Wadi Rum Private Tour: Martian Site & Bedouin Guide

Red desert and movie sets, guided by someone who lives there

A private half-day tour from Petra to Wadi Rum (the Valley of Moon) with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transfer, and a 2-hour Jeep expedition led by a local Bedouin guide who shows you the Martian and Star Wars film sites, ancient inscriptions, and Lawrence of Arabia Spring. You choose whether to add a camel ride, a second Jeep tour, or lunch. The driver speaks English and the vehicle is climate-controlled throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private full day Wadi Rum tour

• Pick up from Petra hotel
• Travel to Wadi Rum desert valley
• Explore Wadi Rum by 4x4 Jeep with Bedouin guide
• Visit Martian and Star Wars film sites
• See natural rock bridges and red desert plains
• Visit seven pillars of wisdom and ancient inscriptions
• Stop at Lawrence of Arabia Spring oasis
• Visit Bedouin tent for mint tea
• Return to Petra hotel

The experience

You're picked up at your Petra hotel and driven less than an hour south into Wadi Rum's protected desert valley in a private air-conditioned vehicle. The landscape shifts as you approach: towering sandstone cliffs in pinks, reds, and golds rise from rust-colored plains, and the valley widens into the kind of emptiness where sound disappears. This is where The Martian was filmed, and where Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker shot its desert sequences.

Once you arrive, a local Bedouin guide takes over and leads a 2-hour Jeep tour through the valley's signature spots. You pass the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, navigate narrow gorges framed by natural rock arches, and stop at the photo spots where the films were shot. The guide shows you ancient inscriptions carved into the rock and takes you to Lawrence of Arabia Spring, a hidden oasis where T.E. Lawrence based his headquarters during World War I. At a Bedouin tent, you sit down for mint tea and meet the people who live in the valley. The Jeep moves slowly enough that you can photograph the rock formations and the dunes, but fast enough that you cover ground. This is not a walking tour.

Your driver waits while you're in the Jeep, then drives you back to your hotel in Petra. At checkout, you can choose to add a 30-minute camel ride into the desert, a second 2-hour Jeep tour to see the large natural bridge, or lunch. The tour runs in English. Other languages are available by request, and you should confirm your pickup time with the operator a day before you go.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Petra.
• private air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer.
• English-speaking driver.
• 2-hour Jeep tour led by a local Bedouin guide.
• entrance fees to Wadi Rum.
• mint tea at a Bedouin tent.
• on-board Wi-Fi.

Options for this experience

5 options

Tour for holders of the Jordan Pass09:00Classic 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum from Petra hotels with no entrance fees, for Jordan Pass holders. Pickup is included.

Tour only09:00Standard classic 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum from Petra hotels. Pickup is included.

Tour with an extra 2 hours09:00Classic 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum from Petra hotels, extended by 2 more hours (4 hours in total). Pickup is included.

See 2 more options

Tour with lunch09:00Classic 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum from Petra hotels, with lunch at a local restaurant. Pickup is included.

Tour with a camel ride09:00Classic 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum from Petra hotels, including a 30-minute camel ride. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Petra and want to see the film locations without arranging your own transport or guide. The private vehicle means you're not waiting for other hotel pickups, and the Bedouin guide knows the valley's history and the stories behind each stop. If you'd rather not drive, or if you want to add a camel ride or a longer Jeep tour, you can customize it at checkout.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the whole tour take from my Petra hotel?

The tour runs about 6 hours total, including the drive to Wadi Rum, the 2-hour Jeep expedition with the Bedouin guide, the stop for mint tea, and the return drive to your hotel.

What exactly happens during the Jeep tour in Wadi Rum?

The Bedouin guide drives you through the valley for 2 hours, stopping at the Martian and Star Wars film locations, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, ancient rock inscriptions, Lawrence of Arabia Spring, and natural rock formations and gorges. You also visit a Bedouin tent for mint tea.

Is the camel ride included, or do I have to pay extra?

The camel ride is optional and costs extra if you want it. You choose at checkout whether to add a 30-minute camel ride, a second 2-hour Jeep tour, or lunch to your tour.

What's the difference between this private tour and a shared group tour?

This is a private tour, so your driver and vehicle are yours alone for the transfer and wait time. Only during the 2-hour Jeep expedition do you join a local Bedouin guide who may have other visitors on that leg.

Do I need to bring anything, or is there anything I should know about the desert?

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The sun is intense and the terrain is rocky. The vehicle is air-conditioned during the drive, but you'll be in an open Jeep during the 2-hour tour, so plan accordingly.

Can I visit Wadi Rum if I have a Jordan Pass?

Yes, there's a separate tour option for Jordan Pass holders that excludes entrance fees. If you've already paid for the pass, let the operator know so they can reimburse the entrance fee portion of the tour price.