Top Things to Do in Wadi Rum, Jordan’s Desert Playground
Often called the "Valley of the Moon", Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most iconic landscapes Often called the "Valley of the Moon", Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most iconic landscapes ...
Top Things to Do in Wadi Rum, Jordan’s Desert Playground
Things to do in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum activities, Wadi Rum desert tours, adventure in Wadi Rum, camping in Wadi Rum
Top Things to Do in Wadi Rum – Adventure, Culture & Desert Magic
Often called the "Valley of the Moon", Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most iconic landscapes — a sweeping expanse of red sand, towering rock formations, and Bedouin hospitality. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply seeking peace under the stars, Wadi Rum offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
As your local travel consultants at Petra Moon, here’s our expert guide to the best things to do in Wadi Rum — and how to make the most of your desert adventure.
Go on a 4x4 Jeep Tour with a Bedouin Guide
This is the must-do activity in Wadi Rum — and often the highlight of the entire Jordan trip.
Hop into a 4x4 driven by a local Bedouin, and explore remote valleys, hidden rock bridges, ancient inscriptions, and sand dunes. Tours range from 2 hours to full-day expeditions.
📍 Popular Stops Include:
- Lawrence’s Spring
- Khazali Canyon (rock carvings)
- Umm Fruth Rock Bridge
- Red Sand Dunes
- Abu Khashaba Canyon
- Burdah Arch (for hiking lovers)
💡 Want to go deeper into the desert? Book an overnight jeep tour with sunset views and campfire dinner included.
Spend the Night in a Desert Camp
Wadi Rum by day is beautiful. Wadi Rum by night is magical.
There’s nothing like sitting around a fire, drinking sweet Bedouin tea, and looking up at a sky full of stars, unpolluted and vast.
🏕️ Accommodation Options:
- Traditional Bedouin tents (shared or private)
- Luxury dome tents with panoramic windows
- Martian-style pods with air-conditioning and private bathrooms
✅ Petra Moon offers handpicked desert camps with verified quality, comfort, and location.
Try a Traditional Bedouin Dinner – Zarb
You haven’t truly experienced Wadi Rum until you’ve tasted zarb — a traditional Bedouin meal slow-cooked underground.
It’s a delicious mix of lamb or chicken, rice, and vegetables, buried beneath the sand and cooked with hot coals for hours.
It’s not just a meal — it’s a ceremony.
Stargazing – One of the Best Places on Earth
With zero light pollution, Wadi Rum is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. You can lie on a blanket and watch the Milky Way arc across the sky — or bring a telescope and look for planets.
🌌 Want something special? We can arrange a private astronomy session with laser-pointed constellation tours.
H2: 5. Ride a Camel Across the Desert
Step back in time and ride a camel through the desert like the Bedouins once did (and still do). It’s a peaceful, slow-paced way to take in the landscapes, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Camel rides can be:
- 30 minutes
- 1–2 hours
- Half-day rides to your camp
Go Hiking or Rock Climbing
Wadi Rum is a dream destination for hikers and climbers.
Popular trails include:
- Jebel Um Ad Dami – Jordan’s highest peak (~1,854m)
- Burdah Rock Bridge Hike – moderate climb with epic views
- Sand dune walks for all fitness levels
We provide guides for safe and scenic routes, suited for all abilities.
Sandboarding on the Dunes
Yes, you can sandboard in Jordan!
Grab a board, hike up the red dunes, and glide down — it’s fun for kids and adults alike, and a great photo op too.
See Wadi Rum from the Air – Hot Air Balloon or Helicopter
Want the ultimate wow factor? See the desert from above with:
- Hot air balloon rides (early mornings, seasonal)
- Helicopter scenic flights (private, on request)
It’s pricey but unforgettable — we can help arrange it.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum?
✅ Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) are ideal
🌞 Summer gets hot (35–40°C), but nights are cooler
❄ Winter can be chilly but is peaceful and crowd-free
How to Get to Wadi Rum?
- From Petra: ~2 hours by car
- From Aqaba: ~1 hour
- From Amman: ~4 hours
🚗 We offer transfers from all major cities, or you can self-drive to Wadi Rum Visitor Center and meet your guide there.
Final Thoughts from Your Travel Consultant
Wadi Rum isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience that stays with you forever. Whether you want adventure, peace, or cultural depth, this desert offers it all.
Let us create your custom Wadi Rum experience, with the perfect mix of comfort, activities, and expert local guides.
👉 Contact us now to build your desert dream — from camel rides to luxury camps to stargazing under the Milky Way.