srettig24 Morning sun hitting a rock formation in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum- Valley of the Moon
Wadi Rum is a protected area to preserve its natural beauty. Within the protected area there are small “villages” of huts that tourists can stay the night in. On the left, you can see the hut I stayed in! You can only reach these by local drivers in four wheel drive trucks typically driven by local boys. Water is trucked to these areas and trash and is removed, electricity comes from generators or solar panels. These huts offer you the chance to experience the desert at all times of day.
There are many activities that you can engage with in Wadi Rum! Riding in a 4×4 would be the fastest way to cross the desert. You can also ride a camel. Rock climbing is allowed as well as hiking. Stargazing is recommended on a clear night!
The Sunset in the Desert
Watching the sun rise and set was a highlight for me during my stay in Wadi Rum. With the ocean of red sand and towering rock formations, it demands to be looked at.
The Rock Structures
You won’t be surprised to learn there is a long list of movies that have been filmed here. The most recent being Dune in 2021. For all the Star Wars fans out there, Rouge One and The Rise of Skywalker were filmed here. The movie Martian based on the book was filmed here in 2015. Aladdin, and of course Transformer’s Revenge of the Fallen.
How was this place formed?
Short Answer:
Lithology, Tectonic Activity, Changing Climate, Weather and Erosion.
Wadi Rum was created by the Great Rift Valley about 25 to 5 million years ago. This region was uplifted exposing layers of granite and sandstone. Over 700 meters of sandstone were eroded over millions of years creating the cracks, faults, and joints that you see today. Narrow corridors have been formed over time as you can see below. Some are wide enough to walk through like the one below. Although the one below is full of water and is too dangerous to walk through!
