Exploring Wadi Rum by Jeep Safari

Sand leaps from the floor of the desert like waves rising and crashing from the sea. As we speed through Wadi Rum we leave behind a path of swirling tyre tracks. The ride is full of wind and haze. The faster we drive the hazier everything becomes and the line between desert and sky merge until we can barely see the horizon.

The desert has swept the land bare, and only a few signs of life are left. Even the sight of a tuft of grass sprouting from the sand is surprising, and the sight of a tree brings suspicion. It looks out of place, as though it might be a mirage. Growing in such a lush and vibrant way contradicts the hostile heat of the sun. 

Driving through the desert

As we drive past canyons, we venture through stretches of shadow. The taller the canyons rise towards the sky the more their shadow claims of the desert.

It’s hot so I’m thankful to seek refuge in the shade. I try to imagine what it would be like to work under such heat, but even the thought feels unbearable.

As much as I can hate it, the relentless British weather of rain and wind is easier for me to handle. I need the seasons.

As far as the eye can see, seemingly unchartered land lies ahead. As we fly through the desert at speeds of over 60mph on the back of an old, battered Jeep, clinging on for dear life, I let my imagination take over.

The nostalgic memories of watching Indiana Jones, Jewel of the Nile, Star Wars and The Land That Time Forgot has become reality. These places really do exist, I think to myself.

Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher

– William Wordsworth

Rolling down sand dunes

Our driver halts whenever he wants us to experiences the magic of the desert.

We jump out of the Jeep and  onto the sand which is burning in hues of rich oranges and red.

It’s nice to enjoy the landscape at a slower more intimate pace. Rolling down sand dunes and lying flat with my arms and legs spread out like a star as though surrendering my body to the sky.

I could spend all my days like this – sprawled out like a starfish. Grains of sand have made their way into my hair and in-between my toes. I remove my pumps and turn them upside down and a stream of sand pours back onto the desert floor. It’s a small but pleasurable activity.

Finding the petroglyphs of Wadi Rum

Next we explore the space between Khazali canyon. We climb into spaces and ridges to reach Petroglyphs etched by Nabataeans into the rose coloured walls over 4000 years ago. 

Petroglyphs in Khazali Canyon at Wadi Rum.

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom in Wadi Rum

We continue toward the Seven Pillars of Wisdom made famous by D.H. Lawrence. It’s a striking pillar that makes me wish I’d have read the novel before arriving.

After soaking up the literary backdrop, our driver revs up the engine again and we continue to bump up and down to the natural waves of the desert until we approached the side of a mountain.

Slowly emerging from behind a giant canyon were black, rectangular objects. I can’t make out what they are from a distance, but as drive closer, it becomes apparent. The are our tent cabins for the night. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than Wadi Rum.

How to book a Jeep Safari in Wadi Rum

I booked my Jeep safari when I arrived in Wadi Rum through the company I used for accommodation – Bedouin Lifestyle Camp. I highly recommend staying overnight with them. The camp is situated in stunning location, and they put on a really beautiful evening meal around a campfire complete with traditional music, food and great hospitality.

→ Book accommodation at Bedouin Lifestyle Camp

You can read my review of Bedouin Lifestyle Camp here.

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