Most Inspirational Moment
Nothing was inspirational as such, but there were plenty of fabulous moments: scrambling onto the rocks on several nights to watch the sunset, sleeping under the stars, scrambling on the Burdah Arch, seeing Petra form high up above, and even just sitting round the campfire at night chatting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Zuhair was very knowledgeable and sociable, and looked after the group well, going the extra mile on numerous occasions, although he occasionally did talk a bit too much! He was tolerant of a group who didn't always make life easy for him, but occasionally the cracks did show through when he got frustrated with people who faffed about or who didn't listen to him. Unlike many non-Western guides, he interacted very well with the group, however, and socialised with us throughout the entire week, entertaining us on a frequent basis with stories and jokes. He set a decent pace and expected high standards, but perhaps was not so tolerant of those who liked to dawdle. He should perhaps have made it clearer that he wouldn't wait for those who did.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You do need to be relatively fit and happy to "slum it" a little as the camping is pretty basic. Do your research beforehand, especially if you've never been wild camping. Torch, wet wipes, blister plasters etc. LIghtweight walking boots. Be prepared to get sand in your boots constantly though (trousers or gaiters would help, but it's really too hot for that!). In April the weather was surprisingly warm at night and many of us had far too many clothes - I never even needed a sleeping bag let alone my 3 season one, nor did I need my thermals or lightweight down jacket. In winter, I suspect you'd need all these things. It's essential to wear walking boots in Petra as you'll be clambering around on the rocks. Also a torch is useful for the "Petra by night" walk (and trainers or boots as you walk around on rocky surfaces and it's a long walk). We also never needed anything to cover heads, shoulders or knees, even in Petra. Do the hammam in Petra, it was wonderful to be scrubbed clean after a few days in the desert! If you don't like caffeine at night, take herbal teabags with you. And take a mug (they do lend you mugs but they can disappear very easily!) Also take a good 2 litre water bottle or (preferably) hydration system - it's easy to underestimate how much water you need and to run out during the day. Take a book for the siesta time after lunch and the evenings.
Suggestions
Have some respect for the guides - they really do know what they're talking about even if what they say might sound odd. And read up a little on the culture and on Petra before you go.
