Wadi Rum

Travel Guide
Wadi Rum showing a gorge or canyon, desert views and a sunset
With its spectacular vistas of red sand and blue skies and incredible camping sites, this desert is an essential stop on any journey through Jordan.

Wadi Rum is the best way for visitors to experience the Jordanian desert. The “wadi,” or dry valley, is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Jordan. The area is populated by Bedouin people who historically lived in the valley. Today, many Bedouin groups offer excellent tours into the desert. Come for a day trip, or spend a night underneath the stars at a camp, such as the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, for a truly special experience.

The dramatic landscape was made famous by the 1963 Oscar-winning film Lawrence of Arabia. At only 275 square miles (720 square kilometers), the desert is relatively small, but it is home to a staggering array of beautiful landscapes. See how the red sand makes a striking counterpoint to the bright blue sky. The mountains here are among the highest in Jordan and jut out of the sand dramatically.

Hike to the top of Burdah Rock Bridge, a challenging trek that affords beautiful views of Wadi Rum. The Jebel Khazali hill is another scenic place to explore on foot. For an even more stunning view without the walking, take a hot air balloon into the sky above the desert. If you prefer to stay on land, take a camel ride or journey by four-wheel drive to the Al Hasany Dunes, some of the most picturesque sand dunes in Wadi Rum, especially at sunset. For a lesson in history, visit the Alameleh Inscriptions, rock drawings that depict camels, warriors and animals common to Wadi Rum.

Sleep in a camp to see the desert at both sunrise and sunset, the most magical times of day. See how the dunes seem to sparkle when the light hits them at the right hour. Desert camp operators are able to arrange sightseeing by camel or four-wheel drive and often include a trip to a Bedouin village.

The desert around Wadi Rum is harsh. It’s extremely hot in the summer sun and incredibly cold on winter nights, but despite these extremes, it’s a safe place to visit. Be sure to pack lots of layers.

Aladdin Camp
Aladdin Camp
2 out of 5
Ad Diseh, Siq Um Al Tawaqi, Wadi Rum, Aqaba
The price is ₩104,291 per night from May 17 to May 18
₩104,291
per night
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
Out of this world Experience
"Amazing, one of a kind experience. I believe Haitham and Alamir are the owners and they were so nice and accommodating. I booked a jeep tour with them and Bahaa our driver/tour guide showed us the beauty of Wadi Rum in 2 hours, from sunrise, dunes, lawrence of arabia, old man face, petroglyphs and ..."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Aladdin Camp
Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
2 out of 5
Wadi Rum Protected area, Near the French Fortress, Wadi Rum, Aqaba Governorate
The price is ₩204,370 per night from May 15 to May 16
₩204,370
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
"Great experience and service"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
2 out of 5
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum, Aqaba Governorate
The price is ₩393,283 per night from May 14 to May 15
₩393,283
per night
May 14 - May 15
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (131 reviews)
Will stay here again!
"Loved this hotel and are already planning our hotel. The jacuzzi and rain forest showers were fabulous, and obviously the gorgeous views everywhere, day and night. Our family loved the jeep tour too. 10/10 recommend!"

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2024

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aladdin Camp
Aladdin Camp
2 out of 5
Ad Diseh, Siq Um Al Tawaqi, Wadi Rum, Aqaba
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
Out of this world Experience
"Amazing, one of a kind experience. I believe Haitham and Alamir are the owners and they were so nice and accommodating. I booked a jeep tour with them and Bahaa our driver/tour guide showed us the beauty of Wadi Rum in 2 hours, from sunrise, dunes, lawrence of arabia, old man face, petroglyphs and ..."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Aladdin Camp
Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
2 out of 5
Wadi Rum Protected area, Near the French Fortress, Wadi Rum, Aqaba Governorate
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
"Great experience and service"

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024

Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
2 out of 5
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum, Aqaba Governorate
Stay at this campground in Wadi Rum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (131 reviews)
Will stay here again!
"Loved this hotel and are already planning our hotel. The jacuzzi and rain forest showers were fabulous, and obviously the gorgeous views everywhere, day and night. Our family loved the jeep tour too. 10/10 recommend!"

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2024

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel - Campsite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Wadi Rum

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 77.77777777777777%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 19.444444444444443%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 2.7777777777777777%

5/5 - Excellent

saralane
Feb 3, 2020

Gorgeous!

5/5 - Excellent

Elizabeth
Dec 13, 2019

Exceptional

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 1, 2019

The best place in Jordan! Petra was a bit too overwhelming and over-crowded but in Wadi Rum you can have your own quality time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 30, 2019

It was ok. I anticipated that there would be more things to do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 24, 2019

Nice people helping friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Thomas
Nov 11, 2019

The 4 of us spent an entire day from sunrise to sunset with a guide who drove us across the desert in his jeep, fixed us a delicious lunch over an open fire, took us to several fascinating areas of the wadi and took us "sand skiing" behind the jeep!