Your Unique Wadi Rum Experience

Bedouin Life

Breathtaking desert landscape await the visitor to Wadi Rum. The desert of Wadi Rum is a major highlight of a visit to Jordan—and the Middle East—for nature—and for its people.

Wadi Rum Desert Jordan

The southern Jordanian desert has been frequented by nomads and migrating travelers for thousands of years. There is evidence that Nabatean people, who build Petra, and the ancient Thamud tribe, relatives to the Nabateans, passed through the area and numerous rock inscriptions document the human influence in this vast desert area. It is notable that Lawrence of Arabia had his base near Wadi Rum during his stay in the region.

The Bedouin—People & Parks

There are opportunities and challenges associated with Community-based tourism in Wadi Rum as elsewhere in the world. It is for certain that Bedouin people at Wadi Rum depend strongly on tourism and that we need your support!

Prehistoric utilization and old cultures

Wadi Rum is situated in the south of Jordan and is a designated national Protected Area. It was set up to protect the unique desert environment and to provide the locally residing Bedouin peoples with opportunities to engage in community-based tourism activities.

Wadi Rum is composed of “free access”, wilderness and specifically dedicated climbing areas. Tours are allowed in the “free access” areas with local Bedouin guides.

 

The Protected Area

The southern Jordanian desert is dominated by hyper-arid and arid climatic conditions and vast desert landscapes extent to the borders of Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea. Granite, basalt and sand stone mountains reach across the country and sediments blown out by wind erosion build up significant sand deposits.

Geology & Geomorphology

Although most visitors to Wadi Rum are mainly in awe with its landscapes and the night sky, there is abundant desert life to be found. Tenebrionid beetles, reptiles, snakes and lizards, and other desert folks can be found and observed on desert excursions. Specially adapted plants survive the harsh climate and water stress. In 2002 a small herd of Arabian Oryx antelope were allocated for re-introduction in the Wadi Rum area. To date the animals have not yet been successfully released, however attempts for protection of the environment and improved conservation are being made.

Fauna & Flora

Contact: Tyseer Mohammed Azalapia, Mobile: +962 777946394, e-mail: Tyseer@bedouinlife-jordan.com

© Bedouin Life Jordan, 2006