Attayak Aouda al Zilabia and I am a Bedouin from Wadi Rum. I originally started this company with my cousin and friend Attayak Ali.
We thought that something was needed to offer to tourists more interesting programmes than the usual two or three hour tour of the desert in 4x4, although we offer these too, going rather further into the desert than most people. We have always been specialists in adventure trips in Wadi Rum, taking people into the mountains and far from the usual routes. There are many possibilities for visiting Wadi Rum and we should like to think that the trips we have laid out have helped people to enjoy its beauty.
Although I also offer jeep trips, camel treks and easy hiking, I specialize in the scrambling trips into the mountains, which I enjoy above all the others. There is a good choice of scrambling programmes here. If you only have one day here, you can always look at some of the longer programmes and choose just one day from them. I am thinking in particular of the Adventure programme The Key Trip
Our prices include just about everything : jeep transfers, guiding services and all meals. They do not, however, include the entrance fee to Wadi Rum. At the moment this is 2JD to be paid at the Visitors' Centre on arrival. We do not normally supply mineral water since the water in Wadi Rum is very pure.
By jeep to the climb to the Burdah Arch
Burdah Arch is deservedly one of the best known and the most spectacular sites in Wadi Rum. It is situated about 300meters above the sand and the views from it are magnificent. We include it in a number of our scrambling tours, but this time we are also offering it as an addition to our normal jeep tour. You will lose a bit of the jeep tour, granted, but very little.
As usual we start in the village and drive first to Lawrence's Spring and then to the red sand dunes in Wadi Um Ishrin and to Jebel Anafishiya where you can also see some Nabatean inscriptions. We continue to the Barragh Canyon. Here we have lunch.
After lunch we proceed to Jebel Burdah and climb to the Arch. We come in from the back, and cross a rocky plateau (see the top left hand photo which can be enlarged) before reaching the Arch itself. The climb is not a hike - you will need to use your hands over the rocks and you will be happier if you have a fairly good head for heights, but it is straightforward with no real need for a rope. Any adult who is reasonably fit can do this climb, but it is not suitable for children under 16 years old (please see the page on Wadi Rum for children). The climb and the descent normally take about 3 to 4 hours. The continuation to the summit of the mountain is much more difficult and is not included in this trip.
When we come down we shall usually return to the camp for supper, since it will probably be close to sunset. In the summer, if we have time we can call quickly at the Um Fruth Bridge, but I think you will find it rather dull after Burdah!
Footwear : obviously boots are better here, but they are not essential. Good walking shoes with cotton socks will do quite well.
You will also need a rucksack or shoulder bag for water, and such oddments as your camera, sunscreen, a light sweater according to season and perhaps some biscuits for a snack.
Price : for 2-3 people 75JD per person, for 4 people or more 70JD/person. This includes all meals and sleeping equipment.
Around Jebel Rum
This is a programme of 2 days very easy scrambling that takes you around the slope and then through the Jebel Rum massif
Day One : We start off from Abu Aina, perhaps one kilometer from Rum Village, with an easy scramble up the scree. Abu Aina, often shown to tourists - but not by us! - as "Lawrence's Well", is the place where the water from the real spring high in a valley on Jebel Rum runs down to the desert. This is regularly used as a watering place for the camels who roam through the desert, and a concrete trough has been built for this. If you are very good walkers, or if you want to start off early, we could also begin our hike in Wadi Shelaala beside the "real" spring. This takes us on a narrow contour walk along the cliff side, past rock pools and palm trees (believe it or not!). From Abu Aina, the path turns to the interior of the massif, through a canyon leading to Wadi Rumman on the other side of the mountain. We shall be eating a picnic lunch in this canyon, before continuing along the west slope of Jebel Rum and finally down to the valley floor.
We shall sleep in Wadi Rumman in an open bivouac. Mattresses and blankets will be brought around by a jeep and we shall be eating a hot supper. Although it is very close to the main tourist track, hardly anybody visits this valley. The upper part of it has been closed off by the Nature Reserve for the breeding of the oryx.
Day Two : Starting off from the overnight camp, we have another easy scramble up the scree to the mountain. We cross the beautiful valley of Wadi Anhesa and have lunch in the shade of Abu Doud. Again we pass through Jebel Rum by a different route and arrive in Wadi Leha on the eastern slope. From here a jeep will pick us up to return to the village.
This itinerary involves mainly easy walking with only the occasional need for hands to help you along. There should be no problem for people who are nervous with heights. We have tried to arrange this walk so that you will be in the shade for a good part of the time. You will be walking for 4 or 5 hours a day, with an extra 2 hours if you start off in Shelaala.
This trip gives us splendid views over the Ghor al Ajram, towards Jebel Khazali and the south and east. You will also see the "intimate" side of Jebel Rum; how the rock pools and the hidden valleys break up what seems like a solid massif from below.
Price : 150JD/person for this trip for a minimum of 2 people, including all meals, guide services, jeep transfers where necessary and equipment for sleeping in the desert.
Luggage can be left in the village from where it will be brought by the jeep and you will find it in the camp in the evening. Alternatively you can sort out what you will need into a smaller bag, and leave your main luggage in my office where it will be perfectly safe.
The 'Key' Trip - 5 days easy scrambling
This is actually a set of 5 different programmes of easy scrambling routes that take us all around Wadi Rum. However, if you don't have the five days to spare, we are perfectly happy if you prefer to choose to do just one or more days. In that case, you can choose whichever day or days you like from the programme. This is the best selection of scrambling programmes we offer for people in reasonable physical condition who want to go off the beaten track and explore the far corners of Wadi Rum
Day One: We head off straight away to the Rakebat Canyon through the massif of Jebel Um Ishrin. The beginning involves scrambling up a big slab, before descending steeply into a narrow ravine – this is “Goat Gulleyâ€. When we start inside, you will realise just how much of a labyrinth exists inside the imposing mountain. Canyons start off in every direction, and you need either a sharp eye for terrain or a good guide with you. It should take about 2 hours to get to the end. After lunch in Wadi Um Ishrin, we have an easy hike to the Barragh Canyon.
Day Two: The Barragh canyon leads between magnificent cliffs, with high sand dunes heaped up against them. These cliffs are the site of many world class climbing routes, and perhaps a team will be climbing here. From the Canyon we make our way to Jebel Burdah and a climb to the famous Arch. This is easy scrambling, but as in the Rakebat Canyon, the guide will have a rope with him for safety, but the climb should provide no difficulty for active scramblers. To go up and down again usually takes about 4 or 5 hours. In the afternoon we hike towards the "Middle Arch" of Um Fruth. This is very simple climbing compared to the Burdah Arch.
Day Three: We drive south to the Khasch Ridge. This is a long ridge stretching from east to west across the desert. There is no particular difficulty about this walk, although perhaps you might need to use hands to go up and to come down again at the end. We shall take a picnic lunch with us and stop somewhere to eat. Be sure to cover up against the sun here, there is little shade around, but the views to the north over Wadi Rum and to the south towards Saudi Arabia are magnificent.
Day Four: the views are even better. We are heading to Jebel Um Adaami, the highest mountain in Jordan, right on the Saudi border. This is a difficult drive for the 4x4, but as passengers you should enjoy it, especially the wide and lonely Wadi Saabit close to the mountain. When we reach the foot of it we shall start up through a gully : this is the only difficulty in the ascent. The rest of the path is a stony one, leading to the cairn marking the summit. Here we are right on the border and can see far into the Saudi mountains. Make sure you have plenty of film with you!
Day Five: The last day comes too quickly. Today we are circling the base of Jebel Rum between the steep cliffs above and the heaps of fallen scree, first of sandstone and later of granite, below. Many wadis are crossed, each offering the possibility of a different ascension of Jebel Rum (more than 10kms long and between 3 and 4 kms wide). We shall try to finish at Lawrence’s Well in Wadi Shelaalia close to the village of Rum, where the transport onwards will be waiting. If this is too far, we shall be picked up by jeep for the last few miles.
Nights will be spent in our desert camp which is deep in the desert close to Um Sabata. Price : 70JD/person/day for this trip for a minimum of 2 people, including all meals, guide services, jeep transfers where necessary and equipment for sleeping in the desert.
The days can be done separately if you wish, but a programme of one day only will be charged at 75JD/person/day.
One day jeep and hike
Starting from Rum village, we follow the 'classic jeep tour' described in "By jeep to the Barragh Canyon".. You can hike (alone) through the Barragh Canyon, and enjoy the silence there. We have lunch in this famous valley.
Later we drive to a place where you have a view of the bridge high on Jebel Burdah, and you can take another hike in the afternoon through a very attractive narrow valley towards another rock bridge. You can climb this one as well if you wish - it is much easier than Burdah - before sleeping in the desert and returning to Rum for the early buses the next day.
This is in fact a less taxing version of the "Three Bridges Trek" to be done in one day, omitting the more difficult passage through the Rakebat Canyon and the climb to the Burdah Bridge.
It offers about two and a half hours in a jeep and the same amount of time walking. The walks are straightforward and do not need an accompanying guide. The jeep will go on ahead and wait for you about three quarters of the way down, just in case you prefer to ride the last bit.
Please note that this is an easy tour, and is mainly booked by older people or those with small children. If you think you would prefer something a bit more challenging and adventurous, you might like to look at the programme "By jeep to the climb to the Burdah Arch"
Price: for 2-3 people 60JD per person; for 4 people or more 50JD per person. This includes all meals and sleeping equipment .
Two day jeep and hike
We start with a full day in 4x4 following the 'classic jeep tour' described in "By jeep to the Barragh Canyon".
The second day, after a night in the desert, we drive south, through the largely deserted southern valleys to Jebel Khasch, a high ridge stretching east to west for several kilometers. We shall walk along the top of the ridge for three to four hours, admiring the views of Wadi Rum to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south. This is a magnificent walk, along a clearly marked path, and is always very popular.
We come down from the Khasch into the lonely cirque of Nogra where we shall have lunch
After lunch, we can take another shorter hike, or if you prefer it, make a leisurely return to Rum Village in the jeep at the end of the afternoon. A second night in the desert can be added on if you wish or we can take you "From Um Adaami to Aqaba".
We highly recommend this two day tour, which we believe provides the best Wadi Rum visit possible.
Price: for the two days for 2-3 people 120JD per person. This includes all meals, sleeping equipment and the guide for the hiking. it does not include the entrance fee to Wadi Rum
Please note the page about Private Tours
The T. E. Lawrence trek - optional return - 5 days
T. E. Lawrence took three days in a dash from Wadi Rum to Mudawarra on a racing camel to cut the Hejaz railway line. We shall go more slowly, covering much the same ground in five days. This is another route that is taken by few people.
On arrival at Mudawarra, we shall be met by a jeep with provisions and you can return to Rum by the road with it if you wish. Otherwise the return is made again with the camels, taking a different route and a further five days.
The longer trek allows you to become fully used to riding a camel - it's not really very difficult and much easier than a horse.
A three day jeep, hiking and camel trip
We start off with the 'classic jeep tour' described in "A day with the Bedouin". This takes us to the principal sights of Wadi Rum.
The next day we shall drive south for nearly an hour to a long ridge stretching approximately east to west across the desert. This is Jebel Khasch.
It is easy to climb up and we shall walk the length of the ridge for three to four hours. There are fantastic views to the north over Wadi Rum and to the south over Saudi Arabia. We come down again in the distant valley of Nogara where the jeep will be waiting for us. We drive back to the previous day's camp.
After a night spent in the desert we start off on the camels for a 4 to 5 hours trip which will take you to some places you did not visit previously. If you have any special suggestions about where to go we should be happy to hear them. We are not offering an itinerary, since it can vary with each client.
We shall come back to Rum Village at about sunset.
This is about a 5 hours' ride on the camel which gives you the time to learn how to control it yourself without the help of the guide. You will enjoy the tour much better like this.
This is a programme with - we hope - something for everybody who loves the wild places and the desert. Certainly you see something of everything in Wadi Rum.
Price for the three days : 175JD per person for 2 to 4 people. This includes all meals, equipment for sleeping, the camels and the guide with his own camel.
A two day jeep and camel trip
We start off with the 'classic jeep tour' described in "A day with the Bedouin". This takes us to the principal sights of Wadi Rum.
After a night spent in the desert we start off on the camels for a 4 to 5 hours trip which will take you to some places you did not visit the day before. If you have any special suggestions about where to go we should be happy to hear them. We are not offering an itinerary, since it can vary with each client.
We shall come back to Rum Village at about sunset.
This is about a 5 hours' ride on the camel which gives you the time to learn how to control it yourself without the help of the guide. You will enjoy the tour much better like this.
Price for the two days : 130JD per person for 2 to 4 people. This includes all meals, equipment for sleeping, the camels and the guide with his own camel.
Please note the page about Private Tours
Camel trips for one, two or three days
We can offer a number of routes for camel trekking, and if there is anything that you particularly want to see or a place you wish to visit, please tell us and we will work it in.
For the moment we are giving the prices only, without the routes - all of Wadi Rum is sufficiently beautiful that we presume the prices are what you chiefly with to know.
All of these prices include a guide mounted on a camel.
For one full day for two to four people : 60JD per person. This includes the guide, the camels and lunch. The tour ends at sunset, but if you wish we can "add in" a night in the desert for the price of 20JD/person (please see the page "Extra excursions")
For two days (and one night) for two to four people : 135JD per person. This includes the guide, the camels, the overnight and all meals (two lunches, one supper, one breakfast).
For three days (and two nights) for two to four people : 185JD per person. This includes the guide, the camels, the two nights and meals as above.
A short camel ride : After a night in the desert, if you wish we can bring you back to Rum Village by camel! It would take about two hours and will cost 30JD/person for a minimum of two people, as always with a mounted guide. We could also arrange this at the end of any tour.
If you are short of time the next morning, wanting to catch a bus or something, we could start you off on camels at the beginning of your trip, and pick you up somewhere near to the sand dunes to continue by jeep.
Solo travellers should refer to the page on people travelling alone.
These prices do not include the entrance fee to Wadi Rum (see the introduction page)
Camel trekking in Wadi Rum
There are basically two ways to visit Wadi Rum with a camel : the first is with somebody (usually a young boy) leading the camel. The second is to have a mounted guide with you.
While most people arriving at the Resthouse take the first option, we always prefer to offer the second one to our clients.
It is certainly a bit more expensive, since the camel for the guide has to be taken into account, but in our experience there is no comparison in the enjoyment felt. With a mounted guide, you go faster, you therefore cover much more ground, and since the basic technique of camel riding is easily and quickly mastered, within a few hours most people will be guiding their own camel and will feel much more independent. Just about everybody does this when they are here for a second day.
A camel is not like a horse and few people have any problem with one. Although they look decidedly unfriendly, in fact this is deceptive, and most people come quickly to appreciate their qualities.
They make little noise and you will be able to experience the complete silence of the desert.
We offer camel trips lasting from one to five days, and also trips combined with either jeep riding or hiking - and with both. Not all of the itineraries are given here for the longer trips, we can supply them at your request.
No special equipment or dress is necessary. As always you will need a shoulder bag or rucksack, and please, ladies - you will be more comfortable in trousers! Any kind of shoes or sandals will be fine.
The prices take account of the mounted guide in every case: if you prefer to have a guide on foot with you, the itinerary as well as the price will be altered so please let us know in advance.
A week's scrambling on the Bedouin routes
This is a wonderful trip, through the heart of the former Bedouin hunting territories and will make a holiday that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Day 1 : We start from the village and go through the Rakebat Canyon to cross through the massif of Jebel Um Ishrin. It will take about 2 1/2 hours. We arrive in the lovely valley of Wadi Um Ishrin, where we take a break and have some tea. We continue by jeep to the Barragh Canyon, passing on the way the sand dunes in Um Ishrin, some Nabatean inscriptions and "Lawrence of Arabia's house". Lunch in the Barragh Canyon.
In the afternoon we cross from the Canyon to Rad el Beidha by doing some scrambling, including one easy abseil of 20m. This is a great trip, all in the shade and takes about 2 hours. At the end of the canyon a jeep picks us up and drives us to Jebel Burdah where we shall see the bridge. On the way, you will notice how the landscape changes colour with the approach of evening. We camp down near Burdah and admire the moon and the stars before sleeping.
Day 2 : After breakfast we go up to the bridge. It's easy scrambling except for just one short bit near to the top! It will take us about 1 1/2 hours to reach the bridge from where we can see the marvellous view. If you want to continue to the top of the mountain, it would take an extra hour. Alternatively you can go down by a different route. Back in the camp we have lunch - and tea of course!
Afterwards we continue by jeep to Khazali Canyon where you can see some Nabatean and Thamudic inscriptions. After the canyon we drive to a spot from where there is a wonderful view of the sunset. We camp near to the beginning of Sabbagh's Road up Khazali.
Day 3 : Up Sabbagh's Road to Khazali. We eat our packed lunch on the summit, admire the different views from there, and look to see if we can see any ibex. There are still some around, even though Jebel Khazali is close to Rum Village. We come down at sunset, and sleep in the same camp.
Day 4 : We drive south to Jebel Um Adaami, the highest mountain in Jordan which we shall climb on the south eastern side. The climb is straightforward, a simple uphill walk on the usual path. We come down the other side, which is less popular. You will see that the countryside is much starker than the soft red of the sand and the sandstone in Wadi Rum itself. It is not used by the Bedouin for pasturing their herds or for cultivation of any sort. We might meet a rare hunter, the area is outside the Protected Zone of the Nature Reserve, but even this is unlikely.
When we are down, we have lunch and continue by jeep and then another uphill walk until we reach a beautiful valley, less than 300m from the Saudi border, which is still far below us. We sleep in this valley.
Day 5 : Taking a packed lunch, we go up into the No Man's Land area. The climb involves some serious scrambling - no rope is really needed, but the guide will bring one anyway. This is a mountain walk with great views to the north and the south. We have lunch in a valley among the red sand dunes there. We continue along another crest with yet more views and arrive in the night's camp, where we have supper and watch the sunset before spending the night in the desert.
Day 6 : Jebel Rum : this is serious scrambling, and abseiling down needs experience or steady nerve. If you don't like the idea of abseiling, we can also come down another route if you prefer.
Day 7 : Today we tackle Jebel Um Ishrin, going from east to west. We shall take the Assaoud Road up, and come down again by the Hadjaj Road. In the afternoon we return to Rum Village, although if you prefer it we can spend another night in the desert.
Price : 100JD/day per person for up to 3 people, 4-6 people 80JD/day
Hiking in Wadi Rum - 5 days
This is an easy hiking and riding tour (and just a bit of scrambling), with no difficulties involved. We have varied the simple walking with trips in a jeep.
Day 1 : We start from the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, hiking up through Makharas Canyon to the valley of Um Ishrin. This should take about 3 hours and we shall have lunch on the way. In the afternoon, we continue to Barragh Canyon. At the entrance to the canyon, we shall have supper and stay there to sleep.
Day 2 : After breakfast, we shall walk up the canyon, which should take about 3 hours. After lunch, a hike in the easy sandy valley towards Jebel Burdah, where we will have supper and spend the night.
Day 3 : In the morning, an easy scramble up to the Bridge on Jebel Burdah from where there are some magnificent views. Going up and down again will take about 3 1/2 hours. Back in the camp we will have lunch, and after a short rest, another 3 hour walk to the evening's camp from where we can watch the sunset.
Day 4 : an easy hike of about 5 hours to Jebel Khasch, near to the border of Saudi Arabia. More magnificent views can be had from the top. Back down again, lunch and a rest, before setting out to walk through Wadi Nachra Canyon which is notable for its beautiful white sand. In the evening we camp near Jebel Abu Hamata.
Day 5 : After breakfast we start off from Jebel Abu Hamata towards Rum village. The route takes us through a very narrow sandy valley, and some very different landscapes. On the way we shall visit a Bedouin family before stopping for lunch. After lunch a hike to Jebel Qatar and its dripping well and a return to the village in the afternoon. From the village you can take a bus or taxi to Aqaba or to Petra, or you can sleep in the village.
Price : 350 per person, for 2-4 people. This price includes everything, the guide, the camels and all meals. For one person alone, we should have to charge 100JD/day, since this programme requires a back up car and driver as well as the guide for the trekking.
The "No Man's Land" Trek
A scrambling route far to the south in a wild area which (so far) is not frequented by tourists and only by a very few Bedouin. This is our favourite trek, taking us a long way from Wadi Rum, as far as (but hopefully not over) the Saudi border.
WE ARE SORRY BUT THIS TOUR IS NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME
We start by jeep from Rum Village and head for Jebel Um Adaami, the highest mountain in Jordan which we shall climb on the south eastern side. The climb is straightforward, a simple uphill walk on the usual path. We come down the other side, which is less popular. You will see that the countryside is much starker than the soft red of the sand and the sandstone in Wadi Rum itself. It is not used by the Bedouin for pasturing their herds or for cultivation of any sort. We might meet a rare hunter, the area is outside the Protected Zone of the Nature Reserve, but even this is unlikely.
When we are down, we have lunch and continue by jeep and then another uphill walk until we reach a beautiful valley, less than 300m from the Saudi border, which is still far below us. We sleep in this valley.
Day 2 : Taking a packed lunch, we go up into the No Man's Land area. The climb involves some serious scrambling - no rope is really needed, but the guide will bring one anyway. This is a mountain walk with great views to the north and the south. We have lunch in a valley among the red sand dunes there. We continue along another crest with yet more views and are picked up by a jeep to take us back to Rum Village.
Price : 115JD per person for the two days for 2-4 people, or 80JD/person for 5/8 people. Everything is included in this price except the entrance price to Wadi Rum.
This is quite a difficult trek and should not be attempted by novices to scrambling. We can offer other easier treks which also take in the "distant places".
Please note the page about Private Tours
Jebel Um Adaami - 1 day
Exploring the valleys and the mountains of Wadi Rum
Jebel Um Adaami is 1832M above sea level - Wadi Rum village is 1000m above sea level
A drive through the desert some 40kms to the south to Jebel Um Adaami, and a guided hike to the top, which usually takes about 2 1/2 hours and a little less to come down again. This is a magnificent drive going through the far valleys of Wadi Rum and crossing the beautiful and lonely Wadi Saabit. Just the drive to get there takes an hour and a half, so you should count this as a full day. On the way back, if we have time, we can look into one or two of the tiny valleys branching off Wadi Saabit - see the Map of Wadi Rum.
The path to the summit of this mountain is clearly marked and needs no rope. It is no more than hill walking, and you are rewarded by the panoramic view over Saudi Arabia to the south and Wadi Rum to the north.
Price : Price : 75D/person for 2-3 people. This includes all meals and sleeping equipment for an overnight in the desert.
Please note the page about Private Tours
The Rakebat and Kharazeh Canyons - 1 day
Exploring the valleys and the mountains of Wadi Rum
This is a one day trip taking about 7 hours. We start from the village, and go through the Rakebat Canyon to Wadi Um Ishrin. Then an easy walk of about 45 minutes through the valley to the beginning of Kharazeh Canyon. We go through this canyon by hiking and with one short abseil of 40 meters. We come out into Wadi Rum and return to the village on foot.
Please note that this programme is not suitable for novices in the mountains or for people without previous abseiling experience
Price: 1-6 people - 250JD. This is the group price and includes everything, guide, food etc.