Global Wanderer

5/4/24 – 6/4/24

I had opted to take a ride from Petra to Wadi Rum Village with Asri Tours, a minibus operator that makes the trip twice a day. Everyone in this area is well-connected, and the guy who runs Asri Tours (on the minibus, of course) contacted Ibrahim, the manager of Wadi Rum Fire Camp (who I would be going on a Jeep tour, and staying with), to keep him updated with my arrival time. We stopped several times along the way, picking up locals who were travelling the route – it seemed to be a popular way for them to get around! Finally, we pulled into the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Centre, just outside of the village itself, so that myself and a Spanish traveller also making the journey, could have our Jordan Passes checked and stamped (entry to the Wadi Rum Protected Area costs 5JOD (about $12AUD), and an additional 25JOD if you’re travelling in a 4×4). Finally, we were dropped off at the village teahouse, where I sat with a hot cup – heaped with sugar, as is the Jordanian way – waiting for my Jeep guide.

My introduction to Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum is a desolate, desert landscape, dotted with campsites home to the local Bedouins (and now, a healthy stream of tourists and Jordanian visitors). Its appeal stems from its unique nature – desert cliffs, expanses of sand, the odd fig tree growing inexplicably in the middle of nowhere – and the opportunity to experience the life of the Bedouin, the nomadic Arab tribes that have called the deserts home for centuries.

I had organised a full-day Jeep tour and overnight camp stay with Ibrahim from Wadi Rum Fire Camp – ensuring I’d get to see all of Wadi Rum’s major sites (including Lawrence Spring and Lawrence House – named after the famous Lawrence of Arabia). I met a few people along the way, and spent most of the day with Sophie, a British-French student who had recently moved to Amman to learn Arabic, and our Bedouin guide, whose Jeep driving skills, knowledge of the desert landscape, and lunchtime cooking were all very impressive!

A collection of photos from across the desert – including some of the animal life I spotted (amazing how they live out here!). You might recognise some of the landscape – many major films have been shot out here, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), and The Martian (2015).

After an incredible day out exploring Wadi Rum, I was taken by Jeep to my campsite for the evening. I explored the campsite a bit, and check out my tent – made of goat hair!

Myself, and the others staying at the camp that night, were then taken out to a nearby cliff to climb up and watch the sunset – absolutely magical!

We were then all taken back to the camp for a traditional dinner of goat meat, rice, veggies, and tomatoes prepared every which way possible. After eating until I could eat no more, I retired to my tent for the evening (which had become nice and cold once the sun had set!), marvelling outside at the starry sky, unmarred by light pollution.

Wadi Rum was an amazing experience, one that I’d recommend to any traveller to Jordan – and I’d definitely recommend Wadi Rum Fire Camp if you’re going that way!