Wadi Rum (Jordan)

Wadi Ramm Wadi is one of those words that doesn’t seem to translate very well. I'm no Arabic scholar but the impression I get is that most people think of a Wadi as being a river bed. Well, yes… but perhaps the more generic "valley" might be a better translation. Most wadis are indeed river beds, at least some of the time, some of them however, stretch the imagination as being seen as such. Wadi Rum, also known as "the Valley of the Moon" if Wiki is to be believed, is one such. This is a broad flat valley cut into sandstone and granite. The name probably comes from the Aramaic (meaning 'high') ... more

Wadi Rum literally means "Moon Valley", and after a night spent here, it is not hard to see why. A faint glow behind the escarpments is the first hint that a radiant and very large moon will illuminate the valley - no need for night lights here. During the day, the area is a natural wonder, as soaring, layered cliff stacks provide a fitting frame for peach-coloured sand dotted with tiny scrubby bushes. The scenery is unreal and breath-taking. A great moment of peace was when I climbed one of these, and was sitting on a rock, with the sun-warmed cliff at my back, a cool wind fanning my face and ... more

We arrived in this beautiful area by 4x4 jeep - an experience in itself, zooming over the brilliantly bright sand dunes! This is not a place for people wanting 5 star luxury- in fact we stayed at a traditional Bedouin camp - really the only way to get the full experience. It was simple but comfortable- y even the food was delicious!- and the highlight was sleeping under the stars...... The morning after was spent on camels! and exploring the desert by 4x4 again. Scrambling up aboiling hot sand dune was again an unmissable experience and sliding down again similar!! Wadi Rum is a must for ... more