A glowing tour of the Wadi Rum desert

When you think of Jordan, you obviously think of Petra, the famous archaeological site where tombs are carved out of the rock. But just a two-hour drive from the site, the desert of Wadi Rum is just as much worth a visit. A landscape of vast stretches of orange sand and cliffs that has been used as a backdrop for several films, including Alone on Mars, Lawrence of Arabia, Dune and Star Wars IX.

Whether on foot, in a 4x4 or on the back of a camel, you can wander between the enormous sandstone and granite massifs and climb some of the rocks to get a panoramic view of the cliffs. This desert combines steppes and sand dunes, and in some places you'll come across natural arches formed by erosion. An almost supernatural setting!

Given the geographical conditions of the site, it is not recommended to visit the Wadi Rum desert on your own. Fortunately, there are a number of offers available. Several excursions or tours are offered by tour operators such as Get Your Guide or Viator. There are also many local agencies that organise visits to Wadi Rum, including one or more nights in a Bedouin camp.

There's no more authentic experience than spending a night in a Bedouin tent in the heart of Wadi Rum. During the day, a guide will show you the caves, cliffs, canyons and natural arches of the desert in a 4x4 or on camelback, adding a few personal anecdotes here and there. In the evening, Bedouins and apprentice adventurers gather around the fire to share a good meal in a relaxed, jovial atmosphere.

When you start to feel tired, you head back to your tent for a good night's sleep, without forgetting to take a look at the Milky Way, shining brighter than ever. But be warned, these are no ordinary tents: real beds and thick blankets, sanitary facilities connected to running water... Everything is there for the comfort of travellers!

Flying over the Wadi Rum desert in a hot-air balloon

As you tread the glowing sands of Wadi Rum, caressed by a calm breeze, raising your head to catch a glimpse of the tops of the variously shaped rock formations stretching skywards, you'll feel like you're on another planet. Now imagine this extraordinary landscape from the sky: it's possible, thanks to hot-air ballooning!

Aboard the gondola, you rise to an altitude of a thousand metres as the panorama becomes ever more grandiose. Carried along by the winds, time seems to stand still and there's nothing left to do but enjoy the view.

It's hard to imagine, but Wadi Rum has been inhabited for thousands of years. The proof is in the engravings, known as petroglyphs, found on the monoliths. Around 20,000 traces of a past dating back 12,000 years have been identified. They bear witness to the activities that each of the nomadic tribes carried out in the region.

Today, the Bedouin still live in the desert. Most of them are shepherds, and they dress up as guides for visitors who want to venture out. And they are not alone, as the desert is home to some rare flora and fauna, including Nubian ibex, grey wolves and sand cats.

⭐ Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel 5*

If you don't feel like a Bedouin and don't want to sleep in a tent, we suggest you sleep in transparent bubbles with all the comforts, offering a breathtaking view of the desert and the Milky Way. A spectacle of nature!

The Wadi Rum desert offers a beautiful succession of landscapes with changing colours that are hard to forget. Also known as the "Valley of the Moon", it is the country's second most important tourist attraction and a must-see on your trip to Jordan!

🗓️ When should you visit the Wadi Rum desert?

Over the year, the average temperature in the Wadi Rum desert is 30°C. It fluctuates between 19°C in January, the coldest month of the year, and 39°C in August, which is the hottest month of the year. To visit this site, it is entirely possible to go between February and December to take advantage of the pleasant weather, although it is at its best between March and May, or in October or November.

🚗 How do I get to the Wadi Rum desert?

By car, you need to reach the small village of Rashidiyah, 280 kilometres fromAmman via motorway 15, 35 kilometres from Petra via motorway 35 and 40 kilometres fromAqaba via motorway 80. From there, follow the Wadi Rum road for around 20 kilometres.

You can also get here by public transport. A bus leaves Petra every morning at 6am for Wadi Rum. The journey takes around two hours and costs around €7. You can ask your hotel to reserve a seat for you. If you're travelling fromAqaba, there are direct buses to the village of Wadi Rum for 3 JOD, with frequency and number varying according to the season. However, it is not possible to travel from Amman by public transport.

You can also book a taxi to take you to the Wadi Rum desert; just ask at your hotel reception.