Early departure via King’s Way to Wadi-Rum, upon arrival to Rum Village, we load our luggage in a Jeep car, and we start the walk through powerful evocative and vast wild nature of Wadi-Rum to our camp site. Wadi Rum is a massive desert in the southern part of Jordan and totally unique among the rest of deserts around the world. This part of the desert was home for many of the previous civilizations. Wadi Rum is also known as the Moon Valley because of the spectacular colourful sand dunes and huge rock formations that compare to the landscape of the moon itself. The clear night skies give you an opportunity to do some amazing star gazing. Scenes from famous movies were shot here the Lawrence of Arabia, Star War and the Martian.
Today we set off to explore Wadi Rum desert and experience life as a Bedouin. Leaving in the morning our bus will take us to Wadi Rum visitor centre where we will transfer to 4WD vehicles for a 2-hour drive across the red desert.
Occupying 74000 acres, Wadi Rum has monolithic outcrops of granite rock and sandstone which rise out of the desert with a drifting blanket of sand between them.
The Bedouins learnt to live with this hostile environment 3000 years ago. Understanding the importance of keeping moving to live with the elements and find food and water, the camel was an ideal livestock to help their lifestyle. This afternoon we have the chance to experience a camel ride and learn about this precious alliance between the dromedary and the nomads.
After sunset, we enjoy the Bedouin hospitality around the campfire under a blanket of stars; a great setting to share stories while sipping mint and sage tea. A traditional zarb, consisting of a chicken or a goat meat (vegetarian options available) cooked under the desert sand, is served as well as a delicious selection of mezze.
The campsite we use presents the opportunity to experience traditional Bedouin living arrangements in a large communal style goat hair tent, which provides the best protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold weather. The tent is laid out with rugs, mattresses, pillows and blankets and is where each tribe would commune to eat, sleep and socialize, as well as a fire pit to sit around and enjoy some local sweet tea.
A toilet and wash block with limited washing facilities is also available during our stay. Private tents can be paid for locally should you wish, subject to availability.
Evening activity:
Coffee lesson on wood fire , and story teller by a Bedouin about life and culture
Accommodation: Bedouin camp
Meals: Break-fast, lunch, dinner.
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: Moderate