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What to do in the Wadi Rum Desert - advice from a Bedouin

We welcome you to our beautiful country. Here is some advice to help you plan what to do in Wadi Rum. 

When you come to Jordan and, Wadi Rum, you will be an honoured guest. We have many sights for you to see, adventures to share, and many wondrous tales to tell you. 

We trust you'll enjoy your stay immensely. If you have any requests please let us know as we want to make sure you have the best time possible. 

What to do in Wadi Rum 

When you arrive at  Aqaba King Hussein Airport, which is recommended, you'll be met by your taxi driver who will usher you to your vehicle. Then you’ll begin the trip to the Wadi Rum desert, which is approximately 78 kilometres. You can also take a bus from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. We have covered the topic of how to get to Wadi Rum in detail, so please see that article for specific details. 

If you're wondering what to do in Wadi Rum, why not check out our range of desert tours? We offer everything from simple half-day tours to comprehensive 3-day desert adventures. 

List of desert tours offered by Wadi Rum Eco Tours: 

No overnight stay

• Half-Day 4x4 Desert Tour (no overnight)
• 4x4 Desert Tour (no overnight)

One night stay in our Bedouin camp

• Half-Day 4x4 Desert Tour with one night stay in our Bedouin camp
• Al Hash - Hiking with one night stay
• 4x4 Wild Desert Expedition
• Um Adaami - Climbing
• Camel Tour

Two days and two nights in our camp

• 4x4 Desert Tour & Al Hash Hiking
• 2 Days Hiking & Climbing (Al Hash & Um Adaami)
• 2 Days 4x4 Wild Desert Expedition

3-day adventures in Wadi Rum with 3 nights in our camp 

• 3 Days Hiking & Climbing (Burdah, Al Hash & Um Adaami)
• 3 Days 4x4 Desert Expedition

Accommodation in Wadi Rum 

Depending on whether you want to sleep under the stars or in our very comfortable Bedouin camp, we'll ensure your utmost comfort and convenience. 

Traditional Bedouin cuisine 

From the national dish called mansaf and the popular desert meal called za'arb to creamy hummus and flavourful beans with warm bread, Jordan offers a range of delicious cuisine. 

Please tell us beforehand if you follow a special diet like vegetarian or vegan, as we'll be very happy to make arrangements to cater to you. 

Dinner in Wadi Rum 

You can try our special dish, prepared traditionally in the sand, called Za’rab. For dinner, we make rice and chicken dishes, roasted vegetables, stews and more. We will also serve traditional black tea with a hint of Sage.

Traditional Bedouin lunch

If you are on one of our tours, your guide will prepare a lunch for you on an open fire. This may include a simple bean stew, veggies, salads, eggs, hummus, cheese, yoghurt, and other delicious snacks. 

Traditional Jordanian Breakfast in the desert

Breakfast may include yoghurt, bread, hummus, thyme and sesame seeds (called za'atar), olives, jam and dates, coffee and cereal if you prefer. Our traditional Arab coffee is very strong, and the taking of it is an important social ritual. P

Taking photos in Wadi Rum

We welcome you to take as many photos and videos as you like of us, your guides, and the wonderful surroundings. But we respectfully ask that you always get permission to photograph the locals. Your guide will tell you if there are any buildings that you should not photograph.

What to wear in Wadi Rum 

We kindly request that for your comfort, you pack attire suitable for the desert and in accordance with our customs. Heads should be covered against the sun and sand, and hats and headscarves are available for sale. 

The chest, arms and legs should be covered. Long tops and pants are suitable for everyone. We suggest hiking boots and thick socks as well as sandals. If you'd like more information on what to wear in Wadi Rum, please see our posts related specifically to this. 

Our ecology-what to do in Wadi Rum Reserve 

We depend on nature to survive and encourage you to live in harmony with the environment, as we have done for many centuries. No littering, please, as bins will be provided, and we ask you to use water sparingly, as it’s scarce in the desert and has to be brought in. You’ll be given enough water to drink and to wash with.

Noteworthy attractions when planning what to do in Wadi Rum

Lawrence's house 

This is the remains of the home of the famous writer and British officer, T. E Lawrence, who was known as Lawrence of Arabia. Perhaps you have seen the movie of that name-it won many Oscar awards. It was about Lawrence's time that he spent in Wadi Rum, where he had a camp during the Arab Revolt of 1916-1918 and should be on anyone's list of what to do in Wadi Rum. 

Camel rides 

It's a unique experience when you come to the desert, to ride on the back of a camel. It’ll be our pleasure to show you how to do this. All our camels are well-trained and polite. They should not spit at you or bite or kick. 

Indeed they’re extraordinary beasts that can drink up to 200 litres of water once a week and eat grains, grass, oats, fruit and twigs as well as cacti. Without them, we Bedouins would certainly have perished. 

Sleeping under the stars 

This is yet another unforgettable experience to have, and we urge you to try it. Your guide will make a bonfire and entertain you with many stories, and you can meet and socialise with fellow guests. You’ll be able to try sleeping in a cave, or under the shooting stars, in a sleeping bag. Please pack one if you prefer (although we can provide one), and a torch. This is an amazing adventure, not to be missed.

What to do before or after Wadi Rum - the Dead Sea

Should you want to visit this great and historic place, you can book a trip and a driver. It's about a 3-hour trip, and a total of 303 km. You can swim and float in the Dead Sea, and experience the unique area which is the lowest place on earth. 

Please remember not to shave before you go, and you must not have any open sores or cuts. Don't get the water in your eyes and wear an old costume as it’ll probably be damaged by the experience. Ladies and gentlemen too can try the Dead Sea mud face mask, at one of the spas, after a soothing swim in the special, healing mineral waters. 

There are many hikes around the Dead Sea, suitable for all members of the family.

Some recommended hikes:

• Wadi Weida is a very pleasant canyon within easy hiking distance through reeds, oleander, palms and juniper. There’s a most beautiful waterfall near the grotto at the trail's end. 
• Wadi Numeira Siq Trail: This wadi is close to the Dead Sea and renowned for the unusual hanging rock at the start of the trail, and also for a narrow path through the Siq, or rock formation.
• Wadi Mukheri's Formation Trail: This is a marvellous wadi not very far from Amman, situated amid the hotel area at the Dead Sea. Attractions include cascades of water, verdant vegetation and freshwater crabs. 
• Wadi Mujib Malaqi Trail: This one is a trail through the well-known Wadi al-Mujib valley. This tour cannot be done without a guide. It's suitable for more serious climbers as you will need climbing equipment, which the park will provide, to descend a 30m waterfall. 
• Wadi Himara Panorama Trail: This is a short wadi hike through palms, Tamarix, capers, juniper and oleander, with a spectacular view of the Dead Sea at the end. A superb place to picnic and enjoy the view.

We trust you’ll have a splendid time, and we look forward to welcoming you again.