To give you an idea of the difficulty of our adventures, we've ranked our activities and adventures according to three different ratings: easy, moderate, and challenging. We take many factors into consideration in these ratings, including distances covered, terrain, altitude, weather conditions and vehicle support.
Suitable for most people in good health. These trips generally include short hikes or / and cycling trips on good paths with minimal uphills.
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.
These trips are physically demanding and best suited for strong people with high endurance levels. Days can be long, often along difficult trails, in remote regions. Canyoning trips may include several abseils (rappels) and extensive climbs/hikes through steep terrains. Biking trips will have support vehicles nearby, but sometimes without one. travelers may be required to carry a backpack.
Day 1: Wadi Zarqa Main
6KM / 6-9 HOURS (DEPENDING ON GROUP)
This spectacular one-day hike takes you through the Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, a narrow canyon that cuts down from the desert plateau to the hot springs near the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll abseil down two dramatic waterfalls (about 35 meters) and have the chance to swim and play in the clear pools beneath them.
We begin early in Madaba or Amman and drive to the trailhead. You'll get a safety briefing from your lead guide before heading out between the rocks and descending into the white limestone of the gorge. After a couple of hours' walk, occasionally scrambling down cascades and across boulders, you'll reach the first waterfall, where you can rest while the guides set up the abseil station. We'll abseil the falls one by one, taking our time to make sure everyone is safe and happy. At the bottom we'll have lunch, play in the water, and drink a hot cup of tea. The second waterfall is just 70 meters downstream, so the same procedure applies. After the last guide's rappel, you'll walk another 40 or so minutes to arrive at the hot springs of Ma'in, where you can rest and relive the day's adventure before heading back to Amman by bus.
Inclusions
Meals
Snack lunch and Water
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).
Transport
Transportation from the meeting point and back;
Bus, your feet and our ropes =)
Guides
Two instructors and two assistants. This could vary depending on group size
All our guides / tour leaders are Jordanian locals who have extensive 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 specialized activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling etc. Your guide will also be in a position to provide information on the places you visit, recommend things to do and where to eat. At certain activities that require specialized expertise such as canyoneering or cycling, you will be joined by our canyoneering or cycling team.
By Zaid Jamjoum
"Would like to congratulate you and your crew on a job well done. It was an enjoyable experience, full of adventure and a time well spent. Having Never really experienced such a trip here in Jordan; I am looking forward to future exciting trips such as this one." 2008-10-05
By Ramsey Tesdell
"Thanks, I had a blast. It was a pleasure meeting both of the guides."2008-10-30
By Rami Abu Robb
"Waiting time was long for people who dont know the group. We were 7 friends together and 2 other people that we dont know came along. so i suggest smaller groups unless all the 12 people know each other and dont mind waiting for each other."2008-10-07
By Rasha Adham
"Thank you Atef, Mohammad, Raed, and Yazan for the great adventure.. Many thanks go the people behind the team.. It's guys like you who make us proud of our country!! So young, yet so professional.." 2008-10-11
By Bianca Aubin
"please put an evaluation about timeliness. we left late after being told we would leave promptly. i can see a few minutes if someone calls and says they are on their way, but over a half hour is too much. for foreign travellers, please put a few numbers of taxis with whom we can make early arrangements- it's really difficult to find a taxi at that hour." 2008-11-30
By Sam Mort
"Difficult to fault our day. The whole group LOVED it. The guides were friendly, encouraging, and fun, but at the same time, utterly professional and 100% safety conscious which gave us all a high level of comfort. Beautiful landscape: raw, remote and unspoilt. Wonderful to swim in natural pools and have showers under waterfalls. We acheievd a lot, but the day didn't seem hurried; it had a great pace. Jordan's No.1 company for adventure tourism! The only thing that would have made the abseil more pleasurable was if we'd been given a glove to prevent rope burns. For the last abseil, we all borrowed the guide's and that made it MUCH EASIER."2009-07-02
By Reem Bdour
"Our trip to Wadi Zarka Ma'in was a sort of surprise present to my kids especially Rania who had just finished a gruelling boring year of Tawjihi a week before. I didn't give them any details exept that were going to leave early and what to take with them. I can tell you it was a great success. Both talked about this adventure for days later and this means something (You know how hard it is to surprise and please teenagers these days!) Here is why: - Your trips are well organized, you are punctual and accurate. - You have a great team, they work very hard and are so professional, everybody has an excellent attitude. - The food was perfectly calculated and balanced even for hungry teenagers. - Your emphasis on safety made the trip even more enjoyable. - The area is so beautiful you simply have to fall in love with it. My recommendation: Physically, this trip is an excellent exercise but for counting it part of ecotourism it could be more informative on our nature. The more you know about something the more you learn to respect and cherish it. By pointing out important plants and animals (like the birds, fish and frogs we saw) or even sorts of rocks by name you can inspire especially young people to learn more and care more about our environment. I noticed the english lady asking about the rose flowering bushes in the wadi and someone told her that they were Rododendrons, which is of course wrong. These bushes are Nerium Oleander which decorate our wadis by blooming all summer. They are very poisonous though, so care should be taken that no one picks up leaves or flowers without washing their hands thouroughly afterwards. There are excellent books on Jordanian flora and fauna in the royal society for the conservation of nature and the Jordan University.s Old people and locals are even better sources of information if you have access to them. I congratulate you on you excellent work and wonderful team and wish you all the best Rakan. I will send you some pics of the trip and special pics for Layali as soon as I can.2009-07-11
By Steve & Otilia Lennox
"Our recent trip to Wadi Zarqa on the 11 July 2008 was truly exhilarating, enjoyable and pleasurable experience; being able to navigate and rappel through some of the most stunning and spectacular sights Jordan has to offer was wonderful; this is a must for individuals who want a break away from the norm and put some energy back into an outdoor pursuit! The attention to safety for all during the trip was seen to be of a very high standard and executed by very confident and experienced guides; particular attention to detail for safety was paramount at the rappel stages; with all of our group being able to enjoy the experience many and inclusive of my wife for the first time abseil-rappelling over some very challenging cliffs and verticals. As a former member of the British army with some experience of this type of activities; I would have no hesitation in giving my personal recommendation in relation to this trip being a thoroughly enjoyable, challenging but safe experience. Don't forget your camera!!! Looking forward to more trips with you! All the best to Terhaal.2008-12-03
By Maali Qasem
"I have done many hiking trips but very few were as well managed and handled by the guide as this one making it a very enjoyable and stress free trip. Thank you so much for putting in so much effort to ensure our safety and enjoyment."2008-12-03
By Michael Vonk
"If you have ever wanted to see the natural beauty of Jordan, this is the company to speak with. Terhaal Eco Adventures has some of the friendliest and the most knowledgeable guides I have ever met and can take you to some incredible places. The hike I chose was Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, a beautiful Oasis in the middle of the wilderness where you can come across a wide range of wild flora and fauna as well as numerous Bedouins watering their goats and donkeys. Beyond being friendly and knowledgeable (and being full of stories about Jordan), the guides clearly had safety in the forefront of their minds in whatever we did including in the selection and care of the rappelling (abseiling) equipment. I know for certain that if I am able to return to Jordan I will ensure I take the time to go on another excursion with them and highly recommend them to anyone who is planning a trip to Jordan - or if you aren't sure where to go, going to Jordan on an eco-adventure with Terhaal would be an excellent plan." 2009-06-15
By Ellie Seats
"Thank you for a wonderful trip to Zarqa-Main canyon. I so appreciate your eco-consciousness and community awareness. I found the guides to be both friendly and competent and the equipment excellent. I think it will move smoother and faster if first time rapelers experience leaning back and releasing the rope before going over the ledge, as your guide demonstrated. Some had difficulty/nervousness letting go of the strap because they didn't know what to expect from the rapel ring. A few seconds leaning back in a safe setting and learning to trust the rope and understand how to release it may help speed things up. Also, the wait at the final rapel was probably a little longer than necessary--for those who went first, it would have been quite long. Understanding the need to give guides a lunch break/rest, it seemed a little bit longer than necessary. Otherwise, a very well organized and pleasant trip. I will join you for more."2008-12-03
By Wilma Bromilow
"The long wainting times before and after abseiling. Two hours waiting in the sun, is really too long. Perhaps the groups can be made smaller next time!"2008-12-03
Day 1: Wadi Zarqa Main
6KM / 6-9 HOURS (DEPENDING ON GROUP)
This spectacular one-day hike takes you through the Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, a narrow canyon that cuts down from the desert plateau to the hot springs near the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll abseil down two dramatic waterfalls (about 35 meters) and have the chance to swim and play in the clear pools beneath them.
We begin early in Madaba or Amman and drive to the trailhead. You'll get a safety briefing from your lead guide before heading out between the rocks and descending into the white limestone of the gorge. After a couple of hours' walk, occasionally scrambling down cascades and across boulders, you'll reach the first waterfall, where you can rest while the guides set up the abseil station. We'll abseil the falls one by one, taking our time to make sure everyone is safe and happy. At the bottom we'll have lunch, play in the water, and drink a hot cup of tea. The second waterfall is just 70 meters downstream, so the same procedure applies. After the last guide's rappel, you'll walk another 40 or so minutes to arrive at the hot springs of Ma'in, where you can rest and relive the day's adventure before heading back to Amman by bus.
Sorry, there are no departure dates set for this trip.
Inclusions
Meals
Snack lunch and Water
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).
Transport
Transportation from the meeting point and back;
Bus, your feet and our ropes =)
Guides
Two instructors and two assistants. This could vary depending on group size
All our guides / tour leaders are Jordanian locals who have extensive 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 specialized activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling etc. Your guide will also be in a position to provide information on the places you visit, recommend things to do and where to eat. At certain activities that require specialized expertise such as canyoneering or cycling, you will be joined by our canyoneering or cycling team.
By Zaid Jamjoum
By Ramsey Tesdell
By Rami Abu Robb
By Rasha Adham
By Bianca Aubin
By Sam Mort
By Reem Bdour
By Steve & Otilia Lennox
By Maali Qasem
By Michael Vonk
By Ellie Seats
By Wilma Bromilow
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.
Meeting Point
There are two meeting points for this trip:
1- Amman at the Safeway Stores parking lot 7th Circle.
Meeting Time: between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. At 7:00 AM sharp we leave.
2- Madaba at Terhaal operation base, drive west from Madaba towards Mount Nebo, the base is 5.5km from Madaba on the main road on the left side.
Meeting time: at 7:30 AM
Being there on time is essential, especially if you don't want to be left behind!
One reason why we leave early is to have the maximum time of daylight in order not to rush our adventure and have more time for leisure. The other reason is to have spare time in case of unexpected delays.
Finishing Point
Same as the meeting point above, between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
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
6KM / 6-9 HOURS (DEPENDING ON GROUP)
This spectacular one-day hike takes you through the Wadi Zarqa Ma'in, a narrow canyon that cuts down from the desert plateau to the hot springs near the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll abseil down two dramatic waterfalls (about 35 meters) and have the chance to swim and play in the clear pools beneath them.
We begin early in Madaba or Amman and drive to the trailhead. You'll get a safety briefing from your lead guide before heading out between the rocks and descending into the white limestone of the gorge. After a couple of hours' walk, occasionally scrambling down cascades and across boulders, you'll reach the first waterfall, where you can rest while the guides set up the abseil station. We'll abseil the falls one by one, taking our time to make sure everyone is safe and happy. At the bottom we'll have lunch, play in the water, and drink a hot cup of tea. The second waterfall is just 70 meters downstream, so the same procedure applies. After the last guide's rappel, you'll walk another 40 or so minutes to arrive at the hot springs of Ma'in, where you can rest and relive the day's adventure before heading back to Amman by bus.
Inclusions
Meals
Snack lunch and Water
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).
Transport
Transportation from the meeting point and back;
Bus, your feet and our ropes =)
Guides
Two instructors and two assistants. This could vary depending on group size
All our guides / tour leaders are Jordanian locals who have extensive 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 specialized activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling etc. Your guide will also be in a position to provide information on the places you visit, recommend things to do and where to eat. At certain activities that require specialized expertise such as canyoneering or cycling, you will be joined by our canyoneering or cycling team.
During the trip your baggage will be carried by bus and by 4WD vehicles. The only baggage weight limit is that imposed by the airline. However, we ask that you restrict your luggage to one main bag plus a small daypack. In general we recommend that you travel as light as possible as this will make transiting between airports and carrying your bag to hotel rooms a lot easier for you. You may find that wheeled luggage is more convenient on a trip of this nature.
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
Health
It is recommended that all travelers 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.
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.
Safety
Jordan is generally considered a safe country. There is very little petty crime here, especially in rural areas. However, we recommend you take normal precautions to ensure your safety and that of your belongings, as you would for any other destination. Take good care of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. In crowded streets, keep your bag closed and in front of you. There will be free time during this trip - you can always ask your local guides for their advice about where to go and what to avoid. Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking.
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.
