Adventure Hiking in Jordan
Climb Jordan’s highest mountain, enter Petra via the backdoor and sleep in a Bedouin camp under the stars
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Glamping
3 nights in a hotel and 2 nights in a Bedouin campMeals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinnersTransfers
Both airport transfers and travel between locationsEquipment
In the desert you'll stay in fully equipped fixed Bedouin tentsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Pass through the sandstone mountains that guard Petra’s ‘backdoor’ before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself
Hop in a desert truck through the dunes of Wadi Rum to climb Jordan’s highest peak, with views all the way to Saudi Arabia
Swim, or float, in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, famous for its healing properties
Looking for a longer adventure? Check out Hike Jordan and Snorkel the Red Sea to explore technicolour waterworlds as well as lunar sandscapes
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Jordan
The start point for today is your hotel in central Madaba. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to Madaba, where you are free to check in after 14:00.
Day 2
Dana Nature Reserve
Driving
Hiking
After breakfast and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers, it's time for your briefing on the days ahead. Head south to Dana Nature Reserve, one of Jordan’s often-overlooked gems. Today you’ll be hiking the Shaq Al Reesh trail (or similar). This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking siq, to Shaq al Reesh. Time permitting, after the hike you’ll continue south towards Shobak Castle for a panoramic tour. Pull out your camera and take a few great shots, as the castle is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, looking out over fruit trees below on the way to Petra. Memories captured, you’ll then head to your first Bedouin camp experience of this adventure.
Day 3
The backdoor to Petra
Hiking
After an early breakfast, it's time to start your journey through Petra. You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean route that skirts the final mountain on a natural rock terrace. You'll soon reach a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. The monastery suddenly comes into view as you follow the steps down to ancient Petra, where you'll have time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.
Day 4
Head to Wadi Rum and climb Jordan’s highest peak
Driving
Hiking
Head to the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where you'll hop into a desert truck for the hour’s drive to the foot of Um Ad Dami (1800m) – the highest peak in Jordan. Hike up to the summit, from which the panorama is spectacular – to the south, you can see the border to Saudi Arabia and to the north, Jebel Rum. You'll descend to a remote Bedouin camp to relax and marvel at the stars in the clear desert night. Dinner here is a real experience – you’ll be served zarb, a delicious traditional dish cooked for 4-5 hours on hot coals under the ground.
Day 5
Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Driving
If you're an early bird, your Bedouin hosts will be able to point you towards a nearby sand dune for sunrise – a great opportunity to catch the unique, deep reds of the desert landscape one last time. After breakfast, you’ll drive north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you'll stop for a swim and a float before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Amman for your final night.
Day 6
Transfer to Airport
After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1
Ends
Queen Alia International Airport Amman
Depart any time on Day 6
Transfers
Arrival transfers from Amman Airport to the hotel in Madaba are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 (some flights arrive after midnight so you may also get picked up in the early hours of Day 2 – just let your host know your arrival time). Departure transfers from the final hotel to Amman Airport are included for any time you choose to depart on Day 6. If you need a transfer on other days, your host can arrange a private transfer for you at an additional cost (see the Optional Extras section for prices).
Travel options
There are frequent flights to Amman from airports in the UK and Europe. Choose any flight to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 6 – or extend your stay if you wish. Some flights arrive shortly after midnight: if you arrive in Amman in the early hours of Day 2 then your room will be ready and waiting for you, but if your flight arrives in the early hours of Day 1, you will need to book an extra night's accommodation before the tour as rooms are not usually available for check-in until the mid-afternoon. Your host can arrange an additional night of accommodation, subject to availability. See the Optional Extras section for prices.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
For breakfast, expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be either a packed lunch or buffet style. Dinner (where not included) will be at local restaurants and will cost approximately $15-$20 per person. Your guide will be with you to make suggestions of where to eat and when to arrange group meals.
For dinner in the Bedouin camp on Day 2, you'll experience traditional Arabic food: either magloobah (rice with vegetables and chicken prepared in a traditional way with local spices) or mansaf (rice served with lamb and yoghurt). These dishes come with the classic accompaniments of hoummus, mtabbal (fried aubergine) and salad. Dinner at Wadi Rum on Day 4 is a real experience: here, they serve the famous zarb – rice, veggies, lamb and chicken cooked for 4-5 hours under the ground on coals, served with salads and side dishes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Madaba
During your overnight stay in Madaba, you will usually be tucked up in the cosy Mosaic City Hotel. This family-run hotel offers a friendly welcome in the centre of ‘the city of mosaics’ and is within walking distance to the main sights. Occasionally the group may be accommodated at another property of a similar standard.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked throughout for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Little Petra Bedouin Camp
You’ll spend one night in a Bedouin desert fixed camp in Little Petra, just 5km from Petra itself. Each spacious tent is furnished with beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows, with showers and toilets available nearby. You'll be treated to traditional Bedouin cuisine for dinner, and the camp is the perfect place for a spot of star-gazing and watching the sun rise the next morning.
Petra
The modern La Maison Hotel is situated only a five-minute walk from the ancient site of Petra. You’ll stay in twin-share, air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi. The hotel has its own restaurant, as well as a roof terrace with a view of the hills surrounding Petra. Occasionally the group may be accommodated at another property of a similar standard.
Wadi Rum
Whilst in Wadi Rum you’ll stay at Rainbow Camp, a Bedouin fixed camp nestled into the vast expanse of the desert with several communal areas for dining, sitting by camp fires and chilling outside. The tents are large, square canvas tents with raised beds, mattresses and furniture in each, and there is a shower and toilet block available too. If you would like to take your mattress outside to a nearby dune to sleep under the stars, let your guide know as this can be arranged.
Amman
In Amman, you will usually stay at the Toledo Hotel, a modern hotel chosen for its excellent location in the heart of the city and known for its great service. You’ll stay in bright, elegant rooms that have air conditioning and WiFi, on a twin-share basis. Occasionally the group may be accommodated at another property of a similar standard.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
A moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy this trip. You won’t need to be super fit, but you should be in good shape and feel comfortable hiking up to 6 hours a day on often unsteady ground. What’s more important is being comfortable with heights. There will be a few exposed sections, so those with vertigo may not be too comfortable. Your guide will never be far away to help you get through it, though.
What will I need to carry?
You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack during each day of activity. Your larger main bag will be transported for you.
The weather in the summer can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny, while the nights are cool and balmy. Rain is unlikely but not unheard of, so do be prepared, especially if travelling between November and March.
We recommend going on this trip between September to October or March to April. Where the weather is just a little bit cooler.
We are monitoring the UK government travel advice closely in response to the conflict over the border in Israel and Palestine. In addition, we are in close contact with our local hosts in Jordan in relation to the situation. Trips in Jordan remain unaffected and are running as scheduled. Last updated: Wednesday 11 October 2023
For current advice about travelling in Jordan, have a read of the FCO pages here.
Fantastic trip
Fabulously varied trip, from wandering epic Petra, delicious local cuisine and swimming in the dead sea, but the highlight was riding on the back of pickup trucks into Wadi Rum to hike Jordan's highest peak before staying in a lovely camp and watching the sun go down over the red landscape. Highly recommend, and felt totally safe and treated as honoured guests the duration of the trip!
Best Birthday Adventure
An amazing trip that felt much longer than 6 days! Beautiful scenery and wonderful people. I was solo-travelling as a woman in my mid-twenties and felt very safe throughout my stay in Jordan. I'd really recommend booking an MBA trip over your birthday. . . I was treated to a delicious cake and a beautiful desert sunset to end my birthday. I'd also highly recommend the sunset camel ride option as a unique experience with well-cared-for camels. Petra was every bit as incredible as I had hoped. Furat is a fantastic guide and I highly recommend this trip. Communication was very good during the booking process and it was a stress-free trip from arrival in Jordan until departure.
Adventure Hiking in Jordan
I had an unforgettable experience exploring Jordan’s stunning landscapes, thanks to our incredible hiking guide, Ahlam Serhan. Who was deeply knowledgeable about the terrain and also genuinely passionate about sharing Jordan’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Ahlam ensured we stayed on the safest and most scenic routes, whether trekking through the breathtaking trails of Wadi Rum or Petra’s surrounding valleys. She also had an impressive understanding of the local flora, fauna, and geology, making every step of the hike both educational and inspiring.
What stood out the most was Ahlam’s attentiveness to the group’s needs—whether helping with tricky climbs, offering local snacks, or ensuring plenty of rest stops to take in the stunning views. Ahlam’s warm personality added a personal touch, making the trip feel more like an adventure with a friend than a typical tour.
If you’re looking for a guide who can transform your Jordan hiking trip into a truly memorable experience, I cannot recommend Ahlam enough! Also highly recommend Much Better Adventures who had meticulously thought through everything to meet our needs. Without whom this experience would not be possible. Thank you MBA!
Regards Faisal
Superb experience
A magical experience travelling to Jordan getting to experience the highlights of this sensational country. The itinerary was well balanced and thoughtful ensuring a good balance between activity and leisure. The guides were all amazing in looking after us. For what we got to experience and enjoy the trip was sensationally good value. I would absolutely return to Much Better Adventures for more trips
Fabulous few days
Amazing tour with Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea in particular being so very different from anywhere I've seen anywhere else.
Ahlam, our guide, was fabulous and a great source of knowledge. Logistics ran very smoothly.
I'd also recommend the 'extra', Hot Air Balloon over Wadi Rum; it was great way to see sunrise.
Definitely cold at night (hat & coat needed) but fine during the day (shorts) - a few layers recommended.
It should be compulsory to watch Indian Jones and Dune or the Martian before setting off!
Amazing Tour
The tour was very well organised with a varied activities that made each day different and exciting. Our tour guide ; Ahlam was very attentive and had a good attention to detail. Her passion and knowledge of Jordan culture came through, made the trip extra enjoyable.
Highly recommended trip
The trip was a balance of great hikes, stunning landscapes and culture during a packed four days of activity. A great group, a well organised trip and a wonderful guide all contributed to a really enjoyable trip which provided a real insight into Jordan’s history, varied landscapes and culture. I would recommend adding on a day at either end to explore Madaba and Amman.
Have no doubts and book!
Absolutely amazing trip from start to end. Furat our guide, well you couldn't of asked for better! He was so knowledgeable and passionate and even took us to even more amazing places if we had time. I would go back in a heartbeat ❤️ food incredible, people incredible, Place is incredible. Book it x Furat thank you so much! ❤️
Best MBA trip!
This was my fifth MBA trip and my absolute favourite. Jordan is such a beautiful country rich in culture. Despite the ongoing instability in the region Jordan felt very safe. The trip was well-organised with good quality accommodation and delicious food. The views in Wadi Rum were breathtaking and the camel ride to see the sunset is a must-do. We had a great group of 12 which made the trip even more enjoyable. Our guide Furat was excellent and went out of his way to help me locate my missing sunglasses! I'd highly recommend this trip.