Wadi Rum
This is a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and God-like..."
A maze of monolithic rockscapes rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750m creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces and explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4000-year-old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store.
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Also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’, this is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and T.E. Lawrence based their headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in World War I, their exploits intrinsically woven into the history of this amazing area.
There are several options for exploring Wadi Rum. Head for the Visitors' Centre where, apart from visitors’ facilities, you can hire a 4x4 vehicle, together with driver/guide, and then drive for two or three hours into the Wadi system to explore some of the best known sites. Alternatively you can hire a camel and guide. The duration of the trip can be arranged beforehand through the Visitors' Centre, as can a stay under the stars in a Bedouin tent, where you can enjoy a traditional campfire meal accompanied by Arabic music. Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by the Bedouins. Their culture is very different to those of more liberal western cultures and skimpy shorts and tops will be considered disrespectful.
There are several options for exploring Wadi Rum. Head for the Visitors' Centre where, apart from visitors’ facilities, you can hire a 4x4 vehicle, together with driver/guide, and then drive for two or three hours into the Wadi system to explore some of the best known sites. Alternatively you can hire a camel and guide. The duration of the trip can be arranged beforehand through the Visitors' Centre, as can a stay under the stars in a Bedouin tent, where you can enjoy a traditional campfire meal accompanied by Arabic music. Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by the Bedouins. Their culture is very different to those of more liberal western cultures and skimpy shorts and tops will be considered disrespectful.