Wadi Rum, caravans have journeyed here for millennia.
Wadi Rum was once part of the Silkroad, and goods were transported between different cultures in this desolate landscape.
T.E. Lawrence
Wadi Rum may be best known for its connection with British officer T.E.Lawrence, who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. After returning to the UK, he wrote the book The seven pillars of Wisdom, which was later filmed as Lawrence of Arabia. In the 1980s, the mountain above was renamed The seven pillars of wisdom, even though the title of Lawrence’s book had no connection to Wadi Rum.
Wadi Rum
Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this valley is cut into sandstone and granite rock, and the desert ground is already about 1000 meters above sea level. This area has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures–including the Nabataeans. The safari tour in Wadi Rum was a part of a 10-day journey to Jordan with Hvitserk. Earlier, we had visited The ancient city of Petra.
To drive in an open Jeep into this fantastic landscape is something I never experienced before. The desert sand is red and delicate, spread out flat between the rocky formations. In narrow gaps, the sand has blown in from both sides, making a sandy hill. The rocks have the most incredible sculptural designs. We were also shown two natural arches of stone formed by weather and time.
The camp
This area is a natural park, and you have to pay to drive into this park. Consequently, it is the Bedouins who earlier used to live their nomadic life in this area that now does the guiding. Some of them are running various camps for tourists. However, on this trip, we were going to stay in a not permanent camp, so our guides put up tents for us and made the camp and food.
We climbed the mountain to see an incredible sunset before dinner. The excellent view from up there with the reddish light and the long shadows was terrific. Even though it is warm in the daytime, it gets pretty cold and humid at night. My plan during my whole trip was to sleep outside, under the stars, for at least one night. This was going to be the night. It was very dark until the moon came up around ten, and the stars were so visible. Unfortunately, the moon lit up the sky, making the stars less visible. I also have to admit it became quite a cold night.
Jabal Umm ad Dami
On the last day in the desert, we climbed the highest mountain in Jordan, Jabal Umm ad Dami. One thousand eight hundred fifty-four meters above sea level. We were already on about 1400 meters at the starting point, so the climb was not so challenging, but still a nice hike up. This point is almost down by the Saudi Arabian borders, so we could spot the fence and guard towers.
The days in Wadi Rum UNESCO Protected Area were so interesting. It is a place I like to recommend. The Jordanian people were also very welcoming and hospitable.
