12 Best Views in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Visitor Centre
As you approach Wadi Rum on the highway, you can already distinguish those large rock formations that are so iconic of Wadi Rum. But the Visitor Centre is where you will first lay eyes on the Wadi Rum Protected Area, which is the most interesting area of Wadi Rum. This is where you pay the entrance fee of 5 JD before heading further into the village (remember, this is included in the Jordan Pass if you have one) - that will be the final stop for your car. But before doing that, make a short stop at the visitor centre. It’s an attraction in itself, and there are viewing platforms where you can admire the beautiful scenery. Towards the east, you’ll be able to spot the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
coordinates: 29.63924, 35.43537
Al Ramal Red Sand Dune
When in Wadi Rum, it’s worth climbing up one of those big sand dunes - a rewarding view often awaits at the top. The most famous one lies right in the heart of Wadi Rum, and provides a sweeping 360° view of the valley. This is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset, when the light is softer. If you stay at one of the many campsites nearby, this is a landmark that you could walk to. Otherwise, any tour to this side of Wadi Rum includes a stop here, though usually late morning or mid-day.
coordinates: 29.52943, 35.42106
Khazali Canyon
From the top of the Al Ramal Red Sand Dune, you get a great view across to the majestic Khazali Mountain. But if you go on a 4x4 tour through the desert, you will be able to see it up close. It’s an interesting stop - a very narrow canyon with ancient inscriptions on its walls - and something different to the wide open spaces that you see all over Wadi Rum.
coordinates: 29.51984, 35.42363
Little Bridge / The Sunrise View
Rock Bridges are very typical of this area, and you would have seen one when looking up pictures of Wadi Rum. The most famous and easily accessible is the so-called Little Bridge. This is also the sunrise spot on 4x4 tours, which means you most certainly won’t be alone even at such early hours. But it is indeed a good spot for watching the sunrise. You can see the sun slowly come out from behind the mountain, and the colours of the surrounding scenery come alive as that happens.
coordinates: 29.52060, 35.44284
Um Frouth Rock Bridge / The Sunset View
This is another very popular rock bridge and an obligatory stop on any 4x4 tour. There isn’t much of view here, it’s more of a photo opportunity. Depending on when you visit, it can get really crowded and there might even be a queue for taking photos on top of the bridge - it’s that kind of place.
Just a little further south from Um Frouth Rock Bridge is the location of the sunset spot on most 4x4 tours - which is nothing special really, just a conveniently located low cliff that opens up into a vast area of desert to the SE, which makes it suitable for watching the sun go down.
coordinates: 29.46873, 35.44921 (Um Frouth), 29.46636, 35.44631 (The Sunset View)
Burdah Rock Bridge
Of all the landmarks that one would visit on a typical journey around Wadi Rum, this is by far the most difficult to reach. Not only is it farther away, but it’s also located at the top of a tall mountain. And while it’s well known and comes with a spectacular view, it’s important to know beforehand that it takes around 2-3h to hike to it. We only saw it from a distance, but, from what I’ve seen and read, the place seems well worth visiting, if you have the time. If you don’t have it, then it is really not worth including this in your itinerary at all, because you’ll be taking a long detour only to catch a glimpse of it from afar - a view that is not particularly impressive, as you can see.
coordinates: 29.47365, 35.49976
The North Rock Bridges
Two more rock bridges can be found in the northern part of Wadi Rum, outside of the Protected Area. This is a 2for1 offering, as the bridges are right next to each other. They are far and away from camps and other landmark, but otherwise easily accessible by 4x4 if you are camping in that part of Wadi Rum. Don’t expect to be exploring this area if you are touring the Protected Area south of the village.
We haven’t ventured to this side of Wadi Rum, so I don’t have any photos to share, but I’ve done the work to find their location on the map.
coordinates: 29.80916, 35.45472 (Rock Bridge #1), 29.81030, 35.45594 (Rock Bridge #2)
The Mushroom Rock(s)
Just like the Um Frouth Rock Bridge, this one isn’t really a view, it’s more of a photo spot. But it’s worth mentioning, because, whether you are visiting the Protected Area or the northern part of Wadi Rum, 4x4 tours will include one of at least two mushroom rocks - after all, tourists love these kind of things, don’t they!
coordinates: 29.51805, 35.49349 (South Mushroom), 29.70891, 35.45276 (North Mushroom)
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Front View
The accommodation in Wadi Rum is quite unique. From caves and bedouin tents to panoramic domes , it spans the entire spectrum from budget to luxury. Some tend to look quite cool against the Mars-like backdrop provided by Wadi Rum, and it’s worth checking them out from a high point if possible - they often rest in the shade of a mountain.
We stayed at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, which is one particularly photogenic camp, due to its unique layout. The best pictures are shot with a drone, but bringing one into Jordan legally is mission impossible. So I spotted the tall dune right across the valley and went for second best.
coordinates: 29.55604, 35.43228
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Side View
Same location, different angle.
There is a mountain right next to the camp, and it’s possible to make your way to higher ground a bit further north. From there, the view is amazing and consists of many layers, stretching across the campsite well beyond.
coordinates: 29.54839, 35.43691
SINAM / Journey through 1916
The entrance to this resort against the mountains makes for an interesting view that is very easily accessible, as it’s just off the main road leading to the visitor centre. Not only that, but this is also the site of Journey through 1916. If you happen to be there at exactly the right time and hear shootings, worry not, because it’s all part of an experience, a reenactment of the Arab revolt against the Ottomans that took place in 1916. Better yet, you can be part of this experience.
coordinates: 29.69096, 35.41570
Bonus: The Window Seat View
Flying into or out of Aqaba? Then it really is worth making sure you get the window seat that faces Wadi Rum near take-off and landing. If you are flying in from the direction of Europe, and are sitting on the left side of the plane, you would be rewarded with a spectacular view of Wadi Rum from above, and possibly also Amman before that.
Find all of these locations and much more on my map of Jordan.
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