Jordan is a captivating country that boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Petra. I travelled on a small group tour with the company Much Better Adventures. We had a jam-packed itinerary starting in Madaba then visiting a different place each day until we reached Aqaba at the southern end of the country.
Our first day started with a one hour drive to the Dead Sea with some free time for bathing in the water and using the facilities of the nearby hotel. Renowned for its exceptional salinity and mineral-rich composition, the Dead Sea is a geological and historical marvel. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. This remarkable concentration of salt, along with other minerals such as magnesium and potassium, offers the visitor a one-of-a-kind floating experience. The high salinity also prevents most aquatic life from thriving in the Dead Sea, hence its name.
The Dead Sea is actually a land-locked lake situated at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface at 430 metres below sea level. Its unique geological features are a result of the tectonic plates in the region gradually pulling apart, causing the land to sink. The lake is fed by the Jordan River, but due to its extremely high evaporation rate, it has no outlet. The mineral-rich mud found along the shores of the Dead Sea is renowned for its therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
In the afternoon, we travelled onto the Dana Biosphere Reserve for a short hike and an outdoor lunch with a Bedouin guide. This is the largest biosphere reserve in the country and encompasses a wide range of ecosystems. It spans an impressive range of elevations, from the rugged mountains of the Great Rift Valley to the low-lying desert plains. It is home to over 800 plant species, 215 bird species and numerous mammals. With its breathtaking landscapes, the reserve offers a unique and immersive experience for nature lovers.
There are several lodges and guesthouses dotted around the reserve. Our group stayed at Dana Guesthouse Hotel where we had a unique shower with a window overlooking the rocky landscape!
The next morning, we arrived at the ancient city of Petra. Carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, who thrived in the region over two millennia ago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site mesmerizes visitors with its intricate rock-cut architecture and the famous Al-Khazneh, or Treasury building. The Monastery (Ad Deir), another iconic building, stands high on a mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable sites include the Roman Theatre, the Royal Tombs, and the Great Temple, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Petra’s historical and architectural heritage. The site is huge and I walked over 10km on that day! There are carriages you can ride in if you can’t manage to walk that far. A day was not enough to see everything in Petra, which is why I am planning another trip.
The Wadi Rum Desert is a spectacular desert wilderness and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering an area of approximately 720 square kilometres, it is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, towering sandstone mountains, and vast open spaces. Wadi Rum is characterised by towering rocks, deep canyons and natural arches. The desert floor is covered with red sand, giving Wadi Rum its nickname, the “Valley of the Moon”. Wadi Rum is home to the Bedouin people, who have lived in the region for centuries, preserving their nomadic way of life. Visitors to Wadi Rum have the opportunity to engage with Bedouin communities, experience traditional hospitality, and learn about their rich cultural heritage.
Our group participated in a Jeep Safari with our Bedouin Guides, followed by an outdoor lunch. At sunset, we took a short camel ride to a viewpoint. Nighttime was spectacular. We stayed in individual Martian Dome Tents. Each dome was equipped with a bathroom, a minibar, aircon and power to charge our phones. The whole front half of the dome had a window with a view over the desert landscape. The resort had a huge dome on the edge of the site which was the restaurant with clean, high-standard toilets. If you watch my YouTube video, you will see how the food was cooked under the ground in a traditional type of earth oven!
The warmth of Jordanian hospitality, rooted in the traditions of Arab culture, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The vibrant markets, known as souks, offer a sensory explosion of colours, scents and sounds, where visitors can engage in the age-old practice of haggling for spices, textiles and handmade crafts.
In essence, Jordan is a nation that beckons travelers to embark on a journey through time, immersing themselves in a captivating blend of history, nature, and culture. Whether exploring ancient ruins, navigating the scenic landscapes, or savoring the flavors of Jordanian cuisine, the country offers a truly enriching experience for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.
LINKS:
I always use GetYourGuide to book excursions, experiences and airport transfers on my trips. Check out THIS LINK to see what they offer in Jordan.
To watch my YouTube video of Jordan, CLICK HERE
To read about my Arabic studies, click HERE. Before my Jordan trip, I took some lessons on Italki to learn the differences between the Egyptian and Jordanian dialects.
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