Discover the Beauty of Wadi Rum through Hiking: Scramble, Camp, and Explore Hidden Canyons

Wadi Rum is a hiker's paradise, with towering mountains, narrow canyons, and sandy valleys waiting to be explored. As a protected area in the south of Jordan, it boasts 742 square kilometers of dramatic desert terrain, featuring sandstone and granite mountains that rise over 1700 meters high. Hidden in the mountains are ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs engraved by humans over millennia, adding to the area's allure. The Bedouin tribe still lives in the area, with their distinctive goat-hair tents adding to the scenery.

Our hiking trips are designed to take you through the most awe-inspiring locations in Wadi Rum, allowing you to explore the desert landscape and experience the life of a true nomad. We offer a range of hiking itineraries, from adventurous day hikes to multi-day treks, each designed to ensure that you make the most of your time in Wadi Rum. 

Optimal Hiking Season in Wadi Rum:  Discover the Ideal Time to Trek

Find out the best time to hike in Wadi Rum with our comprehensive guide. The optimal months for trekking in this region are February through April and September to November. These seasons boast comfortable temperatures ranging in the mid-20s and clear blue skies, providing an ideal hiking experience. Although winters are cooler, hikers can still enjoy pleasant weather conditions with appropriate gear. However, we strongly advise against hiking during the scorching summer months, as the temperatures can become unbearably hot.

Day Hikes in Wadi Rum

There are many fantastic hiking trails in Wadi Rum known as Bedouin Roads, centuries-old trails through the mountains and canyons used by Bedouin in search of ibex or collecting edible plants and medicinal herbs. Adventurous day hikes allow visitors to discover these Bedouin Roads and take in spectacular views along the way.

A Typical Day

In the morning, visitors will set off across the desert by 4x4 to the trailhead or base of the mountain to begin the hike. The guide will lead the way, and visitors can expect to complete the hike in around 2-3 hours. Lunch will be taken at midday in the shade, and in the afternoon, visitors will continue by 4x4 to visit interesting sights and landmarks in the area before reaching a quiet spot to watch the sunset.

The Best Day Hikes in Wadi Rum

1. Jebel Um Ad Dami: Ideal for those who want a rewarding hike and summit Jordan's tallest mountain. It's an excellent tour for hikers who enjoy uphill hiking and don't mind the uneven, rocky terrain. At the summit, visitors will have views over Wadi Rum, the dark mountains of Saudi Arabia, and the Red Sea in the distance.

2. Burdah Arch: Perfect for hikers and photographers who want to see the naturally formed arch along Jebel Burdah. This off-trail hike is moderately challenging and involves hiking over rock slabs and scrambling in some sections. Once visitors reach the arch, they will be impressed by views extending over Wadi Rum, and they can walk across the arch if they have enough courage!

3. Jebel Al Hash: Perfect for visitors who want a leisurely hike with stunning scenery and epic views. The hike involves a gentle ascent before reaching a flat ridge with great views over Wadi Sabit and the southern mountains bordering Saudi Arabia. At the top, visitors can enjoy searching for small fossils and wildlife, like lizards.

4. Rakhabat Canyon: Ideal for hikers who want a challenging canyon crossing. The hike involves a steep ascent up the cliff, over rock slabs, and scrambling in some sections. The canyon offers a lot of shade and supports a diverse array of desert plants. This hike is more challenging than our other programs, but visitors are rewarded with nice views when they reach Um Ishrin valley.

Hiking tours in Wadi Rum, and sleeping options

Exploring the desert landscape of Wadi Rum is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The vast expanse of the desert offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin people. The best way to experience the desert is by spending a night in the desert, and there are two options for an overnight stay: Desert Camp and Under the Stars camping.

Desert Camp is an ideal option for those who prefer a bit more comfort. In Desert Camp, guests have their own private tent equipped with comfortable bedding. The campsite has a shared restroom with toilets and showers. In the evenings, guests gather in the main tent for dinner and breakfast, which is included in the package.

For those who want a more authentic Bedouin experience, camping Under the Stars is the perfect option. Guests will sleep on a comfortable mattress under a starry sky, and all sleeping equipment, including a pillow, blanket, and sleeping bag, are provided. Guests will also enjoy dinner and breakfast, cooked over the campfire.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, it's important to pack appropriately. Here's a list of items to pack for an overnight stay in Wadi Rum:

Clothing: Light and warm layers of clothes are recommended, such as a t-shirt, long-sleeve top, shorts or light pants. It's also important to bring a sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Footwear: Hiking shoes or sandals with good tread and support are recommended.

Backpack: A backpack is necessary to carry a water bottle and an extra layer of clothes.

Water Bottle: It's important to stay hydrated while trekking, and mineral water is included in all tours.

Wadi Rum is surrounded by rugged mountains and secluded valleys, making it the ideal location for trekking. Trekking programs are available for two days and upwards, and guests will enjoy remote routes and wilderness camping in the unspoilt valleys of the south.

Camping under the stars and relaxing around the campfire is a luxury of desert life. Guests will also gain insight into the Bedouin heritage and learn how to make meals and bake bread beneath the campfire coals. Like early nomads, guests will fall asleep under a canopy of stars.

A typical day in the desert starts with waking up around 7 am and having a basic but hearty breakfast. After breakfast, guests pack up with the help of the guides and begin the first trek of the day for around three hours. A long lunch is taken at midday in the shade. In the afternoon, guests continue hiking for another three hours before establishing camp late afternoon for dinner and rest around the campfire.

All food on the trek is purchased locally and cooked by excellent trek cooks. Breakfast consists of a selection of soft cheese, jam, yoghurt, eggs, ful medames, bread, za’atar, and olive oil, and Bedouin tea. Lunch starts with Bedouin tea, followed by a local dish, like galayet, with hummus, soft cheese, and flatbread. Dinner will usually be zarb, a vegetable stew, or grilled chicken and vegetables cooked over the fire, served with rice, salad, and flatbread. Mineral water is provided, and special diets can be catered to, including vegetarian and most dietary restrictions.

During multi-day treks, guests will be wild camping each night. Desert camping in Wadi Rum is an unbeatable experience. When guests arrive at the campsite, they can rest, collect wood, explore the surroundings, or sit and talk with their guide and trek cook. Dinner is served once it's dark. In the evening, guests can sit around the campfire, keep warm with Bedouin tea, share stories, and enjoy the.