Welcome to one of the most famous attractions in the heart of the Middle East: Wadi Rum Jordan. This large desert attracts visitors from all over the world, and there are plenty of reasons to visit.
When we first went to Wadi Rum, we really had no idea what to expect. How would we get around? Can you do it on your own? Well that's why we decided to help you out! Here is a complete guide for what to known when visiting Wadi Rum, Jordan.
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Where is Wadi Rum, Jordan?
Wadi Rum is located in the south west corner of Jordan. It is a little over 300 kilometers south of Amman, about 4 hours away. It is located off the same highway that goes through Wadi Musa (Petra). The desert is just 100 km from Petra, and takes an hour and 40 minutes in car.
The closest big city to Wadi Rum is Aqaba, which is tucked away in the corner of the country along the Red Sea. It is just under an hour away by car, and is the easiest city to get to Wadi Rum from.
Wadi Rum is in the south western corner of the country.
How to Get to Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is one of the most popular places to visit in the country. There are several options to get there, both private and public. Here are some options of how to get to Wadi Rum, Jordan.
Getting to Wadi Rum, Jordan by Public Transportation
Flying into Aqaba is the easiest starting point to get to Wadi Rum. From there you can get the local bus for just 3 JD outside of the police station. You can also get a 4 person taxi for 25 JD from the city, or 35 JD from the airport.
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If you are going from Amman, you will need to take a bus to Wadi Musa or Aqaba first, and then you can take a bus or taxi from there.
Want direct transportation options to Wadi Rum? Here are a few you can choose from:
Getting to Wadi Rum by Car
The easiest way to get to Wadi Rum is to rent a car. We rented a car from the airport in Amman. We loved this option because there are plenty of points of interest along the way that you can stop at.
Once you enter Wadi Rum there is a parking lot where you will keep your car. Make sure to organize with your hotel when you will arrive, and they will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation by jeep.
Aqaba is just under an hour away from Wadi Rum.
Tours to Wadi Rum
As such a popular destination, there are plenty of organized tours that go from Amman, Aqaba, or Petra to Wadi Rum. You can find a variety of day trips, overnight trips, or even multi-day desert trips.
How Expensive is Wadi Rum, Jordan?
While Jordan is a relatively cheap country, Wadi Rum is unfortunately not. You have to be mentally prepared to drop a little bit of cash if you really want to enjoy the beauty of this desert.
The entry to go inside Wadi Rum is a one time fee, and is just 5 JD. If you have the Jordan Pass however, it is free of charge to enter. The fee to enter is really the only cheap part though. Here is what you should expect for the rest:
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Accommodation
Accommodation actually varies quite a bit. You can find everything from $1 small camp stays to $300 luxury tent complexes.
Wadi Rum is full of luxury camp sites just like this one.
Food & Drink
When it comes to food & drink in Wadi Rum, there aren't actually restaurants around, other than in the hotels. Most accommodation includes breakfast, and many of them include dinner as well. There are also plenty of camps that include grills, if you'd like to bring your own food to cook. This is a great way to save if you're on a tight budget.
Excursions
Excursions are actually the priciest part of visiting Wadi Rum Jordan. As it is pretty difficult to enjoy the desert without them, it is an expense that is harder to avoid. Most excursions have hourly rates, and the more hours you spend, the better rates you get. We would say expect to spend at least 50-100 JD per day in activities.
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How Long Should You Stay in Wadi Rum, Jordan?
Wadi Rum is much bigger than people think! If you want just a taste of the desert, we suggest spending a night and two full days. If you'd like to experience some of the spots that most tourists don't usually get to, than we suggest spending 3-4 days.
What to Do in Wadi Rum, Jordan
The best part of Wadi Rum is the variety of the beautiful formations scattered around the desert. Here are the best ways to explore and enjoy them all:
Go on a Jeep Tour
Going on a jeep tour is a must, and definitely the best thing to do in Wadi Rum, Jordan. The thing is, doing Wadi Rum on your own isn't really easy. All of the attractions are tucked between the dunes, and are pretty far away from each other.
Some people hike a bit, but that isn't something we suggest for being in the middle of the desert. Doing a jeep tour is great because you can see more in less time, and have someone take you to the best spots.
The best spots in the desert can be easily seen with a jeep tour.
We highly suggest saving your jeep tours for sunrise and sunset, as those are the best times to enjoy the desert, and not be under he scorching sun. Not to mention that it's the best time for photographing the red rocks against the fine sand.
Want to book a jeep tour before you get there? Here are a few different ones to choose from:
Take a Camel Ride
This isn't one that we particularly support, but it is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Camels can be rented by the hour, and are offered by any of the hotels in the area.
Camel rides are one of the most popular desert activities.
Learn Astrophotography
One of the best parts of being in the desert is enjoying the purity of nature. Without all of the light pollution around, you will get the chance to really experience the beauty of the Milky Way.
One of our favorite parts of our stay at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp is that they actually took us on a tour to take play with astrophotography. This tour is run by the owner of the camp, and he doesn't just take stunning photos with the Milky Way glowing in the back, but he also uses lasers to create art in each of the photos he takes.
We took our own camera along and stayed after to play around with astrophotography ourselves, and love the great souvenir that came along with it.
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How to Dress for Wadi Rum, Jordan
While the Middle East is pretty conservative, Wadi Rum is the one place that you really don't need to worry about covering up as much. Being heavily trafficked by tourists, there is no judgment in Wadi Rum.
It is completely normal to find travelers dressing in everyday clothes, without women having to cover their shoulders and knees.
In Wadi Rum it is normal to find tourists dressed in everyday clothes.
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum, Jordan
One of the true highlights of Wadi Rum is the amazing accommodations. Glamping is really something else in this desert, and there are plenty of different camps to experience it.
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Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Looking for the ultimate glamping experience? Well this is the spot. Memories Aicha Luxury Camp will make you feel like you transported to Mars with it's giant domes lining the golden dunes.
The buffet offered is incredible, and the service is incredible. The staff have everything set up to pick you up, get you settled, and even organize your excursions in Wadi Rum.
This is the inside of one of the best bubbles in Memory Aicha Luxury Camp.
Is Wadi Rum, Jordan Safe?
Wadi Rum is a very safe destination to visit. The people are very friendly, and the area is free from crime, making it a comfortable and fun place to visit while in Jordan.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Wadi Rum, Jordan
Now that you know the best things to do in Wadi Rum, and the details for visiting, here are a few final things to see in mind.
Weather in Wadi Rum
As Wadi Rum is a desert, it typically has dry and sunny days. Jordan experiences 4 seasons, with temperatures dropping in the winter, and soaring very high in the summer. Also the temperatures can be vastly different at night time from the day time in the spring and fall seasons.
What is the Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum?
The peak season for visiting Wadi Rum is from October to April. If you'd like pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds though, your best bet is to go in late September/early October or in late April/early May.
Packing for a Trip to Wadi Rum, Jordan
here are some of the things that you should bring with you when you travel to Wadi Rum, Jordan:
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Lotion
- Sunglasses
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Comfortable Closed-Toed Shoes (for the sand during the day)
- Turban or Scarf (to cover your head)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suits
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because of the long selfie stick that can create shots similar to drones)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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So are you ready for your visit to Wadi Rum, Jordan? It is truly a spectacular place, and one that you will forever remember.
Want to see other awesome places to visit in Jordan? Well, there is so much to see and do in this Middle Eastern country! Take a look at our Jordan travel guides to learn more.
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