Travel to Jordan

Day 7 Wadi Rum desert

Wadi Rum: We leave our accommodation and drive to Wadi Rum village, from where we will start our 4x4 desert tour. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is one of the most spectacular places in Jordan. This vast desert stretches over 700 km², offering a surreal landscape of red sands, wind-sculpted rocky mountains, and unique natural formations. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Wadi Rum is of great historical significance, having been home to ancient civilisations and the scene of Lawrence of Arabia's exploits. This destination has also been the backdrop for iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and Dune.

The route begins with a stop at a large red dune. The climb is a bit of a challenge, as the loose sand makes the ascent difficult, but the view from the top is worth the effort. From there you can admire how the red sands contrast with the rocky mountains, creating a perfect image of the Jordanian desert of Wadi Rum.

The trek continues to Lawrence Spring, a fresh water spring named after the famous explorer T.E. Lawrence. The spring is located at the foot of a rocky hill, and after a short climb you can enjoy magnificent views of the valley below. This stop is ideal for observing the rock inscriptions left by the ancient caravans that crossed the region, as well as imagining how this point was essential for the supply of travellers.

The route continues to the Kha Zali Canyon, a gorge approximately 100 metres long located in the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area. This canyon is famous for the inscriptions and petroglyphs that cover its inner walls, a fascinating testimony to the civilisations that have passed through here over the centuries. These include inscriptions in Tamil, Nabataean and Islamic, as well as petroglyphs depicting human figures, animals and footprints. The latter are believed to have religious significance. At the end of the canyon are several pools carved into the rock by man to collect rainwater, suggesting their relevance to the ancient caravans that passed through the area.

The Wadi Rum route includes a stop at the Little Bridge or Rakabht al Wadak, one of the most accessible rock arches in the desert. At just 4m high above the surrounding rocks and 7m above the valley floor, this natural bridge is relatively easy to climb, making it a popular stop for visitors looking to enjoy the view. From its summit, it overlooks the Khor al Ajram, an impressive junction of several of Wadi Rum's major valleys.

We continue to Lawrence House, where, according to tradition, T. E. Lawrence resided during his campaigns in the desert. Although today only remnants of the structure remain, the history surrounding the site makes it an interesting stop. Visitors can explore the ruins while listening to stories of the famous British officer's adventures in this region.

We stop for lunch. Our guide prepares a tasty meal based on sauteed vegetables, hummus, chicken and sweets, as well as a delicious tea. After a well-deserved siesta, lying on the sand, we continue our tour. Another of the most photogenic stops is the Mushroom Rock, a natural mushroom-shaped rock that has been sculpted by wind erosion over millennia. This curious formation stands out in the middle of the desert and is a popular place to take unique photographs and rest (when the guides take the opportunity to play a game of volleyball).

Our guide drops us off at the entrance to Abu Khashaba Canyon. This is a trek through its green and rocky landscape. The route starts at the entrance of the canyon, where visitors enter a natural corridor surrounded by red and gold walls. Unlike other desert canyons, acacia trees and native plants provide shade and a pleasant coolness. The trail winds through narrow, winding sections that lead to wide open areas, allowing you to contemplate the magnitude of the desert at every turn. At the end of the trail, where our driver was waiting for us, the canyon offers breathtaking views of the surrounding dunes.

Um Fruth Rock Bridge is one of the most popular natural formations in Wadi Rum. This iconic stone arch stands some 15 metres high and offers a thrilling climbing experience for visitors of all ages. The climb, although short, requires some effort with steep and rocky sections, but Bedouin guides are always on hand to help. Once at the top, the views are spectacular.

Finally, the tour culminates with the spectacular sunset in Wadi Rum, when the desert is tinged with shades of gold, orange and purple. The climax would come once we arrived at our accommodation, the Wadi Rum Star Beds. Hussein and his family treated us wonderfully. There we enjoyed a traditional Bedouin dinner, a unique culinary and cultural experience. The main dish is Zarb, a typical roast cooked underground in a sand oven, combining lamb, chicken and vegetables with a smoky and spicy flavour, accompanied by fresh salads, hummus and freshly baked bread. After dinner, we lingered over tea by the fire in the main tent, sharing stories and jokes with Hussein and his brother. I can't thank Hussein enough for his hospitality and how pleasant it was to experience Wadi Rum with them (unlike the previous night in the other lodge). For all these reasons, I highly recommend you to book the 24-hour tour with Wadi Rum Star Beds. After the chat, we spent some time enjoying the blanket of stars, another of the great experiences that the Wadi Rum desert has to offer.