Planning a trip to Jordan and wondering what to do in Wadi Rum? You’re in the right place. This ancient desert, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth a vast sea of red sand dunes, towering sandstone cliffs, and carved rock formations that seem almost otherworldly. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or pure silence under a canopy of stars, Wadi Rum has something unforgettable waiting for you.
Here is our complete guide to the best things to do in Wadi Rum, curated by our local Bedouin team at Wadi Rum Best Tours.
1. Explore the Desert by Jeep — The Classic Wadi Rum Experience
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Wadi Rum, it’s a 4×4 jeep tour. Sitting in the back of an open Toyota pickup truck while your Bedouin guide navigates through red sand corridors and past ancient carved canyons is a feeling unlike anything else.
Our jeep tours cover the most iconic sites in the reserve:
- Lawrence’s Spring — a natural water source hidden among the cliffs, named after the legendary T.E. Lawrence
- Khazali Canyon — narrow slot canyons covered in Nabataean inscriptions and ancient rock drawings
- The Red Sand Dunes — perfect for climbing and sliding down in the golden afternoon light
- The Seven Pillars of Wisdom — a massive rock formation visible from the village
- Lawrence’s House — the ruins of a Nabataean building used during the Arab Revolt
Tours range from a 2-hour introduction to a full-day adventure. For first-timers, we recommend our full-day jeep tour, which includes a traditional Bedouin lunch and covers all the major highlights.
« The jeep tour was the highlight of our entire Jordan trip. Our guide knew every hidden corner of the desert it felt like a private expedition. » — Sarah, UK
2. Walk Through the Famous Rock Arches
Wadi Rum is home to some of the most dramatic natural rock arches in the world. These geological wonders were carved over millions of years by wind and water erosion, and standing beneath them is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience.
Um Fruth Rock Bridge
One of the most photographed spots in Wadi Rum, the Um Fruth Rock Bridge rises 15 metres above the desert floor. You can climb to the top with your guide the view from up there, with nothing but red desert stretching to the horizon, is absolutely breathtaking.
Burdah Rock Bridge
The largest natural rock arch in Wadi Rum, the Burdah Rock Bridge requires a moderate hike to reach but rewards you with extraordinary views. It’s a favourite for photographers and hikers who want to go beyond the typical tourist trail.
3. Experience Bedouin Culture and Traditional Cuisine
Wadi Rum is not just a landscape it’s the homeland of the Bedouin people, who have lived in this desert for thousands of years. One of the most meaningful things to do in Wadi Rum is to sit with local families, share food, and listen to stories passed down through generations.
- Share a traditional Bedouin lunch prepared fresh in the desert zarb (meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground), fresh salads, and warm flatbread
- Drink sweet cardamom tea around a fire while your guide explains Bedouin customs and desert navigation
- Learn about medicinal plants that grow in the desert and how the Bedouin have used them for centuries
- Listen to traditional Bedouin music in the evening at camp
4. Sleep Under a Million Stars — Overnight Bedouin Camp
Of all the things to do in Wadi Rum, spending the night in the desert is the one that travellers remember for the rest of their lives. When the sun sets and the last light fades behind the sandstone mountains, the sky over Wadi Rum transforms into one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles imaginable.
There is almost zero light pollution in this protected reserve, which means you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, watch shooting stars, and gaze at constellations invisible from most cities. Wadi Rum is consistently rated as one of the top stargazing destinations on Earth.
Our overnight experience includes:
- A private Bedouin tent with comfortable mattresses and blankets
- Traditional dinner cooked over an open fire
- Bedouin tea and conversation around the campfire
- A guided stargazing session with your Bedouin host
- Sunrise over the desert absolutely magical
- Breakfast before your morning departure
We offer 2-day and 3-day packages that include overnight camping in the heart of the desert, far from other tourists.
5. Hike, Scramble and Climb the Sandstone Mountains
Desert Hiking
Walking through Wadi Rum on foot gives you a completely different perspective on the landscape. Our guides lead small group or private hikes through narrow canyons, past Nabataean inscriptions, and to viewpoints that vehicles cannot reach.
Rock Climbing
Wadi Rum is a world-class rock climbing destination, with routes first established by international mountaineers in the 1980s and 1990s. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes for every level.
Camel Rides
For a slower, more traditional pace, a camel ride through the desert is an experience unlike any other. A sunset camel ride through the red dunes is pure magic.
6. Hot Air Balloon over Wadi Rum
For a bird’s-eye view of this extraordinary landscape, a hot air balloon flight over Wadi Rum at sunrise is unforgettable. Rising silently above the desert, watching the light change from purple to gold across the dunes, is something you will never forget.
Practical Information for Your Visit
When to Visit Wadi Rum
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are comfortable. Summer can be extremely hot (over 40°C), while winter nights are cold but the winter stargazing is spectacular.
How to Get to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan, approximately 60 km from Aqaba and 120 km from Petra. We can arrange transfers from Aqaba or Petra on request.
How Long Should You Stay?
We recommend at least one night in the desert. A day trip gives you a taste, but staying overnight is when Wadi Rum truly reveals its magic.
Book Your Wadi Rum Experience
At Wadi Rum Best Tours, we are a local Bedouin family who have lived and guided in this desert for generations. All our tours are private, led by experienced local guides who speak English and French.
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📩 Contact us for a custom itinerary
All tours are conducted by local Bedouin guides with over 20 years of experience in Wadi Rum. Private transport, traditional meals, and camping equipment included. We operate year-round.