Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, is a spectacular desert, located in the southwest of Jordan. It was famously the base of T.E. Lawrence’s Arab Revolt of 1917-8, and was the location for filming ’Lawrence of Arabia’ in 1962. Close to Petra and Aqaba, it is possible to visit Wadi Rum as a day trip, but an overnight stay is recommended to experience the full wonder of the desert.
The scenery in Wadi Rum is incredibly dramatic, with striking rock formations rising from the red and gold sand. The setting is so other-worldly that the desert has been used as a background for a number of films besides 'Lawrence of Arabia’, including 'The Martian', 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' and 'Prometheus'.
The area is still inhabited by local Bedouins, although most of the community are no longer nomadic, now living in fixed villages. Canyons within the desert conceal ancient Nabatean inscriptions, and visitors will need a keen-eye and knowledgeable guide to find the hidden springs and pockets of greenery amongst the arid environment.
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