Walking in the White Desert
Bedouin Directions Camp is a wonderful place to base yourself to spend some time and just enjoy being in nature.
The experience of exploring the desert alone is quite different to the experience when you explore with a guide or by Jeep.
We welcome people who want to join us for a longer stay to "Hang Out" at the camp to do some independent walking.
Of course we are happy to arrange activities as well if you prefer. Time spent independently can also be combined with a day or two of organised activities.
If you do join us to explore independently here are some tips on how to stay safe:
Hiking and Scrambling in Wadi Rum - Safety
When walking and climbing in the mountains you are at risk of getting lost, falling and injuring yourself or falling ill with something such as heat stroke.
Here are some tips to avoid accidents and reduce your chances of getting lost or sick:
- When going for a independent walk from the camp make sure you pay attention to the landmarks around you. Often there are distinctive mountains in view that can be used to navigate and find your way back.
- Look back frequently as you walk so you recognise the way when returning. Things often look very different when you are going the other way.
- In the beginning make multiple short hikes rather than trying to do one long one. This way you start to get to know the area. Then you can gradually venture further and further from the camp.
- If you want to climb or scramble make sure you let us know where you will head to for the day so we know where to look for you if we need to.
- If you are climbing or scrambling take care, rocks can be loose or you can slip. Stay in your comfort zone and don't push yourself too hard, at least until you are more familiar with the landscape.
- Explore at least in pairs, if possible. Then one of you can go for help if needed.
- Always take more water than you expect to need, just in case you end up getting lost.
- A sun hat is important and can reduce risk of heatstroke.
- A 1 litre bottle of water can have a 1/2 level teaspoon of salt + 6 level teaspoons of sugar added to it. This makes a good anti-dehydration mix and helps to keep the body hydrated in the heat.
- Avoid walking at the hottest time of day (especially if you are lost). Seek shade and then walk again in the afternoon.
- Take a emergency whistle and a light. Just in case you take longer than planned or you get lost.
- Take a lighter so you can make a fire if you need to.
- If you do get lost DON'T PANIC. There are a lot of Bedouin and tourists around in the protected area, someone will find you.
- Try to get back to the camp by dusk so we don't worry! THANK YOU!
IF YOU DO GET LOST:
- Try to keep in the open (someone will be looking for you), or get in a position up high so you can see a Jeep coming. You can flash your light on and off to draw attention to yourself, or make a fire.
- When trying to find your way follow established well used Jeep Tracks.
- In general if you HEAD NORTH you will find camps, telephone reception and people (assuming you have started walking from Bedouin Directions camp).
- Stay to the EAST side of El Qattar (distinctive mountain with what looks like a lot of pillars)
- Keep a map of the protected area with you. The map provided by the Visitor Centre is not detailed enough for proper navigation with a compass but it can help you to orientate yourself and to figure out which direction to head in if you know where you started from.
- Pay attention to the sun. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. This should help you figure out where North is if you are not sure!
I hope this is helpful and we hope to see you soon!
