Wadi Rum is an amazing place, timeless and untouched by civilization. Wind and sun for thousands of years have had such a strong impact on the local landscape, resulting in the formation of unique rocks, arches, canyons and wells. Hikers, rock climbers and just lovers of history will find themselves here. After all, some rock paintings on the territory of the Wadi Rum reserve are over four thousand years old. And since June 2011, the Wadi Rum desert has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Wadi Rum Desert Patrol officers wear perhaps the most colorful uniform in the entire Middle East. A long khaki “dish-dash” robe is intercepted by a bright red cartridge belt, a dagger is on the belt, a rifle is in the hands, and a traditional red and white scarf of the Jordanian Bedouins (skufi) is on the head.
How to get to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is easily accessible by car or taxi from Amman: driving south along the “Desert Highway” or along the picturesque “Royal Road”. The trip takes from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the chosen road.
From Aqaba, on the contrary, it is necessary to keep heading north, then it will be possible to get to Wadi Rum in less than an hour.
Minibuses run daily from Aqaba and Wadi Musa (Petra) to the reserve.
Wadi Rum hotels
In Wadi Rum, you can stay at a Bedouin-style campsite (with amenities and entertainment), a bed and breakfast hotel (in the village of Rum) or a campground in a “wild” place (where you have to carry tents and equipment).
Entertainment and attractions in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum can be explored in several ways, the best option is offered at the Tourist Service Center at the reserve, where you can not only find all the information, but also rent an SUV with a driver-guide. Another option is to hire a camel guide.
Here it is worth visiting the Burda rock bridge – the highest point of Wadi Rum, the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”, Lawrence’s well, the Nabatean temple, desert oases and many other interesting places. Traveling by car will take one day, by camel – two days.
A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to see Wadi Rum. Flights are organized from April to June and from September to December. The basket holds up to eight passengers. The balloon takes off in the early morning when winds and updrafts are optimal for flight. For more information on hot air ballooning, skydiving and ultralight flights, contact the Royal Jordanian Sports Flying Club, Tel: +962 3 205 8050, Fax: +962 3 205 8052.
Every year in Wadi Rum, in the place “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”, the Distant Heat festival is held.
Since Wadi Rum is a nature reserve, there are no catering establishments on its territory. Shops and one restaurant can only be found at the Tourist Service Center.
Weather in Wadi Rum
When visiting Wadi Rum, it is worth stocking up on warm clothes. Daytime and evening temperature fluctuations here range from +32 °C to +4 °C. Average January temperature: +4 °C at night, +15 °C during the day, July: +19 °C at night, +36 °C during the day. See citypopulationreview.com for weather in the capital of Jordan.