Wadi Rum: how to get there, accommodation, and activities.

Traveling from Amman to Wadi Rum requires careful planning.
The most convenient option is to rent a car, as direct buses to Wadi Rum are not available.
Rental prices typically range from 15 to 25 JOD, depending on the type of vehicle and the season.
For those preferring reliability and competitive rates, discovercars.com emerges as a top choice.

Transportation:

If you find yourself in Aqaba, located just an hour away from Wadi Rum, consider Jett bus company's daily trips. Priced at 15 JOD one way, this budget-friendly option departs Aqaba at 8:00 am and returns from Wadi Rum at 6:30 pm.

Alternatively, hiring a private driver is the priciest yet personalized option, ideal for couples or small groups.
Prices start at 80 JOD and vary depending on group size and specific requirements.

It's important to note that while renting a car provides flexibility, it still wont guarantee access to the deep desert if its not a 4x4 vehicle. almost all camps offer complimentary transportation from the village to the campsite within the desert.


Accommodation:

Basic camps:
offer an authentic desert experience starting from 5 JOD per person per night. Shared facilities, including toilets and showers, are standard, and while breakfast is included, dinner is not.
Hot water and electricity may not always be available 24/7.

Luxurious camps:
cater to those seeking indulgence, with prices reaching up to 150 JOD per night.
These camps feature private tents equipped with modern amenities such as private toilets and showers, 24/7 hot water, and electricity.
Delicious dinners are typically included, and some camps even boast shared swimming pools.

middle-range price:
consider mid-range camps offering private tents, private toilets, with decent amenities for around 25 JOD per person per night.

Karolina and I often find ourselves drawn to the simplicity of basic camps, especially when we seek refuge from city life in the serene expanse of the desert.
Embracing a primal lifestyle allows us to disconnect from modern amenities and immerse ourselves fully in the raw beauty of nature.
The absence of electricity and the simplicity of basic food resonate with us, evoking a sense of contentment and harmony with our surroundings.

Abd El Salam's camp is where we stay and take our guests to. its highly recommended for those seeking a basic yet authentic desert stay.
Whats app number: +962 77 95 11 80
their camp on booking.com

Activities:

Wadi Rum offers a plethora of activities catering to various interests and adventure levels:

Jeep Tours:
provide a thrilling exploration of the desert landscape, with prices ranging from 25 to 80 JOD, depending on the chosen package and group size.
Booking the tour with the camp where you're staying often yields better prices.

what's included in Jeep Tours?
When you book a tour with one of the local jeep guides, Your guide will drive you to the most stunning spots in the desert, including hanging rock bridges and small canyons, culminating the tour with an incredible sunset location.
At each stop, the guide will provide a brief explanation and then give you the freedom to explore the area on your own.

It's wonderful to know that your local guide will have water and a tea set ready to prepare you a delicious Bedouin tea to enjoy at sunset.
And the best part? It's free! This is a testament to the renowned hospitality of the Bedouin people.

For the best value, consider booking your tour with the same camp where you're staying.

Hiking and Trekking:
enthusiasts can embark on scenic trails leading to ancient rock carvings and hidden canyons, offering glimpses of the desert's natural beauty.
In Wadi Rum, you'll find both easy and challenging hiking trails.
The easy ones are near your camp, while the harder ones venture deeper into the desert.
For safety, consider hiring a local guide for the more difficult trails.

Extreme Sports Activities in Wadi Rum:

Safety is crucial for extreme sports like rock climbing and canyoning, especially in Wadi Rum's remote desert environment where network coverage is limited and navigation can be challenging.
We strongly recommend having a local guide accompany you to ensure your well-being.
Their expertise enhances your experience and minimizes the risk of getting lost. While this may add to your costs, prioritizing safety is always worth it.

We recommend Abd El Salam, a reliable local guide who can be reached via WhatsApp at +962 77 95 11 80.
Abd El Salam also runs a camp where you can stay and arrange hikes, jeep tours, and rock climbing at reasonable prices.

For hikes and trails in southern Jordan, our certified local friend Mahmood Attal is an excellent choice. You can connect with him on Instagram at @mahmoodattal.
his knowledge and professionalism ensure unforgettable and safe adventures in Jordan's stunning landscapes.

Bedouin Cultural Experiences offer insights into the traditional way of life, including authentic meals, storytelling sessions, and cultural performances around the campfire.

Interesting Facts:

My wife finds immense joy in engaging with Bedouin locals, particularly as a European. It's a fascinating exchange that highlights the differences in culture, tradition, and lifestyle between Jordan and Europe, enriching both sides with mutual understanding and appreciation.

For Karolina and me, equipped with all the necessary gear, we relish the challenge of these activities.
As a local Jordanian, my familiarity with the desert enables us to explore climbing spots independently or with friends, bypassing the need for a guide.
Whether seeking a scenic hike to reach the climbing spot or enjoying the journey in a friend's 4x4, each excursion promises unforgettable moments of adventure and discovery.

Last year, we enjoyed a wonderful hiking adventure in Wadi Rum at Jabal Um Eshreen, even though we didn't have any mountaineering gear.
This mountain is located east of the village, and we hiked to its base before making our way to the top.
From there, we savored a stunning view of Wadi Rum village before returning along the same path to our camp where we started.

As we trekked through the desert towards the mountain, a local Bedouin guide in his 4x4 drove by, stopping to check if we were okay.
He kindly offered us a free ride to the start of the mountain trail, showcasing the warm hospitality that is so common among the locals in Wadi Rum.

Stargazing:
What makes Wadi Rum so special for us is its remote location, far from any noise or city lights.
Nights in Wadi Rum are magical, incredibly quiet, and perfect for stargazing. You can lay down and watch the stars, even the Milky Way.
If you have a decent DSLR camera, you'll capture stunning photos of the night sky!