Wadi Rum, also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” is one of the most extraordinary desert landscapes in the world. Located in southern Jordan, this UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 720 square kilometers of rugged terrain filled with dramatic sandstone mountains, deep canyons, and vast sand dunes. Its surreal beauty has made it a popular destination for travelers, adventurers, and filmmakers alike. The unique topography of Wadi Rum makes it feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, with towering rock formations and valleys that seem almost otherworldly.
What sets Wadi Rum apart is not just its landscape, but the deep cultural connection to the Bedouin people who have called this desert home for centuries. Visitors to Wadi Rum can immerse themselves in Bedouin culture, staying in traditional camps and enjoying authentic meals while surrounded by the stark beauty of the desert. The landscape also holds a rich history, with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left by past civilizations. Whether you’re interested in stargazing under the clear desert skies, hiking through canyons, or simply experiencing the magic of a desert night, Wadi Rum offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences, Wadi Rum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Jordan.
1. Stay in a Desert Dome
One of the most unique and memorable experiences in Wadi Rum is staying in one of the eco-friendly desert domes. These modern accommodations offer the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, allowing you to sleep under the stars while being surrounded by the vast desert landscape. The domes are designed to blend in with the natural environment, providing a comfortable yet immersive desert experience.
Many of the domes come with glass ceilings, giving you the chance to stargaze right from your bed. Imagine falling asleep under a blanket of stars, with the gentle desert breeze in the air. Some domes even have private terraces where you can relax and enjoy the stunning desert views. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, some camps offer additional amenities like private hot tubs and outdoor seating areas. Staying in a desert dome is a great way to experience the beauty of Wadi Rum in a way that combines comfort with the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this unique form of accommodation will make your time in Wadi Rum even more special.
Best Time to Visit: The domes are best enjoyed during the cooler months of spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
2. Take a Jeep Tour Across the Desert
One of the best ways to explore the vast expanse of Wadi Rum is by taking a jeep tour. These guided tours take you across the desert, through narrow canyons, and to some of the most iconic landmarks in the region. Whether you’re riding in an open jeep or a 4×4 vehicle, the adventure is thrilling as you bounce over the sandy dunes and navigate rugged terrains.
Your guide will take you to some of the most picturesque spots in Wadi Rum, including the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation and the dramatic Um Frouth Rock Arch. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see ancient Nabatean petroglyphs carved into the rock, and perhaps even spot some camels roaming the desert. Jeep tours are customizable, allowing you to choose the duration and the sights you want to see. Whether it’s a short two-hour tour or a full-day adventure, a jeep tour is one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum to get a true sense of its natural beauty.
Pro Tip: The best time to take a jeep tour is during the late afternoon, just before sunset, when the desert’s colors change dramatically, creating the perfect opportunity for stunning photos.
3. Stargazing in the Desert
Wadi Rum offers some of the clearest skies in the world, making it an ideal location for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and an elevation of over 1,000 meters, the desert sky at night comes alive with thousands of stars. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of the night sky, stargazing in Wadi Rum is a magical experience.
Many desert camps in Wadi Rum offer guided stargazing sessions, where Bedouin guides use telescopes to show you planets, constellations, and nebulae. As you gaze up at the stars, your guide will share ancient stories and myths associated with the celestial bodies. It’s a unique way to learn about the night sky while immersing yourself in the tranquility of the desert. You can also spend time lying on a blanket in the soft desert sand, simply taking in the beauty of the star-filled sky.
Best Time to Go: The clear skies of Wadi Rum are best enjoyed during the cooler months, particularly in the spring and autumn when the nights are crisp and comfortable for outdoor activities.
4. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable way to experience the vastness of Wadi Rum, a hot air balloon ride is a must-do activity. Taking off in the early morning, you’ll soar above the desert and get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape. From up high, you’ll be able to see the vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and the distinctive red-and-orange hues of the desert.
Hot air balloon rides typically last about an hour and are a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery. As you glide over the desert, you’ll get a unique perspective of Wadi Rum’s otherworldly terrain. The ride is an ideal way to see parts of the desert that would be difficult to reach otherwise. Watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, with the desert coming alive below you, is an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve touched down.
Tip: Hot air balloon rides in Wadi Rum are weather-dependent, so it’s best to book your ride in advance and check the forecast before your trip.
5. Spend the Night in a Traditional Bedouin Camp
To truly immerse yourself in the culture of Wadi Rum, spending a night in a traditional Bedouin camp is one of the best things to do. These camps provide an authentic experience, allowing you to connect with the local Bedouin people and learn about their way of life. You’ll sleep in cozy tents made from goat hair, providing shelter from the desert’s harsh elements while still allowing you to experience the desert atmosphere.
In the evening, gather around a campfire where you can enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal, often consisting of lamb, chicken, rice, and vegetables cooked in a special underground oven called a zarb. The meal is a social occasion, and you’ll have the chance to share stories with your fellow travelers and your Bedouin hosts. After dinner, sit under the stars, listen to Bedouin music, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert night.
Best Time to Visit: Spending a night in a Bedouin camp is especially enjoyable during the cooler months of the year, when the temperature drops and the desert becomes an inviting place to relax.
6. Go Sandboarding on the Dunes
If you love adventure and outdoor activities, sandboarding is one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum. The vast sand dunes of the desert provide the perfect playground for this thrilling sport. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sandboarder, Wadi Rum’s dunes offer a fun and exciting way to explore the desert.
Most sandboarding tours are offered by local Bedouin guides who provide all the necessary equipment, including boards and instructions. The best time to try sandboarding is in the morning, before the sun becomes too hot, ensuring you have the energy and stamina for this fun activity. As you glide down the dunes, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the desert in a way that is both active and exhilarating.
Pro Tip: Wear light clothing and sunscreen, as the desert sun can be intense, especially in the summer months.
7. Hike Through the Desert Canyons
Wadi Rum is a hiker’s paradise, offering numerous trails that take you through narrow canyons and over rugged hills. The desert landscape is rich in geological formations, including towering cliffs and rock arches, making it an ideal place for hiking. There are trails suited for all levels, from short walks to multi-day treks.
A popular hike is the climb to the top of Jebel Um Ad Dami, the highest peak in Jordan, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding desert. The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, including rocky valleys and towering sandstone formations. For those who enjoy a more leisurely hike, the Burdah Rock Bridge is another iconic landmark, where you can hike to the top and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert.
Best Time to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to hike in Wadi Rum, as the temperature is cooler and the desert is less crowded.
8. Explore the Ancient Inscriptions
Wadi Rum is home to many ancient rock inscriptions, some of which date back thousands of years. These petroglyphs, left by the Nabateans and other ancient civilizations, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Many of the inscriptions can be found on the rock faces throughout the desert, depicting animals, human figures, and symbols.
Exploring these ancient markings is an exciting way to learn about the history of Wadi Rum and the people who lived here long before it became a popular tourist destination. Your guide will help you decipher the meaning of the inscriptions and explain their significance in the context of the region’s history. This is a great activity for history buffs or anyone interested in archaeology.
Best Time to Visit: The cooler months of spring and autumn are ideal for exploring these ancient sites, as the temperatures in the desert can get quite hot during summer.
9. Take a Camel Ride Through the Desert
No visit to Wadi Rum is complete without experiencing the desert on the back of a camel. Camel rides are a traditional way of traversing the vast desert and offer a unique perspective of the landscape. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, riding a camel through the sandy dunes is a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
Camel rides are available in various durations, ranging from short trips around the camp to longer excursions that take you to iconic landmarks in the desert. Along the way, your Bedouin guide will share stories about the history and culture of the desert, giving you a deeper understanding of the region. Camel rides are often paired with a visit to remote Bedouin camps, where you can stop for a cup of tea or a traditional meal, enhancing the cultural experience. It’s a slower-paced, scenic way to enjoy the desert, and the rhythmic sway of the camel adds to the tranquility of the experience.
Best Time to Ride: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for camel rides, as the temperatures are cooler, and the desert light creates beautiful, dramatic scenery.
Conclusion
Wadi Rum is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and diverse destinations in Jordan, offering a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for thrills or someone who enjoys learning about ancient cultures, Wadi Rum offers something for everyone. The beauty of the desert is mesmerizing, and the chance to explore its stunning landscapes—whether through a jeep tour, hiking, sandboarding, or camel riding—is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The true magic of Wadi Rum lies in its ability to connect visitors with both the natural world and the rich cultural history of the region. Spending time with the Bedouin people, tasting traditional cuisine, and staying in a desert camp allows you to understand the way of life in this incredible environment. Whether you opt to stargaze under the clear desert sky or explore the ancient rock inscriptions that tell the story of the desert’s past, every activity in Wadi Rum brings you closer to the spirit of the desert.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Wadi Rum, Jordan, these nine experiences are sure to leave you with lasting memories. The desert’s serene beauty, combined with the unique cultural experiences, makes Wadi Rum a place unlike any other. So pack your bags, book your trip, and get ready to explore the magic of Wadi Rum—one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world.
