Traveling to Jordan? Then follow the guide: we take you to the Wadi Rum desert!
When you go to the Wadi Rum desert, you will need to be careful because it is the perfect place to contract a double fracture of the retina. Indeed, in this desert south of Jordan, everything is magnificent.
Thus, canyons, natural arches, cliffs and caves will compete with beauty and will transport you to a universe where time has stopped. In fact, the Wadi Rum Desert was registered in UNESCO World Heritage in 2011, both as a natural landscape and a cultural place. By going to the Wadi Rum desert, you may also have the chance to admire the endemic species it hosts. Bouquetins, wolves, foxes, sand cat... And even the rare and shy oryx of Arabia. So stay on your feet!
From Khazali Canyon to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, from the rocky bridge of Burdah to the Nabate temple, stand ready to visit the Wadi Rum desert!
Wadi Rum in a few words
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Visiting the Wadi Rum Desert is diving into history. Indeed, if the site is classified at Unesco, it is thanks to more than twenty-five thousand petroglyphs and twenty thousand inscriptions.
They allow us today to trace the history of the beginnings of the writing, but also to know the agricultural techniques used for 12,000 years by the nomadic and semi-nomadic populations who lived there.
1. Safari in 4×4
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andrzej Kamela
An all-terrain safari is one of the best ways to visit the Wadi Rum desert. Through the window of your vehicle, you can contemplate the incredible landscapes that will offer you.
You will have the opportunity to share tea or coffee with Bedouins, nomadic populations that still populate these lands, who continue to live there and raise their flocks there.
After the beautiful Petra, you will also have the opportunity to admire the wonders of the Wadi Rum, such as the Nabatean temple.
Finally, to finish your day, you will be able to see the sun set on the sand dunes before returning. But above all, you will have the chance to enter the scenery of many famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia , Only on Mars or Star Wars, Episode IX: Skywalker’s Ascension . So who knows, going to the Wadi Rum desert, maybe you'll see a droid?
Practical information
- There exists. different formulas to visit the Wadi Rum desert on a 4×4;
- Depending on the duration and number of stopovers, the price may vary 25€ to 150€.
2. Trek and hiking
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In order to immerse yourself in a landscape, the best is to literally make body with it. Thus, walking is probably the best way to visit the Wadi Rum desert.
The time of a route to your convenience, adapted to your physical form you will take your eyes full. Even children can do it! On the programme, the discovery of the fauna and flora of the desert, but also the Rakhabat canyon and the Umm Ishrin valley or a picnic in the dunes.
But you can also go to the rocky bridge of Burda (which the most temeral of you can even climb), to the big dune, to the petroglyphs of Thamudi or to the Bedouin water collectors. In any case, hiking is really a great way to visit the Wadi Rum desert.
Practical information
- Hiking in the desert is accessible to all physical conditions, but it is not recommended to pregnant women and persons with reduced mobility ;
- Depending on the duration of your trek, count between 30€ and 100€.
3. Sleep in the desert
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Many circuits passing through Petra or the Dead Sea offer to spend a night in an authentic Bedouin camp. So what better way to visit the Wadi Rum desert? Sensations and disbursement guaranteed!
So, after a day to marvel at you in front of the troglodyte city of Petra and you are bathed in the Dead Sea, you can enjoy an evening at the corner of the fire in a Bedouin camp. You can then papot, enjoy new dishes and admire the stars.
For, free of light pollution, the sky of the Wadi Rum at night is worth a visit. Finally, under the tent or directly outside the beautiful star, you can let yourself go to sleep.
The next morning, you will open your eyes to the sand and mountains before having a good breakfast. What to leave with memories full of your head!
Practical information
- At night, in the desert, temperatures drop very fast! Even if you seem useless day, plan hot clothes ;
- In addition, tents are neither heated nor air conditioned then take your precautions;
- To spend a night in the desert, prices start around 50€. If you take a formula including Petra visits and a stop at the Dead Sea, count instead 250€ for a two-day circuit.
4. Horse a dromedary
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It is quite possible to visit the Wadi Rum Desert on a day from the big cities of the surrounding area and especially from Aqaba . Thus, after walking through the rocky valleys, admired its red cliffs and ochre mountains you will already feel like part of the landscape.
You will feel small in front of steep gorges, dry river beds and stone formations. You will then understand the desert.
But what would be a trip to the desert without a mehare? Woven on the back of a dromedary, you will then have the opportunity to apprehend the places otherwise. For thirty minutes, you will discover the landscape at the steep pass of the "desert ship". An experience you will not be ready to forget!
Practical information
- It seems obvious, but, of course, don’t go to the Wadi Rum desert without taking you away from what you’re doing. moisturize and protect you from the sun. Take it sun cream, one hat and a lot of water ;
- Don’t hesitate to take some covering and comfortable clothing;
- The price of the walk is included in that of the day trip that is about 75€.
5. The Jordan Trail
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If you wish to take all your time to visit the Wadi Rum desert, maybe you should consider the Jordan Trail. This beautiful hiking trail is 650 kilometres long and crosses Jordan from north to south along its western façade.
So if you decide to go through it in its entirety, you will have to count 40 days. However, it is quite possible to walk only the sections that interest you most to compose a route that suits you 100%.
For example, if you only have two weeks, we advise you to choose the part that connects Petra to the Wadi Rum desert. Ranked among the best hikes in the world by the National Geographic, it will make you cross natural, cultural and historical wonders.
In a week of walking, you will travel the distance between the two sites. You will sleep in the beautiful star, away from tourists and stress. A wonderful way to visit the Wadi Rum desert outside the beaten paths. Indeed, the itinerary is still uncommon!
Practical information
- This hike is relatively intense. It is therefore reserved for experienced hikers and/or persons physical fitness ;
- Also, don't go alone in the desert! The path is sometimes very bad (see not at all) marked. Caution therefore requires a commitment Local guide. It will give you the necessary equipment and the food and water rations.
6. Watch the stars
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If you decide to spend the night in the desert, you can only advise to enjoy it to admire one of the most beautiful starry skys that you will have the opportunity to admire in your life.
Indeed, free from any light pollution, the sky of Wadi Rum is incredible. You will have access to powerful telescopes and will be accompanied by professional astronomers. Thus, you will be at the first logs to observe galaxies, nebula and planets. Perhaps you will have the chance to observe the return of the Jedis?
At the end of the night, you will be able to recognize the constellations and find your way through the stars. For an experience you will love to the moon and back ! A wonderful adventure to live by going to the Wadi Rum desert in short!
Practical information
- As noted above, temperatures can be fraiches night in the desert. Think about it. hot clothes ;
- To watch the stars, count about 30€ per person.
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