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Wadi Rum
is a naturally occurring work of art created by the Rift Valley.
Once submerged in the waters of the Red Sea, the desert of
Wadi Rum, located in the south, is now one of the most beautiful
parts of Jordan. This nature-lover's paradise is only an hour's
drive from Petra or Aqaba, or a three and a half hour's drive
from Amman. The entrance to the desert is 35 km. to the East
of the Desert Highway. Under the second highest point in Jordan,
the top of Rum mountain, is the village of Rum, complete
with a rest house, shops, restaurants, and local bedouin handicrafts,
will soon have an Internet connection as well! You can get
to the village by taking the public bus from Aqaba, if you
take it from Amman you'll have to get off at the Rum intersection
and then hitchhike (people are normally very friendly, but
take precautions if you are a female traveling alone, it may
be better to tag along with other tourists), or take a taxi
for around 7 J.D. Taxis are also available from Petra (20
J.D.) or from Aqaba. You can easily arranged getting there
with any tour agencie.
If you choose to rent your own car (the most hassle-free way
to enter Rum, click to see a list of rent-a-car
agencies), consider renting a 4 x 4 if you are an advent
urous-type,
and enjoy driving in the sandy, rocky desert. In this case
a G.P.S. (Global Positioning System) is recommended because
it is easy to get lost in the desert, and please remember
to stay on the tracks and help preserve nature! If the car
is not a 4 x 4, or if you don't bring a car, you will have
to leave the village in one of the cars driven by a local
Bedouin. Any Bedouin is more than happy to show you the beauty
of his birthplace, and is sure to help you get in touch with
nature as well as share the Bedouin traditions of hospitality
and simplicity.
If this
is your first trip to Rum, it is recommended to hire a Bedouin
guide, as they will provide you with a full-day tour, traditional
tent accommodations, evening entertainment (Ouood-playing
or singing around a campfire), a traditional meal cooked before
your eyes, and a small breakfast for around 20JD per person.
If you are a vegetarian or have diet restrictions, make sure
to tell your guide well in advance (while negotiating the
price). If you want to drink alcohol on your trip, you need
to bring your own (alcohol is cheapest if purchased in Aqaba).
Some phone numbers of Bedouin guides: 079 5319996, 077 7540229,
079 5675327, 077 7309239, call in advance as they might pick
you up from the Rum intersection if needed.
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A new
visitor center was recently built 7 km. away from the village
and is now functioning. The center charges 1 J.D. for Jordanians
and 2 J.D. for foreigners, 5 J.D. per car entrance fee. You
can choose a tour in the visitor center; options vary from
short to long hikes, rock climbing, camel tours, vehicle tours
or a combination thereof. Tours can be from 2 hours long to
as many days as desired (We recommend at least a one-night
stay, the stars are absolutely indescribable). Prices range
from 2 J.D. for a half an hour camel tour to 40 J.D. for a
full day camel tour. Vehicle tours start from 7 J.D. for a
half an hour tour to 45 J.D. for a full day tour. Inside the
desert you will have the chance to see the most beautiful
landscapes in Jordan, mountains popping out of the sandy ground,
and a sky with millions of stars. You can hike, go on a 4
x 4 adventure, or enjoy the heavenly world of rock
climbing.
You can
also enjoy the activities provided by the Royal Aero sports
club of Jordan, fly in a hot air balloon, sky dive or have
a tour above the spectacular mountains, click
for more information.
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