"Magical Wadi Rum" Top 5 Page for this destination Wadi Rum by freya_heaven

Wadi Rum Travel Guide: 272 reviews and 551 photos

Wadi Rum is barrren rocky desert area in the southern part of the Middle Eastern Country, Jordan. It is part of an ancient caravan route between Saudi Arabia and Syria to the North

I had the most Magical time at Wadi Rum, On our second day there it was my 24th birthday, unbeknown to Alex my travelling companion.

After a day walking, we were in our tent trying to get warm and sort out our tea (Pitta & Cheese).
When the restaurant manager came to our tent and invited us to eat in the restaurant.

It turned out it was also Rami's (the restaurant managers) birthday, which they were celebrating in the restaurant with lots of singing & dancing.
After our meal I told Alex it was actually my birthday too, which she then without my knowing told the Rami. I was then sung to by the other tourists and staff in the restaurant.

Later in the evening Alex & I were the only ones left, wanting to spend as long as we could in the warm before heading back to our tent.

We were then invited by Rami and his boss, out in to the Desert, as they were going to go out there to meet some people to celebrate Ramis birthday. We accepted, and off we went in a huge old truck with Rami,and his boss in the Rum Desert.

After a while of bumping around over the rocky desert, we came to a Bedouin tent, with a fire and about 5 or 6 other local men. Then the fun really began.................

Everyone took it in turns to entertain, dance, clap and, or sing songs a couple of the men were drumming on drums they had taken. We were obviously a lot more selfconsious than they were, as they seemed to all know each other very well, but we did our bit.
All this around a fire, in the desert, with the most beautiful star filled night. It was all so surreal and yet at the same time felt so natural for us to be there.

Later someone offered to take Alex & I further in to the Desert in the truck, we accepted, but we seemed to be going much further than expected, so not wanting to offend anyone with our concerns, Alex pretended to be sick out if the window (~_~) !
We were taken back to our tent at about 3 in the morning.

Looking back I can not believe we let ourselves get in to such a vunerable situation and were so trusting, to be honest now I am older & wiser I certainly wouldnt to it again.

But what a wonderful, totally unplanned and impromptu evening we we would have missed had we not accepted, I can not imagine any birthday in the future will live up to my 24th,

A Truly Magical Experience And Birthday...................................

Dont forget to have a look at my other JORDAN related pages.
Jordan
Petra
Amman
Aqaba
Karak
Jarash
Madaba (including Mount nebo)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful, wonderful history
Cons:Not that easy to get to, if you are not on a tour bus
In a nutshell:Vast, beautiful and romantic

Last visit to Wadi Rum: Apr 1995
Intro Updated Oct 11, 2004
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Reviews (17)

Treks & Climbs Favorites (2)

An excellent book is "Treks & Climbs in Wadi Rum" by Tony Howard. I would recommend anyone going to Wadi Rum... more travel advice

Jebal Khazali Siq Things to Do (9)

Jebel Khazali has Bedouin Drawings in a Siq, It is possible to have quite a clamber around the Siq & Jebel, if you are... more travel advice

Jebels & Wadi's Favorites (2)

Wadi Rum is so vast & has such an empty feel. Its not often one feel quite so insignificant in the great scheme of... more travel advice

Plan Ahead................... Shopping (1)

In the village of Rum, which you pass on your left as you enter Wadi Rum is a small general stores. I would... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Desert Camping
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Comments (25)

easyoar Oct 29, 2005 at 1:26 AM Report Abuse

Nice page, I would like to visit someday... I have to admit from the picture, I would not have realised that was a graveyard either!
deecat Oct 21, 2005 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

What an experience! What a birthday celebration. Yes, you are much braver than I would have been. But, exotic, memorable, and unique. Just wonderful pages, & your introduction is fantastic.
DaDrifter Aug 22, 2005 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

Amazing pictures of the Wadi ... beautiful page, Nicola!
BluBluBlu Aug 13, 2005 at 3:30 PM Report Abuse

That photo on 'desert camping'...is gorgeous! Have a nice weekend...and 'happy travels'! Blu
matcrazy1 Jul 3, 2005 at 5:40 AM Report Abuse

What a beutiful page and sceneries which remind me a bit southern Morocco and Utah!
sachara Apr 24, 2005 at 11:58 AM Report Abuse

What a fabulous Wadi Rum page, Nicola ! Breathtaking desert landscape. Once I hope to come back to this area.
Cristian_Uluru Apr 11, 2005 at 4:08 AM Report Abuse

Great!!! You're so lucky that you could see Wadi Rum with the sun. When I was there (two weeks ago) raining and I could see all the fantastic landscape of this fantastic place!!
TheWanderingCamel Mar 27, 2005 at 11:06 PM Report Abuse

Just to be accurate : the name "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" given to this cliff is modern, and Lawrence took the title of his book from a Bible quotation.
Gerrem Mar 14, 2005 at 4:11 AM Report Abuse

Interesting accommodation tip... cold but romantic...
dabidc Feb 20, 2005 at 6:32 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for fueling my interest in deserts of the world. maybe my visits will be virtual only, with your page as a great starter , so fascinating and interesting. You portray a totally different world. Thank you for the info.