Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is located in south Jordan, 60 km (about 37 miles) east of Aqaba.

Wadi Rum covers 720 square kilometers (278 square miles); with its desert wilderness and huge sandstone and granite mountains, it is a very dramatic sight to behold. It contains many canyons which conceal ancient rock drawings. Almost all the people living in Wadi Rum are Bedouin, and their large goat-hair tents also feature in the landscape. Wadi Rum was declared a protected area in 1998 and a conservation program is underway. We in the West probably know of Wadi Rum because of its connection to the British officer T.E. Lawrence, a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia.

Some of the many interesting sites of Wadi Rum include:

Lawrence's spring: Lawrence of Arabia reputedly washed here during the Arab Revolt.

Burrah canyon: A long, deep canyon between mountains. It is especially beautiful in early morning or late evening - the sun turns the rock a deep orange color.

Alameleh Inscriptions: These are good examples of ancient rock drawings, featuring camels and wildlife.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom: This site is named after the book by T. E. Lawrence.

Siq Um Tawaqi: A canyon containing a carving of T. E. Lawrence’s head.

If you are adventuresome and a good hiker, a side trip to Wadi Rum might be just for you! The main ways of getting around are by jeep, on camel, or by foot.