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Touring Wadi Rum in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience.
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This is a stupendous, timeless place, virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and god-like”..
A maze of monolithic rockscapes rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750 metres creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless empty spaces, explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4000 year old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store.
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When visiting Wadi Rum remember to bring something warm to wear at night as temperatures can vary from a daytime average of 32°C down to 4°C at night. See the table below for average seasonal temperatures:
| Month |
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Lowest |
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Highest |
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| January |
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4°C |
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15°C |
| April |
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12°C |
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25°C |
| July |
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19°C |
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36°C |
| October |
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13°C |
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29°C |
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Also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’, this is the place where Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and T.E. Lawrence based their headquarters during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in World War 1, and their exploits are intrinsically woven into the history of this amazing area.
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Always remember to ask permission before taking photographs of the local Bedouin people. |
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A campsite in Wadi Rum.
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There are several options for exploring Wadi Rum. Visitors should head for the Visitors Centre where, apart from visitors’ facilities, they can hire a 4x4 vehicle, together with driver/guide, and then drive for two or three hours into the Wadi system to explore some of the best known sites. Alternatively they can hire a camel and guide. The duration of the trip can be arranged beforehand through the Visitors Centre, as can a stay under the stars in a Bedouin tent, where they can enjoy a traditional campfire meal accompanied by Arabic music.
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Always dress modestly when visiting an area inhabited by the Bedouin. Their culture is very different to those of more liberal western cultures and skimpy shorts and tops will be considered disrespectful. |
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Burdah Rock Bridge stands 35m high and is considered one of the highest natural arches in the world.
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Once transport has been arranged, there are various excursions available - for example, a trip to Burdah Rock Bridge, the highest in Wadi Rum, via the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and many other interesting sights, is a full day by car or an overnight trip by camel. There are many alternative routes and information on these is available from your tour operator or from the Visitors Centre on-site.
The Bedouin people that inhabit the area still maintain their semi-nomadic lifestyle. They are hospitable and offer a friendly welcome to visitors, often inviting them to sit and enjoy a coffee or even a meal.
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Much of David Lean’s epic 1962 movie "Lawrence of Arabia" starring Peter O Toole, Alec Guiness and Omar Sharif was filmed on location in Wadi Rum.
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A Traditional Bedouin Coffee ceremony involves 3 cups of coffee; one for the soul, one for the sword and one because you are a guest...if you ask for a fourth you’re being greedy!
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The Wadi Rum Desert Patrolmen wear what is perhaps the most attractive uniform in the Middle East. It consists of a long khaki dish-dash held by a bright red bandolier, a holster with a dagger around the waist and a rifle. On their heads they wear the traditional red and white kouffieh, worn by the Bedouins of Jordan. The Desert Patrol operates out of an old police fort built in the 1930s.
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Jordan rocks
Every year, Wadi Rum and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom reverberate to the sound of pop music. The event, ‘Distant Heat’, now in its fourth year, has firmly established Jordan on the international music scene. Last year over 1,200 people attended, proving that the heat was not too distant to travel into the deserts of Jordan for an outrageously cool event. For more information, log onto www.distantheat.com
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At Wadi Rum Rest House, you can hire a local Bedouin guide who will offer you either a 4WD vehicle, or for the more adventurous a camel ride, to explore the area. Prices are displayed at the Visitors' Centre.
Tel: +962 3 2090600
Fax: +962 3 2032586
www.WadiRum.jo
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