Wadi Rum

From its arresting red sand dunes to its stunning sunsets, Jordan’s gem is an expansive delight

Jordan’s 'Roman Valley' and also known as the 'Valley of the Moon,' Wadi Rum spans almost 500 sq km of desert.

Wadi Rum is an inland protected area and something of a time capsule: the ancient Nabataean civilisation first appeared in Jordan in the 6th century BC and is preserved in the form of rock drawings and inscriptions, alongside the traditional ways observed by the nomadic Bedouin tribes who still call Wadi Rum home.

Upon arrival you can browse the local shops in Wadi Rum village, get acclimated at its visitors centre and familiarise yourself with another key historic attraction located nearby. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a towering rock formation named after Wadi Rum’s most famous Western inhabitant, T. E. Lawrence. There are numerous other sandstone mountains to admire, such as Jebel Umm Ashreen and Jebel Rum on the site’s west flank or Jebel Umm Al Ishrin on its east. Wadi Rum also boasts several striking natural rock bridges: some are only a few metres off the ground, but for those unencumbered by a fear of heights there’s the Burdah rock bridge: 35 metres high and a favourite with desert hikers.

In addition to scaling the heights, Wadi Rum also features several valleys. The 5 km-long Barrah is among the most popular routes, while the Khazali canyon may only be 100 metres long but is home to an abundance of history and nature, such as ancient rock drawings and inscriptions, alongside man-made pools that fill during the winter months.