Top Things to Do in Wadi Rum
Last edited: Augus 13th, 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Wadi Rum, you’re in for more than just a beautiful view—this is a place where adventure, nature, culture, and history come together in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Towering sandstone cliffs, ever-changing sand dunes, and hidden canyons stretch across the desert, inviting you to explore on foot, by Jeep, or even by camel.
But Wadi Rum is more than scenery—it’s a living desert, home to Bedouin tribes who welcome visitors with traditional food, storytelling, and sweet sage tea. You’ll hike through narrow gorges, climb rock arches, sandboard down red dunes, and sleep under skies full of stars, far from city noise and light.
Whether you’re here for the outdoor adventures, the desert silence, or a chance to learn about Bedouin culture, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your stay in Wadi Rum Protected Area—from sunrise hikes to sleeping under the stars, and all the unforgettable moments in between.
Desert Adventures:
Wadi Rum isn’t just about beautiful views—it’s a playground for desert exploration. Whether you’re in for the adrenaline or seeking stillness, here’s what you can experience:
Hike and Explore the Rock Formations
Wadi Rum is a natural maze of sandstone and granite mountains, narrow canyons, and stone bridges. Whether you’re hiking to Burdah Rock Bridge, squeezing through Khazali Canyon, or wandering near Jebel Umm Ishrin, each trail tells a story through its geology and ancient petroglyphs.
Wadi Rum by Jeep Tour
A jeep tour is the fastest and most popular way to reach Wadi Rum’s landmarks. Local Bedouin guides know every rock and shortcut. Half-day, full-day, and sunset tours are available—and most include stops at red dunes, viewpoints, and spots like Lawrence’s Spring and Mushroom Rock.
Wadi Rum Desert by Camels
Slow down time with a camel ride across the sands, just as people have done here for centuries. Short rides at sunset or multi-day camel treks are both possible. You’ll quickly see why camels are called the “ships of the desert”—strong, patient, and perfectly suited to Wadi Rum’s harsh beauty.
Sandboarding and Dune Climbing
Wadi Rum’s red and white sand dunes are perfect for sandboarding, rolling, running, or simply feeling the powder-fine grains under your feet. Some dunes are gentle; others are steep enough for a real thrill. It’s pure, simple fun.
Discover Bedouin Life & Culture
Wadi Rum is home to the Zalabieh tribe, the original desert dwellers who have lived in harmony with the desert for generations. Their deep connection to this land isn’t just about survival—it’s about preserving a culture rooted in storytelling, music, and hospitality. Staying at a Bedouin-run camp is not just about accommodation—it’s a chance to step into this living tradition.
- Enjoy traditional Bedouin meals, especially zarb, a slow-cooked dish of meat and vegetables buried in a sand-covered fire pit, tender and smoky from hours underground.
- Sip sweet tea with sage or mint as you sit by the fire, listening to stories about desert life, old trade routes, and the rhythms of nomadic existence.
- Hear traditional Bedouin music, often performed around the fire using handmade instruments like the rababa—a one-stringed bowed instrument carved from wood and covered in goatskin, known for its haunting, poetic sound
- Join in the music with clapping, singing, or simple percussion—songs often tell stories of love, journeys, and the harsh beauty of life in the desert.
Learn a few Arabic greetings, like “marhaba” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you), which are always appreciated and help you connect more meaningfully with your hosts.
Wildlife Watching in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum isn’t only a land of red sand and towering cliffs—it’s also a rewarding destination for travelers interested in wildlife photography, birdwatching, or simply observing nature in its rawest form. While the desert may seem quiet and still, it supports a surprising variety of life, much of it hidden among the rocks or active during the cooler parts of the day.
For birdwatchers, Wadi Rum offers the chance to spot several desert-adapted species. One of the most common is the sand partridge (Ammoperdix heyi), a ground-dwelling bird that moves in small groups and blends perfectly with the rocky terrain. These birds are often heard before they’re seen, and their quick, darting movements make them a rewarding find for anyone with a keen eye and a bit of patience. They are locally protected and hold cultural importance among the Bedouin.
Wildlife photographers will also find Wadi Rum rich with opportunities, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the light is golden and the animals are more active. Depending on the area and season, you may encounter:
- Desert foxes, including the fennec fox, known for its large ears and nocturnal habits
- Sand cats, elusive and rarely seen but native to this part of Jordan
- Nubian ibex and mountain goats on the higher cliffs and rock faces
- Various reptiles, including desert lizards and geckos basking on sun-warmed stones
- Birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, and hawks circling above the cliffs
If you’re serious about spotting wildlife, let your guide know in advance so they can take you off the main tourist trails to quieter areas, such as natural springs, shaded valleys, or remote viewpoints. These more secluded spots often yield the best sightings.
Whether you’re an amateur naturalist, a professional photographer, or just someone who enjoys quiet moments in nature, Wadi Rum offers a desert wildlife experience unlike anywhere else—subtle, patient, and deeply rewarding.
Experience the Sky
Wadi Rum’s skies are truly unforgettable.
- Sunrise lights up the mountains with soft pinks and golds. Perfect for early risers who want to hike or meditate in peace.
- Sunsets are pure magic—watch the rocks glow red as the sun sinks behind the horizon.
- At night, with zero light pollution, the sky explodes with stars, constellations, and meteor showers. You may even spot a satellite or rocket passing overhead. Lying in silence under the stars is a moment that stays with you forever.
Explore the Red and White Sands of Wadi Rum
One of the more unique things to do in Wadi Rum is to explore its two distinct sandscapes—deep red and pale white dunes. The contrast is striking and makes every part of the desert feel different.
Red sand is rich in iron oxide and found mostly in the central and southern areas. It gives the landscape that Mars-like, dramatic color.
White sand comes from older sandstone and creates a softer, cream-colored terrain.
Seeing both in a single tour is like visiting two deserts in one. Ask your guide to include stops at each to experience the changing light, textures, and perfect photo opportunities.
Major Landmarks and Highest Points
Some must-see places in Wadi Rum include:
- Burdah Rock Bridge: The highest natural arch in Wadi Rum and a challenge for hikers.
- Um Fruth Rock Bridge: Easier to climb and very photogenic.
- Khazali Canyon: Home to ancient Nabataean inscriptions carved into the rock.
Lawrence’s House & Spring: Linked to the famous British officer who passed through here during the Arab Revolt.
Ask your guide which places are best for sunrise, climbing, or quiet reflection.
Explore Famous Movie Locations in Wadi Rum
One of the more unexpected but exciting things to do in Wadi Rum is visiting the real-life locations where some of the world’s most iconic films were shot. The desert’s dramatic rock formations and alien-like landscapes have made it a favorite for filmmakers looking for otherworldly settings.
Wadi Rum has stood in for Mars, Arrakis, and even distant galaxies. If you’re a film enthusiast, ask your local guide to take you to specific filming spots from:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – the classic film that first brought Wadi Rum to international attention
The Martian (2015) – Ridley Scott’s Mars scenes were shot in the red sand valleys of the protected area
Dune (2021) – many key desert scenes were filmed in Wadi Rum, showcasing its vast dunes and dramatic light
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) – used Wadi Rum as the backdrop for the desert planet Pasaana
Your guide can point out recognizable backdrops and help you retrace the cinematic paths taken by characters like Paul Atreides, Lawrence of Arabia, or Mark Watney. It’s a unique way to experience the desert and adds an extra layer of excitement for movie lovers visiting Wadi Rum.
Why Wadi Rum Should Be on Every Traveler’s List
Wadi Rum isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. Every hike, every meal around a fire, every Jeep ride across the sand, and every silent moment under a sky full of stars connects you to something deeper. You’re not just exploring a desert—you’re touching a piece of ancient Earth, walking the same paths that nomads, traders, and explorers have for centuries.
During the day, you can climb a rock bridge, ride a camel, eat Bedouin food cooked underground, and spot sand partridges darting through the cliffs. By night, you’ll stare up at the sky and feel like you’ve landed on another planet. And yet, it all feels real, rooted in authentic culture, natural wonder, and genuine human connection.
Wadi Rum is ideal for travelers seeking more than just sightseeing. It’s for those who want to slow down, look around, and take in the raw, timeless beauty of the desert. And if you’re looking for an experience guided by someone who truly knows and loves this land, book your stay with us—we are local hosts whose passion for Wadi Rum will help you see it not just as a destination, but as a memory you’ll carry with you forever.
From desert adventures to quiet stargazing, from hiking granite cliffs to sharing tea with Bedouins.