The Wadi Rum Desert
8-day adventure

Petra to Wadi Rum

Jordan
  • Trekking & Hiking
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Code: JDPW

8 days
Moderate

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our UK team

Our local team

Our Jordan office is based in the capital city of Amman and provides storage for our vast array of desert expedition gear as well as a work place for our team. Our operations in Jordan are expertly managed by Nasria and Saoud, who know their country inside out and ensure that every detail of your trip is planned to perfection. We offer canyoning trips, desert expeditions and of course, visits to ancient Petra. As well as our scheduled departures...
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Kandoo's view

Discover sculptures made by ancient peoples on the red walls of Petra alongside sculptures carved by wind and nature in the desert of Wadi Rum. After a night in the capital city of Amman, we reach Petra, with its vast sanctuaries and soaring walls and enjoy 2 days exploring the nooks and crannies of this fascinating UNESCO site. We then meet up with our local Bedouin guides and begin our 3 day trek through the mythical Wadi Rum desert, camping out under the stars each night as we pass through this truly remarkable landscape. This adventure is the perfect mix of discovery and escapism in a magical corner of the middle east.

Trip highlights

  • Discover the ancient city of Petra
  • Sleep under starlit skies in the Wadi Rum desert
  • Take a dip in the Dead Sea

Experiences

  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes

Gallery

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Welcome to Jordan

    We will meet you at the airport in Amman and transfer you to your hotel where (depending on your arrival time) you will meet your guide and the rest of your group. For the remainder of the day you will have free time to explore. You can order food at the hotel or why not head out into the city to find a local restaurant. The cuisine in Jordan is superb!

    • Transport: Private transfer (1 hour)
    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    Hiking in Petra

    This morning we transfer to Petra and begin our exploration of the Nabataean city carved out of pink sandstone. We will discover the High Place of sacrifice, from where the views over the lower city are extraordinary. We then visit the multiple sculpted facades of the Farasa Valley and explore the royal tombs. In the afternoon a short transfer will take us to our campsite where we can enjoy an evening meal and relax.

    • Transport: Private transfer (4 hours)
    • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
    • Ascent: 600 m
    • Descent: 600 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    Hiking in Petra

    We enter the site early this morning through the narrow gorge of the Siq, from which suddenly emerges El Khazneh or “The Treasury”, a colossal tomb carved in red rock. We continue on to the Nabataean theater and the lower city before climbing the 800 steps which lead us to Deir, the monastery, a former Nabataean pilgrimage site. After lunch we hike to the Neolithic village of Beidha and “Little Petra” before returning once more to our camp.

    • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
    • Ascent: 400 m
    • Descent: 400 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Trip information

Difficulty

This adventure is of moderate difficulty. You will be required to walk for up to 6 hours a day for 6 consecutive days. There may be up to 600m of vertical ascent and the temperatures could reach as high as 35°C. It is essential that you drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated. Pathways are often uneven and care should be taken to avoid slips and trips. You should be in good physical condition with recent experience of hiking for several days in row. To ask about your suitability for this trip and what you can do to prepare please feel free to give us a call.

Food & drink

Whilst saying in hotels, breakfasts will be taken at the hotel or in small adjoining restaurants. Whilst trekking, we will be accompanied by a cook who will prepare a breakfast of tea, coffee, flat breads, humus, yoghurt, dates and jams. 


Lunches are also prepared by our cook. At Petra you will be provided with a picnic lunch of traditional breads, pastries, fruit, vegetables, boiled eggs etc. While in the desert, lunches are freshly prepared and will include tuna, rice, salads, humus and local breads. 


Hot evening meals are provided each night (except in Amman) and you can expect chicken, lamb meat balls, potatoes, rice, fresh vegetables and salads. We can cater for most dietary requirements on request. 


Please be aware that the water in Jordan is not drinkable.  You should bring a water filter or purification tablets with you. Bottled water can be purchased in nearly all towns and villages but not in the desert.  Whilst trekking in the desert we will carry an ample supply of unfiltered water with us.   

Accommodation

On the first and last nights of this trip we will be staying in comfortable 3 star hotel accommodation in the capital city of Amman.  Accommodation will be in twin or double en-suit rooms. Our hotel is positioned on the outskirts of Amman to avoid potentially long delays due to traffic when leaving the city. 


On all other nights we will be camping. In Petra we use a well equipped quiet campsite, ideally located in “little Petra” at the gates of the site. You will stay in a fixed camp with twin beds in small but comfortable tents with shared bathroom facilities. Blankets are provided and there is a single electrical socket in each tent which is turned on at night fall. It is a good idea to bring along a multi USB charging hub to make the most of the single socket in your tent.  In winter when there is a risk of snow we may stay in a nearby hotel instead.


In the Wadi Rum Desert we will sleep in 3 man tents (2 people per tent unless you requested a single supplement).  Mattresses, tents and eating utensils are all provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. There are no toilet facilities in the desert so please bring some toilet roll and a lighter or match box to burn used paper.  As we can only carry a limited amount of water in the desert, there is no water provided for washing on these two nights. We recommend bringing some wet wipes so you can wash inside your tent. 

Transport

All transportation costs including airport transfers are included. We will use comfortable private minibuses with seat belts for travel around the country.  Your support vehicle in the desert is a 4x4 pickup with trailer for carrying gear. 

Luggage

During your trip your luggage will be transported by vehicle.  Your main bag must be flexible (a duffle bag and not a rigid suitcase) and weigh a maximum of 15kg.  Your luggage will be transported to your accommodation each afternoon and you will not be able to access it during the day.  You should also bring a small day pack to carry water, snacks and anything else you may need whilst walking.

How do I get there?

You will need to arrive in Amman on day 1 of the trip. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is located 30km south of the capital city. From London there are direct flights to Amman with British Airways and Royal Jordanian. The flight time is roughly 5 hours. Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa both offer indirect flights from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. For those traveling from the US, Qatar have convenient flights via Doha from New York, Boston and Atlanta. Turkish airlines offer flights via Istanbul from San Francisco and Los Angeles. British Airways have convenient flights departing from Seattle. Once you have arrived in Amman, cleared immigration and collected your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.

Budget & change

The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). For the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com


It is best to take cash in US dollars, GB pound or Euros and exchange it locally.  Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in the larger towns and cities. Travelers cheques are best avoided as you will be charged a hefty commission for exchanging them.

Tips

In Jordan “baksheesh” is a national institution and small tips are frequently paid several times a day to numerous people. Your tour guide will take care of this so you do not have to.


You should budget for tips for your tour guide and Bedouin trekking guides. The tip amount should be based on the service you feel you have received but $3 per person per day is average. 

Formalities & health

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your day of departure from Jordan.

Visa

A visa is required by European and US citizens and this can be purchased on arrival. Please check the latest requirements before departure.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your daypack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items: - Painkillers - Sunscreen for lips and skin - Moisturising cream (for sunburn) - Elastic bandage, regular bandages and Blister bandages - Sanitary products

Equipment & clothing

Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures

  • Tent (per 2 people)
  • Mattress
  • Eating utensils

Clothing to bring

  • Warm hat (beanie) for the evenings
  • Sun hat with wide brim for protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Suitable quick drying underwear
  • Light gloves (December to February only)
  • Walking boots (with ankle support and sturdy soles)
  • Socks (quick drying and not too warm)
  • T-shirts and warm jumper
  • Fleece or soft shell jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof hard shell jacket
  • Swimming suit / shorts
  • Walking trousers and/or shorts
  • Pajamas, travel towel and toiletries
  • Comfortable shoes for the evenings
  • Waterproof trousers

Equipment to bring

  • Sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0°C
  • Head torch and spare batteries
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
  • 30-40 litre day pack
  • 80 – 100 litre duffel bag, max weight 15kg
  • Camera
  • Water filter
  • Walking poles
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing

Dates & prices

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08/04/2023 15/04/2023 $1,755 £1,349
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23/09/2023 30/09/2023 $1,755 £1,349
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14/10/2023 21/10/2023 $1,755 £1,349
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18/11/2023 25/11/2023 $1,755 £1,349
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10/02/2024 17/02/2024 $1,815 £1,399
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09/03/2024 16/03/2024 $1,815 £1,399
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13/04/2024 20/04/2024 $1,815 £1,399
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18/05/2024 25/05/2024 $1,815 £1,399
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • All transportation including airport transfers
  • All accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • An expert Kandoo Adventures guide
  • A local team of drivers, guides and cooks
  • Entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary
  • Tips (excluding your guide)

Price does not include

  • Flights and visa
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tip for your guide
  • Meals on day 1 and 8 and dinner on day 7
  • Travel insurance

Options

  • Additional hotel nights before or after your tour