Picture in your mind the legendary Lawrence of Arabia sweeping across the desert landscape on a fast moving Arabian horse. Or, Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and parting the Red Sea. Both of these amazing events took place in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. Every hill, sand dune and watering hole has a history that is ancient and much of it Biblical.

Bedouins

Wadi Rum is the land of the Bedouins. This semi-nomadic tribe of people still lives much like they did in times past. They pitch their colorful goat hair tents close to water; let their goats and sheep graze and then pack up again in a few months. Long colorful caravans can be seen traveling with their tents and families packed on camels and moving onto the next fertile grazing area.

Getting Around

Travelers to the region will want to drive to Wadi Rum and the small village of Rum. Most people use their own vehicles. At the Government Rest Home in the village you can rent four-wheel drive Jeeps to tour the countryside. This is also the only place that offers sleeping accommodations. There are no hotels or restaurants in between your original point of origin and the village of Rum.

Visitors can rent tents at the Government Rest Home. This is actually the best way to go. Hiking into the desert and spending the night out under the stars is a wonderful experience. Pack lots of water and sunscreen, put on good hiking shoes and grab your sleeping bag. Not much else is needed to enjoy the Wadi Rum.

Things to Do

Hiking and climbing are both favorite activities for visitors to the Wadi Rum. The sandstone and granite cliffs are just right for climbing. The most popular attraction is the Rock Bridge of Burdah.

Like most other desert destinations, simply traveling through Wadi Rum enjoying the vast landscapes, slower pace of life and amazing quiet is all the activity that is needed. Travelers can also rent camels to explore the sand dunes and water holes. Guided tours can be arranged whether by Jeep or camel.