> I'm in the early stages of thinking about a trip to the Wadi Rum and I'm looking for some information from anyone who has been or who has good knowledge of travelling and / or climbing in Jordan and the Wadi Rum.
I've been six times, most recently in December. I'm in fact in the middle of writing an article aimed at people in your position. If you email me through UKC, I'll send you back a draft of the general information section I have so far written and you can be my guinea pig and let me know whether it answers all the right questions!
> a) What do people think about the current safety issues there?
I wouldn't be at all worried if you follow the FCO advice. If you fly in to Aqaba with Turkish Airlines and only visit the south of the country, it should feel as safe as anywhere.
> b) thinking about going at the end of March / start of April - how are the temps at this time of year?
Great time of year to go with the spring flowers blooming in the desert. It will feel hot but probably manageable in the sun but perfect in the shade.
> c) I would have 15 days in total including travel time, is this likely to be enough? how long would you expect to take from arriving in Amman to getting to the campsite? anyone have any recommendations for guidebooks / other logistics / travel / etc?
Get the Tony Howard guide - old now, but does the job. If you fly in to Amman, you can pick up a taxi straight to Rum which will take about four hours. You could arrange a taxi in advance, but I've never had a problem doing it on the spot at about £100. Bus would be a faff and take a day. From Aqaba airport it is only an hour and about £40. Fifteen days is plenty of time for a great trip.
> d) anyone have a rough idea of in country costs for a trip of that length?
Once in Rum, camping at the rest house is £2 per night, though some people now rent a room in the village. Food from the local shops about the same as UK prices. Main costs will be transport to the desert - do spend plenty of time camped in outlying areas! Depending on distances, £50 upwards for a round trip. Easily arranged once there, though I can give you a contact if you like.
> e) I am trying to convince my dad to come as its on his bucket list of destinations. he's getting on a bit but probably happy climbing VS to E1 as long as its not too strenuous, and is still OK with big hill days out in the UK. Would there likely to be enough in that grade range for it to be worth a trip for him? and finally, this is a bit of a difficult one, but how 'big' do the days feel?
The brilliant thing about Rum is that there are great routes of all grades from a couple of pitches to big, committing undertakings. The long, scrambly "Bedouin" routes are about as good as it gets and not to be missed. There really is loads to do for any competent climber. There are certainly fantastic conventional routes with uncomplicated descents in the VS to E1 bracket.
Post edited at 14:30