Wadi Rum, a protected desert valley of dramatic red sandstone and granite cliffs rising from a wide sandy floor, has been inhabited by Bedouin communities for millennia and served as a backdrop for Lawrence of Arabia's real historical exploits during the Arab Revolt, its otherworldly terrain has since made it a favoured film location for depicting the surface of Mars.
The Desert Landscape
Jeep tours across Wadi Rum's valley floor take in natural rock bridges, ancient Nabataean and Thamudic inscriptions carved into cliff faces, and narrow canyons that offer welcome shade during the heat of the day, a Bedouin driver-guide typically narrates the route and its Lawrence of Arabia connections along the way.
Climbing the smaller rock formations or dunes for sunset views over the valley is a standard part of most tours, with the changing light turning the red sandstone through deeper shades of orange and crimson as the sun drops.
Bedouin Camps and Stargazing
Overnight stays in Bedouin-run desert camps, ranging from traditional goat-hair tents to modern 'bubble' domes offering unobstructed night sky views from bed, are the standard way to experience Wadi Rum properly, including a traditional zarb dinner cooked underground in a sand oven.
The valley's near-total absence of light pollution makes it an exceptional stargazing location, and many camps offer basic astronomy talks or telescope viewing as part of the overnight experience.
Recommended Stay · Wadi Rum · Protected Desert Area
Sun City Camp
A desert camp offering both traditional Bedouin tents and glass-domed 'Martian' rooms, with jeep tours and stargazing sessions included for overnight guests.
