Jordan Wadi Rum & Petra Trek - in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia

In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia 

We reach Wadi Rum, the valley of complex multicoloured sands and rampartlike rock formations where Arab forces gathered before the advance on Aqaba. After some time relaxing we move on foot into the “stupendous hills.” Beneath an overhanging rock was a ruined building that the Bedouin have cheerfully claimed as Lawrence’s house. Next door was a camp where we drank tea flavoured with desert herbs.The “house” – little more than a wall of sandstone blocks – as there is no written evidence of a Lawrence connection. But the young Bedouin man was adamant that this was desert knowledge, handed down from 1917. “Yes, Lawrence stayed here. But it was a house before, built by the Nabataeans,”  “Past and future flowed over us like an uneddying river. We dreamed ourselves into the spirit of the place.” The Seven Pillars

Day 1 Travel UK to Amman 

Arrivals, you meet us at Amman airport and we provide a single timed group transfer for 2.5 hrs to the red rose city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and since 1985 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in the Movenpick Spa Resort Petra or other 4 or 5* hotel

Day 2 Trek Petra – Little Petra

Enter the Petra site through the chasm of the Siq, which brings us to the Treasury. Following a track past the Roman Theatre area and Pharaoh's Column, we descend into Wadi Ras Suleiman and on towards the Snake Monument. Challenge, follow clues to reach your next destination and ultimately our night camp at Little Petra. (13km) Overnight Bedouin camp Meals B,L,D

Day 3 Wadi Rum scramble and climb challenge

Pick up and transfer to Wadi Rum village. Arrive to relax by the pool at Bait Ali camp. Wadi rum is not only famous for trekking but also climbing. After lunch try a climbing or abseil challenge and visit Rakebat Canyon through the massif of Jebel Um Ishrin. Camel ride optional. Bait Ali Lodge with pool. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 Trek Jebel Burdah - Um Sabath valley

After breakfast we start the trek challenge and walk through beautiful narrow canyons on the way to Jebel Burdah. After lunch you will continue to the natural rock bridge of Um Fruth and you will have the chance to climb it up. Then you will walk back to the camp. Dinner and night in our Bedouin camp. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 Traverse Jebel Khasch (1700m) and descend a rocky wadi to a picturesque desert camp

This is a long ridge stretching from east to west across the desert. The views to the north over Wadi Rum and to the south towards Saudi Arabia are magnificent. Overnight Bedouin camp. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 Trek to summit of Jebel Um Adaami (1832m) and enjoy desert views across to Saudi Arabia

This is quite a difficult drive for our 4-wheel-drive transport, but an enjoyable one for the passengers. We are heading to Jebel Um Adaami, the highest mountain in Jordan on the Saudi Arabian border. We walk for around 3 hours to ascend Jebel Um Adaami and drive back to our camping place before setting off on an afternoon explore.  Meals B,L,D

Day 7 Wadi Rum AM then travel to Dead Sea

Return to Wadi Rum visitor centre by vehicle and transfer to Dead Sea 2hrs 40minutes. Relax on its shores and enjoy the sea and the spa after completing the desert challenge. R&R day. 4 or 5* hotel such as Dead Sea Kempinski or Marriott resort and Spa Meals B

Day 8 Morning departures Sowayma (Dead Sea) to Amman in single timed group transfer

After a relaxed start take the hour’s transfer by minibus back to Amman for afternoon/evening flight Meals B,L

Accommodation

We camp during the trek, usually in two-man tents or Bedouin tents, some of which have thick mattresses to sleep on. The hotels in Madaba and at the Dead Sea are 3 o and 4 or 5* respectively– clean and comfortable with ensuite facilities, but please do not expect the same standards as you would in a hotel in the UK

Food and drink

All food is included when camping and Bedouin style. The other meals are as per the programme. While camping there is a limited amount of water to wash with – we are in a desert so drinking and cooking are the priority. 

Dietary Requirements

Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem provided you let us know well in advance. Please do not expect as much variety as you would have access to at home – we will be in rural areas and among people of a different culture who may not understand your requirements, however willing they are to help. If you know there are plenty of foods you cannot eat you may wish to bring extra snacks from home. Any meals not included are listed in the itinerary and are generally when we are in towns or cities and you are free to explore and try other culinary experiences! There is always something to suit every budget.

Luggage

Vehicles take the group to the start of the trek and pick us up at the end. All luggage, food, water and camping equipment is carried by vehicles and mules. Space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft fabric bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag.. You should also bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day as you will not have access to your main luggage at every stage. A detailed briefing will be given at each stage.

Trip Safety

Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority.  Your crew will be equipped with radios and emergency satellite phones, medical kit and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the UK. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires, fitness and experience questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.

Fitness Level

Our challenges attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge and to have some experience of moving in similar terrain. For logistical and safety reasons we sometimes need to re-group, so the front-runners will find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Please remember that this is a team effort that enables people to achieve their goals.

Passport & Visa

A valid ten-year passport is essential; it should be valid for at least six months on entry into Jordan. Visas are required for British passport-holders; they can be obtained upon arrival at Amman airport. Other nationalities should check with the embassy.

Vaccinations

We insist that you have had a Tetanus injection in the past ten years, and highly recommend protection against Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. You should always check with your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date travel health advice as it does change.

Clothing & Equipment

We are travelling through remote mountains and desert, where we could be exposed to extremes of weather at any time so be prepared for all weathers and temperatures. We provide you with a detailed packing kit-list on registration.

Trip Support

Activ Adventure and Spa Treks Team

Your trip will be led by experienced Spa Treks and Activ Adventure leaders who speak English. Our leaders are selected for their experience in harsh wilderness environments, knowledge of travel in remote areas, friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. You are in very safe hands. We want them to be as enthusiastic about your trip as you are. Our leaders are trained in expedition first-aid, but we may also have a Dr who is there to look after the well-being of the whole group and deal with any incidents depending on numbers. The number of crew looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, we prefer a high leader: trekker ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as enhancing the safety chain.

Local Support Crew

Our local support crew is made up of local guides, cooks, drivers and muleteers. Your local guide knows the local area well, and is a great source of knowledge about local customs and lifestyles. Drivers, cooks and muleteers do not always speak English but are very friendly and approachable. We work closely with the local crew to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely. Your leader will arrange a collection of tips for the local support crew at the end of your trek. Tipping is not obligatory, but once you see how hard they work on your behalf you will be happy to donate something!