Wadi Rum is known as ‘The desert of Mountains’. It lies in the south of Jordan and is an area of stunning red and white sand. It’s a place of massive mountains, rising majestically from the desert sands. Made famous by British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based in Wadi Rum during the Great Arab Revolt in 1917-1918,  it was also the setting for the movie Lawrence of Arabia.

Vast Deserts

In contrast to the many tourists visiting the region, Wadi Rum is a vast, silent expanse.  It gives you the feeling and impression of isolation. The desert is 1000m above sea level and is flanked by substantial sandstone mountains rising a further 500m above that.  Exploring Wadi Rum is done by a 4×4 jeep, camel, trekking, or hiking.

Bedouins have been calling Wadi Rum home for many generations.  They live in numerous camps scattered across the desert and welcome tourists.  Here they provide overnight stays under the stars, in this most beautiful of places. The Bedouins are very welcoming, hospitable and very proud of their desert. Tents are where the tourists meet to enjoy spicy Bedouin tea and sit and mingle with other travellers.

Getting There Is Half The Fun

One can, however, only get to the Wadi Rum visitor centre by car or organized tour, as there is no public transportation at this time.  Once there, you are greeted at the visitor centre and taken to explore the desert.  You can choose a 4×4 jeep, camel or on foot to explore the desert. I spent 24 hours in Wadi Rum. Arriving early, I headed out on a full-day 4×4 drive through the desert. 

Bedouin Camps

Back in my Bedouin camp for sunset and a traditional dinner, I spent a lovely night in a Bedouin tent under the stars.  The accommodation is fundamental, but also very clean. 

By nature of their isolation, the Bedouins rely entirely on solar power.  Therefore, there is no hot water in the morning for showers. We ate breakfast at the camp, then headed out with our guides in a 4×4 jeep to continue our journey.  Twenty-four hours is perfect for experiencing the desert, with great photography opportunities and enjoyable Bedouin hospitality.

The best option is to purchase a 4-day/3 night Jordan pass before visiting Jordan. This includes a visa waiver plus free entry to all 40 attractions in Jordan. A minimum of 3 nights and four days is a condition of the Jordan pass.