Wadi Rum – Mars on earth!
2 July 2022
Wadi Rum is a valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Jordan, close to Aqaba. It is protected by the Jordanian government, and rightly so. It is one of the most remarkable places that I have ever seen or experienced. You will appreciate why it is referred to as the ‘red planet’ when you visit.
Wadi means valley and Rum means city of mountains. Wadi Rum is known as the “Valley of the moon”. The red colour of the sand and mountain is due to the presence of iron oxide.
It was difficult to take pictures while travelling on the 4 x4 jeep, not least because you don’t want to miss the experience of this amazing place and its beauty. Travelling at speed on the sand dunes was exhilarating. We loved it!
As you can see, we didn’t exactly rough it in the desert! The accommodation was well organised and comfortable with all mod cons – hot water, inside wc, shower and air condition. We couldn’t have asked for more!
We were treated to a campsite singalong and dance after a very tasty traditional meal of rice, meat and vegetables cooked in a stove in the ground covered with sand.
I have looked at the night sky before in Callosa, Spain. But star gazing in Wadi Rum was different. There was a very clear night sky and what seemed like a billion stars. I could have sworn that I saw the Milky Way!!
If you visit Jordan, you must visit Wadi Rum. It is one of Jordan’s most visited attractions and experience. I can assure you it is very much worth it.
