Plizio Visual Lab
Wadi Rum
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
national-park
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan near the border with Saudi Arabia. Spanning 720 square kilometers, it features a landscape of narrow canyons, natural stone arches, towering cliffs, and ramps of red sand. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 for both its natural beauty and its cultural significance, as it contains over 25,000 petroglyphs and 20,000 inscriptions. These archaeological remains document 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the desert environment, reflecting the evolution of pastoral, agricultural, and urban activity. The area gained international fame through its association with T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt and has since become a major filming location for science fiction cinema due to its extraterrestrial appearance. The Bedouin population continues to inhabit the region, providing authentic cultural experiences and managing tourism through the Wadi Rum Protected Area office.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Canyon makharas · Anfishieh Inscriptions · Petroglyphs
- Nearby: Aqaba (47 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is typically via the visitor center located off the Desert Highway from Aqaba or Amman, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle or guided tour to enter the deep desert areas.
Best season
The most comfortable time to visit is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), avoiding the extreme heat of summer and freezing desert winter nights.
Terrain & paths
Expect vast stretches of soft red sand dunes interspersed with towering, rugged granite and sandstone mountains, which can be challenging to navigate without an experienced guide.
What to bring
Essential items include strong sun protection, lightweight but layered clothing for drastic temperature shifts, plenty of drinking water, and closed-toe walking shoes.
Parking
Visitors must leave their private vehicles at the designated parking area near the visitor center, transferring to local Bedouin-operated off-road vehicles for further exploration.
Safety
Always travel with a local guide, as getting lost in the vast desert is a real risk. Be mindful of sudden sandstorms and ensure you have sufficient water supplies at all times.
Time needed
A typical visit lasts between a full day and three days, with most travelers opting for an overnight stay in a desert camp to fully experience the spectacular sunset and starry skies.
Geography
Facts
- The protected area covers a total surface of 720 square kilometers.
- Jebel Um ad Dami is the highest peak at 1,840 meters above sea level.
- Over 25,000 petroglyphs from various eras have been discovered here.
- Wadi Rum was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011.
- T.E. Lawrence popularized the area in his book 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'.
- Major films including 'The Martian' and 'Lawrence of Arabia' were shot here.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Wadi Rum (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Wadi Rum?
It is a striking desert landscape with dramatic rock formations and red sand dunes, often called the 'Valley of the Moon'.
How is the best way to explore Wadi Rum?
The best way is to book a guided jeep tour or explore the desert by camel.
When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures.
Can one stay overnight in Wadi Rum?
Yes, there are many Bedouin camps, ranging from simple to luxury with glass 'Mars domes'.
Do I need a guide in Wadi Rum?
Yes, due to the vast and unmarked desert routes, a local guide is highly recommended.
Wadi Rum: where is it located?
Wadi Rum is located in Jordan.
Wadi Rum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Canyon makharas, Anfishieh Inscriptions, Petroglyphs.
Wadi Rum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Wadi Rum: why is it worth visiting?
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan near the border with Saudi Arabia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Jordan →
Nearby cities
Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport on the Red Sea.
Eilat
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.
Haql
A charming coastal city on the Gulf of Aqaba with views of the Sinai Mountains.
Fjord Bay
Fjord Bay is a spectacular diving and sightseeing spot south of Taba, famous for its deep blue hole and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Taba Heights
A master-planned luxury resort community near Taba offering upscale hotels, golfing, and a relaxing ambiance nestled between mountains an…
🗺️
Ma'an
Ma'an is the largest city in Jordan's arid south.
History & landmarks
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The famous Treasury is the most iconic monument of Petra.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This remote site north of Petra once served as a suburb for passing merchants.
Nature
More places
Jabal Ram
A massive sandstone mountain in Wadi Rum that was long mistakenly believed to be the country's highest peak.
Jabal Umm ad-Dami
At over 1800 meters, this is the highest mountain in Jordan, located in the extreme south near the Saudi border.
King Hussein International Airport
The airport in Aqaba, serving as an important center for tourism and air cargo in the south.
Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA)
A duty-free zone that attracts investors with low taxes and simplified regulations on the Red Sea.
Aqaba Fort
A Mamluk-era coastal fortress that was the site of a major victory during the Arab Revolt of 1917.
Aqaba Bird Observatory
A vital stopover for migratory birds on their journey between Europe and Africa.
Aqaba Container Terminal
One of the most important ports on the Red Sea, connecting Jordan to global trade.
Aqaba New Port
A state-of-the-art port facility built to expand Jordan's maritime capacities.