from 1 review
3 hours
Daily Tour
4 people
English
Experience the magic of Jordan from a breathtaking vantage point at the Wadi Rum Hot-Air Balloon Festival. This spectacular event, launched on October 1, sees the sky above Jordan’s famous Wadi Rum desert come alive with a vibrant display of hot air balloons in various shapes and colors. As the kingdom’s first hot-air balloon festival, it has quickly become a must-see event, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Imagine standing amidst the vast red sands and towering rock formations of Wadi Rum, often referred to as the Valley of the Moon, as you witness a sky dotted with dozens of colorful hot air balloons. Each balloon, with its unique design, adds a splash of color against the dramatic desert landscape. The slow drifting of these aircraft creates a serene and almost surreal spectacle, captivating onlookers and offering a perfect opportunity for stunning photographs and unforgettable memories.
Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its extraordinary landscape that has been the backdrop for many films and adventures. The festival provides visitors with a unique way to experience this stunning desert. While the balloons float gracefully above, those on the ground can partake in various activities, including camel rides, jeep tours, and hiking excursions, allowing them to explore the desert’s wonders from both above and below.
Festival Highlights
A Festival for All Ages
The Wadi Rum Hot-Air Balloon Festival is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Families, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends will all find something to delight in. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Safety and Sustainability
Safety is a top priority for the festival organizers, with stringent measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Additionally, the festival is committed to sustainability, with efforts to minimize its environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of Wadi Rum.
The Wadi Rum Hot-Air Balloon Festival is more than just an event; it is an experience that encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the beauty of Jordan. By combining the thrill of hot air ballooning with the stunning backdrop of Wadi Rum, the festival offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s most captivating deserts. As Jordan opens its arms to the world once more, this festival stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring allure of this remarkable country. Join us at the Wadi Rum Hot-Air Balloon Festival and create memories that will soar high above the sands of time.
Day 1 - Start out in Wadi Rum at 06:00 a.m. While they are getting the balloon ready, enjoy the most astounding sunrise over the Wadi Rum desert. Rise up to a height of 3000 feet to view the whole of Wadi Rum. View the mountains, and the sandstone structures jutting out of the sand. Breath in the fresh clean air. Enjoy being up in the balloon for about 1 hour, but the whole process lasts 2-3 hours. This tour can be added on to any of our Jordan tours, just let us know.
In general, it is advised to wear something comfortable that allows you to climb in and out of a 4x4 vehicle, sit on the ground, ride a camel, go hiking, climbing, etc. Remember that clothing is the best sun protection and bring good walking shoes/trekking sandals with socks! We do ask ladies not to wear anything too revealing when they are in the village (halter necks, short shorts, etc). When you are out in the desert then it doesn't matter because we are used to just about anything. But please do keep a t-shirt available for the village. Shoes: Unless you are doing a heavy scrambling program, you do not need boots for the hiking programs. Trainers or good walking shoes, even sneakers are fine. Socks are a good idea, though. Trekking sandals are very good, especially in warm/hot weather. The models with closed toes are best. In Spring & Summer (15th March - 15th October ) : It is very hot during the day and it is recommended to wear light clothes that covers your body & shoulders to avoid exposure to the sun. A lightweight summer scarf is good to help protect your face from the sand/dust and exposure. Please bring your sunglasses and a hat is essential. Sunscreen is important to protect your skin. During the night at Summer, the weather can sometimes become a little bit cold, so, it is recommended to bring light jackets or sweaters. In Winter (15th October - 15th March ) : It can be cold during the day and at night time the temps can drop below 0 degrees Celsius, so please bring your heavy jackets and sweaters. Sport clothing is recommended (long & heavy sports trousers etc.) Rain is infrequent, but it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket and check the weather forecast.
We will take care of everything that you will need in the desert, but you may want to bring a few of personal items along for additional comfort . You don’t need to bring a sleeping bag as plenty of blankets are provided. Hat and Sunscreen, A small bag/backpack for anything you might need during the day Camera Snacks and water (water is provided but you might like to bring extra) Head lamp or torch If you visit us in winter time, make sure you have enough warm clothing. The coldest months are December, January and February. In November and March some nights can get rather cold. It's especially important to keep the hands, feet and head warm. It is a good idea to bring a flash light/torch, you might need it. There is no ATM in Wadi Rum. Make sure you have enough money before heading to Wadi Rum. Credit card facilities are not common. Remember there are no shops around where we are, so make sure you buy everything beforehand (cigarettes, snacks/drinks etc.). Drinking water from the camp 0,50 JD / bottle of 1,5 l. You can also ask your guide to stop in one of the shops of Wadi Rum village before heading to desert. Sleeping equipment: We supply mattresses, blankets and pillows. In cold weather we have comforters which keep you nice and warm. There is no real need for you to bring sleeping bags, but some people prefer to use their own. This is up to you. In the winter, we move the fire and supper inside one of the tents and snuggle up with blankets for after supper talk. You should not be cold at night, but in the evenings in the winter you do need sweater and/or jacket.
In Wadi Rum the tours are provided by the local Bedouin Community. They are the only ones that are authorized to operate tours inside the protected area. We have a contract with two operators in Wadi Rum that provide our guests with a great experience. Your 4x4 tour will be conducted by a local Bedouin who is your driver. The local Bedouin speak varying degrees of English and are not a licensed guide. We cannot guarantee the quality of the English spoken or the degree of knowledge that your Bedouin driver will have. Please note that the Bedouin drivers do not speak languages other than English and Arabic.
Can I book a camel ride in Wadi Rum? We can certainly arrange a camel ride for you in Wadi Rum. This can be booked in advance or you can book it when you arrive to Wadi Rum with your Bedouin driver. The cost is $15USD/10JD per hour per camel. What can I do with my luggage? You can bring it out to the camp and store it in your own tent. Some people prefer to sort out what they need into a smaller bag or bags and leave the main luggage in our office in Wadi Rum village where it will be safe. Do you have guides speaking different languages? All of my guides speak some degree of English but none of the guides currently working in Wadi Rum speaks more than a few words of any other language. French, German, Italian, Spanish or other speakers have to manage as best they can. I am a vegetarian. No problem. All the different camps offer a variety of dishes, based on local ones, ample in quantity and well cooked. Vegetarian food can be supplied, but please tell us about this or about any allergies before we go to the desert. Is there a hot shower and toilet? The Bedouin Camps have shared bathroom facilities with solar hot water. The tents at the luxury camps all have private bathroom and solar hot water. How much is the entrance ticket fee to Wadi Rum? The entrance ticket fee is 5JD per person. It can be purchased at the visitor centre. You will be given a ticket and a map of Wadi Rum Protected Area. Is Wadi Rum suitable for children? Yes, we make sure your children are safe and have lots of fun. Yes, particularly if you are with us & our guides, they understand children and will organize your tour so that it suits them. they also have a sand-board for surfing the dunes!! Can we start off by an overnight and do the tour the next day? Yes, certainly. The price would be the same as an ordinary tour and overnight, but you should be here by 6pm (18.00) at the very latest, or it will be too late to have supper in the desert. Is it safe to travel to Wadi Rum for Women travelling alone? Many women are worried about travelling alone in Wadi Rum or Jordan in general, especially when it comes to booking a camp or tour with strangers. When you book a tour with us you will be safe with our Bedouin drivers and in the camps. We have provided tours for lots of solo women travelors and they have always reported that they felt very safe. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Wadi Rum The hot air balloon ride is provided by the Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan. There is only 1 flight per day with a maximum capacity of 8 people. We only book the hot air balloon ride for our guests that are booking a full tour in Wadi Rum (4x4 tour with overnight stay), or a full tour in Jordan. The Hot Air Balloon ride is subject to availability and if it is available is subject to weather conditions. The balloon ride if booked is confirmed for the weather conditions the evening before. If your balloon ride is cancelled due to weather conditions, then you will be refunded in full.
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