Wadi Rum, an arid desert valley located in South Jordan, is a great place to go when you need a getaway.
With most of the land remaining uninhabited, the area is the perfect destination for anyone looking to leave behind largely crowded cities.
Wadi Rum is so isolated that you won't even be able to fly directly there, but don't worry- there are plenty of buses you can take after flying to a nearby city.
What to Eat and Drink
When it comes to delicious food, there is no shortage in Wadi Rum! If you are staying overnight in one of the many Bedouin camps or luxury tents, you will be able to find traditional dishes there, such as chicken, goat, or Bedouin tea.
Bedouin Tea
You will almost certainly be served Bedouin tea upon your arrival in Wadi Rum. This surprisingly sweet tea is made from a unique blend of plants found in the desert and usually served in a small glass cup. This flavorful hot tea is not only served at all the tourist camps, but you will also see the locals enjoying a cup together. A true Bedouin staple.
Wadi Rum cuisine tends to feature lots of exciting spices and vibrant flavors. Bedouin's are very proud of their cuisine and eager to share their culinary specialties with you. When visiting Wadi Rum here are some cultural staples you are sure to enjoy.
Bedouin Bread
Almost all meals served to you in Wadi rum will be accompanied with this freshly baked, circular flatbread. This wonderful bread not only helps to add to your culinary enjoyment but also acts as cutlery as many meals are not served with traditional knives, forks or spoons.
Zarb
Craving a good barbeque? Zarb is Wadi Rum's traditional style of grilling meats such as chicken and a variety of vegetables in a pit below ground. The meats and vegetables are placed on racks and lowered into the pit above the coals and then covered with sand till the Zarb is ready to serve. This local delicacy is not to be missed when you visit.
Mansaf
Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan. The name Mansaf literally means large tray, which is how the dish is served. The large tray is filled with rice and topped with meats such as lamb or goat. Yogurt is a common additional topping to this national dish. Dig in to this signature dish with your hands or the tasty Bedouin bread just like the locals.
Sights to See
Wadi Rum features a protected area, inside which many of the following historical and natural sites lie.
1. Anfashieh Inscriptions- These inscriptions, which show a camel caravan, are carved into a mountain and are from the Nabatean and Thaumadic times.
2. Umm Fruth Rock Bridge- The smaller of the main rock bridges in the area, you might see Umm Fruth if you sign up for a tour, as it is easily accessible and only takes about 5-15 minutes to climb.
3. Burdah Rock Bridge- While this rock bridge is more prominent and can be seen from a distance, climbing it provides a view unlike any other. The only catch is that it takes about 4-7 hours to climb, thus requiring an all-day tour.
4. Lawrence Spring- This stagnant spring sits near a breathtaking view of the desert, on top of a short scramble. It is a little over a mile away from the village of Rum.
5. Seven Pillars of Wisdom- A rock formation near the visitors center, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom is so impressive that it was named after T E Lawrence's autobiography.
Wadi Rum awaits!
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