Lawrence’s Spring | Wadi Rum

Information

Landmark: Lawrence’s Spring
City: Wadi Rum
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Lawrence’s Spring, Wadi Rum, Jordan, Asia

Lawrence's Spring, known locally as Ayn Abu Aineh, is a natural water source located on the slopes of Jebel Rum within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. It is a primary landmark associated with the Arab Revolt and remains a functional watering point for local livestock.

Visual Characteristics

The site is marked by a cluster of lush greenery, including wild fig trees and desert shrubs, growing out of a rocky cleft high on the mountain's reddish-brown sandstone face. Water trickles from the mountain into a series of ancient stone troughs at the base. The immediate area is characterized by massive boulders, sandy slopes, and numerous Thamudic inscriptions carved into the surrounding rock surfaces.

Location & Access Logistics

The spring is situated approximately 4km southwest of Rum Village. Access is strictly via 4x4 vehicle, camel, or on foot through open desert; standard vehicles cannot navigate the deep sand tracks. Visitors typically park at the base of the mountain and perform a steep, 15-minute rocky scramble to reach the actual source and the shaded viewing area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The spring is an artesian source where groundwater, filtered through the permeable sandstone of Jebel Rum, meets an impermeable layer and emerges at the surface. Historically, it has been a vital stop for caravans for millennia. It gained international fame after T.E. Lawrence described bathing there in his memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom during the 1916–1918 Arab Revolt.

Key Highlights & Activities

The main activity is the short but strenuous hike up to the spring level to view the water source and the historical inscriptions. The elevated position provides a panoramic vantage point over the Rum Valley and the red sand dunes to the east. Visitors can observe Bedouin herders bringing camels to the lower troughs for water.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no modern facilities at the spring. A traditional Bedouin tent is usually located at the base of the mountain, offering shade and tea for a small fee. Restrooms and visitor services are available 4km away in Rum Village or at the main Visitor Center. Cellular signal is intermittent and generally weak due to the proximity of the Jebel Rum massif.

Best Time to Visit

The early morning (07:00 AM – 09:00 AM) offers the best conditions for the uphill scramble before temperatures rise. Late afternoon provides soft lighting for photography of the valley below. The spring is accessible year-round, but spring (March–May) is the peak season for seeing the surrounding desert vegetation in bloom.

Facts & Legends

A common point of confusion for tourists is that there are actually two springs in the area; Ayn Abu Aineh is the one most commonly visited by tours, while Ayn ash-Shallalah is located further up the valley and is also sometimes referred to as Lawrence’s Spring. Lawrence famously described the water here as "stilled by the weight of the mountain" and noted the scent of wild mint growing near the source.