We provide summarised information on all the attractions within the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
Before you visit the desert, prepare by making yourself aware of the best sights and find out which attractions appeal to you!
Lawrence’s Spring
Known as ‘Ain Abu Aineh’ in Arabic. This is the spring where TE Lawrence, the British general who helped the Arabs in their revolt against the Ottoman Empire, stopped to drink and bathe in during his journey across the desert. Like Lawrence’s House, this attraction has a history far older than its namesake. For generations, Bedouin people have come to this spot to have a sip of clean, refreshing water. Trekking up the rocky slope with their children until they reached the pale fig tree that marks the spring’s origin. When the rains are good, many Bedouins will still stop here for a drink. However it’s probably best that the average tourist sticks to bottled water, unless you have a stomach accustomed to the Bedouin lifestyle.
Once you reach the spring, views looking out over the valley are spectacular. Camels plod and stretch long legs at the base of the slope, next to various inscriptions of Thamudic origin. These animals nightly make their pilgrimage towards the spring, signifying this place as a beacon for nature’s precious water source. In the distance, Wadi Rum village sits quietly on one side of the mountain, while on the other, an untainted landscape of red and black rocks make jagged impressions against blue sky.
The water that flows from the rocks nourish brights greens rarely seen in the arid landscapes of Wadi Rum. The mosses provide a stunning contrast to the dry flora of the wider area. Bright green moss and scrub plants burst from the rock crevices. Boldly out of place in this arid landscape, a testament to the importance of water in sustaining life. Below the spring water is piped to troughs for livestock to water.
Al Ramal Red Sand Dune
Among the vast expanses of rust-coloured sand in the Wadi Rum desert, the Red Sand Dune, or ‘Al Hasany’ in Arabic, is one of the most famous ones. Officially named Al Ramal it has become better known by its descriptive name. It stands out against a cliff side like it is part of the mountain. Coloured red by the presence of iron oxide, this dune is fine and soft underfoot making it perfect to walk up barefoot! One activity our Bedouin guides are happy to share with guests is sandboarding! Sand is more difficult to ride than snow or ice due to higher traction. However, accomplished boarders can maneuver without difficulty. Alternatively you can sit and skid all the way from top to bottom. A toboggan ride like no other.
The accent of the dune is challenging. The sand undermines your climb as it falls away from underneath your feet. As you struggle to the top, you will see Bedouin children have fun racing up and down the tall slopes, as well as rolling or sliding from its peak to its base. Once you reach the top of the dune, amazing panoramic views of the valley below greet you as a reward for your climb. This is the area where many shots from the acclaimed film Lawrence of Arabia were taken. It is easy to see how a cinematographer’s eye could be captured by this breathtaking landscape!
Khazali Canyon
Miraculously, his robes spread out around him and carried him to the ground unharmed. His pursuers interpreted this as an act of God, and so determined to let him live. The thief’s name was Ali, and “Khaz” means jump, making the English translation of this site “The Jump of Ali.”
A narrow passage flanked by two fig trees, Khazali Canyon appears unremarkable from the outside. But squeezing through its entranceway to where the rocks widen you see the inscriptions here that marked the paths of the ancients. Nabatean and Arabic traders rested in this place close to a thousand years ago. They used the towering walls to shade themselves from the intense heat of the desert. You can see drawings of elephants and lions; animals that used to roam with the trading caravans that travelled from Egypt via Petra to Damascus. Prayers carved into the rock show where pilgrims rested on their journey to Mecca. A particularly distinct imprint of two, bare feet signified for travellers where they could find a well for drinking water. Even now, in the hot Jordanian summers, Khazali Canyon provides cool relief for locals and tourists alike in the shadow of its imposing walls.
Lawrence’s House
Lawrence’s House in Wadi Rum is called so because TE Lawrence reportedly slept here during his time in the desert. But actually the place has a much older history than its namesake. The British general who united Arab tribes to fight against the Ottoman Empire would have sheltered in this structure around 1917. But the house itself was erected on top of a pre-existing structure built by Nabataeans more than two thousand years ago. The structure was used as a station for passing caravans. As such, the Bedouin people have a different name for this place which translates as “The Small Palace”. Whichever name you use, it is clearly a site steeped in history that continues to fascinate people to this day.
Rising behind the house, a cliff stands dotted with towers of small stones precariously balanced one atop the other. In past times, these structures were used as waymarkers, built by Bedouins to show the safest route along the mountain. But in past years, tourists have flooded the area and started to build their own statues. The multitude of rock piles now signify both an age-old custom and international interest in Bedouin traditions. But don’t attempt to use them as a guide anymore: the real waymakers have long become lost among those casually built by passing travellers.
Um Frouth Rock Bridge
Looking from the ground up at Um Frouth Rock Bridge it’s impossible not to feel awe at this impressive structure, a massive stone slab balanced between two tall peaks. It’s a bit of a scramble to the top, up a smooth slope and along a rocky edge, but once you reach it the views are even more impressive than from below. Leave your camera with somebody on the ground and get them to snap a picture of you silhouetted against the endless sky.
To help you on the way up, there are multiple hand and footholds cut out of the rock that make climbing easier. These footholds are not natural, but were made by Bedouin guides to aid tourists reach the bridge. The Bedouin inhabitants use this area for for grazing livestock in the spring, and themselves have little need for the footholds. Amongst our people we believe that we Bedouin naturally have no fear of heights and are excellent climbers, much like natural characteristics of other ethnicities, be it hair colour or height. All Bedouin men are able to scale the side of the rocks where there is no clear path without any climbing aide. See if you can get a local to demonstrate while you’re here for a real sense of desert adventure!
Mushroom Rock
It’s easy to see how this landmark gets its name — Mushroom Rock stands boldly out against the flat sandy valley surrounding it. A favourite photo opportunity of visitors to Wadi Rum. The rounded head is perched on top of stone stem. Its odd formation is completely natural. Over centuries of wind and rain, the softer layers of sedimentary rock at the base of the structure eroded much faster than the hardened layer above. This spot also signifies something other than an amazing photo opportunity. It also provides a sheltered area where you can find respite from the desert heat. In past times this drew Bedouin herders to this rock.
Abu Khashaba Canyon
Abu Khashaba is a narrow canyon in Wadi Rum. It cuts through Jebel Khashaba from north to south and is a popular tourist sight. The canyon is 4 metres wide and has collected large quantities of sand blown by wind during sand storms. As visitors walk through the shaded canyon they will pass desert trees. With the exception of the fig trees that grow along side springs and seasonal water sources, there are very few trees in the area. These desert trees are slow growing and are able to survive with limited water.
Abu Khashaba is not marked on the Wadi Rum tourist map, however it is located centrally near the edge of the red and white deserts. The canyon is sheltered by the sandstone cliffs from both the east and west. Therefore it provides shelter from the summer heat through much of the day. A comfortable resting place!
Burdah Rock Bridge
For many, it is enough to see this magnificent structure from a distance. Of the tons of ancient rock found throughout Wadi Rum, much has already been eroded away. The wind has carved twisted and jagged shapes out of the softer pockets of granite and sandstone. Among the most distinctive of these features are the rock bridges—and among the most striking of these natural arches is Burdah Rock Bridge.
Burdah is the highest of all the stone arches in the area, and one of the highest in the world. It is 80 metres high! The climb to reach it takes around three hours, with another couple to get to the top of the mountain itself. But once there, the desert and its many mountains spread around you like an impressive painting. Cool wind hurtles through the rock passages; the marbled granite and sandstone mountains appear like giant, above-ground coral reef with their pockmarked caves and deep fissures. Should you choose to stay the night with one of our guides, we can provide comfortable overnight sleeping equipment to set up underneath the stars. With zero light pollution, the black sky above explodes with the light of distant galaxies. An uncountable scattering of brilliant, silver stars.
Burrah Canyon
Burrah Canyon is one of the larger canyon networks in Wadi Rum, located in the north eastern section of the Protected Area. Burrah means fertile ground in Arabic, after the sandy valley floor which was historically used to grow crops. Unlike most of the straight canyons in the area, Burrah snakes its way with twists and turns. The canyon is narrow at its northern end and winds south to where it opens up into the vast valleys to its south.
The canyon is most notable for its natural features and its imposing cliffs. Furthermore there is a Nabataean dam constructed with stones and used throughout time as a water source. It is a designated climbing area, as shown in the map of Wadi Rum. It is a popular option for half day trekking with interesting natural rock formations and many opportunities to shelter from the sun.
The bottom 30 metres of the sandstone cliffs are dark red and rich in iron oxide, forming a variety of jagged shapes. The canyon exhibits the geologic formation of the area with the later post Cambrian deposits above. The white sandstone above is softer and has eroded into rounder shapes. The sandstone mountain which the canyon cuts through is identifiable by its double peak at its western end, the higher of which is particularly pointy for the area.
Anfashieh Inscriptions
It’s hard to believe, examining these age-old petroglyphs up close, that some of the etchings at the Anfashieh Inscriptions site were created two-thousand years ago. The patterns cut into the rock resemble the simple drawings of a child—figures with perfectly round heads, stick-like arms, and triangular torsos; camels with skinny necks and exaggerated humps marching in a two-dimensional procession through rosy stone. They are remarkably preserved, a piece of history captured and frozen in time.
The inscriptions in this area were made by the Thamud and Nabatean peoples, both tribes with a mysterious history. The earliest primary source that speaks of Thamudic presence is an inscription written by Sargon II, an Assyrian king of the 8th century BCE, who describes them as a tribe included in the Assyrian Empire. However, according to Islamic traditions and the later-written Qur’an, the Thamudic people existed earlier than this, warned of the coming judgement of Allah by the prophet Salih. Near to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (around 600 CE) the tribe vanished, whether by volcanic eruption, earthquake, or the foretold wrath of God, is undetermined.
Umm Ad Dami Peak
At the edge of the Wadi Rum desert and less than 3 kilometres from the border with Saudi Arabia, this magnificent behemoth stands tall as the very peak of Jordan — it is 1854 metres above sea-level, the country’s highest point. From a distance, you can take in its enormous width as well as its height; the rock sprawls across the sand like a sleeping animal, at once ready to wake and defend Jordan’s beloved land.
The climb is not overly difficult, but it is still recommended you go with a guide to avoid taking a wrong turn along the mountain’s many scrambling routes. Shield yourself from the sun; there are few shelter spots here, and with the lack of flora and fauna, the sky itself becomes a vital part of the landscape. On a clear day, the reward for reaching the brightly tattered flag that flutters at the top is an unparalleled view. Smaller mountains break the rolling ocean of sand below. Marvel at the vast deserts in Saudi Arabia to the south, while to the north, the Wadi Rum desert is spreads before you like a finally-completed tapestry.
Rakhabat Canyon
Rakhabat Canyon is a narrow gorge that cuts through Jebel Um Ishrin between the Wadi Rum valley and Anfashieh Inscriptions. The gorge is a long technical route that ascends to reach a pass over Um Ishrin and enjoys views high above the valley. The route has several sections that require climbing, although it is achievable without ropes or harness.
There is a plateau on Um Ishrin that overlooks Wadi Rum valley that is easily accessed. After which point there is no obvious route with various steep technical sections. The most difficult section to both navigate and climb, is between the Wadi Rum valley overlook and the pass. The passage on the other side is more gradual and follows a narrow gully making it simple to navigate. It is advisable for anyone attempting the trail without a guide to start at the eastern end as it is easier to follow the route travelling westward.
Jebel Al Qattar
Jebel Al Qattar is potentially Wadi Rum’s most underrated attraction. Along with The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, it is the most unique major rock feature in Wadi Rum. Although it is known for its natural spring and historic cemetery, the best impression of al Qattar is from a distance. Immediately south of Jebel Rum in the red desert, it provides stunning landscape. An amazing photo opportunity!
Wadi Rums main valley is flanked by the steep sandstone cliffs off the four imposing mountains. Although lesser known than Jebel Rum, Um Ishrin and Khazali, al Qattar is no less impressive.
The majestic grandeur of al Qattar captures your attention from the moment it appears on the horizon. Visitors often gasp – “what is that one called?”. As you travel from the south, the dramatic red monolith contrasts the white desert sands. Weathered in a manner that it appears as a series of pillars. Furthermore it is often likened to a huge curtain. Views of Al Qattar are especially good from the south-east to Um Sabatah.
Al Qattar is named after the water dripping from the natural spring at the base of the cliffs. The spring with a large reservoir built to capture the water has acted as a watering hole for nomadic herders for centuries. Its importance is shown by the large cemetery where Bedouin buried those deceased while stationed at the spring.
Al Burj a’Sahrir (Little Bridge)
Wadi Rum has three well known rock arches; Burdah Rock Bridge, Um Frouth Rock Bridge and Little Bridge. The smallest of those, ‘Raqabat al Wadak’, is commonly known as ‘Little Bridge’. Little Bridge is a landmark at the centre of the Red Desert sites of Wadi Rum. It enjoys views over the intersection of the major valleys in Wadi Rum known as Khor al Ajram. The rock bridge is 4 metres above the rocks below and around 7 metres above the valley floor, therefore making it relatively easy to climb for visitors.
It is easy to climb to the top of the Little Bridge. You can walk across the natural stone archway that connects two larger rocks. Perfect for the traveller who wants a taste of adventure without going too high! The rock bridge is only a few metres high, however care must be taken while on top. There is a wide passage to walk across with little risk of falling if you are being sensible. However visitors have injured themselves attempting to jump in a dangerous manner while on the top for photo opportunities. Therefore, take care!
Alameleh Inscriptions
The Alameleh Inscriptions are over 2000 year old Thamudic inscriptions found in the Wadi Rum desert. They depict a large number of camels travelling north. The inscriptions are on an exposed rock face at the base of sandstone cliffs and cover approximately six square metres. The largest individual inscription is a camel that is around one metre tall. Each camel has Thamudic script alongside it to identify ownership.
At the base of many of the sandstone cliffs in the area there is a much harder granite base. This provided the perfect tool to scratch and chisel away the softer sandstone to create 2D figures. The forms and script are not as diverse as those at better known Anfashieh, with few depictions having significant detail. All the camels are facing northward and those with riders are trailing, leading to a conclusion that it depicts a camel caravan. However evidence suggests that various different artists made the inscriptions over time. The variation in Thamudic script that represents both ownership and camel tattoos show they are not made by a single tribe.
