Wadi Rum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan, rivaled only by the ancient city of Petra. It is a government-protected nature reserve home to Bedouin tribes who have inhabited the wadi and desert for hundreds of years. And while the Bedouins living in Wadi Rum have passed down their traditions and culture for generations, they have also kept up with modern times and use smartphones, social media and cars like anywhere else in the world.
Many Bedouin tribes operate camping sites marketed toward tourists and offer camel rides, jeep tours and traditional Bedouin meals. Tourism serves as a major source of income for Bedouin tribes, but it also brings its own set of problems. Off-road vehicles, litter and loss of wildlife from illegal hunting have damaged Wadi Rum's ecosystem. To mitigate these negative effects and others, access to Wadi Rum has been restricted and monetized by the Jordanian government. To enter the desert, one must coordinate a trip with a Bedouin tribe, and unlicensed vehicles are not allowed in the desert. However, arranging a trip can easily be done online, and Wadi Rum is very accessible to those hoping to see the famous desert for themselves.
