Wadi Rum: Visit Jordan’s Otherworldly Desert

In the most recent film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel Dune, the desert planet Arrakis is home to a mystical substance called spice that fuels the galaxy. Arrakis is brimming with ferocious sandworms and political upheaval that ultimately upsets the balance of power across several planets. Director Denis Villeneuve chose a sweeping expanse of desert known as Wadi Rum in Jordan as a stand-in for Arrakis, because few other places on Earth appear quite as otherworldly. Visitors to Wadi Rum can explore a pristine landscape dotted with jagged, rust-colored hills, natural arches, and red sand dunes galore.

No trip to Wadi Rum is complete without exploring the Red Dunes. These ever-changing piles of soft vermillion sand can be admired from afar, sped through in a four-wheel-drive Jeep, or walked barefoot across. Several tour companies offer guided excursions that explore the Red Dunes in depth.

One of the best ways to experience Wadi Rum is to book a tour hosted by a Bedouin guide. The Bedouin people have lived in the desert for thousands of years and are well-acquainted with the nuances of the arid landscape. Numerous tour companies offer Bedouin-led adventures, including Real Bedouin Experience Tours & Camp. Visitors can hike remote trails, take a Jeep tour of the desert landscape, or even ride a camel. Staying in a Bedouin camp allows travelers to sleep in tents, enjoy traditional rice dishes around a roaring fire, and take in a breathtaking view of a starry night sky free of light pollution.

For those seeking a slightly more upscale experience that still feels rugged, The Valley Resort offers a comfortable alternative. The resort includes amenities such as air conditioning, a sleek swimming pool, and Wi-Fi. If you want to roam the desert Bedouin-style by day and catch up on important emails by night, The Valley Resort is the ideal place to stay. It also offers excursions to iconic Wadi Rum locales, such as the Inscriptions of Nafshiya—ancient carvings etched into a rockface that depict hunting expeditions, gatherings, and rituals.

If you’re a fan of stark landscapes with a barely perceptible human footprint, a trip to Wadi Rum is an absolute must. After a few hours spent exploring the vast red sands of the desert, you might begin to wonder if you’ve left planet Earth and been transported to Arrakis.

• Best Time to Visit:
  The best time to explore Wadi Rum is from March to May or September to November, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear.
• Getting There:
  Wadi Rum is about a 4-hour drive from Amman and 1.5 hours from Aqaba. Most travelers book tours in advance or arrange a transfer with their accommodation.
• What to Pack:
  Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and sturdy shoes are essential. Evenings can get chilly, so bring layers if you’re staying overnight.