Dana to Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

Trip Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Group Size : 16

Physical Rating :

Moderate : A reasonable level of fitness is required, as these trips can require sustained endurance levels along steep trails and uneven paths. Canyoning trips may include few abseils (rappels), long hikes and occasional climbs. Biking trips include a series of up and downhills but nothing too strenuous. A support vehicle will be always available so weary travelers will be able to hitch a ride. A typical trekking day would be walking 4 to 5 hours a day including a 2 hour ascending a mountain.

Welcome to Terhaal Adventures. We've designed these journeys to help you explore the very best of Jordan. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the trip. We're here to help. Enjoy!

Itinerary Disclaimer

The holiday itinerary set out below offers a good overview of the trip, but should be taken as a general guide only. We're continually improving these tours, and it's possible we will adjust the itinerary to take advantage of new opportunities or to avoid adverse weather or difficulties with transportation. We recommend that you print out a copy of the trip details a couple of days prior to departure, in case there have been any changes that may affect your plans.

The information in this document does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal Adventures.

Quick Facts

Trekking duration: 5 days
Trekking distance: 80 Km
Max altitude: 1100 m
Group size: 6 -16
Accommodation: 3 nights hotels, 3 nights wild camp, 2 nights fixed camp
Meal plan: all breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
Physical rating: moderate

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 at one of the following numbers:
+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN MADABA

Rendezvous at the group hotel in Madaba. A group transfer will be arranged from Amman Airport to the hotel in Madaba. Our representative will accompany the group on the 30 minute journey to the hotel. As most people will have taken their evening meal during the flight, dinner is not provided on this day.

Day 2 : Drive to Dana and trek to Wadi Feinan

We will make an early start for the drive southwards to the Dana Nature Reserve. Here, we meet our trek crew and trekking guide set off on a first day's walk which will take 6 hours including a stop for lunch. The walk from Dana to Feinan is essentially downhill with the initial 800 metre / 2650 foot decent taking place in the first hour of the walk. After this, the route levels out and we can enjoy a far more gentle walk through a wide open valley flanked by the Dana Mountains.

Arriving in Wadi Feinan, we set up our first camp of the trip. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 3 : Trek from Wadi Feinan to Wadi Barwas

This is another 6-hour walking day, which will take us across classic ‘hamada' landscape - dry, rock-strewn desert, with little sand. The route is quite level and there are spectacular views of the high mountain ranges to the east and the expansive Wadi Araba Desert stretching out to the west. Although the terrain is essentially flat, there are several small wadis (dry valleys), that must be crossed throughout the day. We pass both Byzantine and Nabatean ruins during the course of today's walk and our local guide will point these out. We set up camp for the night in Wadi Barwas. (B, L, D)

Day 4 : Trek to Ras el Feid

Leaving the stony ‘hamada' desert behind, there is a steep ascent across rocks and small boulders which eventually leads to a twisting goat herder's track. The initial uphill section takes approximately 3 hours. The track leads up into the mountains through a narrow and dramatic valley with wonderful views eastwards towards the Wadi Araba Desert. This is a steep and challenging section of the route, but extremely rewarding, as we finally reach the top of a high saddle. The descent to the river valley beyond is on a well-defined trail through rocky surroundings. There are views ahead of the next day's route. On reaching the dry river bed, we turn upstream for half an hour to our camp at Ras el Feid. (B, L, D)

Day 5 : Trek to Shkaret Msei'd

We retrace our route along the riverbed, before turning off on a Bedouin trail that traverses a rocky valley side, gradually ascending by way of dry wadis and indistinct cols. This part of the path is particularly challenging, becoming less well-defined, with some easy scrambling to overcome the largest obstacles. This section lasts approximately 2 hours and eventually descends to a riverbed with perennial water. Look out for the elusive ibex in this remote area. The trail continues along the wadi floor and gently climbs up into the pale coloured sandstone mountains of the Petra region. The climb from the valley to the escarpment (where Petra is situated) is gentle and beautiful with a slight uphill climb towards the end across bare rock slabs.  Short transfer to the fixed camp. (B, L, D)

Day 6 : Trek to Petra

We will say goodbye to our local trekking guide and crew this morning and we continue with our guide. The walk from here to Petra will take between 2 and 3 hours, with the initial walk across open farmland. The route then follows a well-defined mountain track with fantastic views across to the Araba Desert, some 100 km / 60 miles away. The views are impressive and with the exception of one short (2 metre) section a head for heights is not necessary. The walk into Petra is magnificent and is the culmination of 5 days of hard walking. The initial glimpse of the top of the Monastery, as it comes into view through the mountains, has a similar effect of the first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq. We will then trek down from the Monastery and exit Petra

by the secondary Siq before re-entering the site through the main Siq so you get to see the most famous view of Petra as though you are entering for the first time. After our sightseeing visit to Petra, we overnight at a hotel nearby Wadi Musa. (B, L, D)

Day 7 : Explore Wadi Rum by Jeep and on Foot

Every guidebook to Wadi Rum repeats the description written by T.E. Lawrence of Arabia almost century ago, and with good reason. “The Arab armies would have been lost in the length and breadth of it,” he wrote, “and within the walls a squadron of aeroplanes could have wheeled in formation. Our little caravan grew self-conscious, and fell dead quiet, afraid and ashamed to flaunt its smallness in the presence of such stupendous hills. Landscapes, in childhood’s dream, were so vast and silent.”
Bedouin guides from the Howeitat tribe (the same tribe that guided Lawrence) will meet you at Rum Village and drive you by jeep into this spectacular desert. You’ll spend the morning exploring Wadi Rum’s mountains and sand dunes, stopping to take in the views and to look at the inscriptions chipped into the rock over thousands of years. After a picnic lunch in the shade, followed by a cup of tea and a rest, you’ll drive to explore the natural rock bridge of Jebel Um Fruth and preceed on to the great red dune, where you can kick off your shoes and run down the soft, warm sand. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive at your camp in the heart of the protected area, where there’ll be time to relax and take in the sunset before enjoying a Bedouin feast of meat and vegetables cooked in the zerb, an oven of fire-heated sand and stone. If you’re still not tired out by the day’s adventures you can stay up round the fire, talking and laughing with your Bedouin hosts and watching the night sky.
Your accommodation is a simple but comfortable Bedouin campsite, with a traditional goat hair tent divided into twin ‘rooms.’ There are proper toilets and showers on the site (go easy on the water), as well as shaded seating areas for relaxing and dining.

Day 8 : Dead Sea

Leaving the desert behind, we head for an ever-so salty experience at the Dead Sea. With free time for floating at the lowest point on earth we move on to the historic Mount Nebo before transferring to our hotel in Madaba.

Day 9 : Departure

After breakfast we take our private transfer to Amman International Airport for our onwards flight home.

An experienced licensed Jordanian tour guide
Bedouin trekking guide
Timed Amman Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
All land transport involved in the itinerary
All accommodation as described in the trip dossier
Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
Entrance fees for Petra,Dana,Wadi Rum and the beach at the Dead Sea
A full service on trek including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

Equipment

The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for varying climatic conditions. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

2/3 season sleeping bag *
Hiking boots/Approach shoes
Water bottles - 1 litre/1 quart x 2 (2 litres total)
Training shoes or sandals for sightseeing and camp use
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Underwear
Travel pants
At least 1 long sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)
T-shirts
Warm jacket (eg. Fleece)*
Lightweight windproof / waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert)
Sunglasses
Daypack of approx. 30 litres / 1800 cubic inches capacity
Headtorch / headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Lighter/matches - for burning toilet paper
Washbag and toiletries
Insect repellant
Antibacterial handwash (note that washing water can be limited in the desert)
Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional

Shorts**
Small towel
Sleeping bag liner
Thermarest (a foam mattress is provided)
Trekking poles
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit - (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)
Camera, film / memory cards, batteries
Swimming shorts/costume (if extending at the Red or Dead Sea)
Spare laces

Notes

*For the November - February trips when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in the desert, we recommend a 4 season sleeping bag, a warmer jacket such as a down-filled jacket, and thermal baselayers.
**As Jordan is an Islamic country, modest dress is preferable in the towns and cities. Shoulders should be kept covered, and full-length trousers/skirts are recommended. Knee-length shorts are OK once on trek.

Temperatures in Jordan can be hot, with little rain from late spring through until late autumn. The heat can become extreme during the summer months of July and August. In the months of November to March it can be cool at night, particularly in the desert where the temperatures can drop to 5C or even less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night.

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and tends to be quite conservative, so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times.

A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat is essential. From mid November to late February, a sleeping bag is essential for your nights in the desert. At other times a sleeping sheet will suffice. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the heat.

Check List

> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc.
> Health requirements arranged
> Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
> Money pouch
> First aid kit
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day(the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are very much recommended)
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best)
> Insect repellent
> Ear plugs can be useful
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Bedding - a bed sheet to be used over the mattress provided in the desert- the travel bed sack is even better
> Sleeping bag if you wish - mattresses and blankets are available in the desert
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Toilet paper
> Eye shades
> Hiking shoes
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colors are advisable in summer time
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Warm clothes for cooler nights
> Sun protection lotion
> Dates, fruits, or candy bars (to provide instant calories during outdoor activities)
> Water flask
> Insect repellent

 

Is this holiday for you?

On this holiday we will be trekking through a desert world that has been crossed by nomadic people and their livestock for generations. Nowadays, the area is just about accessible by 4WD vehicles and there are rough ‘roads' to the various camping places that we will use. We will be trekking on scant trails, however, far away from the route taken by our support vehicle. The underfoot conditions will include dry wadis, open sandy desert and rocky desert known as ‘hamada'. There are also sections of narrow trail across rocky terrain including some easy scrambling. The tracks and trails we use are generally not difficult. We will walk for an average of 5 to 6 hours on each of days 2 to 6, covering as much as 15 kilometres each day and with a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. This is a relatively short trekking holiday and at low elevation.

Hospitality 

Jordanians are famously friendly and welcoming towards guests, especially in rural areas. It is quite normal for Jordanians to invite foreigners in to drink tea or have a meal in the family home. Meeting the local people in spontaneous encounters of this sort is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Jordan.

Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours [except in 5-Star Hotels] and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic time to travel to Jordan as you'll be able to participate in the feasting and holiday atmosphere that follows the breaking of the fast as sunset each day. You'll also get to taste special sweets that are only baked for Ramadan. You do not have to fast, and no-one will expect you to; however, you should try to eat and drink discreetly, if possible, rather than in crowded public places.

Visas

Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, at the land borders, or at the port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD 40. However, you should consult the Jordanian embassy in your home country to make sure you are not subject to any special visa requirements.

Departure tax

You will be required to pay a JOD 5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not generally apply when exiting through airports, but travellers on some budget airlines may be required to pay it).

Money Exchange

The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.

Spending Money

It is difficult to say how much spending money you should bring as each person is different! However, you'll need some cash for any meals not included in the itinerary, plus snacks, drinks, gifts etc.

Emergency Funds

It is a good idea to have access to extra funds in case of any emergency (urgent healthcare / travel costs etc.). This is highly unlikely, of course, but best to be prepared.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance (and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number) has been seen by your trip leader. If your insurance is provided through your credit card, your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt or credit card statement) with the credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Emergency Contact

In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on -

+962(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680
+962(0)79 778 4433
+962(0)79 5536351

Alternatively you can email [email protected]

Your Fellow Travelers

Group trips entail all the pleasures and occassionally some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers 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 group's needs and preferences. Patience and flexibility really help to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Please remember that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and again that the best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Many thanks in advance!

Responsible Travel

We believe in low impact or ‘positive impact' tourism. Broadly speaking, this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit, while maximising the positive aspects of the encounter. Jordan is a small country with few natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region, so please go easy on the water. Terhaal designs these tours in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities. Whenever possible we hire local staff in the areas where we operate, and our guests stay in locally owned hotels. We also include some volunteering activities where appropriate, such helping farmers to harvest their olives. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and the environmental education of Jordan's 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. It is also unsafe to drink alcohol while out hiking / cycling, so please wait until you're back at the hotel to enjoy a drink.

 

Feedback

After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. Your feedback not only helps us to improve the trips, but also helps other travelers to decide on the right tour for them. 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-form 

Our blog

Our blog - ‘Treks & Trails of Jordan' - is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan. It is also a great way to give feedback and to 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 this email: team[at]terhaal.com
You can find the blog here -
blog.terhaal.com

Single Travelers

Our trips are designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby single travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Forced singles are free of charge.
Single accommodation is available on request pending availability.