As seen on
Hidden hiking trails of Jordan
Jordan
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
8 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
This uniquely crafted walking itinerary, combining Jordan's top sights, takes you off the usual tourist trails for an odyssey along some of the lesser-known paths of the country.
Led by expert local guides, you’ll first walk through some of Jordan's vast desert valleys or 'wadis' – surreal landscapes of black, red and golden sands interspersed with humbling massifs and striking rock formations.
You’ll stop off for a soak in the extraordinary Dead Sea, and spend time exploring the wild nature of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The final stop is the captivating Nabatean Kingdom of Petra, reached on foot through its lesser-known ‘back door trail’.
As with all of our tours, we'll stay in locally-owned and run accommodation wherever possible and include meals with local families, to both support the local communities and provide our guests with the most authentic experiences.
Day 1: Amman
Flights
Transfer
Dinner
3 star hotel
Your local guide will meet you in Amman Airport, Help you with visa and entry procedures. Transfer you to Amman the capital city of Jordan, A city full of life, mixing the ancient with modern city life.
Stay at: La Locanda Hotel
Day 2: Amman - Um Qais
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
We journey towards Um Qais, a vantage point offering views of the border with Syria and Palestine. Here, we engage in a captivating 4-hour hike, with the trail tailored to the season. Following our invigorating trek, we partake in a delightful lunch experience with a welcoming local family. As dusk settles, we find our overnight retreat at the cozy Ajloun Reserve Cabins, nestled amidst nature's embrace. We have lunch with a local family.
Stay at: Ajloun Forest Reserve Cabins
Day 3: Ajloun Castle - The Dead Sea
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Following a satisfying breakfast, ample time will be allocated for you to venture into the reserve, immersing yourself in its natural wonders. Subsequently, we will embark on a captivating journey back to the 12th century with a visit to Ajloun Castle. After a delectable lunch in Ajloun, we will proceed with our transfer to the Dead Sea. Here, you will have the opportunity to indulge in a revitalizing dip in the legendary waters and relish a tranquil evening, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stay at: Mujib Reserve Chalets
Day 4: Wadi Hike (5-10km)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
In the morning, we will guide you on an exhilarating hike through one of the renowned valleys adjacent to the Dead Sea, such as Wadi Numeira or Wadi Hassa. The duration of the hike, ranging from 3 to 5 hours, can be adjusted according to the capabilities and interests of the group. Following this invigorating adventure, we will enjoy a delightful farm-to-table lunch, sourced from a local farm that embraces sustainable practices.
Afterwards, we will transfer to your accommodation in Dana, which is a beautifully restored house nestled within the charming Dana Village. This unique hotel offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and culture of the area, providing a truly immersive experience.
Stay at: Dana Village Hotel
Day 5: Explore Dana Village - Shobak Castle
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
5 star hotel
Embark on a captivating journey through the history and natural wonders of Dana Village and the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking beauty of this remarkable destination.
Next, explore the remarkable Al-Shobak Castle, steeped in centuries of history, and visit the enchanting site of Little Petra with its intricate rock- carved facades. Conclude the day with a memorable stay at a hotel reminiscent of an ancient village, where you can fully embrace the ambiance and charm of this unique setting.
Stay at: The Old Village Resort (5*)
Day 6: Petra Back Trail - Wadi Rum
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Camping
As we enter Petra through its lesser-known back door, prepare to be captivated by a trail that ranks among the top 15 trails worldwide. The awe- inspiring beauty and intrigue of this pathway will leave you spellbound.
Following our exploration, a delightful evening awaits as we share a special dinner with a welcoming local family in Petra, offering an authentic taste of Jordanian hospitality. Subsequently, we will proceed to spend the night in the breathtaking expanse of Wadi Rum, where the tranquility of the desert landscape will create lasting memories.
Stay at: Panorama Wadi Rum Camp
Day 7: Climb Burda Bridge in Wadi Rum
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Embrace the thrill of ascending to the summit of Jordan or venture on an exploration of the highest bridge formation in Wadi Rum. Each option presents an exhilarating 4-hour adventure, allowing you to choose the path that resonates with your sense of adventure.
Afterwards, we will continue our unforgettable journey with another night spent in the captivating expanse of Wadi Rum. This vast desert landscape will envelop you in its tranquility, offering a serene backdrop for relaxation and reflection.
Stay at: Panorama Wadi Rum Camp
Day 8: Wadi Rum - Amman
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
Following a final indulgence in a traditional Bedouin breakfast, we will commence our return journey to Amman. Once there, you will be treated to a comprehensive city tour that encompasses both the ancient Roman ruins and the vibrant modern facets of the city. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich historical heritage as you discover the remnants of the Roman era, while also experiencing the dynamic essence of contemporary Amman.
Stay at: La Locanda Hotel
Day 9: Departure day
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
Transfer to the airport, pat the desert dust from your pack, to head home rejuvenated body and soul from this wonderful country.
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Flights & Airport Taxes
- Insurance
- All drinks
- Tips
Contents
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for any activities you will be doing on this adventure, with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
Weather and Climate
Jordan's climate is a tapestry of contrasts, offering a Mediterranean climate in the west with mild winters and pleasant springs. As you journey south, brace for sweltering summers, notably in Petra and the Wadi Rum desert. Winters see occasional rain, but rainfall is generally low.
Wadi Rum's desert charm comes with hot days and cool nights. Our adventures are meticulously planned to ensure your comfort in the desert's unique climate. The Dead Sea region enjoys sunny days year-round, making it an ideal destination any time.
Geography
Jordan's unique geography weaves an intriguing tale. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, it shares borders with Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Its landscape is a mesmerizing mosaic, from the fertile Jordan Valley in the west to the arid deserts of the east.
To the west, the Jordan Valley is a fertile crescent where the Jordan River meanders, providing lush oases in this otherwise arid region. Beyond, the Dead Sea's hyper-saline waters create an otherworldly experience.
In the east, the endless expanse of Jordan's deserts, including the famous Wadi Rum, beckons adventurers with its red sands, towering sandstone formations, and captivating silence. These dramatic landscapes evoke the rich history, diverse culture, and awe-inspiring beauty that define Jordan.
Health
The country is generally considered a low-risk destination, with a well-developed healthcare system. However, it's essential to prioritise your well-being during your journey.
Before your adventure, ensure you're up to date on routine vaccinations, including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are also advised due to potential exposure to contaminated food or water.
For travellers engaged in hiking or camping activities, rabies vaccination is recommended. We encourage you to discuss your specific health needs with your healthcare provider. Additionally, the Travel Health Pro website offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on vaccinations, medical advice, and health guidelines for travellers.
Food
Jordanian cuisine is a flavorful journey reflecting a rich tapestry of history and culture. A staple in Jordanian meals is meat, particularly lamb, chicken, and beef, expertly prepared in various delectable forms. Mansaf, the national dish, features succulent lamb cooked in fermented dried yoghurt sauce, served on a bed of aromatic rice.
Mouthwatering dishes like Maqluba, a savoury upside-down casserole, showcase the country's culinary ingenuity. Freshly baked flatbreads, including pita and shrak, grace every table and are perfect for scooping up rich hummus, falafel, and baba ghanoush.
Jordan's cuisine also caters to vegetarians, with delights like the popular mezze platter, abundant with vegetarian options such as tabbouleh, fattoush, and stuffed grape leaves. And don't forget to sip on Jordan's famous mint tea or cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee. The tradition of warm hospitality means that sharing delicious meals is an integral part of the Jordanian experience.
Culture
Jordan is home to a harmonious blend of cultures, deeply influenced by its storied history. As you explore this enchanting land, respect for social and cultural norms is paramount.
Historically, Jordan's heritage is woven with a tapestry of nomadic traditions, which continue to shape the lives of its people. The Bedouin way of life, characterized by hospitality and communal values, remains an integral part of Jordanian culture. While the country has evolved over the decades, including gaining independence in 1946, the spirit of tradition and respect for the land and its people are embraced with pride. Your journey through Jordan will be enriched by engaging with these unique customs and immersing yourself in the warm embrace of the local culture.
Compulsory
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / Debit card for ATM
- use Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Washbag & usual contents
- 'On the go' Toilet kit: toilet roll, biodegradable wet wipe
Optional
Items for Walking / Sightseeing
- Small daypack (about 20L) for sightseeing
- Waterproof Jacket
- Walking shoes or boots (already broken in)
- Torch with spare batteries
- Sunglasses & high factor suncream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Waterproof stuff sacks to keep daypack contents dry
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
Clothing
- Socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops.
- Trousers / shorts / skirts - NB dress modestly for religious buildings
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket / fleece - it can be cooler at altitude and in the evenings
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Buff or light scarf useful for sun protection and covering shoulders / neck for church visits
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- 2 prong adaptor - the associated plug type for Oman is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Oman operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
- Money belt or grab bag for essentials
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
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Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
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Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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