Hike Jabal Um Addami: Summit Jordan’s Highest Peak from Wadi Rum
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 hours (total, including transfers)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and comfort on steep, uneven terrain; expect sustained uphill walking and some scrambling.
Overview
Drive deep into the southern valleys of Wadi Rum and climb to Jordan’s highest peak—Jabal Um Addami. This full-day guided hike blends raw desert geology, Bedouin culture, and expansive summit views, with a cooked lunch and sunset at a Bedouin camp.
Hike Jabal Um Addami: Summit Jordan’s Highest Peak from Wadi Rum
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The morning begins on a ribbon of hard-packed sand, a convoy of jeeps slipping south from Wadi Rum as dawn paints the rock faces a flat, fierce red. The drive takes about 40 kilometers through Wadi Saabit’s lonely valleys — a landscape that feels deliberately vacant, as if the desert is holding its breath. When the vehicles stop, the mountain is a dark silhouette against an enormous sky; you strap on a daypack and head for the ridge.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start before dawn
Temperatures and glare climb quickly; an early start reduces heat exposure and gives you calmer winds on the ridge.
Carry 2–3 liters of water
Water is provided but bring a hydration system to manage intake on steep sections and during the summit pause.
Wear stiff-soled boots
Loose scree and exposed slabs demand ankle support and a grippy sole for confident footing.
Trust your guide on route-finding
Trails can vanish on sand and rock; guides know the safe lines and local hazards.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nubian ibex (occasionally sighted on rocky ridges)
- Red fox and various desert lizards
History
The area has been traversed by Bedouin for centuries and shows traces of ancient caravan routes and rock inscriptions; Wadi Rum later drew Western attention during the Arab Revolt and T.E. Lawrence’s travels.
Conservation
The desert ecosystem is fragile—avoid off-route driving, pack out waste, and support local Bedouin guides who practice low-impact camp cooking and waste disposal.
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Adventure Hotspots in Wadi Rum
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for loose scree and rocky slabs.
2–3 liters hydration system
Sustained water intake is critical in desert heat.
summer specific
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Open desert offers almost no shade—UV protection prevents heat-related issues.
summer specific
Insulating layer and wind shell
Summit winds and early-morning starts can be surprisingly cold.
winter specific