Wadi Rum

وادي رم

A stunning desert landscape of red sand dunes and towering sandstone cliffs that has captivated visitors for centuries. The protected area offers jeep safaris, Bedouin camps, and pristine stargazing in one of the world's most dramatic natural environments.

Things to do

• Jeep Safari Tour — Guided four-wheel-drive excursions through the desert landscape visiting iconic rock formations like the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and natural arches.
• Bedouin Camp Stay — Overnight experience in traditional Bedouin camps with local families, including traditional meals, tea ceremonies, and desert hospitality.
• Rock Climbing and Mountaineering — Technical climbing routes on the distinctive sandstone cliffs ranging from beginner to advanced levels with certified local guides.
• Stargazing and Night Sky Photography — Evening astronomy sessions in this designated Dark Sky Reserve where minimal light pollution reveals the Milky Way and constellations with exceptional clarity.
• Hiking to Um Fruth Rock Bridge — Moderate 45-minute trek to a natural sandstone arch formation offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
• Camel Trekking — Multi-hour or multi-day journeys across the red dunes on Bedouin camels, experiencing the desert as traditional nomads have for centuries.

Food to try

• Zarb — Lamb or chicken slow-cooked underground with vegetables in a sealed pit, a signature Bedouin dish with tender meat infused with smoky desert flavors.
• Bedouin Bread and Labneh — Traditional flatbread cooked on hot stones paired with tangy strained yogurt, representing the staple diet of desert nomads.
• Mansaf — Palestinian-Jordanian dish of lamb pieces in a savory yogurt sauce served over rice or flatbread, often prepared for special occasions at Bedouin camps.
• Sweet Bedouin Tea — Fragrant mint or sage tea served in small glasses, traditionally prepared in a long-handled pot and offered as a gesture of hospitality throughout the day.
• Hummus and Falafel — Chickpea-based dips and fried patties served with pita bread, providing familiar local flavors available at camp settlements and visitor centers.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Photography Etiquette — Always ask permission before photographing local Bedouin residents, as some prefer not to be photographed for cultural and religious reasons.
• Accept Tea Hospitality Gracefully — Refusing offered Bedouin tea is considered impolite; accepting and drinking at least one cup demonstrates respect for local customs and shows genuine interest in the culture.
• Dress Modestly — Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing that covers shoulders and knees to show respect in this conservative Muslim community and for practical sun protection.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Simple phrases like 'Assalamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) and 'Shukran' (thank you) are greatly appreciated by local Bedouins and enhance cultural exchange.