Wadi Rum
Offering some of the most extraordinary desert scenery you’ll ever see Wadi Rum is a definite highlight of any visit to Jordan. This desolate stretch of desert was made famous by Lawrence of Arabia.
It is home to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom - a range of mountains that inspired his autobiographical novel of the same name, and is also the setting of the 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia starring Peter O’Toole.
The scenery at Wadi Rum is utterly spectacular, with stark, craggy mountains looming up over the billowing red sand dunes below. Watching the sun set from the top of one of the huge rocks is quite a dramatic experience.
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One of the most striking (and impressive) things about the tourism industry at Wadi Rum is how utterly untouched the landscape is. Wadi Rum is strictly protected and controlled and a huge effort is being made towards conservation.
Everyone has to register at the visitors centre before going into the desert. There are no hotels and no development to spoil the landscape and it is essential to have a guide.
Mine explained to me how seriously sustainable tourism is viewed by Jordan’s royal family - who actively support organisations such as the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
Jeep tours are the easiest way to get around Wadi Rum. But for the more adventurous camels can be hired. Hiking is also possible with a Bedouin guide. There are two “easy” trails leading from the visitor centre, one short and one much longer.
A night spent at Wadi Rum is the ultimate desert experience. Visitors sleep in a traditonal Bedouin goat haired tent, or outside under a blanket of desert stars and enjoy typical Bedouin hospitality including shisha and Arabic tea under the stars. www.WadiRum.jo
Where to stay: Captain Desert Camp is a Bedouin campsite offering accommodation in goat haired tents and traditional Bedouin meals around a camp fire, as well as jeep and camel tours. www.captains-jo.com
How to sell
How to get there: Royal Jordanian, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways.
When to go: The best time to visit is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is beautifully warm and sunny.
However, even in the peak summer months, Jordan’s climate still makes for a very welcome respite from the oppressive heat of the Gulf. in the evening it’s still cool enough to sit outside and outdoor festivals such as the Jordan Festival are planned for the summer period.
Visas: Visas are required by all foreigners entering Jordan. These are issued on arrival at the airport
Sample packages:
Dnata Travel offers three nights at the five-star Marriott Hotel in Amman from AED 2,350 per person including breakfast, return economy class flights, and return airport transfers. The offer is valid until 7 September 2010.
www.dnatatravel.com
Al-Futtaim Travel has a 7day/ 6 night trip to Jordan with 4 nights in Amman and 2 in Petra as well as tours to Jerash ,Ajloun Castle, Madaba, Mt.Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Prices start at AED 3330 per person for five-star accommodation, transfers, and guides.
www.alfuttaimtravel.ae
Emirates Holidays offers the ‘Jordan Explorer’ a 7 day/6 night car tour from Amman-Petra-Dead Sea-Amman. The package starts at AED7,810 per person including flights, accomodation in Amman, Petra and Dead Sea in five-star hotels, transfers and tours. Until 30 Sept.
www.Emirates-Holidays.com
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