I was bowled over by its sheer raw appeal, its inhospitable environment, its striking landscapes, its gorgeous red color tones, its crystal clear night sky that shows you the galaxy, its rich prehistoric connection, its amazing desert culture and its unlimited avenues for adventure on my recent holiday to Jordan.
Everything about Wadi Rum appealed to the adventurer in me. May be, it is because I am a sucker for deserts and desolate landscapes or may be it is because this place is really special. After all, this place that is nicknamed ‘The Valley of the Moon’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it should have some special attributes to have been given the heritage tag.
Covering 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan with rolling sand dunes, huge mountains of sandstone and granite and narrow canyons and fissures, Wadi Rum is full of adventure. Whether you opt for a 4 wheel drive, a camel or your own feet, you are bound to have some serious fun. Rock climbing, dune surfing or sand boarding and dune bashing would have to be the top 3 adventure activities in this region.
Climbing Jebel Umm Ad Dami (6,040 feet) and Jebel Rum (5,689 feet), the two highest peaks of this region have to be two of the most popular climbs in this region. Covering a mix of hiking, rock climbing and technical climbing, these peaks are said to offer views of the Red Sea and the Saudi border on a clear day. Even if you don’t end up seeing the Red Sea, I am pretty sure that there will be no dearth of adrenaline rushes.
If you wish to go easy on the adventure part, there is that sunset camel safari, a scenic jeep drive, a stay in a Bedouin tent, sleeping under the stars, eating traditional food, seeing concealed ancient rock drawings and so much more. Jordan’s largest wadi that has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, is not short on action, be it cultural or adventure.
If you are a history buff, you will love the petroglyphs at the Khaz’ali canyon that dates back to the Thamudic times, the Nabatean temple and the Anfashieh inscriptions from the Nabatean and the Thamudic period.
My personal favorites are sand boarding at the red sand dunes of Umm Ishrin, a camel safari at sunset, the traditional Bedouin tented camp experience, sleeping under millions of stars and the feeling of being at home in the middle of one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.
Whatever your interests might be, if you happen to one of those who absolutely adore Mother Nature’s special creations, you have to make your way to Wadi Rum, especially on your next holiday to Jordan. I am pretty sure that you will be stupefied with its natural splendour.
And when you do manage to find your way to Wadi Rum, do chomp on some of the sweetest and juiciest water melons of the world.
How to get there:
Lying in the south western corner of Jordan, Wadi Rum is closest to the coastal city of Aqaba that offers an international airport and great road connectivity. It is also fairly easy to drive from Amman and Petra. Having your own mode of transportation would be advisable unless you have a lot of time at hand.
Planning for Wadi Rum:
Wadi Rum is usually dry, bright, hot and cold all at the same time. Hence, it is best to carry one warm jacket, a scarf to protect you from the sun, some moisturizer, a good pair of sunglasses and a good pair of walking boots.
Nearby Attractions:
Red Sea, Petra, Amman and the Dead Sea. As Jordan is a fairly small country, most of its top attractions can be reached within 4 to 5 hours.
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