There are many ways to get around Wadi Rum, a desert full of lunar and Martian landscapes that covers a vast area of 72,000 hectares. For this reason, it is important to decide which areas to visit and how, that is, by what means of transport, because if you only use your feet you will only get to know a small part of this spectacular natural reserve protected by Unesco. So here are some feasible ideas, turned into authentic tourist experiences for anyone who enters Wadi Rum. Of course, we rule out the train, which, however, exists and is part of a unique proposal.
4×4 SUV: the most Comfortable and Practical Option
Of course, the SUV is the most comfortable and practical option for getting around Wadi Rum. It is equipped to move on all the tracks of the site and also in off-track areas. Its interior has all the amenities to enjoy the journey, on tours that can last a full day, with 4-seater vehicles and, in some cases, 6-seater vehicles.
Quads and Buggies: Motorized Adventure in the Desert
These are other motorized ways to get around Wadi Rum, but with them the appeal lies in the driving experience. They are open or semi-open vehicles, capable of driving on dunes and very uneven terrain, so the freedom of movement will be wide, with a feeling of speed and adventure that will thrill the most passionate drivers, as if it were a rally. If you cannot or do not want to drive, the option is to go as a passenger in the buggy’s co-pilot seat.
Camels: a Traditional Experience
If we put aside motor vehicles, a very special option is to take a camel ride through Wadi Rum. Let us remember that it was the traditional and usual means of transport for the Bedouin nomads in the past, especially when they crossed the desert on their long trade routes. Nowadays, they are usually walks of several hours that, although not as extensive as the 4×4 rides, do offer a very authentic experience. At the head of the delegation there will always be a Bedouin guide, not only knowledgeable about every corner of Wadi Rum, but also an expert in the treatment and care of these camelids, which are actually dromedaries.
Horses: a Very Natural Ride
Another way to connect with the essence of Wadi Rum is to take a horse ride. At a higher speed than the camel, covering larger areas of the site, you can reach viewpoints, canyons and other iconic places, with the help of professional monitors. The stables from which to start the route are in Wadi Rum Village and routes and experiences are offered for different levels. In a group or privately, it is a highly recommended activity for those who already have experience in riding a horse.
Wadi Rum by bicycle? Yes, it is possible
Finally, we did not want to forget another way to get around Wadi Rum: the bicycle. Of course, it is not the most common means of transport, but there are brave people who are encouraged to travel the most suitable tracks of this natural space, that is, those with a harder surface. In fact, this desert is part of the so-called Jordan Bike Trail, which is a great route that runs from north to south of the country, just like the Jordal Trail on foot, but in this case on tracks suitable for bicycles. As it passes through Wadi Rum, the route enters through the north of the reserve, passing through Shakira and reaching Wadi Rum Village. From here, the route continues south, between canyons and Bedouin camps, descending towards Aqaba.
