Wadi Rum Protected Area

Famously described by T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) as "Vast, echoing and God-like", and acclaimed by many as one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, Wadi Rum is a nature-lover's paradise.

Serious mountaineers relish its challenging climbs (some more than 900 metres up sheer granite and sandstone cliffs), while casual hikers enjoy the peace and tranquility of its sweeping vistas, towering rock faces and boundless empty spaces. Those of calm disposition will probably prefer a camel ride or a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the desert in springtime, when rains bring the greening of the hills and hundreds of species of wild flowers.

Options for exploring Wadi Rum include 4WD vehicles and camel rides. The best way, however, to experience Rum's grandeur is by hiking on foot and camping. Camel trips from the wadi to either Aqaba (several days) or Petra (about a week) may also be arranged.

The Landscape

Wadi Rum's beauty can only be described as breathtaking. One of Jordan's main tourist attractions, the area is spotted with fascinating sandstone mountains decorated with an array of colours. The magnificent colours of the mountains spill into the sand dunes scattered all over the reserve.

Widlife

Wadi Rum holds plants both rare and endemic to its ecosystem. A greater emphasis has been put on the Wadi's fauna after a baseline survey detected the existence of the Gray Wolf, Blandford's Fox, the Sand Cat and the Ibex within the area. Additionally, the site is an ideal area for bird watching with its 120-recorded species.

Exploration - The adventurous way

The vast beauty of Wadi Rum can be further explored on 4WD vehicle tours that take you deep into the heart of the desert. Camping, hiking and camel riding are only a few of the activities that can be organised through your travel agent.

Getting there:

By car or taxi: From Amman, for the faster trip, take the Desert Highway, approximately 300km south, directly to Wadi Rum. For a more scenic route, take the King's Highway through Petra. Aqaba is a one-hour drive from Wadi Rum.

By bus: From Amman minibuses offer regular services in air-conditioned coaches to the south of Jordan. Contact your travel agent for further details.

Fixed constellations at Wadi Rum
(can be seen year round)

Polaris (North pole)
Cassiopea
Cepheus
Draco
Ursa major

Sunset site : Umm Sabatah (Winter)
Sunrise site : Tell Hassan

Remarks: Pictures and a table is missing

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