Jordan

The Wadi Rum, Jordan

In a country with dozens of wadis, valleys, and canyons, the Wadi Rum is the biggest, ‘baddest’ most spectacular of them all. A collection of adjoining valleys about 2 Km wide, and stretching north to south for about 130Km, this is how a desert landscape should be, complete with fine powder sand, rocky outcrops, camel accompanied desert dwelling nomads, and palm sheltered oases.

The vast expanse of desert and protruding rocks gives you the illusion of being all alone (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amerune/)

Prior to the Arab revolt and the defeat of the Turks, this was the stomping ground of T.E. Lawrence and united Arab tribes. Today it’s more popular with hikers, camel riders, rock climbers, jeep safaris, and those wishing to spend a night or two under the desert stars. Numerous campsites exist to accommodate this demand, although thanks to the rocky outcrops that typify the area, despite the growing number of tourists you are unlikely to actually see any, and will have the illusion at least, that you are completely isolated.

Tour operators and travel agents that can arrange various activities in the Wadi Rum exist in abundance in Aqaba, Wadi Musa (the town at Petra), and Amman.

"Psst! Daoud! I'm leaving for America to be in this commercial." "Yeah, right! You're full of bs Yusef" "Hey! I told you to call me Joe!" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/theboybg/)

Tariq El Kashef is the author and editor of www.alternativeegypt.com – The Online Egypt Travel Guide

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