I decided to make this article series quite comprehensive since I had quite a lot of trouble finding information before our departure.
The general map of the area. The red “A” is Wadi Rum,
Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan. We had our flights to Amman and took a minibus from there but it’s also possible to fly to Aqaba. In my opinion Amman is more convenient since the flight connections are cheaper and better. From Amman it’s a 4 hour drive to Wadi Rum and from Aqaba about 30+ minutes.
In Wadi Rum there’s no need for a regular car. The jeeps used on the desert are with special tyres they are not good on a normal road. Arranging a private taxi is very easy so I wouldn’t bother with rental cars on a longer stay. For a short of trip less than a week it might be an option, though. The minibus from Amman to Wadi Rum was 125 JOD one way. A regular taxi will be cheaper than that. The prices for rental cars are online. The petrol and diesel costs were about 1 JOD per liter in October 2012.
The rain and temperature charts for Wadi Rum.
Most people say the best season is autumn or spring but I would say winter is best for climbing. The rain is usually quite heavy and short once it comes. In my opinion +15C is optimal climbing weather but it’s, of course, a matter of preference.
In Jordan the credit cards are more or less useless. You get cash from an ATM in the big cities but that’s just about it. You’ll need some cash already at the airport for paying the visa stamps for the passport. The cost of the visa was 20 JOD each person. There’s one ATM machine at the airport on the exit hall but I would suggest getting the cash from your home country. There is no ATM in Wadi Rum. The exchange was about 1,15 including the money transfer costs. For 115 €uros you get 100 JOD.
The life is very relaxed in Jordan and people are happy, helpful and hospitable. We were invited into many private houses and Beduin tea was served many times a day. Someone always knew a cousin who could help with the transportation problems.
Images of the main climbing attractions and the life in general.
We stayed in at Mohammed Domayan’s house (www.wadirumaccommodation.com). He rented us a room with electricity and wifi for 5 JOD per person per day. The cost of the room was 25 JOD per day in total. Compared to staying in a tent the room was luxury although it might not meet the western luxury standards. You can contact Mohammed via email if you wish to rent a room.
The fixed tents at the Rest House were mentioned in Tony Howard’s book. In my opinion they are no option but you can camp in your own tent if you wish. It can get quite sandy, though. The sand can be a problem if you have cameras or other electric devices.
Showers were available only at the Rest House. They charged 2 JOD for a shower which was a rip-off in my opinion. The showers were just about as dirty as it can get. There was no other option, though.
Bottled drink water was readily available at the local shops. The main course of the day we cooked mostly ourselves but we also ate quite many falafel rolls at Ali’s place. The cost of the food and water was like it’s everywhere. Not cheap but not expensive either. A camping stove which takes petrol is handy if you want to camp out on the desert. I didn’t see any MSR type gas cylinders during the trip but petrol you could buy everywhere.
The climbing is on sandstone. The most popular climbs have fixed anchors and some intermediate pro. You’ll need a full rack with nuts and cams. Double ropes are the thing and a single rope is more or less useless.
Images for other activities we did in Jordan. Besides climbing that is.
A trip to Wadi Rum is an adventure not to miss. Enjoy your stay!
