Wadirum
About Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness area in southern Jordan famous for its dramatic sandstone and granite mountains, red-pink sand dunes, and ancient human history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities like 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, and camping under the stars. The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years and is home to the Bedouin people, who now play a key role in the local tourism industry. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness area in southern Jordan famous for its dramatic sandstone and granite mountains, red-pink sand dunes, and ancient human history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities like 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, and camping under the stars. The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years and is home to the Bedouin people, who now play a key role in the local tourism industry. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness area in southern Jordan famous for its dramatic sandstone and granite mountains, red-pink sand dunes, and ancient human history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities like 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, and camping under the stars. The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years and is home to the Bedouin people, who now play a key role in the local tourism industry. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a protected desert wilderness area in southern Jordan famous for its dramatic sandstone and granite mountains, red-pink sand dunes, and ancient human history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering activities like 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, and camping under the stars. The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years and is home to the Bedouin people, who now play a key role in the local tourism industry.
Geography and landscape
Location: Southern Jordan, about 60 km east of Aqaba.
Landscape: A vast desert valley featuring towering sandstone and granite mountains, rock bridges, canyons, and sand dunes.
Size: The protected area spans 720 square kilometers (about 280 square miles).
Flora: Despite being a desert, it contains some greenery, including fig and olive trees.
History and culture
Ancient history: Evidence of human habitation dates back more than 12,000 years, with over 25,000 petroglyphs and inscriptions found in the area.
Historic trade route: It served as an outpost for nomadic Bedouins and caravans traveling along ancient trade routes between Saudi Arabia and Petra.
Bedouin culture: The Zalabieh tribe is the prominent Bedouin community, preserving their nomadic lifestyle and playing a crucial role in developing and managing the area's tourism.
Tourism and activities
Popular activities: 4x4 jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, rock climbing, and overnight camping in traditional Bedouin camps are popular.
Tourism management: The local Bedouin communities provide guides, tours, meals, and accommodation, with the revenue helping to protect the area.
Filmmaking: The unique and otherworldly scenery has been used as a backdrop for numerous films, most notably Lawrence of Arabia.
