Wadi Rum

If you like adventure, you'll love Wadi Rum. Here you can hire a camel and follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climb the highest peaks, or take a safari trip across the rolling sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. You can explore by foot the hidden canyons and discover the secret messages carved in the walls over four thousand years ago, or take a hot air balloon trip and soar with the eagles high above this amazing site.

 
  Hiking

By far the best way to explore the area is by foot and there are excellent opportunities for unusual treks. Many of these will take you down virtually unexplored canyons, or ‘siqs’, where ancient Thamudic inscriptions and drawings can be seen carved into the rocks and Nabataean steps can be found leading to higher places. Also to be discovered are Lawrence’s Well, a Nabataean temple, desert oasis’ and amazing rock bridges. Everywhere are breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of deep tranquillity.

  Climbing

For experienced rock-climbers there are climbs reaching 1,700 meters, which vary between Grade 3 and 5 in difficulty. The rocks are sandstone and excellent climbs are possible, often exceeding the quality and length of those in places such as the Italian Dolomites. Climbers must enquire in advance from the Visitors Centre, as climbs are restricted and must be accompanied by an experienced Bedouin guide.
 

 
   Camel Caravans

Although a common way to explore Wadi Rum is by Jeep safari, many of the more secluded areas are inaccessible to vehicles. Camels offer a more authentic and eco-friendly mode of transport as does horse-riding. Camel and Horse Caravans can be arranged through the Visitors Centre and include trips between Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra. Horse-riding tours are available from independent tour operators and should be booked in advance.

   Bird watching

Because of its unique ecosystem, Wadi Rum is a great place for bird watchers as it is a route for bird migration, the spring and autumn being the best times of the year for this activity. There are a great number of different species to be seen either nesting in the rock faces or soaring on the thermals high above the cliffs. Vultures, Eagles and other larger species of birds can often be seen here too. It's a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars with you.
Night Walking
Night walking in Wadi Rum during the summer months is a surreal experience but not for the fainthearted. Only experienced walkers should undertake this activity as it is easy to become disorientated in this vast wilderness. However, those who do it are always deeply impressed by the experience.

 
  Hot air ballooning

This is also an unforgettable way to view Wadi Rum. Ballooning trips are available during April to June and September to December. The balloons carry up to eight passengers and lift off early in the early mornings, when the winds and thermals are right

Hiking in WadiMujib   

Grab a lifejacket and take the plunge. The river is your only path as you trek uphill from the Dead Sea through the narrow, 50 meter high, walls of the Wadi. Your guide will take you through a series of cascading waterfalls, each more challenging than the one before.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) offers many different adventures in the Mujib, its most extensive trek is known as the 'Lost Trail to the Dead Sea', a full day expedition that descends from the rugged highlands above Mujib, down to the Dead Sea. Not for the fainthearted!
For those who appreciate Mother Nature and the thrill of the outdoors, a hike through the Wadi system may prove to be a challenging exercise rejuvenating the body as well as the mind.