Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Flora & Fauna
Despite its barren appearance, Wadi Rum is home to a complex ecosystem. Small medi-
cinal plants dot the desert and are used to this day by the Bedouin, and during the infre-
quent rains parts of the desert bloom with over 200 species of flowers and wild grasses.
Around the perennial springs, hanging gardens of fig, fern, mint and wild watermelon
topple over the rocks, creating shaded lairs for small mammals, birds and reptiles.
For most of the year, the extreme heat and lack of ground water mean that animals only
venture out at night. If you sit tight, you may well see a hedgehog, hare or hyrax (a small
furry animal implausibly related to the elephant). If you're extremely lucky, you could
catch a glimpse of a jackal, wolf, caracal or giant-horned ibex. Sadly, you are not likely to
see the highly endangered Arabian oryx, a small group of which were released into Wadi
Rum in 2002 (
Click here
)
but which didn't like the new accommodation and set out for
the rocky plains of neighbouring Saudi Arabia. A new program of reintroduction in a less
sandy neighbourhood of Rum, supported by the United Arab Emirates, is so far meeting
with better success.
This is big-bird country and there is usually a raptor or two (including sooty falcons,
kestrels and eagle owls) circling on the thermals above the desert floor, on the lookout for
the desert's plentiful geckos, agamas and lizards. If you see a scorpion, snake or camel
spider, count yourself lucky, as they are all shy residents of Rum.
WADI RUM ITINERARY BUILDER
Even with only have a few hours to spend, you can enjoy some of what Wadi Rum has to offer. Below is a sugges-
tion of what you can do in a given time under your own steam. For 4WD and camel excursions lasting from one
hour to one day, see the boxed text on
Click here
&
Click here
. Obviously, the longer you stay, the more your eyes
(and heart) open to the desert.
WITH
THIS
TIME…
YOU CAN GO
THIS FAR…
AND DO THIS MUCH…
En route to
elsewhere
Have a panoramic view of Wadi Rum (lit up magnificently at sunset).
One hour
Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking Wadi Rum, then visit the museum.
Walk through Wadi Rum on the tarmac road (7km) as far as Rum Village, snack
at the Rest House and hitch a lift back.
