Desert trekking in Jordan, following in the footsteps of the Bedouins
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMiddle East / Jordan
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions132.2 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
Arabic
In a few words
Considered one of the most beautiful sections of the Jordan Trail , this trek between Petra and Wadi Rum reveals Jordan in its purest form . Linking two UNESCO World Heritage sites, this crossing immerses you in a succession of spectacular landscapes: sculpted sandstone mountains , ochre canyons , arid valleys , and endless dunes . Along the way, the immersion is total. Each day reveals a new facet of the desert, between soothing silence , changing light , and endless horizons .
Camping under the stars , in the heart of nature, reinforces this feeling of magnificent isolation. Accompanied by Bedouin guides , true keepers of knowledge, you discover a vibrant territory, deeply rooted in desert traditions . This journey is much more than a route: it's a unique sensory and cultural experience , a blend of millennia-old history and the raw beauty of the Jordanian landscape.
The highlights
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From Petra to Wadi Rum – Linking two UNESCO sites through an epic trek.
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Summit & desert – Ascent of Jabal Um Ad Dami and jeep exploration of Wadi Rum.
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Nights under the stars, camping in the heart of the desert, far from all the hustle and bustle
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 413 m
- Average daily descent: 407 m
Management
French
English
Arabic
All hikes are led by professional, certified, French-speaking guides trained in desert trekking. They carry first-aid kits and are experienced in managing emergency situations, ensuring your safety throughout the trek. In addition to guiding the hikes, they share their knowledge of local culture, history, and natural landscapes, making the trek both safe and enriching for all participants.
Program
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Arrival in Jordan – Madaba
- Transportation Bus - 14h - 30km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Madaba.
Day 1 -
"Back Door" hike from Little Petra to Petra
- Transportation Bus - 07h - 217km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 496 m
- Negative elevation 519 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Little Petra, then begin your hike through Petra's "back gate." You'll traverse sandstone valleys and hidden plateaus to reach the Monastery. Continue along the Nabataean Steps to discover Petra's ancient wonders, before exiting via the famous Treasury and the Siq.
Day 2 -
Petra → Gaa' Mriebed Wilderness
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 380 m
- Negative elevation 740 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure near the village of Bdoul, passing by the Sabra amphitheater before continuing south through spectacular wadis. Arrival at Gaa' Mriebed and setting up camp under the stars.
Day 3 -
Gaa' Mriebed → Wadi Al Saif
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 290 m
- Negative elevation 320 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike downhill through rocky valleys lined with oleanders. Arrive at Wadi Al Saif, where you camp near rock carvings of camels, gazelles and sheep.
Day 4 -
Wadi Al Saif → Wadi Gseib
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 165 m
- Negative elevation 445 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Crossing by vehicle through the desert mountains then steep descent into the Wadi Mshazza, before continuing west to the camp in the Wadi Gseib, near the Jordan Valley.
Day 5 -
Wadi Gseib → Wadi Aheimar
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 495 m
- Negative elevation 385 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A varied trek through colorful canyons, sand dunes and desert landscapes, ending in Wadi Aheimar where you will spend another night in a wild camp.
Day 6 -
Wadi Aheimar → Abbisiya – Transfer to Wadi Rum
- Transportation Bus - 07h - 63km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 35 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual ascent from 400m to 1000m, through gorges and wadis, to the village of Abbisiya. Then transfer to your Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
Day 7 -
Wadi Rum – Ascent of Jabal Um Ad Dami & Jeep Tour
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent of Jordan's highest peak, Jabal Um Ad Dami (1,854 m), offering spectacular views of Jordan and Saudi Arabia (3-hour round trip). Return to camp for lunch and rest, then depart for a 2-hour jeep tour through sand dunes, canyons, and natural arches.
Day 8 -
Wadi Rum → Dead Sea → Madaba
- Transportation Bus - 04h - 366km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Leave the desert and head north to the Dead Sea. Float in its salty waters and try the rejuvenating mud baths. Continue to Madaba for your final night.
Day 9 -
Departure
- Transportation Bus - 12h - 25km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight.
Day 10
Note
We reserve the right to adjust itineraries according to the day's conditions. These adjustments will be clearly communicated to you, and we will ensure they have minimal impact on your schedule. You understand and accept that itineraries, schedules, programs, convenient stops, etc., are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, local circumstances, or other events.
Accommodation
- Location : In the center of Madaba, a short walk from St. George's Church and the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land.
- Atmosphere : A family-run and welcoming hotel, offering a comfortable base for exploring Madaba's rich history.
- Just a 3-minute walk from Petra Visitor Centre.
During the trek from Petra to Wadi Rum, you will spend the night in four different wilderness camps, each offering a unique desert experience. These camps are generally simply furnished, for an authentic immersion in the desert landscape.
You will find shared tents, communal dining areas and the opportunity to enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality under the stars.
- Location : Situated in the protected area of Wadi Rum, near the Khazali Canyon.
- Accommodation : Offers Bedouin-style tents for 2 to 3 people, with shared sanitary facilities outside the tents.
- Experience : Guests can enjoy traditional Bedouin cuisine, sit around the fire with Bedouin music and, for those seeking solitude, sleep under the stars to admire the majestic desert landscape.
Access
• Arrival and departure transfers: Transfers are arranged to and from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) for your comfort.
Day 1: No activities are planned for arrival day. You are free to arrive at any time. Hotel check-in is from 2:00 PM, allowing you time to rest and prepare for your adventure.
· Departure: On the last day, you can leave at any time, as no activities are planned.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Transportation according to the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
English-speaking hiking guide during the trip.
Local guide / Bedouin escort during the trip on days 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Donkey for security measures on days 4, 5, 6 and 7.
All meals and water during hikes.
4 nights in wild camping with full board (breakfast, packed lunch and cooked dinner) and water during the hike.
Mattresses and blankets are provided for the 4 nights of wild camping.
Individual airport transfers to and from the airport.
2-hour jeep tour to Wadi Rum.
Local hiking guide in Wadi Rum.
The price does not include
- All personal hiking equipment.
- Meals are not included in the itinerary.
- Tips for the guide, driver, camp staff, local guides, restaurants and hotel staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Any airline ticket.
- Personal expenses.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Jordan exit tax (10 JD / $15 per person at land borders).
- Health insurance covering COVID-related issues, offering emergency medical coverage and care in Jordan.
- Visa fees for Jordan – or Jordan Pass (visa and entry fees).
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before you leave, check with the embassy or consulate about the formalities necessary for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the formalities of the countries where you are transiting.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, especially regarding the validity of your identity documents (eg some countries require your passport to still be valid for 6 months after your return), visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other obligations of the country of destination or transit.
The information may change until the date of departure, remember to consult the official websites regularly.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Blanket (provided, unless you prefer your sleeping bag).
- Wild camping in double dome tents.
- Mattress
- "Laundry" tent (for washing).
- Toilet tent.
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Balaclava or face mask
- Backpack (20–30 L).
- Headlamp or flashlight + batteries.
- 2 bottles of water (total capacity 4 L recommended).
- Insect repellent.
Clothing to bring
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and remains quite conservative in many areas. We recommend dressing accordingly. As a general rule, shoulders and knees should be covered – for both women and men. Fortunately, long, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing is often an excellent choice: it's culturally respectful while keeping you cool and protected from the sun.
In Petra, Wadi Rum, the resorts of Aqaba, and at the Dead Sea, locals are used to seeing tourists. A more relaxed dress code, even beachwear, is therefore perfectly acceptable. Shorts can also be worn while hiking. However, we generally recommend lightweight hiking pants for sun protection.
Jordan is a desert country. However, it can get extremely cold during the winter months. Be sure to bring warm clothing, especially for evenings and nights, and be prepared for rain!
- Lightweight and loose-fitting clothing for warm climates.
- Lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket.
- Fleece jacket or similar.
- Hat
