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Jordan · Southern Jordan Desert

Wadi Rum

Valley of the Moon — Mars-like desert, Bedouin camps + starlit nights

Wadi Rum is Jordan's Mars-like desert — massive red sandstone mountains rising from pink dunes. Filmed as Mars in The Martian + Dune + Rogue One. Bedouin desert camps for overnight stays, jeep tours + camel rides + rock climbing + star-gazing under absurdly clear skies.

From Aqaba
2h drive
From Petra
1h 30m drive
Best season
March-May + September-November
UNESCO listed
Since 2011

Wadi Rum highlights

Jeep tour of the desert

Half-day (JOD 60-80) or full-day (JOD 100-150) — Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, Um Fruth rock bridge, sand dune climb.

Bedouin camp overnight

Classic experience — tent + dinner + music + star-gazing. From $60 basic Bedouin camp to $400 luxury bubble tent.

Sunset dune climb

Climb a sand dune for sunset over the red desert — included in most jeep tours.

Camel trek

1-4h camel rides through canyons — the traditional Bedouin experience. JOD 20-40.

Rock climbing + scrambling

Jebel Umm ad Dami (Jordan's highest peak, 1,854m) hike or technical climbs. Wadi Rum Mountain Guides.

Star gazing + Milky Way photography

Zero light pollution — Milky Way visible with naked eye. Best April-October.

Hot air balloon at sunrise

~$180 pp for 1h flight over the desert. Best on calm mornings.

Getting there

No airport nearby. 2h drive from Aqaba (AQJ) or 4h from Amman. Most travellers book a jeep tour + overnight camp package (~$60-100 pp).

Getting around

All exploration is via booked jeep tour or camel. Independent travel not permitted inside the protected area — must be with licensed Bedouin operator.

Best time to visit

March-May + September-November (perfect). Summer 35°C+ + cold nights. Winter can be freezing at night.

Budget per day

$60-100 basic tour + camp · $150-300 mid-range · $500+ luxury bubble camp (Wadi Rum Night Luxury)

Airport transfer from King Hussein International (Aqaba) — 2h drive (AQJ)

Getting out of Wadi Rum (AQJ)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Where to stay in Wadi Rum

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Fly to King Hussein International (Aqaba) — 2h drive (AQJ)

Popular direct routes from: Aqaba, Amman

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Where to stay in Wadi Rum

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Frequently asked about Wadi Rum

How do I book a Wadi Rum tour?
Book via your Petra/Aqaba hotel or online (Klook, GetYourGuide). Reputable operators: Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, Rahayeb Desert Camp, Sun City Camp. $60-100 covers jeep tour + camp overnight + dinner + breakfast.
How many nights should I stay in Wadi Rum?
1 night is standard — jeep tour afternoon + camp overnight + sunrise. 2 nights lets you camel + hike deeper. Combined with Petra (2h drive) is standard Jordan itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?
March-May + September-November (perfect + not too cold at night). Winter can drop to freezing at night. Summer 40°C+ during day.
What should I pack for Wadi Rum?
Warm layers (nights cold even in summer), scarf/keffiyeh for sun + sand, closed shoes, sunscreen, high-SPF, water bottle. Camps provide bedding.