Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

8 Days Starting and ending in Amman

Visiting: Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TXR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 14

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1620

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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.

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Amman

Location: Amman

Accommodation Name: Larsa Hotel (or similar)

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)

Day 2 : Drive To Wadi Rum

Location: Wadi Rum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 3 : Traverse Siq El Barrah

Location: Wadi Rum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 4 : Trek To Jebel Burdah

Location: Wadi Rum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 5 : On To Wadi Khashkhasheh

Location: Wadi Rum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 6 : Leave The Desert For Little Petra

Location: Petra

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 7 : Walk The Back Trail To Petra; Then Drive To Amman

Location: Petra

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

Day 8 : End Amman

Location: Amman

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, four lunches, five dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Arrival and departure transfers

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

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.

Accommodation

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes.Arrival & departure transfers

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 year age people can go on this tour.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    14

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Exceeded expectations

This trip exceeded all my expectations. I wasn't even particularly bothered about seeing Petra, which for many is the highlight of the trip, but I was very glad I did! A relatively easy-going trek but walking on soft sand is harder than it looks, nevertheless. The wild camping was fabulous, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do to keep you from getting bored, despite a lot of sand!

An amazing trek in beautiful scenery.

This was a trip arranged at very short notice as my trip to the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia was cancelled. I viewed it as a consolation prize but it turned out to be the exact opposite. The desert scenery was stunning, the walking was pitched at the right level and the itinerary was superb. The icing on the cake was that the whole group was lovely.

Loved this Trek

We went in March and had the most fabulous weather which added to the joy of this trip. The Wadi Rum is just magical. We found the walks quite leisurely and spent the days gawping at the scenery and chatting to others in the group. The guided trip to the arch of Burdah was more challenging but we had a lot of help and reassurance from our guide, policeman and local staff and there was no pressure to do more than you wanted. The food was good and the tents were basic but comfortable enough. The last day of the trek started with an optional camel ride followed by a short trek then the bus to Petra for a wash and then Petra by night. Petra was a great contrast to the trek and a lovely way to end the week.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A fantastic 5 days, with great support from Zohair, our guide, and his friendly team.  The nights spent under the stars in the stunning scenery of Wadi Rum were very special, and the spectacular walk through the hills around Petra gave us the best way in and showed us so much more. 

Magical Jordan

Go to Jordan- many people expressed concerns when I mentioned my up coming trip, I can confirm my experience was full of warm friendly welcoming people and at no time did it feel unsafe. The Wai Rum was stunning and gave me a sense on peace that I have not found else where. The trek was well planned and at time's informative with our guide providing useful information and a tale or too. My companions were diverse from all backgrounds and experiences, and wonderful company as we explored the desert. Walking on sand at times was challenging and the firm patches were welcomed when they returned. The distances quoted on the itenery were short on some days that might catch a few people out if 20-23k is no your idea of fun. I really enjoyed the scramble to the rock bridge but I don't think the trip note's captured the heights involved which will catch out the average walker.

When your guide says jump you ask how high

Trekked in Wadi Rum in October. What an amazing and special place to be. The weather was unseasonably hot most days over 35 degrees. Nights were not much cooler, which meant we couldn’t sleep under the stars (reptiles and scorpions were active). The desert is an extremely quite and peaceful place to be. If you are thinking about this trip, (don’t think), just do it you won’t be disappointed.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A very good trip to a fine (and safe) country. Give Jordan a try. The surrounding countries may be volatile but it is very different. Great walking.

Petra and wadi rum trek

A great trek thru the wadi rum desert,highlights of seeing Petra are amazing.Tour guide and helpers very friendly,would def recommend trip. Exodus needs to buy new tents,you have to put these up yourself but many were broken which upset some Trekkers,guide said he has relayed this back but doesn't seem to get heard! Water is suppose to be supplied but we had to buy six bottles each,that's 78 bottles so not eco friendly exodus? Especially when some of the rubbish is being burnt on campfire!!!! All in all tho this trip is a big tick off of list and worth a go.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A very enjoyable holiday with a good cross section of people. The biggest surprise was the weather which was a lot hotter than anticipated for November.

Fascinating and beautiful country

The desert landscape and Petra are stunning. The scrambling is exciting. The archaeology is outstanding. The culture is fascinating.

Read all 74 reviews

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