Timeline of Exploration
A journey through time in Wadi Rum
Prehistoric Inhabitants
The earliest known human presence in Wadi Rum. Prehistoric peoples lived among these mountains, likely ascending lower canyons and possibly some summits during hunting expeditions.
The mountains witnessed humanity's earliest footsteps, long before recorded history began.
The Nabataeans carved water channels, built dams, and created inscriptions that still mark the cliffs today.
Nabataean & Thamudic Era
The Nabataeans and Thamuds inhabited Wadi Rum, ascending canyons and possibly summits. They left behind remarkable engineering works including rock-hewn steps, water channels, dams, and countless inscriptions throughout the area.
Bedouin Traditional Climbs
For countless generations, the Bedouin people have known routes to the summits of these mountains. They developed traditional climbing techniques, carved small handholds, and built "Bedouin steps" (stone cairns) to pass difficult sections during hunting trips.
The Howeitat tribe, descendants of the Nabataeans, maintained deep knowledge of every peak and passage.
Bedouin guides led survey parties to create the first accurate maps of the region.
First Mapping Expeditions
Bedouin guides led survey parties to the summits of several peaks, including Jebel Rum, to assist in creating the first detailed maps of the area. This marked the beginning of documented ascents in the region.
First Recorded Western Ascent
Charmian Longstaff and Sylvia Branford made the first recorded ascent of Jebel Rum by Western climbers, guided by Sheikh Hamdan-the same Bedouin guide who had led the earlier mapping expeditions to the summit.
Read the full story →
Sheikh Hamdan's route remains a classic climb, bridging traditional and modern climbing eras.
"The first climbing expedition" opened Wadi Rum to the international climbing community.
Modern Climbing Era Begins
The first modern climbing expedition arrived in Wadi Rum, marking the beginning of documented sport climbing in the region. This pioneering group discovered a climbing paradise virtually untouched by the international climbing community.
At that time, Wadi Rum was more of a Bedouin encampment than a village, accessed by a pot-holed single track road. The Rest House was an empty shell, and there was no electricity in the village.
Route Development Explosion
International climbers began establishing hundreds of new routes across the massifs. French, British, and other European climbers documented climbs of all grades, from easy scrambles to technical big walls. The first climbing guidebooks were published, putting Wadi Rum on the world climbing map.
Climbers documented their routes in a logbook at the Rest House, creating a living history of exploration.
Wadi Rum is now recognized as one of the world's premier desert climbing destinations.
World-Class Destination
Today, Wadi Rum attracts climbers from around the globe. Local Bedouin guides, many certified by international mountain guide associations like ENSA, combine ancestral knowledge with modern safety standards.
The tradition continues: climbers still document new routes, the mountains still hold countless unclimbed lines, and the Bedouin people remain the guardians and guides of these ancient peaks.
