Termed ‘Mars’, Wadi Rum in Jordan is one of the few places on Earth that resemble Mars’s landscape. You are wrong if you think the world wonder ‘Petra’ is the only attraction in Jordan.
Uncover the wonders of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, with our expert tips and insights, showcasing its unique landscapes, ancient history, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination in Jordan.
Located in the southern part of Jordan, Wadi spans an area of 720 km². Thousands of rock carvings, inscriptions, and archeological sites make Wadi Rum a protected area.
You can find countless blogs describing Wadi Rum’s stunning landscape and beauty. So let’s skip that part and jump right into what you need to know before your visit.
Did you know that the movies Star Wars and Aladdin were filmed in several locations in Wadi Rum?
Blog Contents
How much does it cost to visit Wadi Rum desert tours?
Wadi Rum is a large desert. So you need a 4 x 4 wheel drive to go around. Wadi Rum desert tours is the most common way to explore the desert.
The official currency in Jordan is Jordanian Dinar (JD). Surprisingly the currency has a higher value than a Euro or USD
Guided tour
There are too many tour operators who offer a guided tour of Wadi Rum. After my intensive research, I found Wadi rum day tours. The tour starts around 10 am.
Their website is clean and the prices were economical with multiple options.
An overnight stay in the Wadi Rum desert is highly recommended. So we choose the 1-day 1-night tour.
Overview
The general itinerary for your 1-day 1-night tour is as follows
- Visit the attractions for ~ 3 hours in the morning
- Lunch and nap time until 4 pm
- Continue visiting attractions that end finally at the sunset point
- Drive to your overnight camp, refresh, and have your buffet dinner
- Go for an early sunrise camel tour (optional)
- Have a buffet breakfast and return to the Wadi Rum Village parking
| Activity | Jordanian Dinar (JD) | Euro (€) | US Dollar ($) | Indian Rupee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange rates | 1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 116 |
| 1 day 1 night (Bedouin camp) jeep tour | 50 | 65 | 70 | 5800 |
| Sleeping in the cave as an extra | 15 | 19.5 | 21 | 1740 |
| Sunrise camel tour as an extra | 20 | 26 | 28 | 2320 |
This tour package includes the below attractions
- Lawrence spring
- Red sand dune
- Khazali canyon
- Little bridge
- Lawrence House
- Mushroom rock
- Burdah rock bridge
- Abu Khashaba canyon
- Um Fruth rock bridge
- Sunset
Apart from the attractions, the guided tour also includes
- a Bedouin guide
- lunch, dinner, and breakfast
- a jeep
- drinks\ tea and bottled water throughout the day
- the overnight stay in the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp
Getting discounts
You can contact the company Wadi Rum day tours via email – at [email protected] or Whatsapp at +962 772145134 regarding your travel dates.
The owner Mohammad was kind enough to give a 5 JD discount as we were a group of 4.
Note: As mentioned on their website, the mentioned prices are for shared tours. The price that you pay depends on the number of people in your booking
Is it possible for a self-guided tour?
You pay ~35 JD at the visitor center and go around with your rented four-wheel drive. Tourists seldom use this option as the desert is large and you can get lost unless you have a guide.
Check the TripAdvisor forum to know more.
Where does the guided tour start?
As we rented a car from the Check24 website, we met the tour guide Mohammad at the Wadi Rum village parking area. Every guided tour starts at this point. You park your vehicle and hop on to their 4 x 4 wheel.
Alternatively, one can use a Taxi from Aqaba which costs ~25-30 JD and it takes one hour.
Registration at the Wadi Rum visitor center
Since Wadi Rum is a protected area, every tourist entering the Wadi Rum village must register at the visitor center and get the Jordan pass stamped.
You submit personal details such as name, rented vehicle number, and tour operator details to the Wadi rum authorities.
Pro-tip: The Wadi Rum visitor center has toilets, souvenirs, and an information center. If you don’t have a Jordan pass, the entry fee to the village is 5 JD.
6 reasons, why you must visit, include Wadi Rum in your Jordan itinerary
1. Red Sand dunes
Wadi Rum’s unique ecosystem over the years has developed red Sandstone cliffs and sand dunes. The colors are eye catchy and the perfect spot for photography.
There are viewpoints all over the desert and you can ask your guide for a quick stop.
Optionally you could ask your tour operator to rent a board and try sandboarding. We didn’t have time to try this activity.
2. Having lunch right in the desert
Around 1 pm, we parked our jeep in the middle of the desert. The tour guide found a nice shady place near the base of a mountain.
Our guide started preparing lunch for us. He had all the necessary ingredients and equipments (mini gas stove) to make us a perfect lunch. It included vegetables, bread, and hummus. Approximately after 45 minutes, our lunch was ready and it was truly delicious.
Hot tea was followed by lunch. It was nap time until 4 pm and all five of us rested.
Note: There are no toilets until you reach the overnight camp or head back to the village. If you aren’t comfortable with an open area, make sure to use the toilet at the Visitor center when you arrive.
3. Climbing the Burdah rock bridge
The most thrilling experience of the day was climbing this rock bridge. The climb is almost vertical with no protective measures. Anusha didn’t want to take a risk. So, I went along with my friend.
The ascend was an easy one followed by a walk to the middle of the rock bridge. The climb to the top takes ~15 minutes.
The descent was tough with people coming from the opposite direction and you have to make way for them.
There are no protection rails. So if you are scared of heights (acrophobia), avoid this climb at any cost. It isn’t worth risking for a few pictures.
4. Walking through the Canyons
4.1 Khazali canyon
This stunning canyon is rich with inscriptions and a narrow fissure that cuts through. As the area collects water in the desert, the site is considered holy and blessed.
There are Arabic inscriptions that depict humans, animals, and footprints. Apart from these inscriptions, there are more interesting facts about Wadi Rum.
The sunray entering the canyon through the narrow opening was surreal with bright colors.
4.2 Abu Khashaba canyon
The guide dropped us at one side of this canyon and asked us to reach the other end on a walk.
It was an exciting walk through the dunes crossing various cliffs. In some places, you have to climb a bit. Nevertheless, it takes only 20 minutes to pass through this canyon and reach the other side where your jeep waits.
5. Sunset
After walking through the canyon, a 20-minute jeep ride takes you to a unique sunset point. As Wadi Rum contains continuous small patches of mountains, it isn’t easy to see a sunset from anywhere. Only the locals know these exact spots.
Climb on one of these small rocks and enjoy the stunning sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, your day comes to an end.
Now you either head back to the village parking or to your overnight Wadi Rum camp, depending on the tour.
6. Overnight Camping
This is your number one reason to visit Wadi Rum. This activity with starry nights is last on the list as this is your last activity of the tour.
Imagine camping in a desert and staring at the sky. Fascinating, isn’t it?
The entire region is dark and one can see the stars. We also went for a short walk at night and it turned out to be an amazing experience.
6.1 Facilities
The desert camp has all the basic facilities you need during your stay such as
- A huge dining area to enjoy a wide range of buffets (both breakfast and dinner) which is included in your package
- Shared rooms with locks
- Comfortable beds (4 sharing)
- Toilets
Pro-tip: As you expect, there is no wifi in the desert.
6.2 Entertainment
What shall I do the whole night without the internet? Don’t worry, there are entertainment options
- Big speakers to enjoy the music of your choice (Have your songs pre-downloaded)
- Hookah (5 JD per pot) that lasts for more than an hour
- Campfire
- Mohammad telling you some interesting stories
Mohammad left at 10 pm as he needed the internet to answer his customers. Around 8 am in the morning, he came back to pick us up. There is one more person at the camp who sleeps in the dining area and is available in case of emergency.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the best time to visit this desert.
We visited in October. The weather was perfect (approx 18 – 21 °C), never felt the sun, enjoyed our jeep tour throughout the desert.
Is Wadi Rum worth visiting?
Visit Wadi Rum only during the best months. The experience can easily turn out bad if you choose a hot month like June or July.
This desert was a magical experience. Be it the red sand dunes, the charming sunset, or the breathtaking canyons, the entire Wadi Rum desert is out from another planet. Every attraction is unique.
Overnight camping was the highlight and is worth every penny. If you are on budget, consider choosing Wadi Rum day trip.
With its awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling adventures, and rich cultural heritage, Wadi Rum is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique desert adventure in Jordan, sure to leave them captivated by its beauty and wonder.
Other additional activities that may interest you
- Wadi Rum hiking trail ~ 50 JD or 75 €
- Full day Camel rides ~ 75 JD or 100 €
- Hot Air balloon rides ~ 130 JD or 200 €
Time of visit: October 2022
Overall experience: 
