Wadi Rum Bedouin guides
Some landscapes stay with you for a lifetime
“Some landscapes stay with you for a lifetime. For me, they are the dunes of Wadi Rum. Not only because they are beautiful, but because they shaped who I am. My name is Eid Salman Al-Zalabieh, and this desert is my home.
As a child, I followed my father among the rocks, fed the camels, and listened to the stories of the elders around the fire. One day, I guided a traveler on a camel. Then another. And I realized that I wanted to share what we truly live here not just show it.
For more than ten years, I worked as a guide, learning every corner of the desert, every light, every silence. From this experience, Wadi Rum Best Tours was born, with a simple idea: not to be the biggest, but to remain true to the spirit of the desert. If you dream of discovering Wadi Rum in a different way, I will guide you with my heart.”
Meet our team
Today, Eid is no longer alone. His brothers, cousins and childhood friends, all from the Al-Zalabieh tribe, share the same pride in introducing their land to those who truly know how to see it. Alongside them, Amina looks after communication and the connection with travellers, giving a voice to everything lived out in the field.
Eid is a local guide recognised by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Wadi Rum Protected Area Directorate.
Want to know more about our people? Read The Bedouins of Wadi Rum.
How it all began
In September 2022, I came to Wadi Rum for the first time. I was a tourist like any other. Eid was my guide. Back then, he worked for another agency.
I remember the way he did things. He stopped whenever I wanted to look. He waited for the tea to be ready before he spoke. He knew every rock by its name, because he grew up there. He wasn’t reciting anything: he was showing me his home.
Then he introduced me to his family. True nomadic Bedouins, who still live in tents woven from goat hair. They poured me tea without asking who I was. I didn’t speak their language, and I have never felt so welcome. That day moved me deeply.
Listening to him tell his story, one simple thought came to me: this man deserves a house of his own. Not to work under someone else’s name.
Back in France, I called my best friend and asked her to build a website. That is how Wadi Rum Best Tours was born: a guide, his family, and a traveller who never quite managed to leave.
Today, Eid welcomes you the way he welcomed me. And I answer your messages from France, because I know exactly what you are wondering before you go. I wondered the same.
The story behind Wadi Rum Best Tours
I started with what I had: an old jeep, a campfire, and a deep desire to share the desert as it truly is. There is no need to pretend here, the sand speaks for us.
Since that day, hundreds of travellers have come. Some to walk, others to sleep under the stars. But all of them left with something in their hearts. A company born from a childhood in the dunes, from a fire passed down through generations, and from a deep love for this land.
Our mission and aspirations
What we offer you is not just a visit. It is a piece of our daily life, shared with sincerity. The desert needs no artifice, it is complete in itself. Our role is simply to welcome you there as we would in our own home.
Here, you will not experience a “tour”. You will experience a real moment, a moment of life.
Practical details
Information on visas and customs formalities for entering Jordan
To enter Jordan, visitors from most countries must obtain a visa. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Here is some general information on visas and customs formalities for Jordan:
- Visa on arrival: Nationals of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, can obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman or at other terrestrial entry points. The visa on arrival generally costs 40 JOD (approximately 56 USD) and is valid for a 30-day stay.
- Online visa: You can also apply for a visa online before your arrival in Jordan. This will save you time at the airport and ensure that your visa is in order before your trip.
- Jordan Pass: If you plan to visit several tourist sites in Jordan, the Jordan Pass can be an interesting option. The Jordan Pass includes entry to over 40 tourist sites, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash, as well as the cost of your visa. The price of the Jordan Pass varies depending on the options chosen and can be purchased online before your arrival.
- Customs formalities: Upon entering Jordan, you may need to declare certain items to customs. Regulated items include weapons, narcotics, works of art and antiques, animals, and animal products. It is also forbidden to import certain products into Jordan, such as pornographic publications, unprescribed medications, and communication equipment without prior authorization. For more information on customs formalities and visa requirements, consult the website of the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Jordan in your country.
Conditions for groups of 10 people or more
We welcome groups of 10 people or more with a collective booking. Our organization is experienced in managing large groups, but please inform us in advance for better organization.
Tips for guests with special needs
If you have specific needs, such as dietary restrictions, mobility issues, or others, please inform us at the time of booking. We will do our best to adapt to your needs and offer you a memorable and comfortable experience.
Safety tips
The safety of our clients is our priority. Our guides are trained to handle emergency situations and will provide you with safety advice before and during activities. Make sure to follow their instructions and exercise common sense during your desert adventures.
Environmental responsibility and sustainability
We are committed to preserving the natural beauty and cultural richness of Wadi Rum. We encourage our clients to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, water conservation, and waste avoidance. Together, we can contribute to the protection and conservation of this exceptional region for future generations.
Travel insurance
We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before your stay in Wadi Rum. Your insurance should cover the planned activities, medical expenses, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. Please make sure you have a copy of your insurance policy and the contact details of your insurance provider during your visit.
Internet connection and phone coverage
Mobile and Internet coverage is limited in the Wadi Rum desert, especially in remote areas. Take this opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself fully in the desert experience. If you need to access the Internet or make phone calls, we recommend doing so before your arrival or upon your return to town.
Health and wellness
The desert can be physically and mentally demanding. Make sure to prepare well by:
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated
- Protect yourself from the sun with appropriate clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Take breaks and rest when you feel the need.
- Inform your guide if you feel unwell or if you have any health problems.
On-site dining
We offer traditional Bedouin cuisine carefully prepared by our local cooks. Meals are included in most of our programs and can be adapted to vegetarian diets and other dietary restrictions, upon request. Please do not hesitate to inform us of your dietary preferences when booking.
Respect for sacred and historical sites
The Wadi Rum desert is rich in history and sacred sites. We ask you to respect these places and not to touch or damage artifacts, petroglyphs, or historical structures. Leave them as they are so that future generations can also appreciate them.
How to properly pack your personal belongings
Travel light and limit the size of your luggage, as space is limited. Bring appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and enough water to stay hydrated during hikes. Leave your extra luggage in your car.
Practical information
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Opt for linen and cotton clothing in light colors to stay cool in the desert.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- We provide the necessary equipment for the night
Let’s plan your desert journey together
Tell us your dates, where you are coming from and what you would love to do. We will suggest the tour that suits you.
Reply within 24 hours · No deposit · Free cancellation up to 48 hours before