Follow in the footsteps of T.E. Lawrence across the Wadi Rum. From Aqaba, it’s only an hour’s drive to vast rippled sand dunes. You may not be leading an Arab revolt but you can certainly go camel trekking as Lawrence did or get your kicks on a roaring jeep drive. Why not take to the skies in a hot air balloon and soak up the sheer scope of the desert. Hungry work? Feast on mezze and mint tea in a Bedouin-style tent. The more intrepid may be tempted to spend the night under the stars and wake up to dawn’s amber-red hues.

Wadi Rum is everything you’d expect of a quintessential desert: it is extreme in summer heat and winter cold; it is violent and moody as the sun slices through chiselled siqs (canyons) at dawn or melts the division between rock and sand at dusk; it is exacting on the Bedouin who live in it and vengeful on those who ignore its dangers. For most visitors, on half- or full-day trips from Aqaba or Petra, Wadi Rum offers one of the easiest and safest glimpses of the desert in the region. For the lucky few who can afford a day or two in their itinerary to sleep over at one of the desert camps, it can be an unforgettable way of stripping the soul back to basics.

Stay: Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel

Address: Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

The Wadi Rum UFO Luxotel is a unique accommodation option located in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan. It offers guests the opportunity to stay in futuristic, UFO-shaped domes that provide a blend of comfort and adventure amidst the stunning desert landscape.

We fulfilled our dream of staying in a bubble tent in the middle of the desert. It was such a magical experience, seeing the starry night from the comfort of our tent. It comes with a comfortable queen-sized bed, a shower and wash basin. Dinner was also included in our stay, which was a lovely spread of traditional Jordanian and Bedouin food. The hotel can help you arrange for desert tours and also transfers. For us, we had a rental car which we parked at a carpark, before taking the hotel’s 4×4 jeep transfer to the middle of the desert where the hotel is located.

The next morning, we set off on a jeep tour to explore Wadi Rum. We drove to the entrance of the national park and met our guide there. During a jeep tour, you can expect to visit iconic sites such as Lawrence’s Spring, Lawrence’s House, Khazali Canyon, and Um Fruth Rock Bridge, among others. Your guide will share insights into the history, culture, and geology of the region, making the experience both educational and immersive.

Lawrence Spring

Lawrence Spring is one of the many fascinating attractions in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan. It is named after T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, who was a British archaeologist, military officer, and writer. Lawrence played a significant role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, and he spent time in the Wadi Rum area.

Lawrence Spring is located within the vast desert landscape of Wadi Rum, which is characterised by its towering sandstone cliffs, red sand dunes, and unique rock formations. The spring itself is a natural water source that emerges from the rocks, providing a lifeline for wildlife and nomadic Bedouin tribes who have historically inhabited the region.

Khazali Canyon

An easy siq to explore is the narrow fissure that cuts into Jebel Khazali. It is a narrow fissure that cuts Jabal Khazali. Since it is an area where water collects in the desert, from antiquity onwards the site has been regarded as holy and blessed. You can explore on foot for about 150m, far enough to appreciate the cool shade and to see inscriptions made by the ancients who used the siq for the same purpose. Look out for drawings of ostriches, pairs of feet and a woman giving birth.

One of the highlights of Khazali Canyon is the presence of prehistoric petroglyphs and inscriptions believed to be thousands of years old. These carvings depict various scenes of daily life, wildlife, and ancient rituals, providing valuable insights into the lives of the early inhabitants of the area.

Lawrence’s House

Lawrence’s House, also known as Beit Ali (Ali’s House), is a historical site located within the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. It is a simple stone structure situated in a picturesque desert setting, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and vast open spaces. It is believed that Lawrence and his associates used the house as a base during their time in Wadi Rum, and it holds historical significance as a symbol of Lawrence’s connection to the region.

Abu Kashaba Canyon

The Wadi Rum desert is vast and contains numerous canyons, rock bridges, and other geological formations, each with its own unique characteristics and beauty. Abu Khashaba canyon is one of the impressive canyons of Wadi Rum. The contrast between red and yellow sun with green bushes and trees is fascinating. This walk through the canyon takes about 45 minutes. There were some parts with huge boulders that require some clambering. And since we were walking on the valley floor it was shaded by the towering cliffs.

Our driver dropped us at one end and picked us up at the other end. Along the way, we also encountered a group of ultramarathoners who were doing some practice in the desert or probably sightseeing, one day before their actual race.

Um Fruth rock bridge

15 metres up from the floor, Um Fruth rock bridge is one of the most photographed places in Wadi Rum. It’s not complicated to climb it if you don’t suffer from vertigo, just 5 minutes to reach the top. The ascent looks complicated but once I am on the rocks, it was quite easy, for me it only took 5 minutes to reach the top of the bridge and had a good photo opportunity there. This rock bridge, like many others in Wadi Rum, offers visitors a stunning backdrop against the vast desert landscape.

Seeing Um Fruth Rock Bridge firsthand is a memorable experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the wonders of nature and the geological formations that have been shaped over millennia.

We ended our tour with Um Fruth rock bridge and took a photo with our young Bedouin guide. He spoke good English and will sometimes offer to help us to take some nice photos. He then dropped us off at the carpark before bidding us goodbye. It was an enjoyable tour through the desert and we were amazed by the various landscapes. The 4h 4X4 tour was sufficient, though for those on a tight schedule may choose a 2h tour which only covers three sites. Overall, a Wadi Rum jeep tour offers a memorable and adventurous way to experience the stunning beauty of the desert landscape and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.