NightsoulWadi Rum Camp
Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

The Valley of the Moon

A protected UNESCO landscape. 720 square kilometres of red sand, towering sandstone, ancient inscriptions, and the silent dignity of a desert that has held travellers since the dawn of time.

Sandstone cliffs at golden hour
01

The land

The desert was carved into sandstone and granite over hundreds of millions of years. The sea once shaped these strange forms; today they rise as cliffs and arches across 720 square kilometres of protected terrain.

Highest peak
Jabal Um ad Adami — 1,840 m, near the Saudi border
Central peak
Jabal Rum — 1,734 m, with panoramic views across the protected area
Rock
Sandstone and granite, sculpted by ancient water and wind
Human history
Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions from the 4th century BC, especially in Khazali Canyon
02

Flora

Native desert herbs traditionally harvested by Bedouins, spring-blooming wildflowers, and shrubs used for fuel. Near water sources grow figs, olives and mint — sustenance and shade for both wildlife and travellers.

03

Fauna

Camels are the most visible — they can survive a week without water. Foxes, hedgehogs, dormice and rabbits move mostly at night. Falcons and eagles ride the thermals above the cliffs. Reptiles and scorpions inhabit the rocks. The endangered oryx is protected nearby.

04

Weather & best time to visit

Pleasant year-round, with very little rain — only about fifteen days of rainfall a year. August averages 34°C with heat waves over 40°C. January averages around 14°C, with cold nights and occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn are golden; summer days are intense; winter nights are cold and clear.

Winter
10 daylight hours, 8 hours of sun
Summer
14 daylight hours, 13 hours of sun
05

What to wear & bring

What to wear

✦Summer — loose cotton clothes with long sleeves and trousers; a light jacket for the evening
✦Winter — warm trousers, thick sweaters, a substantial coat; layers for the temperature swing
✦Footwear — closed shoes with grip (sneakers, trainers, walking shoes); avoid sandals during tours
✦Headwear — scarf, bandana or brimmed hat; sunglasses
✦Cultural — modest dress is appreciated: cover shoulders, legs, chest

What to bring

✦Sunscreen and lip balm
✦Camera or phone, plus a portable battery
✦A small backpack — jeep space is limited
✦A torch or flashlight for the camp at night
✦Towel and basic toiletries (we provide bedding and water)
✦Mosquito repellent for the occasional night visitor
06

How to get to Wadi Rum

The visitor centre is the gateway to the protected area — open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance: 7 JOD per international visitor; free for children under 12. Jordan Pass holders enter at no extra cost.

From Amman

  • Car — 4 h 5 min · 320 km via the Desert Highway
  • Bus — via Petra (3 h, 10 JOD) or via Aqaba (4 h, 10 JOD)
  • Taxi — 4 h, ~110 JOD per vehicle

From Aqaba

  • Car — 1 h · 70 km via the Desert Highway
  • Bus — daily 8:00 AM, arrives 9:30 AM (15 JOD per person)
  • Taxi — 25 JOD from city, 45 JOD from airport

From Petra (Wadi Musa)

  • Car — 1 h 50 min · 112 km via the King's Highway
  • Bus — daily door-to-door pick-up 6:00–6:30 AM (10 JOD per person)
  • Taxi — 2 h, ~40 JOD per vehicle

From the Dead Sea

  • Car — 4 h 15 min · 335 km via the Dead Sea Highway
  • Taxi — 4 h, ~110 JOD per vehicle