Wadi Rum
For experienced rock-climbers there are climbs reaching 1,700m, and vary between Grade 3 and 5 in difficulty. The rocks are sandstone and excellent climbs are possible, often exceeding the quality and length of those in places such as the Italian Dolomites. Climbers must enquire in advance from the Visitors' Centre, as climbs are restricted and must be accompanied by an experienced Bedouin guide.
This is a nature-lover's paradise; a unique ecosystem where rare plants and herbs, long known by the Bedouin for their curative powers, can be discovered.
At first glance there does not appear to be a great deal of wildlife but more observant visitors will soon discover there is more to Wadi Rum than sand and rocks. Hyrax, hares, jerboas and gerbils appear, as if from nowhere, as the sun goes down. This is also the time for the desert hunters, the foxes and Arabian sand cats, to make their appearance. Their footprints can often be seen in the sand in the early morning around the Bedouin campsites – evidence, no doubt, of their nighttime scavenging.