Somewhere in southern Jordan, an hour`s drive from Aqaba and two from Petra, lies a landscape that will make you question which planet you`re on. This is Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon—not just a desert, but a grand open-air nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a world of silent, overwhelming spaces.
Location and Description
Wadi Rum is located 60 km east of the city of Aqaba. It is a vast area (about 720 sq km) in the heart of the rocky desert, famous for its monolithic sandstone and granite mountains rising directly from the pink-red sands. There are no Saharan dunes here; it is a kingdom of rocks, canyons, natural arches, and plateaus of fantastic shapes.
Geology of Wadi Rum
This terrain is the result of millions of years of geological work. The multi-layered cliffs represent cross-sections of the Earth`s crust, where you can see deposits from the Cambrian to the Ordovician periods (about 500 million years ago). Wadi Rum was formed by tectonic uplifts and subsequent centuries of erosion—wind and water carved these incredible forms from sandstone and granite: gorges, columns, and mountains with sheer, seemingly polished slopes. The bright red color of the sand comes from iron oxides.
Lawrence of Arabia and Wadi Rum
The name of Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, is inextricably linked to Wadi Rum. The British officer, archaeologist, and writer became a key figure in the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 against the Ottoman Empire.
It was in these harsh and majestic landscapes of Wadi Rum that he found not only a strategic base for the raids of his irregular Arab Northern Army but also a deep spiritual and aesthetic resonance.
In his famous book "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", which gave its name to one of the valley`s most recognizable rock formations, Lawrence described Wadi Rum with reverent awe as "vast, echoing, and god-like." For him, it was not just a desert but the embodiment of the spirit of the Arab nation he sought to help liberate.
Today, his legend lives on in the names of key attractions—from "Lawrence`s Spring" canyon to "Lawrence`s House"—turning the historical figure into an integral part of the place`s mythology.
Visiting Organization: Jeep Safari and Routes
Access to Wadi Rum is strictly regulated. Entering the depths of the valley with private vehicles is prohibited. All tours are organized through the official Visitor Center, where you purchase an entrance ticket and book a tour with a licensed Bedouin guide in a specially equipped 4x4 pickup (jeep safari). Hiking is also practiced, but for a first introduction, a jeep tour is the optimal choice.
There are two classic routes of different durations that combine the main attractions.
ROUTE 1: "Classic" (3-4 hours)
This route covers the key "hits" near the central part of the valley.
• Lawrence`s Spring: A small oasis with a spring at the base of a cliff, named after Lawrence of Arabia. A short climb offers a view of the valley.
• Khazali Canyon: A narrow canyon whose walls are covered with petroglyphs (carved drawings) and Thamudic inscriptions thousands of years old, left by Nabataeans and Bedouins.
• "Little Rock Bridge" (Burdah Rock Bridge): A natural stone arch that can be climbed (requires some agility).
• Um Fruth Rock Bridge: Another famous, more gentle and accessible natural arch—a popular photo spot.
• Bedouin Tent: A stop for tea in a traditional tent. An essential element of hospitality.
• Red Sand Dunes (Al-Hasha): High dunes of fine red sand at the foot of a cliff. You can (and should!) climb up and joyfully slide back down.
ROUTE 2: "Extended" or "Long" (5-7 hours)
This route delves into more remote and wild areas.
It includes all (or most) points of the "Classic" route, plus:
• Jabal Umm ad Dami: The highest point in Jordan (1854 m). The road to its base passes through a scenic plateau, and the climb (requires good fitness and time) offers a view of Saudi Arabia.
• Abu Khashaba Canyon: A long and deep gorge for a walk among cool, shaded walls.
• "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" Rock Formations: The famous rock complex that gave Lawrence of Arabia`s book its name. Its silhouette is most often associated with Wadi Rum.
• Lawrence`s House: Ruins of a Nabataean or Roman structure where, according to legend, the British officer stayed.
• "The Martian" Film Site: Specific locations where the movie was filmed, with leftover "Martian" props.
Camels vs. Jeeps: What to Choose?
Camel: This is a deeply authentic and meditative way to feel the rhythm of the desert as nomads have known it for millennia. Ideal for a short, atmospheric ride of an hour or two, for example, to the first point on the route or for a sunset ride.
Jeep (4x4): This is a practical and efficient way to see the most in a limited time. It allows you to cover long distances over difficult terrain and visit remote canyons and viewpoints inaccessible to camels. For a first, introductory visit, this is unequivocally the best choice.
Advice: Arrange a combined option with your guide—part of the journey by jeep, and for the final trip to a sunset viewpoint or for a morning walk, take a camel. And don`t forget to spend the night in a Bedouin camp—nothing compares to the silence of the desert and the star-studded sky where the Milky Way is visible.
