can be arranged through your camp. For safety and navigation, all hikes should be done with a local Bedouin guide, who will show you the best trails, canyons, and viewpoints in Wadi Rum.
What to pack
Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for daytime; long sleeves and pants to respect local Bedouin culture and protect from sun and sand; warm layers for evenings and nights.
Shoes: Comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Slippers for the showers, when staying in a basic camp
Accessories: Hat or cap, sunglasses, and scarf or shawl (optional for wind, sand, and modesty).
Other Essentials: Water bottle to stay hydrated, camera or phone for photos, headlamp or flashlight for overnight stays.​
Wifi is not everywhere accessible! Bring Cash money for souvenirs & tipps!​This list helps you travel comfortably, safely, and responsibly in Wadi Rum.
Famous spots
Lawrence’s Spring: A historic site named after T.E. Lawrence, with a small spring and stunning desert views.
Lawrence House: Nabatean Stones and Viewpoint
Burdah Rock Bridge: One of the largest natural rock arches in the world, a moderate hike with breathtaking panoramas.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge: A slightly easier rock bridge hike, perfect for photos and short climbs.
Khazali Canyon: A narrow canyon with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions, easy to explore on foot.
Barrah Canyon: Dramatic cliffs and winding paths, ideal for short hikes and photography.
Red & White Sand Dunes: Iconic desert dunes for sunset views, sandboarding, and camel rides.
Nabataean Temple & Ancient Petroglyphs: Historical sites scattered across the desert, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.
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These are the top highlights for visitors, easily combined in 4×4 tours, hiking trips, or camel rides.
About the Bedouin Culture
Hospitality: Bedouins are known for their warm hospitality. Guests are often offered tea or coffee, and it’s polite to accept.
Respectful behavior: Dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and ask before taking photos of people.
Shoes: Remove shoes when entering tents or homes.
Dining: Meals are usually shared communally; wait for the host to serve and start eating.
Interactions: Handshakes are common with men, but always follow the lead of locals—some may prefer verbal greetings or nods.​
Following these customs ensures a respectful and authentic experience while visiting Wadi Rum and staying with Bedouin hosts.
Desert Animals
Wadi Rum is home to a variety of desert wildlife. You may see goats and camels raised by Bedouins, as well as desert foxes, hyraxes, lizards, and snakes. Birds are common too, including desert larks, sand partridges, and migratory species. Most wildlife is shy and best observed from a distance, so remember to respect their space.
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Fun Fact: The domestic house cat originally comes from desert regions like the Middle East, so in a way, your little feline friend has ancestors from landscapes like Wadi Rum!
Best Time to travel
The most comfortable months are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild and the desert is pleasant for hiking, 4×4 tours, and camping.
Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot during the day, while winter (December–February) is cooler and nights can be very cold, but it’s still possible to visit with warm clothing.
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