Wadi Rum Protected Area

Wadi Rum may be a desert, but it's far from ordinary. This incredible landscape carries centuries of history — once a vital trade route linking Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. With its dramatic red sands, towering rock formations, and wide-open silence, it's a place that leaves a lasting impression. Entry is free with the Jordan Pass, and once inside, a Jeep tour is a must. I highly recommend the 4-hour tour — it hits all the major highlights, gives you time to sip herbal tea in a local Bedouin village, and includes some adrenaline-pumping rides through the sand dunes. Our driver made the dune drifting part a blast — we couldn’t stop smiling! If you're planning to stay overnight (and you should!), book a tent inside the protected area. Watching the sunset fade into a night full of stars is a surreal experience. Don’t miss the stargazing tour — the desert sky here is unbelievably clear. Dinner is another highlight — a traditional meal slow-cooked underground in the sand for over three hours. The flavor and the experience both are unforgettable. Wadi Rum is more than just a desert — it’s an experience of nature, history, and Bedouin hospitality all in one. Absolutely worth the visit!

Wadi Rum is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever visited. The jeep tour through the vast red desert was an unforgettable adventure — we drove past towering rock formations, ancient carvings, and endless sand dunes. The silence, the colors, and the surreal landscape made it feel like another planet. An absolute must when visiting Jordan.

Loved Wadi Rum! Beautiful desert with lots of locals that take you on tours. We did a 3-hour afternoon jeep tour and loved it. We saw camels walking around the area and lots of little tents for people to stay over night

This protected area is Wadi Rum is a peace of mind from everyday life. The place has plenty of camps, and getting to these camps requires a local to drive you to them… unless you are good at using tools to help you get around, and know how to drive in sandy and dessert terrains. The area isn’t served by roads, and personal cars are permitted to drive in under a certain permit. There are many stops worth exploring and indulging in, but mostly with locals. Telephone signals disappear is some spots. There are tours of various durations to explore the many places. If you wish to discover the whole area, you may need 12 hours. Booking tours can be organized through your camp.

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, offers an awe-inspiring desert experience. The vast expanse of red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and unique rock formations create a surreal and captivating environment. The area’s natural beauty has made it a popular filming location for movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.  The protected area is rich in history, with petroglyphs and inscriptions dating back thousands of years, showcasing the region’s cultural significance. Visitors can explore the desert through various activities such as jeep tours, camel rides, and hiking, often guided by local Bedouins who share their knowledge and traditions. While the landscape is undeniably stunning, it’s important to choose reputable tour operators to ensure a respectful and environmentally conscious experience. Facilities are basic, so come prepared for the desert conditions. Overall, Wadi Rum is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a glimpse into Jordan’s rich heritage.

Best desert experience ever. Amazing natural beauty. If you need to make a choice between Petra and Wadi Run. Best to do Wadi rum safari. Sleeping in a tent is ok. The tent we stayed in was a deluxe tent, more like 1 star. Dinner was good. Breakfast was a total dispointment. It's better to stay somewhere else

Wadi Rum is where history and nature collide—with ancient carvings, faces etched into red rocks, and jaw-dropping desert landscapes. We took a tour with a local guide, and it was incredible to see traces of human life from the Neolithic period all the way to the Nabataeans and Safaitic times—right there in one place. Fun fact: parts of The Martian starring Matt Damon were filmed here. The red rocks made the perfect stand-in for Mars—being there honestly feels like stepping onto another planet.

I love Wadi Rum. I often come here with my family on weekends to spend a night at one of the camps and a day riding in a 4x4 to visit the amazing sites Wadi Rum has to offer. From cupcake-shaped mountains to beautiful sandy landscapes and ancient sites with rock carvings and inscriptions, there are so many things to see and do. It is a must-visit destination, along with Petra and the Dead Sea.