wadi zarqa ma'in

Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary attached is correct at the time of printing. However please note that occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to your trip, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Detailed Itinerary Daytrip: Wadi Zarqa Ma'in (Canyoning: hiking, bouldering and abseiling) We'll meet up early in the morning in Amman and drive to Madaba for a quick briefing by our team member. We'll then head to the trailhead next to the village of Ma'in, start our canyoning adventure until we reach the trailend at the hot springs of Ma'in. We will be hiking for the first two to three hours until we reach the first waterfall where you will have plenty of time before and after the abseiling activity until everyone gets down. Then we'll walk for five minutes to reach the next waterfall and go through the same abseiling procedure. After the last rappel, we'll have another hour to hike until we reach the end of the trail. The duration of the whole adventure may vary according to the number of the group, the group pace of hiking and to how fast the abseiling experience goes for those rappelling for the first time. So it can be anything between 7 and 10 hours (excluding transportation time).       Wadi Zarqa Ma'in is located between the village of Ma'in and Ma'in hotsprings, a 4km hike takes you through a black basalt canyon and a white limestone canyon with two impressive waterfalls to abseil (50m each). Below each fall lies a splendid pool girded by travertine drapes. The trail ends at the Ma'in Hot Springs.

Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to begin your trip as scheduled, please contact us immediately (+962 79 9614937, +962 77 7784433, +962 77 7717909 or +962 79 553 6351).

Meeting Point
We will gather in Amman between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM (7th Circle, beside the Safeway Stores parking lot) at 6:00 AM sharp we leave. Being there on time is essential, especially if you don't want to be left behind! Those who stay in Madaba can meet us at Terhaal office- 50m opposite the manucipality building at 6:25 AM.

One reason why we leave very early is to have the maximum time of daylight in order not to rush the canyon and have more time for leisure. The other reason is to have spare time in case of any emergency.

Finishing Point
Same as the meeting point above, between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Group size
We welcome a maximum of 12 persons per group. (Two instructors and two assistants)

Meals
Make sure you have a good breakfast at your home/hotel. We will provide you with a simple snack lunch (2 Sandwiches, vegetable and fruit), we'll also provide each one with three liters of water to carry along. We very much recommend you bring some dates or dried fruits for a good and fast energy source, but make sure you put them in a water-proof container/bag (the kitchen zip-lock bag can be a solution).

Inclusions
Snack lunch and Water;
Transportation from the meeting point and back.

Transport
Bus, your feet and our ropes =)

Physical Rating
We would rate this itinerary as moderate. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your adventure. Think of 4 to 5 hours walking time and two medium waterfalls/cliffs to abseil (50m) (a head for heights is required).

Physical Preparation
This is a canyoning/abseiling adventure trip. It involves hiking in hilly country that will require a decent level of fitness to be enjoyable. We recommend you objectively assess your fitness level in conjunction with reading the itinerary to ensure this trip is right for you.

Health
It is recommended that all travellers be in good physical health prior to embarking on a Terhaal trip as all our trips are active/adventurous. We also advise all our guests to consult their doctor beforehand. Group leaders reserve the right to exclude any guest from a trip whom they believe may be of an unjustifiable risk to themselves or to the rest of the group without refund.

Safety
You have to be aware that these adventures/sport is considered risky. However, be sure that you will be accompanied by experts in the fields of canyoning and abseiling.

Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing during the hiking trips. Helmets and all necessary abseiling equipment will be provided during the trips. Helmets must be worn all the time in the canyon, especially, when you are under a waterfall or a cliff.

Checklist
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the trip (the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are recommended), remember you need to carry your own lunch box, 3 liters of water, your harness and helmet, etc., so try to bring a suitable size (50 liters or above).
> Hiking shoes are the most important. Although we recommend wearing proper hiking shoes with a good grip, in case you don’t have a pair please make sure you wear something comfortable that doesn’t cause blisters and wouldn't breakdown whilst hiking in rough terrain and water.
> Sandals are a no no.
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colours are advisable in summer time
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Swimming suit (to be worn under your clothes)
> Sun protection lotion
> Insect repellent
> Dates, fruits, or candy bars (to provide instant calories during hiking)
> Water flask if you do not prefer carrying water bottles
> Water proof bags (with sealing strap) to keep your valuable stuff dry while crossing pools and so on
> An extra set of clothes, shoes, and a towel to be kept in the van.

Local Dress
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Jordan. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate.

Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on Tel +962 6 5866607. Our tour leaders may be reached on their mobile phones +962 7 7778 4433, +962 7 77 717909, +962 79 553 6351 (unless they are in a remote area with no signal coverage). Alternatively you can email emergency@terhaal.com.

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Group Leader
All our tour leaders have good knowledge of the local communities and terrain of the areas you will be visiting. We also make sure that they are properly trained in any specialised activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling, abseiling, etc.

Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Jordan is a small country with little natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region so make sure you adapt a conservative attitude towards water consumption. Along the trip your tour leader will highlight such issues.

Terhaal plans its operations in a way that maximises benefits for local communities; whenever we can, we hire staff locally in the areas where we operate, our guests stay in locally owned hotels and we attempt to organise our holidays around volunteering activities such helping farmers to harvest their apples, olives etc, and the like. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and environmental education for children.

A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make your destinations such special places. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession.

Consuming alcohol or being under its influence during our hiking activities will not be tolerated.

Participation form
All Terhaal travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with Terhaal. To read the full document, please follow this link http://www.terhaal.com/OurAdventures/ParticipationForm.htm.

Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. We would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete our feedback form, just follow this link: http://www.terhaal.com/Feedback.asp. Your feedback will not only help us improve, but will also help other travellers make their decisions after reading your feedback/ testimonial.

Our Blog
Our Blog, Treks & Trails of Jordan (www.terhaal.com/blog), is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan vis-à-vis first hand experiences.

It is also a great tool for documenting your feedback to communicate and share your Jordan experience with others. All you need to do is write one or two paragraphs about your trip with terhaal, attach some photos if available and send it to us at blog@terhaal.com to have it published on our blog under your name.

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The information in this document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal.