Wadi Rum trip – A Family-Friendly Destination in the Jordanian Desert

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Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a stunning desert valley in southern Jordan. The valley is characterized by its red sand dunes, towering rock formations, and dramatic mountain scenery. Despite its remote location, Wadi Rum is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of activities for families, friends, and solo travelers alike. It is a must-see place on your Jordan road trip. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Wadi Rum.

Getting There

Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan, about 3-hours drive from the capital city of Amman. The best way to get to Wadi Rum is by renting a car or taking a private taxi from Amman. You can take a taxi from Akaba (airport) too, this ride takes about one hour. Once you arrive in Wadi Rum, various accommodation options are available to suit any budget. 

Getting to Wadi Rum by bus

There is also a tourist bus to the Wadi Rum visitor center. Check Bus timetables here: JETT bus. You should consider renting a car or paying for a transfer if you travel with more people.

Popular routes:

Akaba – Wadi Rum: 3 hours, 15 JOD, JETT bus.

Amman – Wadi Rum: the best option is a private transfer. Book online or ask at your accommodation.

Petra – Wadi Rum: see below!

How far is Wadi Rum from Petra?

Wadi Rum is about 120 km from Petra. It takes about 2 hours by car or 3 hours by bus.

You can get to Wadi Rum from Petra by bus every day at 6:30 am. It picks up passengers in Wadi Musa (that is the settlement next to the ruins of Petra), and the travel time is about 2 hours.

The local bus at 6.30am from Petra to Wadi Rum
You have to ask your hotel to book a seat for you on the bus (attention it is quickly full)
Your hotel will give you all information regarding the departure place.
Destination : Wadi Rum Village Resthouse
Duration : about 2H15 / Price : 7 JOD
(These buses are not available at this time because of Covid-19)

JETT Bus at 11.30am from Petra Visitor Center to Wadi Rum
Destination : Wadi Rum Visitor Center (so make sure your guide will come to pick you there)
Duration : about 2 hours / Price : 15 JOD
(JETT buses between Aqaba and Wadi Rum are currently not available because of Covid-19)

Taxi from Petra to Wadi Rum

Duration : 2 hours
Price : 40-60 JOD in total (4 person maximum per taxi). Do not accept the first price you hear.
You can leave from any place you want, the taxi will drive you to your meeting point.

For the Wadi Rum visitor center’s address: click here

Activities in Wadi Rum

There are plenty of activities to keep families, friend groups, and solo travelers busy during their time in Wadi Rum. Jeep tours are a popular way to explore the desert landscape and learn about the local Bedouin culture. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, camel rides and desert walks are also available. In the evening, visitors can enjoy traditional Bedouin dinners while listening to live music around the campfire. Stargazing is something that you can also do (for free), and don’t forget about those stunning sunrises. 

Wadi Rum Jeep Tours

Wadi rum is a stunningly beautiful place, and it’s no wonder it’s become a popular tourist destination. Tours of Wadi rum typically go at a fairly slow pace so that everyone can take in the scenery and snap some photos. The landscape is quite varied, with towering sandstone mountains, deep canyons, and rolling dunes. One of the most popular attractions is Lawrence’s Spring, named after T.E. Lawrence (known as Lawrence of Arabia) and the seven pillars of wisdom. The spring is located in a secluded spot near one of the mountain ranges, and it’s a great place to take a break from hiking and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

There are numerous tour companies and camp owners offering tours. The best is to book a camp and a tour simultaneously. The tours, unless you want a multi-day tour, do not differ much from each other in prices. I booked my tour and accommodation here.

Jeep tour prices start from 40JOD per group (~ 2 hours), and longer tours are getting more expensive. I paid 33 JOD for a 6-hour tour, and seven people participated. The tour also included tea, water, lunch, and sandboarding. 

Who is Lawrence of Arabia?

Lawrence of Arabia is one of the most famous figures from the First World War. He was a British army officer who served in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence is known for his daring raids against enemy targets, as well as his deep knowledge of the Arab people and culture. He also played a key role in Wadi Rum, a strategic location in present-day Jordan. Lawrence’s intimate understanding of the Arab people and culture helped him to gain their trust and respect, making him an essential figure in the war effort. His legacy continues to this day, and Wadi Rum has even been used as a filming location for several Hollywood movies.

The Beduins of Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum is a large valley in southern Jordan home to a traditional Beduin community. The Beduins are nomadic people who have lived in the area for centuries, grazing their camels and goats on the desert grasses.

In recent years, however, many Beduins have moved to nearby villages to find work. While some still maintain small herds of animals, their main income comes from tourism and working in the local mines. Camel rides and treks into the desert are popular activities for visitors to Wadi Rum, and many beduins have trained their camels to give rides. As a result, the Beduin community has been able to preserve its traditional way of life even as it adapts to the modern world.

Weather in Wadi Rum 

Wadi Rum experiences extreme temperatures throughout the year, so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly. summers are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Make sure you are prepared for such heat if you plan on your trip during the summer month.

Winters are cold, with nighttime temperatures falling below 0 degrees Celsius and occasional snowfall in the mountains. Definitely take enough warm clothes as most of the tents don’t have Aircon and/or heating. Spring and autumn offer moderate temperatures and are generally considered the best times to visit Wadi Rum. October and November or February and March are ideal for visiting the Wadi Rum.

Accommodation Options 

There are various accommodation options available in Wadi Rum, from simple campsites to luxury resorts. For solo travelers on a budget, several basic campsites around the valley offer shared dormitory-style rooms starting at around 40 JOD per night. For those looking for something more comfortable, several luxury resorts offer panorama tents and bubble tents with stunning views of the desert landscape starting at around 100 JOD per night. 

Luxotel Wadi Rum

Luxotel Wadi Rum is one of the best luxury hotels in Wadi Rum. A friend has stayed in this luxury accommodation (as a solo female traveler), and she absolutely enjoyed it. The bubble tent came with a jacuzzi and full board.

Luxury bubble tent with or without Jakuzzi → book it here!

Desert Magic Camp

For more budget options, check out this place!

Considering the meals, there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. The food was plenty and delicious.

Tips for Visiting on a Budget 

To save money during your trip to Wadi Rum, we recommend booking accommodation, jeep tours, and camel rides in advance through one of the many tour companies operating in the area. 

The villages around Wadi Rum are small, and you will struggle to find accommodation. After I arrived at the parking place, a jeep from my campsite came to pick me up. This is how all campsites operate. They will only come to the meeting point at the pre-arranged time.

Wadi Rum train experience: “Journey through 1916”

When I bought my Jordan Pass, I got a free ticket to a train experience called Journey through 1916.

Here you can find the description of the experience by the Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC) Team: “The experience takes place in Wadi Rum, one of the most breathtaking places on earth, and the filming location of some of Hollywood’s finest films. In the train ride adventure, visitors embark on a 10KM journey that dates back to 1916, where they board an authentic Hijaz Railway train, along with Train guards going on a mission to provide supplies for a nearby garrison under attack by the Great Arab Revolt fighters. But the mission takes a sharp turn when the Train and its passengers are ambushed by the same fighters, demanding freedom and independence.

Once the battle concludes, you could enjoy a wide range of amenities available at the nearby Camp fortress and Madafa (Bedouin Lounge), including an authentic dining experience. Visitors can spend the night in the Bedouin village tents and enjoy daytime activities with friends or family, such as paintball games, 4X4 off-road rides, and horseback and camel riding based on advanced booking.”

Although, due to time constraints, I could not take part in the told-to-be very short experience, I still visited the old railway station and checked the trains that are displayed next to it.

Wadi Rum in movies – a picturesque landscape

Wadi rum is a desolate yet beautiful place. It is characterized by cliffs, canyons, and sand dunes and has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood movies. Some of the most famous films that were shot in Wadi rum include Lawrence of Arabia, The English Patient, and Red Planet. In addition to its stunning landscape, Wadi rum is home to several Bedouin tribes. These tribes have lived in the area for centuries, and their way of life has been relatively unchanged by modernity. As a result, Wadi rum is an ideal location for filmmakers looking to create an authentic desert experience.

Wadi Rum is an amazing destination for families, friend groups, and solo travelers alike. With its incredible landscape, fascinating culture, and wide range of activities, it’s no wonder that this desert valley has become one of Jordan’s most popular tourist destinations. Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip so that you can make the most of your time in this magical place!

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