Red Sand Dunes

الكثبان الرملية الحمراء

Expansive areas of vivid red sand dunes that create a Mars-like landscape throughout sections of Wadi Rum, offering a completely different perspective from the rocky mountain formations. These dunes are perfect for sandboarding, desert photography, and experiencing the pure essence of the Arabian desert.

Things to do

• Sandboarding — Glide down the steep red dunes on a board, a thrilling sport that takes advantage of the fine sand and dramatic slopes throughout the dune field.
• Sunrise Photography — Capture the golden and crimson light illuminating the red sand at dawn, when the dunes display their most vivid colors and create dramatic shadows.
• Camel Trekking Across Dunes — Ride a Bedouin camel across the undulating red sand landscape, experiencing the desert as locals have for centuries.
• Sunset Viewing — Position yourself on a high dune to watch the sunset paint the red sand in shades of orange, purple, and deep red as daylight fades.
• Desert Camping — Spend a night in a Bedouin-style camp nestled among the dunes, falling asleep under stars and waking to the silence of the desert.
• Sand Dune Hiking — Trek on foot through the towering dunes, exploring hidden valleys and enjoying the otherworldly landscape that resembles the surface of Mars.

Food to try

• Zarb — A traditional Bedouin dish of slow-cooked lamb or chicken with vegetables, typically prepared in a pit oven buried in the sand and served with rice.
• Hummus and Pita Bread — Fresh chickpea hummus drizzled with olive oil and served with warm, locally-baked pita bread, a staple accompaniment to most Bedouin meals.
• Bedouin Tea — Strong black tea infused with mint and served in small glasses, a refreshing and essential beverage offered throughout the day in desert camps.
• Tabbouleh — A fresh salad of parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, providing a light complement to heavier desert fare.
• Falafel — Deep-fried chickpea patties seasoned with spices and served with tahini sauce, a popular protein-rich option at desert rest stops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Local Customs — Dress modestly when visiting Bedouin communities, covering shoulders and knees, and always ask permission before photographing people or their camps.
• Accept Hospitality Gracefully — When offered tea or food by Bedouins, accepting is a sign of respect and friendship; it is considered rude to refuse outright.
• Follow Guide Instructions — Always trek with an experienced local guide who understands the dunes' conditions and can navigate safely, especially during sandstorms or extreme heat.
• Preserve the Environment — Avoid leaving trash in the dunes and stay on established paths to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and respect this sacred Bedouin landscape.