As we decided to have a stop over Jordan in order to visit Petra on our way back home.
We are wondering if it is worth to drive down to Wadi Rum from Petra for one day?
any comments?
or better to spend more time in Petra, dead sea and Amman.
we have only 4 nights in Jordan.
Thanks
I would not do a day trip from Petra because it is a long and slow drive. But you could leave Petra in the morning, spend the day in Wadi Rum and then drive to Amman on the fast Desert Highway. I find the colours of Wadi Rum best in the late afternoon, so if you are comfortable driving at night (or if you have a driver) you could leave Wadi Rum after sunset. Nonetheless, even in the middle of the day in harsh light certain areas of Wadi Rum are beautiful enough because the air is usually clear and unpolluted. I would not do Wadi Rum when it is cloudy, rainy or in conditions of lifted dust ("sandstorm").
I liked Wadi Rum a lot,but for me the best thing was staying there...eating and sleeping out in the desert,sitting around the fire talking,seeing the sunset.Not so easy on a day trip.
Plus,if you drive there and then on to Amman in the evening..you are not going to have any time at the Dead Sea.
I guess if you have 4 full days? its possible....2 days in Petra,one day drive to Wadi Rum in the morning and sleep there...next day drive to Amman via Dead Sea.You are not going to see much of Amman like that obviously...
Thanks both of you for your answers.
My original program is:
landing at 5.30 Thursday in Amman driving to Madaba have a rest in the morning due to a long flight from Asia (in fact 2 flights)and spend the night there, as Madaba seems to be quieter as Amman.
Friday drive along the dead see and have a swim at Wadi Mujib (better than hotels which are quite expensive and note very well rated for people going for a Swim and spend the night in down town Petra ( better than at the gate).
Saturday visit of Petra.
and then, it is a dilemma, driving around 5 pm to Wadi Rum and spend the night there and have a visit on the sunday in the desert and be back around 5 pm and drive back to Amman or Madaba.
or skip totally wadi Rum and spend another night in Petra and drive back on Sunday to Amman, but no idea if Amman is really worth a visit (presume nothing really special)
Our plane on Monday is at 11 am maybe drive on Monday Morning from Wadi Rum ( which provide more time) but maybe risky to catch the plane as I don't know the sunrise mid of march in Jordan, furthermore , it is said that the road support important traffic (trucks above all)
What would you recommend?
Thanks again for your help.
My fear being that Wadi Rum for one night and one day might be very tourist and disappointed.
I'd agree that Amman is nothing special,compared to those other places.
One whole day for Petra is doable IF you are energetic AND don't need to see everything!
Wadi Rum touristy? I was there early september..the camp we stayed at,there were only us (a couple)and another couple one night..the other night we were alone.We probably saw 3 or 4 other small groups of tourists in 2 days of driving around.....
Thanks Lucapal,
Ok, will skip Amman (as I already thought)
However do you think it is possible to drive from Wadi rum to catch plane at 11.00 am ( in fact, we have to be at the airport for 9 am ( to give back the rented car)
Can we drive at night, any idea of the sunrise mid march?
or may drive from Wadi rum sundae evening and reduce the distance ( Petra Amman airport how much time?)
Concerning Wadi Rum , I read that there are 2 sectors which one is the most "scenery"?
No, we don't intend to see everything., just the taste of a further travel maybe, how to choose the Bedouin tents & 4*4 tour organization, was yours good?
Thanks again
Amman is disapointing and you have better places to spend your time in Jordan.
In my point of view, I don't go to the Rum for one day. In fact, you will be there for less than a day, it's a joke.
Michel
"any idea of the sunrise mid march" Google is your friend, use it.
Leaving Petra at 5pm will get you to Rum after sunset. As your plane leaves at 11am, you need to be at the airport at 9am. Handing in your car might take some time, so let's make that 8:30.
Would count on 3 hours from Rum to the Airport, so you need to leave Rum in the dark.
With the current program it seems not worth the effort.
However, if deserts are your interests (and Rum IS gorgeous) you can make it work if you drive down Rum straight after arrival and work your way back up after your visit.