Bucket List Experiences | Jordan | Middle East

What to do in Wadi Rum: Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

ByJennie UpdatedOctober 24, 2023

Where to stay in Wadi Rum

🏆 TOP CHOICE: UFO Luxotel Camp

The UFO Luxotel camp in Wadi Rum was one of the best unique stays we have ever experienced, and if we were to return to Wadi Rum, we would stay here again! The staff are sweet and kind and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. The food is amazing, served in a buffet style for breakfast and lunch, with vegetarian options and Western-style food, as well as local cuisines.

UFO Luxotel has the classic bubble dome rooms, with views overlooking the desert, seemingly in the ‘middle of nowhere’. All rooms come with A/C and wifi, and a large balcony with a hammock.

➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

Top 12 things to do in Wadi Rum

1. Explore the Wadi Rum desert by 4×4

One of the best things to do in the Wadi Rum desert is to explore by 4×4. Due to the large sand dunes and uneven terrain of the desert, it is not recommended that you use your own car to travel around. Instead, hotels and accommodations put on 4×4 tours for you to see the desert with a knowledgeable and expert guide (who is also usually a Bedouin local).

Most hotels in Wadi Rum offer either a two, three or four-hour tour around the desert. Most start in the afternoon, so you can finish in time to watch the sunset over the dramatic landscapes. These tours are inexpensive but contact your accommodation directly to find out prices.

Due to the sheer size of the desert (it stretches all the way to Saudi Arabia!), it is not recommended to explore by yourself. It’s easy to get lost, and the midday sun is stifling. If you want to visit the landmarks and most historical parts of the desert, book a 4×4 tour!

We stayed at the UFO Luxotel, and they organised all of our tours for us. They were reasonably priced, and had amazing local Bedouin tour guides. We couldn’t recommend them enough! ➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

2. Take a stargazing tour in Wadi Rum at night

Stargazing is another amazing activity to do in Wadi Rum. It is again, inexpensive, but an experience that you’ll always remember. There is little light pollution in Wadi Rum, so you can spot the stars on your own, but talking to a guide and using professional telescopes is an incredible experience. The telescopes used in the tour cost over £50,000, meaning we could see some of the stars, planets and satellites clearer than with the naked eye.

Not only did we learn more about the stars and constellations, but we were able to hold and look at some ancient artefacts found in Wadi Rum. As the desert used to be entirely engulfed by the ocean, we were able to hold a shark’s tooth that was thousands of years old.

Our hotel, the UFO Luxotel, organised our experience, and it took place a few minutes from our bubble domes, meaning we could head straight back to the bar afterwards!

3. Drink tea in a traditional Bedouin camp

The local Bedouin nomads have roamed Jordan’s land for centuries, with the belief that they arrived in the Middle East as early as the 14th Century. When it comes to talking about their country, the desert and their way of life, they’re the best Jordanian tour guides you can find.

As you travel around the desert on your 4×4 tour, you will stop at many local Bedouin camps, and be offered hand-made souvenirs and fresh tea. Many will invite you to sit around the fire, as you listen to the stories of their lives and families. Some may even play music, and invite you to dance. It’s an amazing and eye-opening way to see a snapshot of their way of life.

If you’d like to spend more time with the local Bedouin people, you can stay in a traditional Bedouin camp. You can check out some of the best unique Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum here.

🇯🇴FUN FACT: Guests to the Bedouin culture can stay in their homes for up to three days without any questions being asked. It is only on the fourth day that the host can ask why they are there, and who they are!

4. Sleep in a unique bubble dome in Wadi Rum

Another incredible and unique thing to do in Wadi Rum is to stay in a bubble dome. Bubble domes and tents in Wadi Rum started popping up after Matt Damon’s Hollywood movie The Martian. They’re a different way to experience the desert, as most have transparent ceilings to watch the stars, and hot tubs on the balcony to soak in the views.

Staying in a bubble dome gives you an ‘outer-worldy’ experience, and from my first-hand experience, it does feel like your own little bubble on Mars. If you are visiting Wadi Rum for the first time, we recommend staying for at least 3-4 nights. If you can only budget for 1-2 nights in a bubble tent, book a special stay for a night, then move to a cheaper Bedouin tent to explore more of the desert.

We were fortunate enough to have stayed in the UFO Luxotel. It’s one of the most remote bubble hotels, and we did truly feel like we were on another planet. When you book your stay, it’s inclusive of both breakfast and lunch (served buffet style), and you can book as many desert tours as you desire. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one I highly recommend!

➡ You can book your stay at the UFO Luxotel here, or view all bubble domes in Wadi Rum here!

5. Hike through the Wadi Rum desert

Most activities in Wadi Rum are organised with a guide. Whilst you can hike by yourself, I still recommend speaking to your hotel and telling them where you are going before setting off.

Hiking in Wadi Rum is one of the most popular things to do. From climbing gigantic rocks to walking around stone bridges, it’s an incredible experience for any adrenaline junkie. However, it can be dangerous if you do not know where you are going, or don’t have enough water. It’s important to remember that Wadi Rum is a desert. The heat during the day (especially during the summer months) is stifling. Be prepared, carry a map, tell your hotel where you are going, and if you can; hire a guide.

6. Experience either a sunrise or sunset in Wadi Rum

As you can imagine, the sunsets in Wadi Rum are not to be missed. You’ll watch as the sky turns from blue to blood orange, to a deep red and finally an overpowering, blushing pink. It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen.

As long as you have an unobstructed view of the sky, you can see the sunset from all over Wadi Rum. However, some people like to hike to some of the higher rocks and stones to watch. Our 4×4 tour run by the UFO Luxotel stopped just before sunset so we could watch it by ourselves from one of the best viewpoints in the desert!

7. Walk in Matt Damon’s footsteps by visiting the filming locations of ‘The Martian’

It’s no secret that the local Bedouins and Jordanians are proud that the successful Matt Damon, Hollywood movie was filmed in the Wadi Rum Desert. The landscapes of Wadi Rum look exactly like the terrain of Mars, and visiting some of the Martian filming locations is a fun experience!

If you have a good tour guide, they will tell you where Matt Damon was when he was filming, and some fun behind-the-scenes facts. I won’t spoil it for you now, but visiting the filming locations is definitely one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum!

8. Admire the Nabataean inscriptions

Another spot in Wadi Rum to add to your list is the thousands of years old petroglyphs made by the Nabateans. An Arab nomad tribe who was first known to be around in the sixth century BC, the Nabateans are the same group of people who built the lost city of Petra. As they were often moving and travelling to the surrounding lands, they created petroglyphs to communicate with those arriving after them.

Admiring the ancient petroglyphs is one of the best things to do in Wadi Rum, and the local Bedouins are glad to tell you more about their history. Just expect the sites to get busy – we had to share our experience here with many other tourists!

9. Learn about the history of Lawrence of Arabia

As you travel around the Wadi Rum desert, you will be able to visit the Lawrence Canyon and Lawrence House, where Lawrence of Arabia supposedly lived. A British Intelligence Officer living in Jordan in the 19th century, he acted as the liaison officer between the British government and the Arab tribes.

10. Walk across the Umm Al Froth rock bridge

At fifteen metres high, the Umm Al Froth rock bridge isn’t for the faint-hearted! Whilst most opt to stay on the ground, you can climb up the rock side to walk across this famous natural structure. Due to the unique rock formations, it is one of the most photographed and visited areas in Wadi Rum.

🇯🇴 FUN FACT: Most local Bedouins are able to safely climb steep rockfaces without any additional support! This is something that is believed to have developed from living in these types of landscapes for centuries. But don’t worry; if you want to climb the rockface today, small carvings and footholds have been made to make it easier for tourists.

11. Visit Mushroom Rock

Another popular rock formation that’s popular to photograph in Wadi Rum! Mushroom Rock is called Mushroom Rock simply because of its strange shape (like a large mushroom, of course). It’s also a great shaded spot to shelter from the desert sun!

12. Ride the Wadi Rum steam train

The Wadi Rum steam train is an original from the Arab Revolt of 1917. It extends all the way to both Saudi Arabia and Syria. Officially named the Hijaz train, you can take a short ride on the Wadi Rum steam train by buying a tourist ticket (don’t worry, you don’t travel to the next country!).

Even if you don’t buy a ticket to ride the steam train, it’s a fun and interesting thing to see. The main station is by the main Wadi Rum entrance, so you can’t miss it.

➡ Don’t forget to pre-book your Wadi Rum accommodation! Bubble tents sell out quickly, so don’t miss out. You can book your stay at the UFO Luxotel here, or view all bubble domes in Wadi Rum here!

Tips for visiting Wadi Rum for the first time

🇯🇴 You will need to have your Jordan Pass stamped at the Visitor Centre before entering Wadi Rum. If you don’t have a Jordan Pass, you will need to pay 5 JD upon entry. ➡ Not sure what a Jordan pass is? Check out my full Jordan pass guide here.

🚶🏼Whenever possible, use a guide to travel around Wadi Rum. It is unsafe to wander into the desert alone, due to the sheer size, vast open space and heat.

💸 Tipping in Jordan is not expected by encouraged. If someone impresses you on a tour or goes out of their way to help you, tip them! Some employers expect their workers to be given tips by tourists, so they actually pay them a lower wage. You can find out more about tipping in Jordan here.

☀️ Avoid walking around the desert between 11am-3pm, due to the extreme heat. We found the wind to pick up and cool down around 4pm, which was our favourite time to explore.

🚽 There aren’t any toilets on the 4×4 tours, or in the Bedouin camps, you will visit. Nature peeing is the only option (but don’t worry, everyone does it).

Getting to Wadi Rum from Amman

🚗 Amman is roughly 320km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward 4-hour drive away. The best way to travel from Amman to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in Jordan now!

🚕 Amman to Wadi Rum with a private driver or taxi is the most expensive option. You can expect to pay at least £100 (100 JD) for a single journey. You may also consider booking a transfer, which is not the cheapest, but probably one of the most convenient and secure options.

🚌 Getting from Amman to Wadi Rum by public transport is the cheapest option, but the most difficult. You can check out shuttles, bus routes and options here.

There isn’t a direct bus to Wadi Rum, so you will need to board the JETT bus, which is roughly 10 JD, at 6.30 am. This goes from Amman to Petra. You can also take a public bus to Aqaba, and then get a taxi to Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is approximately one hour from Aqaba or 90 minutes from Petra.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Aqaba

🚗 Aqaba is roughly 72km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward one-hour and 10-minute drive away. The best way to travel from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. 

➡ Not sure about driving in Jordan? Check out my detailed guide to hiring a car in Jordan here.

🚕 Alternatively, you can ask a taxi to take you from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. However, this isn’t ideal, as you won’t find a taxi in Wadi Rum to take you anywhere after! If you aren’t keen on hiring a car, speak to your accommodation and see if they can provide a transfer from Aqaba. You can check out other shuttles, bus routes and options here.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Petra

🚗 Petra and the town of Wadi Musa is roughly 114km away from Wadi Rum, and is a straightforward two hour drive away. The best way to travel from Petra to Wadi Rum is by car. Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. 

➡ Not sure about driving in Jordan? Check out my detailed guide to hiring a car in Jordan here.

🚕 Alternatively, you can ask a taxi to take you from Petra/Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum. However, this isn’t ideal, as you won’t find a taxi in Wadi Rum to take you anywhere after! If you aren’t keen on hiring a car, speak to your accommodation and see if they can provide a transfer from Petra or Wadi Musa. You can check out other shuttles, bus routes and options here.

Using a Jordan Pass in Wadi Rum

A Jordan Pass allows entrance into sites all over the country at a discounted rate. If you have a Jordan Pass, you will need to visit the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Centre before heading to your accommodation.

If you haven’t got a Jordan Pass, you will still need to visit the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Centre before heading to your accommodation and pay 5 JD on arrival. ➡ Not sure whether or not the Jordan Pass is worth it? Check out my full guide here.

What to do in Wadi Rum: FAQs

1) Should I ride a camel in Wadi Rum?

This is a personal preference, but we do not condone any kind of animal tourism. Yes, the photo may look great, but take it from a distance and admire the camel without riding it. It is also not known the kind of treatment the camels are given away from tourists. If possible, avoid any kind of animal tourism when travelling.

2) What is Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum (translation ‘Valley of the Moon’) is a desert in the southwest of Jordan. It is known for its outer-world-looking rocks and red sands, and covers over 720 square kilometres of land. Wadi Rum was once inhabited by the Nabateans, who left fingerprints and markings that are still evident today. The Nabateans are also known for building the ancient city of Petra, another popular attraction in Jordan.

3) When should I visit Wadi Rum?

The best time to visit Wadi Rum is either in spring (March, April, and May) or autumn (September, October, and November). This is because the temperatures are lower than in summer, so you can have more time exploring during the day.

During the autumn months, the daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking and trekking through the desert. The skies are also clear at night for stargazing and watching the Wadi Rum sunsets.

4) Can you visit Wadi Rum by yourself?

It is not recommended to visit Wadi Rum by yourself. The best option is to book at least one night’s stay and book all activities through your accommodation. This means you are safe when exploring the desert, and are at no risk of getting lost!

We stayed at the UFO Luxotel, and they organised all of our tours for us. They were reasonably priced and had amazing local Bedouin tour guides. We couldn’t recommend them enough! ➡ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE UFO LUXOTEL NOW!

5) What do people do for a living in Wadi Rum, Jordan?

Most of the local Bedouins live in Wadi Rum Village, which is in the centre of the desert. Currently, tourists do not visit the village on the 4×4 tours. Whether the local is living in the village or in a more remote area of the desert, they often raise cattle, farm, sell goods or work in the tourism industry.

6) Is it worth staying in Wadi Rum?

Yes, it is worth staying in Wadi Rum. There is simply not enough time to explore and enjoy the desert to its fullest in just one day! The stars at night alone with so little light pollution are enough to stay for the night. Most of the accommodations in Wadi Rum are also an experience in themselves worth staying for.

➡ Need accommodation in Wadi Rum? You can check out the best places to stay in here.

7) Can you drive yourself in the Wadi Rum desert?

Some of the camps are accessible by your own car, but you will be met by a member of staff and directed to the car park. They’ll carefully lead you over the bumpy dunes and ensure no damage is made to your car! After that, you will need to take a 4×4 tour to explore more of the Wadi Rum desert.

Not sure whether or not to hire a car Jordan? Check out my detailed guide to driving in Jordan here!

8) What should I wear in Wadi Rum, Jordan?

Dress codes and rules are more lenient in some of the bubble camps and resorts in Wadi Rum. However, it’s important to remember that Jordan is an Islamic country, and dressing conservatively is important. If you’re not sure about what to wear, check out my detailed guide on Jordan dress codes here.

9) What tours should I do in Jordan? 

Looking to book a tour in Jordan? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

Some of the best tours in Jordan include: 

• Scuba diving in the Red Sea ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Private Petra tour with transfers ➡ BOOK NOW!
• Day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman ➡ BOOK NOW!

➡ Check out more tours for your trip here!

10) Do I need a SIM card to travel around Jordan? 

Yes, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

11) Do I need a car to travel around Jordan?

Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to hire a car. 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in Jordan now!

Where else to stay if you’re visiting Jordan for the first time

If you’re travelling around Jordan for the first time, these are some of the best hotels and hostels. 

🇯🇴 AMMAN

• Hotel: W Amman: for a 5* hotel in Shmeisani, within walking distance of all of the best attractions ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

• Hostel: Nomads Hostel (Jabal Amman) For backpackers and solo travellers in Amman ➡ BOOK AND READ THE REVIEWS NOW

🇯🇴 WADI RUM

• Bubble dome: UFO Luxotel has classic bubble dome rooms, with views overlooking the desert. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

• Traditional Bedouin tent: Wadi Rum Desert Adventures is one of the most popular authentic desert camps in Wadi Rum. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

🇯🇴 PETRA

• Hotel: Petra Sky Hotel: A hotel close to Petra’s entrance that’s cheap, includes breakfast and has a decent-sized room.

• Hostel: Petra Boxtel Hostel: for backpackers and solo travellers. ➡ BOOK AND READ REVIEWS NOW

What to do in Wadi Rum: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to do in Wadi Rum. When you’re planning a trip to Jordan, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Jordan content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Jordan posts:

• Is The Jordan Pass Worth It? A Must-Read Before Purchasing!
• Tipping in Jordan: Everything You Need To Know
• Driving in Jordan: The Ultimate Car Hire Guide
• Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: A Perfect Trip to the Middle East
• What to Wear in Jordan (That Isn’t Ugly)

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