Riding about on his camel, Lawrence of Arabia must have spent much time marvelling at the incredible moonlike vistas surrounding him in Wadi Rum. After all, he described its spectacular desertscapes as vast, echoing and God-like”. It was to this arid yet immensely beautiful expanse of the Jordanian desert that British lieutenant TE Lawrence was sent by the British government in 1916 to try and convince the local Arabs to overcome their differences and revolt against the Turks. In 1962, his successful quest was made into a Hollywood big screen epic starring Peter O’Toole, winning seven Oscars including best picture.
Today’s visitors to this stunning landscape find it little changed from Lawrence’s time. It is still inhabited by Bedouin tribes, although the Rum is now a protected area under the control of the RSCN, the Royal (Jordanian) Society for the Conservation of Nature.
Guided jeep safaris and camel outings are available for those wishing to venture into Wadi Rum, learn about its history and see some of the sites relevant to Lawrence’s travels. In addition to the crumbling remains of his house and a spring where he would go to obtain water, visitors can also see centuries-old Nabatean rock carvings.
