Around fifty kilometres from the Jordanian city of Aqaba is one of the most fascinating desert landscapes in the world, the Wadi Rum. Despite its desolate terrain and hostile environment the region was first inhabited several thousand years ago.

The beauty of the mountains has inspired several authors the most famous of whom was Englishman, Thomas Edward Lawrence. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Lawrence Of Arabia, as he became known, visited the Wadi Rum on several occasions. It is no coincidence that one of the region’s magnificent rock formations bears the same name as that given by Lawrence to his famous autobiography, The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom.

One of the most popular destinations in this region and also one of the most famous landmarks of the Wadi Rum is the imposing rock bridge situated at Djebel Burdah. It is a natural work of art: the Um Fruth Rock Bridge is a further impressive example of the powerful forces of erosion that for millions of years have created what is visible today.

The thing that makes the Bedouin police a little different is their mode of transport. For centuries the camel has been the loyal servant of those who inhabit this region. Gone are the days when the Bedouin possessed camel herds that numbered a hundred thousand and yet age old traditions still play an important role in the everyday life of the people.

The Wadi Rum is well worth a visit!