Near Aqaba: Wadi Rum

Those who most appreciate the majestic grandeur of Wadi Rum revel in its inaccessibility. Few buses and no service come here, and most Jordanians have never been to this area located nearly 300km south of Amman. Buses and service along the Desert Highway can drop you off 25km north of Aqaba at the turn-off marked “Rum-30km.” From there many people hitch a ride east and south to the Desert Police Headquarters within Wadi Rum.

Hitching, always dangerous, is not a feasible option in the summer due to the lack of traffic in the area. Do not attempt it. A far wiser option is to form a group and either hire a taxi in Aqaba to transport you to and from Wadi Rum (JD15 per taxi) or rent a car on your own. Some of the more expensive Aqaba hotels organize their own trips; ask in advance. The journey is 90 minutes from Aqaba; the entrance fee, which includes tea or coffee in a Bedouin tent, isJDl. The Jordanian government has decided to push Wadi Rum as a tourist attraction—Douglas Scott climbed it in 1975 and they feel it’s in your best interest to do the same.