5 Essential Do's and Don'ts While Touring Wadi Rum Desert
By Bianca Abma | February 26, 2016 | Wadi Rum Tours | 4-minute read
Touring Wadi Rum is a magical and unforgettable experience. This desert offers a unique and mesmerizing landscape, inviting moments of reflection and awe. While some find themselves contemplating life, others simply immerse themselves in the peace and beauty of the desert. Regardless of how you choose to experience it, understanding the do's and don'ts of Wadi Rum will ensure a respectful, enjoyable, and meaningful visit while helping preserve the desert for future generations.
1. Collect Memories, Not Things
Wadi Rum is filled with breathtaking scenery that you'll want to remember forever. Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage and a fully charged battery to capture special moments.
- Do: Take as many photos and videos as you like to preserve memories.
- Don’t: Take anything from the desert. Removing rocks, plants, or fossils damages the fragile ecosystem and diminishes the experience for future visitors.
In a world that values material possessions, let Wadi Rum remind you that the most valuable things are experiences and memories.
2. Leave Nothing But Footprints
The desert is delicate, filled with traces of ancient and modern life—from fossils and ancient carvings to the tracks of desert animals. It's essential to respect these natural and historical elements.
- Do: Take all your waste with you. If you spot trash left behind by others, please consider picking it up to help protect the environment.
- Don’t: Leave litter behind, no matter how small. Even a plastic wrapper or bottle can harm wildlife and spoil the beauty of the desert.
By leaving the desert as you found it, you'll help preserve its natural beauty for future travelers.
3. Dress for the Weather and Respect the Culture
Wadi Rum experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching hot days in summer and chilly nights in winter. Dressing appropriately ensures both comfort and respect for local traditions.
- Do:
- Wear light, long-sleeved clothing in summer to protect against the sun.
- Bring warm layers for cold desert nights.
- Dress modestly to respect local Bedouin customs by covering shoulders, chest, and knees.
- Don’t: Wear revealing or tight clothing, which may be considered disrespectful in Bedouin culture.
Tip: For more insights, check our blog post “How to Dress for the Desert”.
4. Embrace the Darkness and Bring a Flashlight
One of Wadi Rum’s most enchanting experiences is gazing at the star-filled night sky, far from city lights. However, complete darkness can be disorienting, especially for those unfamiliar with it.
- Do:
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp to safely navigate at night.
- Enjoy the darkness by stargazing and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
- Don’t: Wander too far from camp without light. The desert can be tricky to navigate after dark, and medical assistance is not immediately available.
Tip: Read our blog “5 Reasons to Watch Shooting Stars in Wadi Rum” to learn more about stargazing in the desert.
5. Be Respectful When Using the Desert as a Toilet
When you're away from the camp or village, there are no restroom facilities available. This requires some creativity and care.
- Do:
- Find a discreet, private spot for your "toilet with a view."
- Use water (as Bedouins do) or toilet paper.
- Dispose of toilet paper responsibly by either burning it or taking it back with you to dispose of in the camp's waste facilities.
- Don’t: Leave toilet paper or waste behind. It’s not only unsightly but also damaging to the environment.
Tip: Visit our webpage “What to Bring” for more suggestions on preparing for your desert adventure.
Practice These Do's and Don'ts for an Unforgettable Experience
These simple but essential tips ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful visit to Wadi Rum.
- Help us preserve the desert’s natural beauty.
- Respect local traditions and customs.
- Experience Wadi Rum in the most mindful and memorable way possible.
Ready to Explore?
Check out our Day tours page and Multi-Day tours page to choose the experience that best fits your wishes.
Come and practice these do's and don'ts with us, and let’s make your desert adventure in Wadi Rum a moment to remember forever!