Enter a world where time has stopped and nature has decided to reveal one of its masterpieces. Wadi Rum desert is a place of supernatural beauty as if from a completely different world in the southern part of Jordan. Large vast crimson sand dunes that meet massive rocks create a landscape plucked from the realm of dreams. As the sun’s rays cast a golden glow over the ancient desert sands and Wadi Rum camps, a certain sense of enchantment starts to fill the air.
It is no wonder that this breathtaking area has become one of the most sought-after for many filmmakers.
Wadi Rum as a Film Backdrop
1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The story of T. E. Lawrence, an English officer, diplomat, archaeologist, and spy who managed to unite the Arab tribes in the fight against the Ottomans during the First World War. This film won 7 Oscars, including the Oscar for Best Movie. The main character himself commented on the beauty of Wadi Rum with the words “Vast, echoing, God-like. ” There is even a Lawrence Spring in the desert. However, it is not the one he describes in his book. There is also Lawrence’s house, where he used to live and store weapons.[1]
2. Queen of the Desert (2015)
This movie tells the story of Gertrude Bell, a British explorer, cartographer, writer, traveler, and political officer. She mapped a large area of the Middle East during her lifetime. The film received a lot of negative feedback and did not bring back the initial financial investment. Most of the scenes were filmed (some even without the participation of the crew) in Morocco (Merzouga, Marrakesh). The rest was filmed in Jordan, mainly in the city of Petra.
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
An American science fiction movie based on the toy model Transformers, manufactured by the Japanese company Takara. The film was shot not only in the USA but also in France (Paris), Egypt (Giza, Luxor), and also in Jordan in the city of Petra, Wadi Rum, and Salt. King Abdullah II of Jordan himself is a big fan of science fiction movies.
4. The Martian (2015)
This movie narrates the story of an astronaut who is left stranded on Mars after his team thinks he is dead. Subsequently, he must find a way to reconnect with Earth. The film was shot in Hungary (Etyek wine region) and also in Jordan for 8 days in Wadi Rum. A special Mars Rover model was made especially for this movie. Nowadays people can find the Rover at the Royal Automobile Museum in the capital city of Amman.
5. Theeb (2014)
The film takes place during the period of the Ottoman Empire. The main character is a young Bedouin boy named Theeb who sets out with his older brother across the desert to guide a British officer on his way to a secret location. The film was shot entirely in Jordan, but the crew was forced to leave out areas filled with tourists. In addition to Wadi Rum, other important sites have become Wadi Araba, located right next to the border with Israel, and Qasr Dab’ah, 40 km south of Amman.
6. Red Planet (2000)
Story of astronauts and a robot dog named AMEE, who set out to save the Earth by exploring the planet Mars. Their mission takes a completely different turn. The film was shot not only in the Wadi Rum desert but also in the Outback in Australia.
7. Prometheus (2012)
A team of researchers discovers wall paintings that resemble inhabitants from other planets. After the discovery, they embark on a journey with a spaceship named Prometheus to the distant planet LV-223, where the people portrayed on the artifacts are supposed to come from. During the mission, they discover that they are not completely alone on the planet. Wadi Rum appears in the film e.g. in combination with special effects used to build a pyramid for aliens or a landing area for the ship Prometheus.
Desert Activities & Experiences
The vast area of the Wadi Rum desert is the perfect playground for discovery and exploration. One of the very popular activities is driving a 4×4 jeep across the desert. during which one can immerse oneself in the desert infinity, and observe the constantly changing color scenery and transformations. For those who would rather indulge in something more traditional, there are camel rides available, an experience in the style of the ancient caravans that plied the Silk Road.
Rock climbing is available for extreme sports enthusiasts. Wadi Rum has plenty of diverse natural rock formations, so climbers of all levels can find their special rock here.
Steep desert dunes are also a suitable attraction for snowboarding lovers. Sand surfing, as this activity is correctly called, is widespread mainly in Dubai and the UAE. In Jordan, the best location with the largest dunes is about 30 minutes by car from Rum village. The dunes are on average 200 m high. The highest one called “Big Red” is very popular not only among locals but also among tourists. The best time to surf the dunes is early in the morning while the temperatures are still relatively low.[2]
Desert Accommodation
Wadi Rum Camping
Wadi Rum represents an important cultural heritage on the UNESCO list. The whole area is deeply connected with the Bedouin people and their way of life, traditions, and hospitality. Visitors are allowed to become part of their community. It is possible to stay here in several different types of Wadi Rum Beduin camps with tents or even choose to spend the night directly under the open sky, e.g. Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, Wadi Rum Magic Nature Camp, Rum Jordan Camp, and tours.
Typical are e.g. black goat-hair tents called beit al-sha’ar. These are large-space tents offering shelter, and protection with small gaps for the flow of a gentle breeze. Inside them, you can find comfortable carpets and soft pillows.
Those who would love to try something more luxurious can choose accommodation in a Wadi Rum camp. Stylish tents equipped with modern and comfortable beds, private sanitary facilities, and air conditioning.
Regularly in the evening, the camp guests gather around the fire, where the Bedouins share their stories, music, and traditional dance performances.
Hotels in Wadi Rum
For the most demanding, there are several Wadi Rum Luxury Camps. Some of them resemble houses for aliens on another planet. The accommodation units have the shape of an oval capsule with one part of the wall made of glass, thus, creating a space that provides an ideal vantage point for stargazing and marveling at the celestial wonders above. The Wadi Rum hotel tents have a private entrance, soundproof walls, a terrace with a view of the desert mountains, a minibar, and, of course, a private bathroom, shower, and toilet. Worth mentioning are, for example, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Diamond Wadi Rum Luxury Camp, Amanda Luxury Camp, The Villas – Bedouin Boutique Resort, and Rum Cheerful Luxury Camp.
Sources
[1][2] Abma, B.: Our top 5 of greatest sand dunes in Wadi Rum
About Author
Freya
Photographer, artist, content creator, and solo female traveler since 2017.