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Confusion about the real Lawrence spring cleared

ain shalaaleh the real lawrence spring
Wadi Rum desert has several little springs in the mountains with limestone tops and granite bases. Limestone absorbs rain. The water slowly descends the limestone until it hits the granite. As granite cannot hold water, the water is pushed out, forming little springs—oases of life in a further inhospitable area.

Ain Abu Aineh

Ain Abu Aineh is a spring three kilometers south of Rum village. At the mountain base, you can see the big rock with ancient inscriptions. These inscriptions are to explain to others that water can be found up here on this mountain slope. For visitors, the spring itself is not very interesting. It is minimal as these days, as we pump most of the water down to fill the cisterns from which camels and goats can drink. Enjoying the spectacular view on Wadi Rum and its impressive Jabal Khazali is the main reason for visitors to hike up the rocky slope. The view over the desert is well worth the scrambling up. And the fig tree’s shade on the edge of the spring is delightful in summer. The official map marks this well as Lawrence spring. And we also refer to it as Lawrence spring. But in fact, this is not Lawrence spring, the spring mentioned in the book of Lawrence of Arabia. It is just a lovely spring with a stunning view.
View on Rum village from Ain Shalaaleh

Ain Shalaaleh

You can find the head of a Nabatean rock-cut aqueduct on the south side of Wadi Rum. It is close to Rum village and the remains of the Nabatean temple. The easiest way to reach Ain Shalaaleh is to follow the small track that starts behind the village’s cemetery. The short ascent takes about 15 minutes. Ain Shalaaleh is a beautiful and tranquil place with a little pool shaded by ferns and small trees. Freshwater runs from the mountain’s inside into a pool always. It is so lustful and so green, a real oasis. This spring is the spring that Lawrence of Arabia is writing about in chapter 63 of his book the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’. It is the spot where the troops of Lawrence and Faisal watered their camels before the pivotal attack on the Aqaba Fort during the Arab Revolt. Imagine Lawrence of Arabia and Faisal preparing for the attack while you are there. Pay attention to the many inscriptions that are the silent witnesses of more ancient times. Enjoy the abundance of life around here and watch across Rum valley to enjoy the stunning views.

Ain Abu Aineh is one of the sites that we visit during the full day jeep tours. The real Lawrence spring, Ain Shalaaleh, is not included. But you can easily visit this one on your own.

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