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Jordan Tourism Guide |
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Natural Sites |
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 Wadi
Rum Protected Area |
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Famously described by T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence
of Arabia) as "Vast, echoing and God-like", and
acclaimed by many as one of the most stunning
desertscapes in the world, Wadi Rum is a
nature-lover's paradise.
Serious mountaineers relish its challenging
climbs (some more than 900 metres up sheer
granite and sandstone cliffs), while casual
hikers enjoy the peace and tranquility of its
sweeping vistas, towering rock faces and
boundless empty spaces. Those of calm
disposition will probably prefer a camel ride or
a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent.
Nature lovers will be drawn to the desert in
springtime, when rains bring the greening of the
hills and hundreds of species of wild flowers.
Options for exploring Wadi Rum include 4WD
vehicles and camel rides. The best way, however,
to experience Rum's grandeur is by hiking on
foot and camping. Camel trips from the wadi to
either Aqaba (several days) or Petra (about a
week) may also be arranged.
The Landscape
Wadi Rum's beauty can only be described as
breathtaking. One of Jordan's main tourist
attractions, the area is spotted with
fascinating sandstone mountains decorated with
an array of colours. The magnificent colours of
the mountains spill into the sand dunes
scattered all over the reserve.
Widlife
Wadi Rum holds plants both rare and endemic to
its ecosystem. A greater emphasis has been put
on the Wadi's fauna after a baseline survey
detected the existence of the Gray Wolf,
Blandford's Fox, the Sand Cat and the Ibex
within the area. Additionally, the site is an
ideal area for bird watching with its
120-recorded species.
Exploration - The adventurous way
The vast beauty of Wadi Rum can be further
explored on 4WD vehicle tours that take you deep
into the heart of the desert. Camping, hiking
and camel riding are only a few of the
activities that can be organised through your
travel agent. |
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