Helpful guide

DISCOVER OUR HANDY GUIDE TO EXPLORING WADI RUM.

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BEDOUIN CULTURE IN WADI RUM

 

The Bedouins of the Alzalabieh tribe, around 3,000 people, have lived in the Wadi Rum desert for decades, leading a nomadic lifestyle.
They move in search of resources such as water and food for their animals, including goats, sheep, and camels, and they adapt to the seasons.

Women play a key role in making goat wool tents (black and white), which are sturdy, rain-resistant, and retain heat. The tents are divided into two sections: one for men and guests, and another for women.

Hospitality is a fundamental value among the Bedouins: offering tea and a meal, even to strangers, is a must.

Traditional dishes include zarb (cooked under the sand) and mansaf (made with rice, lamb or chicken, fermented yogurt, and spices). When dining with guests, it’s rare for Bedouins to eat with them, out of respect, to avoid taking their share.

Men wear white qamis and red-and-white keffiyeh, while women dress in black abayas and hijabs. As Muslims, many Bedouin customs are shaped by their faith. They also have traditional dances and songs, one of which is used to deter thieves by making loud noises near the fire, creating the illusion of a larger group.

Wadi Rum could almost be a country of its own, as its customs differ so much from other parts of Jordan. We won’t reveal everything because the goal is for you to experience this fascinating Bedouin culture yourself.

OUR SITES

DISCOVER THE SITES BELOW DURING YOUR CLASSIC JEEP TOUR IN THE WADI RUM DESERT.

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LAWRENCE SPRING

RED SAND DUNE

KHAZALI CANYON

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LAWRENCE SPRING

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FAQ

HOW TO BOOK ?
  • Go to the “Book Your Activity” section at the top of the page. Fill out the form with your chosen activities and accommodations, ask any questions if needed, and click “Send.” We will respond within 24 hours. 
  • For a quicker response, especially for last-minute bookings, contact us via WhatsApp at +962 7 7545 8034 (WhatsApp messages only; WhatsApp calls with a Jordanian number do not work in Jordan). For calls, use +962 7 7879 0511. Please provide your full name, number of people, chosen activities, and nights.

     

  • You can also book through our social media: on Instagram @wadi_rum_mars_on_earth or on Facebook Wadi Rum Mars on Earth.

     

  • Communication can be done in French and English.

     

  • Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you all the necessary information for your arrival, including the time, meeting place, and what to bring.
HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK ?
  • Payment is made in cash, in Jordanian dinars, directly on-site. We do not accept euros.

     

  • Please note that there are no electronic payment terminals (POS) in the village of Wadi Rum, so credit card payments are not possible.

     

  • There is an ATM at the Visitor Center (about 7 km before the village of Wadi Rum), but it is often out of service. Therefore, we recommend withdrawing cash in advance in cities like Aqaba, Amman, or Petra.

     

  • We do not require any advance payment and place our trust in you.

     

  • If you do not have enough cash, we can also accept a bank transfer, subject to additional fees.

WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION TERMS ?
  • You can cancel up until the last minute, as we do not require a booking guarantee. We trust you.

     

  • However, it’s preferable to notify us in advance for organizational purposes.

     

  • On the other hand, if you cancel an already booked activity once on-site, you will need to pay the full amount of the planned program, again for organizational reasons. For example, if you book a two-day program but decide to participate in only one day, you will still need to pay for the two days, as our guides, vehicles, and meals are planned in advance.

     

  • This does not apply to hot air balloon flights and camel-related activities.

WHAT ARE THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES ?
  • Arrival times vary depending on the season. In general, we meet between 9:00 and 9:30 AM: at 9:30 AM from March to September and at 9:00 AM from October to February, as the sunset is earlier. These times apply to full-day tours.

     

  • For evening arrivals, we welcome guests between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on the time of year and the sunset. It is also possible to arrive later if needed.

     

  • For half-day tours or 3-hour tours, arrivals are in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour. For those who stayed overnight, these excursions begin between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. You will do your tour in the morning and return directly to the village, our meeting point, at the end.

     

  • On the morning of your departure, if you have no planned activity, returns to the village are around 9:00 AM.

     

  • For departures at the end of the day after a full-day tour, it is usually after sunset if you are with other guests. If you are alone or on a private visit, you can leave at a time that suits you.

HOW AND WHERE TO FIND US ?
  • We meet at the parking lot in the village of Wadi Rum, located at the entrance of the village on your right. This parking is free and monitored, so it’s safe.

     

  • To reach us by car, you will need to pass by the Visitor Center, located 7 km from the village. There, they will ask you to validate your Jordan Pass or, if you don’t have one, to pay 7 JOD per person for the park entrance, as it’s a protected area. They will also ask if you have a reservation and at which camp. You can tell them you’ve booked with “Wadi Rum Mars on Earth” with Khaled (my husband). Then, continue driving for another 7 km until you reach the village of Wadi Rum. Park here and send us a WhatsApp message at +962 7 7545 8034 to let us know you’ve arrived, and our team will come to pick you up.

     

  • To join us by bus, there are very few connections available. A bus leaves from Petra between 6:00 and 6:50 AM and arrives in Wadi Rum village between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. The price is 10 JOD per person. Please check directly with your accommodation in Petra.

     

  • The Jett bus service provides a daily connection between the Jett bus station in Aqaba and the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. The departure is at 8:00 AM, and the arrival is at 9:30 AM, with a fare of 15 JOD per person.

     

  • A local bus runs between the Aqaba bus station and the village of Wadi Rum every day except Friday. Departures are between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, once the bus is full.

     

  • If you need a taxi, feel free to ask us, and we can book one for you. Here are the taxi fares:
    – Petra-Wadi Rum: approximately 45 JOD
    – Wadi Rum-Aqaba (city center): approximately 25 JOD
    – Wadi Rum-Aqaba (South Beach): approximately 30 JOD
    – Wadi Rum-Amman: approximately 100 JOD

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS ?
  • You don’t need to bring any gear or equipment for sleeping under the stars.

     

  • We sleep in a shelter and provide all the necessary equipment: thick mattresses, mattress protectors, blankets, and pillows.

     

  • We regularly clean the equipment, but during peak season, it may be more difficult. If you are sensitive, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag.

     

  • You may also want to bring a headlamp (useful for eating or doing something else at the same time) or use your phone’s light, toilet paper, and your eyes to enjoy the incredible starry sky.

     

  • Reminder: The desert is a fragile environment, and we ask you to contribute to its preservation by not throwing papers or other waste into nature. We have a trash bin, and papers should be disposed of or burned properly. The bivouac site does not have toilets or showers.

     

  • For meals, my husband’s mother or a Bedouin guide prepares traditional dishes like mansaf, maglouba, etc. If you have allergies or a special diet, please let us know. During peak season, it may be challenging to meet everyone’s needs, so feel free to bring some personal provisions.

     

  • Tea and water are included. Sometimes we have marshmallows to roast.

     

  • A guide will stay with you for the night, so you won’t be alone. No worries!

     

  • Claire is present every evening by your side. However, given the possible presence of other people at the bivouac and fixed campsite, she splits her time between the two. She makes an effort to maximize her time with each of you, fostering sharing and creating genuine connections between the Bedouins and you.

WHAT ESSENTIALS TO BRING FOR THE DESERT ?
  • You can bring a hat or sun protection to shield yourself from the heat. Don’t forget sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes or ankle-supporting footwear, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing made of cotton gauze, for example, from May to October.

     

  • Women can wear short clothing if they wish, which is common among tourists, and there’s no problem for children either.

     

  • Also, bring a warm jacket for the sunset and warm clothing for nights in the bivouac from mid-October to mid-May, as the nights can get chilly in the desert during this period.

     

  • It’s recommended to bring shoes that you’re not afraid to get dirty, as the red sand can stain. Snacks can be helpful, especially for children, between meals.

     

  • Water and tea are included and available freely.

     

  • For reasons of space and organization, please bring a bag with everything you need for your stay in the desert, so you don’t overload the vehicle with food, water, a cooler (in summer), and other travelers’ belongings.

     

  • You can leave your suitcases in your car safely, or we can store them at our house for those arriving by taxi or bus.

     

  • Bring wet wipes, toilet paper, and a lamp for nights under the stars.

     

  • For camping nights, consider bringing shampoo, shower gel, and, if possible, towels (laundry can sometimes be delayed).

     

  • We can warm bottles over the fire for children, who are welcome to stay for the nights in the bivouac.

     

  • Note that we do not have baby cribs, so it’s better to bring one if needed. You can bring baby gear in our jeep with no problem.

HOW TO BOOK AND WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT ?
  • We make it easy to book a hot air balloon flight with the provider to enhance your stay. To book, please provide the names of all participants. You can select “Hot Air Balloon Flight” in the “Book Your Activity” reservation form or contact us via WhatsApp at +962 7 7545 8034.

     

  • The price is set by the tourism office at 165 JOD per person and 120 JOD per child (ages 8-12). This activity is not available for children under 8 years old.

     

  • The flight lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour, depending on weather conditions.

     

  • Departures are only in the morning, at sunrise.

     

  • Payment is made directly to the provider, either in cash (Jordanian Dinars) or by credit card.

     

  • By booking with us, the transfer from your camp or bivouac location is free. We recommend spending the night at the camp the evening before the flight to avoid disrupting other travelers. Departures to the office (at the village, where we meet) typically occur 1 to 1.5 hours before sunrise. The exact time will be confirmed on-site.

     

  • For an optimal experience, we suggest planning your flight on the day of your departure from us if you don’t have any other scheduled activities. We provide jeep transfer from our camp or bivouac site to the provider’s office (about 20 minutes). The provider will then take you in a jeep to the launch site and bring you back to the village at the end of the flight (where your car is parked). The hot air balloon flights take place outside the protected area of Wadi Rum, before the Visitor Center.

     

  • For those who have booked their own hot air balloon flight, an additional fee will be charged for the transfer.

WHAT ARE THE TENTS EQUIPPED WITH ?

SLEEPING OPTIONS:

  • Double bed or 3 single beds.
  • Double bed + 2 single beds (max. 4 people per tent).
  • Option to add a bed for a family of 5.

PRIVATE BATHROOM:

  • Shower, toilet, sink, and mirror.
  • Toilet paper provided.

COMFORT AND VIEW:

  • Sheets, pillows, mattresses, blankets.
  • Open view of the desert through a large window.

ELECTRICITY AND WATER:

  • Electric outlets (bring a 3-pronged square adapter, but it’s possible to plug in with 2 prongs).
  • Powered by solar energy:
    • Hot water is available easily in summer.
    • In winter, it may be more complicated.
  • Unlimited water and tea.

NO WI-FI:

  • No internet connection, as the protected area lacks antennas, which is great for disconnecting and enjoying the surroundings.

AROUND THE CAMP:

  • No direct view of other camps.
  • Free walks around the camp.

RELAXATION SPACE AND ACTIVITIES:

  • Outdoor sofas for stargazing.
  • Camp located between two large mountains.
  • Volleyball court (bring your own ball, as ours is lost).

MAIN LARGE TENT AND MEALS:

  • Space for meals, tea around the fire, discussions, and singing.
  • Dinner and breakfast included during your stay at the camp.
  • Traditional dishes served: Zarb (cooked under the sand), Mansaf, Maglouba, or Kebsa.

 

CAN YOU OBSERVE STARS AND UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS ?
  • Wadi Rum is an ideal place to observe the stars due to its low light pollution and mostly clear skies. The region is protected, ensuring there is no light pollution.

     

  • The best time for stargazing is in summer, from April to October, when the sky is almost always clear. The month of August is particularly favorable for observing shooting stars.

     

  • However, in general, you can observe the stars year-round.

     

  • It’s important to check that you’re not during a full moon, as moonlight can make stargazing difficult. The best time is after the full moon.

WHEN IS IT BEST TO VISIT WADI RUM ?
  • You can enjoy Wadi Rum year-round.

     

  • The most pleasant months are March, April, May, September, October, and November, though these are also the most touristy months.

     

  • In summer, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 45°C.

     

  • January and February are the coldest months, especially at night, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 16°C. There may be rare showers, but they usually pass quickly.

     

  • Summer and winter see fewer tourists, making them ideal seasons for those seeking more tranquility.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO ENTER JORDAN ?

To enter Jordan, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of arrival. French nationals need a visa, which can be obtained in several ways:

  • Upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport in Amman or any other airport or border, for a cost of 40 JOD (around 55 euros, payment only in Jordanian dinars).

OR

OR

  • At King Hussein Airport in Aqaba, the visa is free.

OR

  • Another option is to purchase a Jordan Pass before your arrival. This pass grants a free visa and free access to 43 tourist sites in Jordan, including Petra and Wadi Rum, provided you stay at least 3 nights in Jordan. The prices for the Jordan Pass are:

    • 1 day in Petra: 70 JOD
    • 2 days in Petra: 75 JOD
    • 3 days in Petra: 80 JOD

The Jordan Pass is often the best option, as a visa costs 40 JOD and a day at Petra costs around 50 JOD. For more details, visit https://www.jordanpass.jo.

 

Mansaf: Traditional Jordanian

Dish Recipe

Recipe for Mansaf Sauce (Bedouin Version)

The traditional Bedouin method for preparing the Mansaf sauce begins by letting goat milk rest for 5 to 6 hours. Take the skin of the goat and close it at the legs, leaving the part where the head was open to insert the milk. Once the milk is inserted, close the skin completely, creating a mixture of milk and air. Hang it on three sticks and stir for 1.5 hours.

After this time, you will get two parts: cheese on top and milk on the bottom. Remove the cheese and set it aside. Heat the milk for 30 minutes. Two layers will form: water at the bottom and milk at the top. Filter the milk to obtain a very smooth paste and add salt.

Form balls with this paste and let them dry in the sun for several days. This allows you to preserve the preparation throughout the year because the balls harden, and insects cannot penetrate them.

When you’re ready to prepare the Mansaf, crush the balls and dip them in warm water. Break them down into pieces and stir a little. The sauce is ready! You can add some cheese for extra flavor.

Note: This recipe follows the traditional method used by Bedouins for decades. We apologize if it may shock some vegetarians, but this recipe relies on goat milk and cheese. Since this method can be challenging to execute outside the desert, you can easily replace goat milk with yogurt for a more convenient alternative.