Exploring Petra and Wadi Rum: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Desert Adventure

We are planning more and more trips to Egypt, and lately, clients have been choosing a stopover in Jordan (since it is so close) to explore the two biggest draws in that region: Petra and Wadi Rum.

The Ancient City of Petra

Petra is a truly unique destination and a must-see for anyone looking to explore the beauty and culture of Jordan. With its stunning monuments, incredible scenery, and vibrant culture, Petra is an experience like no other. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.  You’ll get to explore the main sites, such as the Treasury (a breathtaking monument carved into the side of the mountain and the most recognizable symbol of Petra), the Royal Tombs, and the Monastery. 

Travelers to Petra can choose from a variety of activities. From exploring the city’s ancient ruins and monuments to camel rides and sandboarding, there is something for everyone in Petra. When you travel to Petra, you’ll also be able to explore the nearby mountains and deserts. The Wadi Rum desert offers a variety of activities, from mountain biking to camel riding.

What to Know About Traveling To Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert valley with a scenic landscape located in the southern part of Jordan. The area is isolated and primarily uninhabited, making it the perfect place to escape when city life becomes hectic and crowded.

How To Get There

To get to Wadi Rum, you must first fly to a nearby location. You can get to Wadi Rum from Aqaba, Petra, Amman, or the Wadi Araba border. Most of these cities offer buses directly to or close to Wadi Rum, but taxis are always available if no bus is available when needed (or do what we do for our clients and hire a private driver/guide).

Types of Accommodation

Accommodation in Wadi Rum ranges from Bedouin camps to chalets to luxury tents. Depending on what you are looking for, you can have an authentic camping experience, a lavish and accommodating stay, or something in between. There are even camps that let you sleep directly under the stars!

Climate

Because Wadi Rum is in the desert, the climate is generally hot and arid throughout the year. Jordan is known for being one of the world’s driest regions and often has sandstorms. Southern Jordan does not see much rain or snow, although it is possible, especially during January and February.

The average year-round temperature in Wadi Rum is 66º Fahrenheit but can fall between 37º and 95º, depending on the season.

Best Time to Go

Wadi Rum is a great place to visit year-round, but the sunniest months are from March to May and September to November. The busiest and most popular months in Wadi Rum are September, October, March, and April. The best time for hiking or climbing is October through April, and February is the best time to see the desert plants begin to bloom.

What to Eat and Drink

When it comes to delicious food, there is no shortage in Wadi Rum! Wadi Rum cuisine features lots of exciting spices and vibrant flavors. If you stay overnight in one of the many Bedouin camps or luxury tents, you can find traditional dishes there, such as chicken, goat, or Bedouin tea.

Sights to See

Wadi Rum is a protected area in which many of the following historical and natural sites lie.

1.         Anfashieh Inscriptions- These inscriptions, which show a camel caravan, are carved into a mountain from the Nabatean and Thaumadic times.

2.         Umm Fruth Rock Bridge- The smaller of the main rock bridges in the area, you might see Umm Fruth if you sign up for a tour, as it is easily accessible and only takes about 5-15 minutes to climb.

3.         Burdah Rock Bridge- While this rock bridge is more prominent and can be seen from a distance, climbing it provides a view unlike any other. The only catch is that it takes about 4-7 hours to climb, thus requiring an all-day tour.

4.         Lawrence Spring- This stagnant spring sits near a breathtaking view of the desert on top of a short scramble. It is a little over a mile away from the village of Rum.

6.         Seven Pillars of Wisdom- A rock formation near the visitors center, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom is so impressive that it was named after T E Lawrence’s autobiography.

Ready for your own Jordanian or Egyptian adventure? Let’s get started designing the perfect trip for you!