Between the imposing red sandstone walls of Jebel Umm Ishrin and Jebel Rum lies one of Jordan’s most fascinating natural wonders: Wadi Rum. This spectacular desert, which seems straight from the set of the movie Duneknown for its vast expanses of red sand and sandstone mountains that rise like fortresses, has been the inspiration for epic adventures and legendary tales.
Cinematic scenarios
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Table of Contents
Yet, until 1917, this extraordinary place was virtually unknown outside the region. It was the famous British archaeologist and writer Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who crossed it during the Arab Revolt, who first described this surreal landscape as “a huge red bastion”. Decades later, in 1962, the Jordanian desert became famous thanks to the film Lawrence of Arabia, which brought it to the attention of the general public.
Before Lawrence, only the local Bedouins knew these mountains intimately. They climbed to their peaks to hunt ibex and knew every ravine of the vertiginous canyons sculpted by wind and water, on which the sharp whistle of the starling still resonates today, one of the typical sounds of the Hisma plateau.
In recent decades, Wadi Rum has attracted the attention of filmmakers from around the world, becoming the perfect backdrop for films such as Prometheus, The Martian, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and, most recently, Dune. And so this magnificent landscape, often compared to an alien planet, has seen a growing number of visitors drawn to its surreal atmosphere and ancient history.
The Creation of the Wadi Rum Trail
In February 2023, BBC Travel reports, a new trekking route opened an even more intimate window onto this territory: the Wadi Rum Trail. It is a 120 km circular itinerary to be covered in ten days, crossing some of the most remote and less beaten places of Wadi Rum, pushing into the heart of the declared area World Heritage Site by UNESCOThe work of a team of local and British hikers, the trail is a mix of ancient Bedouin paths, camel tracks, smuggling routes, herding paths and even part of the old pilgrimage route to Mecca.
Among the trail’s creators is Ben Hoffler, a trekking expert who helped build similar trails in Egypt. Hoffler tells BBC Travel how Wadi Rum retains a special allure thanks to the its natural majesty and the Bedouin culture that is still alive and deeply rooted. Unlike neighboring areas in Saudi Arabia, the Bedouin community of Wadi Rum maintains many of the traditions that have tied them to these lands for centuries.
The creation of the Wadi Rum Trail was designed not only for hikers, but also for the local community. As Tony Howard, another of the trail’s co-founders, points out to BBC Travel, the presence of the Bedouin guides enrich the experienceallowing travelers to immerse themselves in the stories and traditions of the region. “They know the land and its peculiarities like no other,” says Howard, “and they are always great company.”
The ancient Bedouin paths
The path, which part of Jebel Umm Ishrin and returns to the starting point after ten days of walking, offers a deep look at a landscape that, although famous, is still largely unexplored by tourists. In addition to climbing mountains such as Jebel Birda and Jebel Rum, hikers traverse canyons, dunes and desolate plateaus, discovering ancient burial sites and thousand-year-old rock carvings.
Wadi Rum, with its red dunes and imposing rock formations, is not just a movie landscape. It is a place steeped in history, culture and spiritualitywhere nature and man coexist in a fragile balance, today more than ever. As underlined by anthropologist Tatiana Haddad, the desert is a delicate ecosystem and mass tourism risks compromising its integrity.
But projects like the Wadi Rum Trail offer hope for the future, promoting a type of sustainable tourism which not only protects the environment, but also enhances the Bedouin culture. Walking these ancient paths represents a return to the roots, an experience of deep connection with nature and with the thousand-year history of this suggestive corner of Jordan.
Wadi Rum hiking tours
Discover the Natural Wonders of Wadi Rum: A Haven for Hikers and Adventure Seekers
Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape in Jordan, has been captivating the imagination of travelers and filmmakers alike. This majestic destination, often likened to an alien planet, is home to vast expanses of red sand and sandstone mountains that rise like fortresses. Wadi Rum’s cinematic scenery has made it the perfect backdrop for blockbuster films like Prometheus, The Martian, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and most recently, Dune.
A Brief History
Until 1917, Wadi Rum was relatively unknown outside the region. It was the famous British archaeologist and writer Thomas Edward Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, who first described this surreal landscape as “a huge red bastion” during the Arab Revolt. Decades later, in 1962, the Jordanian desert became famous thanks to the film Lawrence of Arabia, which brought it to the attention of the general public.
The Creation of the Wadi Rum Trail
In February 2023, a new trekking route was launched, offering an even more intimate experience of this territory. The Wadi Rum Trail is a 120 km circular itinerary that takes ten days to complete, crossing some of the most remote and less beaten places of Wadi Rum. This remarkable trail is a mix of ancient Bedouin paths, camel tracks, smuggling routes, herding paths, and even part of the old pilgrimage route to Mecca.
Experience the Best of Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum Trail is not only designed for hikers but also for the local community. The presence of Bedouin guides enriches the experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the stories and traditions of the region. “They know the land and its peculiarities like no other,” says Tony Howard, one of the trail’s co-founders. “They are always great company.”
Trekking and Hiking in Wadi Rum
For those looking for a more immersive experience, Wadi Rum offers various trekking and hiking options. The La Petra Wadi Rum Trail Challenge, for example, is a 6-day trek that covers 129 km of trail or 83 km of trekking [[3]]. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum, which offers a breathtaking view of the desert landscape [[2]].
Hike the Wadi Rum Trail
The Wadi Rum Trail is an extraordinary adventure that connects old trade, travel, shepherd, hunting, and Hajj routes into a new 120 km, 10-day hiking circuit for modern times [[1]]. This trail offers a deep look at a landscape that, although famous, is still largely unexplored by tourists. Hikers can climb mountains such as Jebel Birda and Jebel Rum, traverse canyons, dunes, and desolate plateaus, and discover ancient burial sites and thousand-year-old rock carvings.
Conclusion
Wadi Rum, with its stunning red dunes and imposing rock formations, is a place steeped in history. This magnificent desert landscape offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and modern adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, trekker, or simply a traveler looking for an unforgettable experience, Wadi Rum is a must-visit destination that will leave you in awe.
Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Wadi Rum: A Cinematic Destination
Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape in Jordan, has been a source of inspiration for epic adventures and legendary tales. This surreal landscape, often compared to an alien planet, has drawn the attention of filmmakers from around the world, becoming the perfect backdrop for movies such as Prometheus, The Martian, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and most recently, Dune.
Cinematic Scenarios
Before gaining international recognition, Wadi Rum was largely unknown outside the region. It was the famous British archaeologist and writer Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, who first described this surreal landscape as “a huge red bastion” in 1917. Decades later, in 1962, the Jordanian desert became famous thanks to the film Lawrence of Arabia, which brought it to the attention of the general public.
The Creation of the Wadi Rum Trail
In February 2023, a new trekking route opened an even more intimate window onto this territory: the Wadi Rum Trail. This 120 km circular itinerary takes 10 days to complete and crosses some of the most remote and less beaten places of Wadi Rum, pushing into the heart of the declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The trail is a mix of ancient Bedouin paths, camel tracks, smuggling routes, herding paths, and even part of the old pilgrimage route to Mecca [[1]].
The Ancient Bedouin Paths
Before the creation of the Wadi Rum Trail, only the local Bedouins knew these mountains intimately. They climbed to their peaks to hunt ibex and knew every ravine of the vertiginous canyons sculpted by wind and water, on which the sharp whistle of the starling still resonates today, one of the typical sounds of the Hisma plateau.
Wadi Rum Hiking Tours
For those interested in exploring Wadi Rum on foot, there are several hiking tours available. These tours offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and traditions of the region, guided by local Bedouin guides who know the land and its peculiarities like no other [[2]]. Alternatively, more challenging trails such as the Petra Wadi Rum Trail Challenge are available for experienced hikers, offering a unique experience in this breathtaking landscape [[3]].
Wadi Rum is a destination like no other, with its surreal atmosphere and ancient history drawing visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a hiker, a film enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Wadi Rum has something to offer. So why not come and discover the breathtaking beauty of Wadi Rum for yourself?
References:
[1] https://www.wadirumtrail.org/hike-the-trail
[2] https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attractions-g303973-Activities-c61-t87-WadiRumAlAqabahGovernorate.html
[3] https://raidlight.com/it/pages/trail-to-be-alive?srsltid=AfmBOoqIb4hmpONglweNzS_xa3pusr81xQeUamDC4HsyjZhYeQ2VhoYM
