In the surrounding area of Wadi Rum, striking red rock walls invite visitors to climb. Archaeological traces in the Wadi Rum Protected Area tell of a long history of human settlement. Camel rides, 4WD tours and starry nights add a range of experiences. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different highlights: landscape, cultural heritage, activities and a clearly defined endpoint of the Jordan Trail.

Rock Formations in the Protected Area and Surroundings

The desert landscape of the Wadi Rum Protected Area includes narrow canyons, natural arches, high cliffs, ramps, massive landslides and caves. This presents two perspectives side by side: climbing the red rock walls in the surrounding area is a specific activity, while the different terrain features shape the landscape character of the protected area. If you are weighing up an activity against the landscape experience, you can consider these highlights separately.

Archaeological Traces and the History of Settlement

Petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains are widespread in the Wadi Rum Protected Area. They bear witness to 12,000 years of human settlement and to the interaction between people and the natural environment. These traces link the long history of settlement with the landscape in which they originated. Those interested in cultural history can explore archaeological traces and the relationship between human presence and the natural environment together.

Desert Activities and Starry Nights

Wadi Rum also offers a 4WD tour as an experience in the wider destination of Aqaba. Visitors can arrange a time through their camp or the visitor centre. In the surrounding area, camel riding is a long-standing desert experience. RumSky gives visitors the chance to experience Wadi Rum’s starry nights. Its guided programme introduces them to the universe and covers stars, planets and nebulae. The offerings have different focuses: 4WD tours and camel rides are desert experiences, while RumSky puts the sky and its wonders centre stage.

The Jordan Trail Ends in Wadi Rum Village

The section of the Jordan Trail from Petra to Wadi Rum ends in Wadi Rum village. If you are planning this section, check the latest route information before your trip.

Aqaba’s Distinct Historical Context

In the wider destination of Aqaba, Wadi Rum is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aqaba itself has its own archaeological and historical focus. The walled Islamic city of Ayla had an approximately rectangular layout measuring 170 × 140 metres and an area of about 24,650 square metres. Its history dates back to the early Islamic period and includes, among others, the eras of the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid caliphates.

The origins of Aqaba Castle date back to the reign of the Mamluk Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri (1501–1517). Next to Aqaba Castle is the house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali. Built in 1917, it was the first residence constructed by the inhabitants of Aqaba and featured traditional Hejazi architecture. The house served as Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s residence, was later used as a government building and subsequently converted into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. Fully restored, it serves as the National Museum.

Discover more destinations: Aqaba, Ajloun, Ma'an, Jarash, Madaba, Aţ Ţayyibah, Irbid

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