Walk through orange sandstone cliffs, sand dunes and narrow canyons with a Bedouin guide, stopping for Lawrence's Spring and a traditional lunch under rock shade. This full-day Wadi Rum hike blends geology, culture and practical desert travel advice for first-time visitors.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A morning wind lifts sand off the valley floor and the light turns the sandstone cliffs a warm orange. You meet the guide at the Wadi Rum Rest House, step away from the road and into an emptiness that insists you slow down. The day unfolds as an easy-to-follow route across soft dunes and broken slabs of griffon sandstone, pausing at springs, rock inscriptions and a shaded place where lunch and steaming Bedouin tea refresh dusty limbs.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Able to walk 8–12 km over mixed sand and rocky terrain and handle short, steep scrambles; pace can be gentle.
Wildlife
History
Wadi Rum has long been a Bedouin homeland and a route for traders; T. E. Lawrence famously wrote about the area during the Arab Revolt and left traces like springs and campsites still visited today.
Conservation
Wadi Rum is a protected area—stick to established paths, avoid disturbing inscriptions, and pack out all waste to help preserve fragile desert soils and archaeological sites.
Reserve your spot on the Full-Day Hiking in Wadi Rum's Desert with Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early and finish mid-afternoon
Temperatures spike after noon; plan to complete the longest dune sections before 2 pm to avoid peak heat.
Carry 2–3 litres of water
There are limited water sources between stops; use a hydration pack for easy sipping on the move.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Sand and sandstone slabs require stable footwear—light hikers or trail runners with tread work best.
Protect camera gear from sand
Use a zippered bag or lens cap and change lenses only in wind-protected spots to avoid grit damage.
Sturdy trail shoes
Provide traction on sand, rock slabs and canyon floors.
Hydration pack (2–3 L)
Keeps water accessible and balances weight for long dune sections.
summer
Wide-brim hat and sunscreen
Essential for sun protection in exposed desert stretches.
summer
Light insulating layer
Desert temperatures can drop sharply in winter mornings and evenings.
winter