Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 00:14
Petra & Wadi Rum Trek Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Jordan
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TXR
- Carbon Footprint: 23kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Enjoy a magical walk in the desert
Some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world is found in the south of Jordan at Wadi Rum, a place of dramatic beauty providing an ideal environment for trekking. Millennia of erosion has formed wonderful mountains (known as jebels) that rise from the desert sands, creating exciting terrain that we explore from the valley bottom to the jebel tops. Throughout the trip, we are accompanied by local Bedouin people and shall camp as they do, under the stars. Our trip finishes with a walk via the Back Trail into the ancient rock city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
At a Glance
- Two nights at a four-star hotel, two nights in permanent campsites and three nights wild camping
- Five days walking
- Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m)
- Group normally 5 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Free airport transfer for any flight
Highlights
- Walk and camp in the beautiful desert landscape of the Wadi Rum
- Optional hike up to Burdah rock bridge
- Hike the Back Trail to Petra
- Stay at a community owned Bedouin camp near Petra
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
A good level of fitness is required. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not vital as long as you are confident of your physical condition. Each day your main luggage will be transported in 4x4s; all you need to carry is your daypack.
We use hotels in Amman and Petra but while trekking in the desert the facilities are basic (no toilets and showers) so please take this into consideration when assessing whether this trip is right for you. We spend up to six hours a day trekking and you need to be fit enough to cope with this. We will be walking on sand and scrambling over rocky terrain on days 4 and 5. At times, this can be relatively steep with uneven ground and in some instances ropes may be used.
During winter, Jordan can experience low temperatures so it is really important you are adequately equipped for the nights in the desert (it can drop to freezing). Conversely, it can get very hot during summer and you will need to ensure you are hydrated and have appropriate sun protection.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference here.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group
There will be either one or two local leader/drivers (depending on group size) who will escort you for the whole tour.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Amman
- End City: Amman
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Amman, transfer to hotel
Our flight usually arrives in Amman, capital of Jordan, late tonight or very early in the morning tomorrow. We’ll catch our transfer to the hotel and head straight to bed.
Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)
Start Amman
Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Wadi Rum
After breakfast, there is an opportunity to exchange money and purchase snacks for the upcoming desert trek. We then transfer by bus to Wadi Rum (four to five hours). We visit the Wadi Rum visitor centre and take in the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a spectacular rock formation with seven fluted turrets. It is a short transfer to the start of our introductory walk where we walk to Um Al Bdoun, a private campsite run by local Bedouin people. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional zarb dinner, for which a cooking pot is dug into the sand and left for most of the day to slow cook meats and vegetables.
Accommodation: Permanent Bedouin camp
Traverse Siq el Barrah
From our campsite, we trek through Siq el Barrah, a magnificent desert canyon with immense rock walls. We continue through open desert and there is a tangible sense of wilderness as we pass sandstone mountains and rocky outcrops. We set up camp beneath the shade of two rocky mountains, Rakaa and Mharrak.
Accommodation: Wild camping
Trek to Jebel Burdah
We begin today by heading to Jebel Burdah. The route has sections of scrambling and some of them involve the use of ropes, especially the optional ascent to the top of Burdah Bridge, a striking rock formation that arches from one rock mass to another. There are panoramic views throughout the trek, which continues in the afternoon. Our next campsite is on top of dunes near Jebel Umm Fruth in the southeast corner of the Wadi Rum desert.
Accommodation: Wild camping
On to Wadi Khashkhasheh
Today, we head to Umm Fruth Rock Bridge, just a short walk from our campsite. Umm Fruth requires some easy-level scrambling. The ascent is steep and short and the sandstone is firm with good underfoot grip. We continue our trek to the ruins of Lawrence House, where TE Lawrence – also known as Lawrence of Arabia – is said to have slept. In the afternoon, we traverse across remote red-sand dunes with spectacular views throughout. There is an opportunity to see historic rock inscriptions before we set up camp tonight in the crook of a desert mountain.
Accommodation: Wild camping
Leave the desert for Little Petra
Our last morning in the desert starts with a walk or optional camel trek through Wadi Umm Al Ishrim. We transfer towards Petra around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we will visit Little Petra, a smaller but still impressive version of the main Petra site. We spend tonight in a fixed camp (with shared showers and toilets) near Little Petra.
Accommodation: Ammarin Bedouin Camp
Walk the Back Trail to Petra; then drive to Amman
This morning, we set off early to explore the ancient city of Petra, a Unesco World Heritage site known for its astonishing scale.
We take the lesser-known Back Trail to Petra, cutting through a rocky landscape overlooking Wadi Araba. In contrast to the typical tourist track, we arrive first at the Monastery, giving us the chance to see it at a quieter time. From here, we proceed through the vast site, exiting via the Treasury and the Siq.
In the centre of Petra, we pass the houses and tombs of the more affluent citizens and a Roman amphitheatre, preserved in remarkable condition. Beyond the city centre is El Deir, the Monastery. Its superb facade is carved into the rock and topped by a huge urn.
We’ll spend about six hours in total walking through Petra.
After our visit, we transfer back to Amman.
Accommodation: Larsa Hotel (or similar)
Transfer to the international airport
Transfer back to the international airport for your flight home.
End Amman
Tour ends in Amman after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to stay in Amman a little longer to explore and rest after an extraordinary week in the desert.
Accommodation
Two hotel nights and camping
On this adventurous walking trip in Jordan, we spend two nights in a hotel in Amman, one night in a Bedouin camp near Little Petra, one night at a private permanent camp in Wadi Rum and three nights wild camping.
Amman: Larsa Hotel (nights 1 and 7)
Our first and final accommodation is usually the Larsa Hotel, around a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. Locally rated as a three-star, it has some welcome amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. There’s also a restaurant, where we eat breakfast, plus a bar.
Wadi Rum: Private Bedouin camp (night 2)
Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in simple, traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. The tents are equipped with basic beds, sheets and blankets and the site has plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.
Wild camping (nights 3-5)
For our three nights camping in the wild, we sleep in simple dome tents. There are no toilets or wash facilities – this is the wild after all – but we do provide mattresses to sleep on (about 4in/10cm thick). To make things a little easier, our camping equipment is transported to the sites for us, meaning we don’t have to carry it.
Near Little Petra: Ammarin Bedouin Camp (night 6)
Our last camping night is spent at Ammarin Bedouin Camp near Little Petra, which sits at the foot of a protective rock wall. It is not exclusive to Exodus, so there are likely to be other guests in addition to our group, but the site does have shared shower and toilet facilities – a luxury after our last three nights in the wild! The site is run by members of the local Bedouin Ammarin people, a community traditionally comprised of camel and goat herders.
Single supplement from £ 100
Food & Drink
All meals are included while trekking. The three nights spent in hotels are on a bed-and-breakfast basis. You will be required to buy two lunches on days 2 and 7 and dinners on day 1 (depending on flight arrival time), 6 and 7. Allow about 64 Jordanian dinars (US$90) to cover these meals. We usually eat in restaurants where traditional food is served to allow maximum flexibility of choice, and, for those who wish, to try a meze-style meal. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good choice for vegetarians, usually costing approximately 15 dinars (US$21) per person. Unlimited drinking water is provided free of charge on the trek in Wadi Rum.
Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you want a drink, your tour leader will be able to tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all.
Transport
For airport transfers and days when we are not trekking, we use one air-conditioned bus or minibus depending on group size, with local drivers. Occasionally, we use two vehicles for the group. In Wadi Rum, we use basic four-wheel-drive vehicles that are owned by a local Bedouin family. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available and as we are not travelling by road we feel they are adequate for the job.
Weather & Seasonality
Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely; however, protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry (but not unpleasant) throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (90F) in Amman.
Wadi Rum is around 30C (86F) on average in summer though it can get as high as 40C (104F). At night it is usually cooler. In winter it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening, it is around freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Getting to the start hotel
Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Amman
Location end: Amman
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Two/three-season sleeping bag (it can get very cold in the desert, so if travelling from November to February you should bring a winter sleeping bag)
- Lightweight trekking boots with a good-quality sole
- Fleece or jacket suitable for cold nights
- Daypack, hat, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Headtorch (headlamp)/hand torch (flashlight)
- Travel towel and flannel
- Toilet tissue
Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered).
Please try to bring no more than one main piece of luggage per person. On occasion, luggage may be transported separately to the vehicle the group travels in.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Environmental considerations
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Optional Equipment
- Waterless hand-cleaning gel
- Tissues
- Earplugs
- Walking poles
- Gaiters
Practical Information
Passport
Jordan passport information
It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.
Visa
Jordan
Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.
We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.
You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).
Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.
Vaccinations and Health
Jordan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
ATM Availability
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman airport. Here you will find both ATMs and money-exchange desks. ATMs can also be found in the major towns and cities, such as Petra and Amman. However, ATMs may not take all card types so please also bring some cash to change if possible. Your leader can advise you on changing money and ATMs. Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this.
You can take your money in British pounds or US dollars. You may want to take some in cash and some in travellers cheques, with a mix of denominations. However, travellers cheques can be quite difficult to change as very few places now accept these. If you do wish to take them, we advise using those issued by either Thomas Cook or American Express, as you may find others even more difficult to change. Small denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Optional Excursions
There are several optional excursions on offer throughout the trip. Your leader will provide details of these on arrival. While at Wadi Rum, you may encounter local Bedouins selling camel rides. These rides are taken at your own risk. Please note, all prices are subject to change.
- Camel rides in the Wadi Rum: Camel rides provided by the local Bedouins. A trek from the camp to the local village will take approximately 1hr 20min and cost 20 dinars (US$28) per person
- Amman entry fees: Citadel: 3 dinars (US$4.20) per person; theatre: 2 dinars (US$2.80) per person; Mosque Abdallah: 2 dinars (US$2.80) per person
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. However, tipping is part of the culture in Jordan and generally expected.
For tipping your trekking staff, driver, hotel staff and other local staff, we recommend the use of a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise on the amount, as a guide, expect it to be approximately 43 dinars (US$60) for this trip. This kitty can be placed in the hands of one of the group members to look after and the leader will advise where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to tip.
Most clients also wish to tip their Tour Leader and as a guide we suggest 29 dinars (US$40) per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
In Jordan, we are very proud to work with a local partner who received the Travelife Partner award in July 2021. Travelife is a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. To receive the award, our Jordanian partner had to comply with more than 100 criteria related to corporate social responsibility. The Travelife standard is formally recognised for full compliance with the UN Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert at the Exodus Private camp which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. The trekking crew accompanying the group are from local Bedouin families. This not only provides a source of income for these families but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
- We stay in Ammarin Bedouin camp near to Little Petra in the community of Baidha. The Ammarin tribe receive little benefit from the large numbers of visitors to Petra who typically stay in the main town of Wadi Musa. The camp is owned by the Baidha Cooperative which 200 families are members of. Staying here helps ensure the Ammarin see some benefits from tourism and helps preserve their culture.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We follow designated routes on this trek following conservation policies.
- The crew and group collect rubbish where they find it and sort for recycling at the end of the trip. Any non-biodegradable waste generated during the camping in Wadi Rum is kept on board the support vehicle for responsible disposal at the end of the trip.
- Reusable plates and eating utensils are used for all meals.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites. On this trip, we visit two national heritages and trek through the protected Wadi Rum area.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- The camp we stay at on the first night uses solar panels for heating water.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.