Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 13:00
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: 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
- Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotels), 5 Simple nights (3 full-service wild camping, 2 Bedouin camp)
- Five days of walking
- Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m)
- Group normally 5 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Free airport transfer for any flight
Highlights
- Join Bedouin guides for a walking adventure in the arid Wadi Rum desert
- Wild camp under the stars – your tent transported and put up by our desert team!
- Experience local hospitality with our stay in two Bedouin camps
- Join new-found friends to marvel at desert sunrises and sunsets
- Hike the lesser-known Back Trail to the red rose city of Petra
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
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 3 (no scrambling), 4 and 5. At times, this can be relatively steep with uneven ground and in some instances ropes may be used. Please note that just before the Burdah Bridge ascent (day 4), there is a challenging section that may not be enjoyable for those with a fear of heights.
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.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 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
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 with an optional excursion to Jebel Burdah, which includes sections of scrambling and the use of ropes, particularly for those who choose to ascend to the top of Burdah Bridge — an impressive rock formation spanning two cliffs. Guests have the flexibility to remain at the campsite instead of participating in this trek. Please note, the final section of the hike, to the top of Burdah Bridge, is also optional; hikers can choose to wait at the base of the bridge. Panoramic views can be enjoyed throughout the trek.
Later in the afternoon, we continue our journey to our next campsite situated atop 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
Hotels, full-service camping and wild 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 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 basic 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 dome tents (pitched by the desert team). 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 £ 120
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. On days where lunch is not included, your guide will recommend local restaurants. 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. You can usually expect food options to include rice, beans, salads, and meat. 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)
- One or two pillows
- 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.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: There is evidence that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels. This trip may include the option of a camel ride, or it spends time close to camels, which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.
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.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
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.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
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.