Everything you need to know about climbing in Wadi Rum
No prior experience is required for beginner routes. We offer climbing for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced climbers. Our certified guides provide instruction and ensure safety for first-timers, while experienced climbers can tackle challenging multi-pitch routes.
The best climbing season is October to April when temperatures are mild (15-25°C). Summer months (June-August) are extremely hot (35-45°C) and not recommended for climbing. Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) offer perfect conditions.
Wadi Rum offers routes from French grade 4 to 8a+ (YDS 5.6 to 5.13+). Alpine grades range from F (Facile/Easy) to ED (Extremely Difficult). Sport climbing crags have bolted routes from 5a to 7b+. Traditional multi-pitch routes use Alpine grading (AD, D, TD). We match routes to your skill level.
Wadi Rum offers diverse climbing: sport climbing on bolted crags, traditional multi-pitch routes, Bedouin scrambling routes (Grade I-III), technical face climbing, crack climbing, slab climbing, and canyon adventures. The sandstone and granite provide unique desert climbing experiences.
Routes vary greatly: sport climbs are typically 1-3 pitches (30-100m), Bedouin mountain routes are 300-600m with 4-8 hours climbing time, and major multi-pitch routes can be 400-800m taking a full day. We can recommend routes based on your available time and fitness.
Yes, all technical climbing equipment is provided: harnesses, helmets, ropes, quickdraws, belay devices, and climbing shoes (if needed). You only need to bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and water. All equipment meets international safety standards.
Yes, our guide is ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme) certified mountain guide. Salamah Alzalabia has international certifications and years of experience guiding in Wadi Rum.
We follow international mountain guiding standards: double-check all systems, use certified equipment, maintain low guide-to-client ratios (max 4:1), carry first aid kits and communication devices, and conduct thorough safety briefings before each climb.
Contact us via WhatsApp (+962 775 355 605) or email ([email protected]). We'll discuss your experience level, preferred dates, and create a custom itinerary. No fixed pricing-every trip is tailored to your needs and group size.
Wadi Rum is 320km south of Amman (4-hour drive) and 60km from Aqaba (1-hour drive). Most visitors fly to Aqaba or Amman, then drive or arrange transport. We can help coordinate transportation from Aqaba or Petra.
For 2-day adventures, we camp under the stars in traditional Bedouin style with comfortable mattresses, blankets, and authentic meals cooked over fire. For longer trips, we can arrange Bedouin camp accommodations with facilities.
Bring: comfortable athletic clothing, closed-toe shoes (we provide climbing shoes if needed), sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat, 2-3 liters of water, snacks, and a small backpack. We provide all technical climbing gear.
Sport climbing uses bolted routes on crags (half-day to full-day). Mountain routes are traditional Bedouin scrambling paths to summits like Jabal Rum (1,754m) requiring 6-8 hours with Class 3-4 scrambling. Mountains offer adventure and views; sport climbing focuses on technical difficulty.
Jabal Rum requires good fitness and some scrambling experience (Class 3-4). It's not suitable for complete beginners. We recommend starting with easier peaks like Jabel Maayen (Class 2-3) or Jabal Hash, which are more accessible for first-time mountain adventurers.
Jabal Umm Ad Dami (1,854m) is Jordan's highest point, located in southern Wadi Rum. The route is a moderate hike (Class 2) taking 4-5 hours round trip. From the summit, you can see the Red Sea on clear days and enjoy panoramic desert views.
Wadi Rum features primarily Cambrian sandstone (red/orange colored) and Precambrian granite. The sandstone offers unique friction climbing with features like cracks, chimneys, and slabs. Some areas have volcanic rock. The rock quality varies from excellent to friable, with most established routes on solid rock.
Both! Sport climbing crags like Mazlaqah and Qabr Amr have bolted routes. Many multi-pitch routes are traditional, requiring gear placement (cams, nuts, slings). Bedouin mountain routes are typically scrambles with occasional fixed protection. We provide all necessary equipment.
Wadi Rum is famous for: vertical cracks (finger to off-width), friction slabs, chimneys and dihedrals, overhangs, slot canyons, natural arches, and exposed ridges. The sandstone provides unique desert features not found elsewhere.
Most established routes are on solid rock. However, sandstone can be friable in places, especially on new routes. Always test holds, especially after rain. Our guides know which routes have the best rock quality and will choose appropriate climbs for conditions.
Wadi Rum's otherworldly landscape of red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and vast desert plains resembles lunar terrain. The area was featured in films like 'The Martian' and 'Dune' for its Mars-like appearance.
Wadi Rum offers unique sandstone and granite climbing on massive rock formations up to 1,750m tall. The combination of traditional Bedouin routes, modern sport climbing, stunning desert scenery, and authentic cultural experience is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Yes, Wadi Rum and Jordan are very safe for tourists. Jordan is one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. Wadi Rum is a protected area with tourism police and Bedouin hospitality. We've guided thousands of international visitors safely.
Contact our guides directly for personalized answers and custom trip planning
