Riding in Jordan summary
Our rides in Jordan are run by Emmanuelle Lancon and are centered on Petra and the Wadi rum – a unique and beautiful desert landscape immortalized by the film, Lawrence of Arabia. The Bedouin Arabian horses are fit, responsive and fun to ride. Guests on our flagship Explore Wadi Rum ride experience the greatest diversity of desert scenery riding through a wild and dramatic land of towering sandstone cliffs and a maze of steep hidden valleys. On this ride we visit several iconic sights of the desert including the 7 pillars of wisdom, the rock bridge of Burdah and the caves of Harab Antar.
Our Petra to Wadi rum ride is a fascinating journey from Petra to Wadi rum where farmed land and rolling hills around Petra gradually give way to the open desert and sandstone gorges of the Wadi Rum. Both rides include a visit to the ancient rose city of Petra and a day relaxing beside the extraordinary Dead Sea at the end of your holiday. There is a combination of camping and hotel accommodation on both itineraries.
These rides are at their absoloute best during the spring and autumn months of April, May, September and October. During December and January the days are shorter and much colder, and the summer months can be uncomfortably hot. We offer set departure dates throughout the year, so please contact us for dates relevant to your preferred month of travel.
For those who prefer a shorter trip both rides are also available for 7 nights only. Please contact us for details, or to request the shortened 7 night itinerary. Please note that we are also able to arrange tailor-made riding holidays in Jordan at your request, the cost of these rides will depend on the number of participants but please do contact us for further details and a quote.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for Explore Wadi Rum Ride in Jordan
This 9 night itinerary has 6 riding days exploring the dramatic Wadi Rum landscape, but also includes a night in Petra and a guided visit to the legendary rose city prior to the commencement of the ride. Guests are expertly guided by local Bedouin and experience the simple desert life, spending nights either sleeping on mats beneath the stars or in small portable tents. Campsites are selected for shelter, beauty and privacy and are often overlooked by towering sandstone cliffs. Meals are cooked and prepared by local camp staff and eaten sitting down on mats in the traditional Bedouin way – this ride is less about luxury and more about the experiencing the extraordinary desert landscape from the back of horses that are fit, responsive and great fun to ride. At night the profound silence of the desert and the glittering stars of the Arabian sky must be seen to be believed. The itinerary includes a day at the famous Dead Sea, the lowest expanse of water in the world where swimmers float in the saline waters.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), where you will be met andtransferred to your Madaba hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast you will be transferred (approx 3 and a half hours) on the desert highway to Petra. Today will be spent in the Nabataean rose red city of Petra. The city is entered through the ‘siq’, the narrow canyon made famous in “Indiana Jones the Last Crusade”. The Treasury and the Monastery are the most notable facades. The hotel can provide a packed lunch or you could perhaps have lunch in a local restaurant after the guided tour of the ancient rose city. After the official tour has finished guests may explore the ruins under their own arrangements prior to taking a taxi (this is a 5 minute ride for a negligible fare) back to your hotel. Overnight in Petra.
Day 3: Early this morning you will be transferred to the stables (approx 1 and a half hours). You will meet your horse and set off riding northward towards the Seven Pillars of Wisdom stopping for lunch on your way. This morning is a slow & short ride to give you chance to get use to your horse. In the afternoon you will ride towards the famous Thamudic inscriptions and then head towards your first camp at the entrance of Barrah canyon. Dinner & night camping.
Day 4: Today you will have breakfast in camp, and then ride towards the agricultural village of Disi. On this mornings ride you will ride over the famous flats (Al Ga’a). These mud flats are perfect for a long exhilarating canter. You will then ride through a small Bedouin village called Manasheer and back towards your camp at Barrah for lunch. In the afternoon, you will ride through Barrah Canyon another spectacular canyon in Wadi Rum surrounded by high cliffs where we often see climbers. At the end of the canyon, you will reach your camp of Mzelgah. Dinner & night camping.
Day 5: After breakfast, you will ride south east towards Burdah Mountain. You will cross Khour Al Ajram which is one of Wadi Rum’s main valleys. You will get a good view of the Rock Bridge of Burdah and you will keep riding south until you reach Jabal Al Mangour where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon you will ride east to Foura’a which is the highest point in the Wadi Rum Area at about 1400m. Dinner & night camping in Kharouba.
Day 6: After breakfast you will ride south towards the Saudi border, Wadi Saabit. You will stop for lunch at the camp site, which is next to Jabal Um Adami, Jordan’s highest peak at (5948 feet). In the afternoon you will ride around Wadi Saabit mountain close to the border of Saudi Arabia before heading back to camp. Dinner & night camping.
Day 7: After breakfast you will ride North West towards Jabal Suibet enjoying some long canters until you reach the Caves of Harab Antar, where you will stop for lunch. This afternoon you will ride west towards Jabal Kattar where you may get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels. Dinner & night camping.
Day 8: This morning is an early start riding North West towards the south end of Khazali Mountain withstunning scenery along the way. You will continue towards the Khoshkhasheh area and then through the main valley of Wadi Rum stopping in front of Jabal Khazali which has a narrow siq (canyon) that collects water in the winter & spring time. Lunch and the afternoon will be spent riding through the Valley of the Dune, passing by the inscription of Anafishiya before heading back to the Wadi rum stables. This evening you will be transferred by road (approx 2 hours) to Petra. Overnight in Petra.
Day 9: After an early morning breakfast you will be transferred by road to the Dead Sea. The journey is along the King’ Highway, a caravan route used through the ages and of great historical and religious significance. You will spend the day at the Dead Sea swimming, floating and relaxing as you wish. In the late afternoon you will be transferred to Amman or Madaba for an overnight stay, stopping at Mont Nebo for sunset.
Day 10: Today you will be transferred to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Notes:
The Explore Wadi Rum ride runs all year round on set departures from Friday – Sunday. The best months are April, May, September, October and November.
The price of this itinerary includes airport pickups, drop offs and all other transfers, provided that clientarrives and departs on the scheduled dates of the tour, accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels in half board andon twin room occupancy, all riding, all meals on the ride, camping equipment (tents, mattresses etc.),entrance fees to Petra & Wadi Rum and a guide in Petra.
The price does not include return flights to Jordan, entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan, items of apersonal nature, drinks; lunches in Petra or the Dead Sea, personal medical insurance, personal expenses, gratuities to guides and staff.
All arrivals and departures are from Amman. Guests arriving or departing before and/or after the scheduled days of the tour may incur extra transfer charges.
Itineraries and rides will vary according to the prevailing weather, condition of the horses, and competence of the riders. The guide reserves the right to amend and change the itinerary at any time for whatever reason.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. A valid visa is required for this holiday, and information regarding visa applications to Jordan can be obtained by visiting the following website www.jordanembassyuk.org. If you are traveling from the US / Canada or the UK you can obtain a visa on your arrival into Amman and there are money changing desks alongside the visa desk. It is an easy and straightforward process.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on this website under the general info tab.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Petra to Wadi Rum Ride
This classic 9 night’s trip includes a 6 day progressive ride from Petra area to Wadi Rum with 5 nights camping in temporary camps set up en route. The remaining 4 nights of the trip (two at the beginning & two at the end) are spent in hotels, with a visit to Petra included at the beginning. The landscape changes significantly on this ride, ranging from the cultivated agricultural land and rolling sand and gravel hills in the area around Petra, to more dense mountain peaks, then flat open desert dotted with spectacular sandstone rocks of Wadi Rum. The ride includes an afternoon in Aqaba to swim & snorkel at the Red Sea, and one full day to swim, float & relax at the Dead Sea.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner & night at the Madaba Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Breakfast followed by a road transfer south on the Desert Highway for about 3 hours to reach the Nabataean Rose Red city of Petra. The day to visit Petra. Dinner & night at the Petra Palace Hotel or similar
Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel followed by a 20 minutes transfer to meet the horses and staff in Rajif, an adjacent small village of Wadi Musa. Mount up and set off riding heading up towards the plateau where there are views of the tortuous canyons that surround Petra and stopping for a picnic lunch en-route. The riding will be slower today to give you chance to get used to your horse. Ride down from the plateau to the spot where camp has been set up for the night at a sandy canyon, Wadi Helwa. Dinner and night camping.
Day 4: Breakfast in camp, then ride east, through curious little canyons and across the plateau, following the ancient spice routes that made their way through the desert from Egypt and Arabia to Palestine & Syria. You will pass the village of Humeimeh and then you will cross the desert highway, the main road from Amman to Aqaba and Saudi Arabia, dismounting to lead the horses before continuing through long valleys east to arrive for lunch. In the afternoon ride further east where you will see a natural arch of rock amidst the sandstone cliffs in the middle of the desert until we reach our campsite which is at the outskirts of the Southern desert. Dinner and night camping.
Day 5: After breakfast. Ride south east towards the agricultural village of Disi, crossing the famous mud flats. Stop for lunch at the edge of the mud flats. In the afternoon we ride on the flats which are perfect for a long exhilarating canter. We then ride southwards through Barrah Canyon another spectacular canyon in Wadi Rum surrounded by high cliffs where we often see climbers. At the end of the canyon, we reach our camp of Mzelgah. Dinner & night camping.
Day 6: After breakfast, we ride south east towards Burdah Mountain. We cross Khour Al Ajram which is one of Wadi Rum’s main valleys. We get a good view of the Rock Bridge of Burdah. We keep riding south until we reach Jabal Al Mangour where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we ride south towards the Saudi border, passing through Nogra canyon. Nice slow & long ride this morning. Stop at camp site for lunch & dinner. The camp site is next to Jabal Um Adami, Jordan’s highest peak at (5948 feet). In the afternoon ride around Wadi Saabit mountain close to the border of Saudi Arabia. Dinner & night camping.
Day 7: After breakfast ride north west towards Jabal Suibet. And then along nice hard tracks for nice long canters until we reach the Caves of Harab Antar. Stop for lunch. In the afternoon we ride more west towards Jabal Kattar where we get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels. We ride until Toour Mufleh. Dinner & night in camp.
Day 8: Breakfast and then ride North West towards the south end of Khazali Mountain. Very nice scenery. Continue towards Khoshkhasheh area and then through the main valley of Wadi Rum stopping in front of Jabel Khazali which had a narrow siq (canyon) that collects water in the winter & spring time. We then pass Lawrence’s spring and continue north towards our stables in Rum village. Afterwards transfer to Aquaba hotel for swimming and relaxing besides the Red Sea and for overnight stay.
Day 9: Breakfast followed by a 3 hours road transfer to the Dead Sea via Wadi Araba. Full day to swim, float & relax at the Dead. Late afternoon transfer to Madaba Hotel for final night.
Day 10: Breakfast and then transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Notes: The price includes airport pickups, drop offs and all other transfers, provided guests arrive and depart on the scheduled dates of the tour; hotel accommodation on half board basis; all riding; all meals on the ride; camping equipment (tents, mattresses etc.); entrance fees to Petra and Wadi Rum; guide in Petra for the first part of Petra.
The price does not include return flights to Jordan, entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan, items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks in hotels and on the ride, lunches in Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea; personal medical insurance, personal expenses; gratuities to guides and staff.
All arrivals and departures are from Amman. Guests arriving or departing before and/or after the scheduled days of the tour may incur extra transfer charges.
Itineraries and rides will vary according to the prevailing weather, condition of the horses, and competence of the riders. The guide reserves the right to amend and change the itinerary at any time for whatever reason.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. A valid visa is required for this holiday, and information regarding visa applications to Jordan can be obtained by visiting the following website www.jordanembassyuk.org. If you are travelling from the US / Canada or the UK you can obtain a visa on arrival. It costs 10 Jordanian Dinar (equivalent to £7 or about $13 US) and must be paid for in local currency. If you arrive at Amman airport, there are money changing desks alongside the visa desk. It is an easy and straightforward process.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.
Wild and Exotic fact sheet for riding in Jordan
Accommodation: Accommodation in Amman, Petra & Aqaba is in 3 or 4 star hotels. Hotel upgrades or single supplements may be available on request. All nights on the ride are spent camping. We stay at picturesque campsites that also offer top quality amenities and safety is paramount. The weather is often warm enough for sleeping under the stars, however we also supply single & double dome tents that are quick and easy to put up, camp staff can assist with this if requested. We also supply sleeping mattresses that can be used in the tents or outside. Guests may bring their own tent if they wish. For our fixed camps and the New Year Ride we have a large traditional Bedouin tent for dinning, entertainment and sleeping. Please note that we do not provide any sleeping bags and that you are required to bring your own.
Assistance & Staff: All baggage, camping equipment, water, food and horse supplies are transported by 4×4 back up vehicles. Generally we have one to three vehicles on the tour depending on the number of participants. All staff are local Jordanians, Bedouins & Egyptians.
Food: All of the meals on the tour are prepared by our cook & staff, using fresh and local ingredients. Continental breakfast are served together with a cooked egg dish each morning. Lunches are usually light, consisting of salads and other local dishes. Dinner consists of rice, chicken, vegetables, lamb and other delicious local dishes. Fresh fruit is offered with all meals, as are mineral water, juices, coffee & tea. All dietary requests will be met to the best of our ability. We eat on a carpet on the floor with mats around, the traditional Bedouin way, without tables or chairs. Alcohol must be organised in advance of the ride through Wild and Exotic, and guests are also encouraged to purchase a bottle of their favourite spirits (if desired) at duty free prior to arrival.
Guides: All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are experienced with horses & guiding, and have a comprehensive knowledge of Jordan and its deserts. All speak English and French, are trained in first aid and carry a first aid kit.
Group Size: The group size is usually 5 to 10 riders plus the guide. We reserve the right to cancel a ride if there are less than 5 participants, and also reserve the right to exceed 12 riders in certain circumstances.
Horses: The horses hot bloods originating from Jordan, Syria and Iraq, mostly Bedouin Arabians, with some pure Arabs (WAHO Registered), part-breeds and Anglo Arabs. The averages size is 15 hh. The horses are mainly mares & geldings, but we also have a couple of stallions. They live outside in the desert most of the year, so they are tough, strong, spirited, fast, and responsive. All the horses are cared for to a very high standard.
Insurance: Adequate travel insurance providing cover for, but not limited to, personal injury, curtailment or cancellation of your holiday, is compulsory for all Wild and Exotic itineraries. The details of our recommended insurers are listed on all booking forms.
Level of riders: Riders must be confident and fairly experienced. They must be comfortable in the saddle and in control of the horse at all gaits; walk, trot, canter & gallop.
Jordan general information and map
Capital: Amman
Getting there: Direct flights from London to Amman take approximately 5 hours
Time: GMT plus 2 hours
Try not to miss: Jordan is home to one of the new seven wonders, the magical Nabataean city of Petra. It is one of the Middle East’s most spectacular sights. Experience the spectacular and diverse beauty of Jordan: it’s eerie desert landscape of red sand, the coral filled blue seas, and the lifeless Dead sea. If you like star gazing we highly recommend coinciding your trip to Jordan with the incredible Perseids Meteor Shower in August.
Visas: A single-entry visa obtained on arrival is required and is available at any point of entry of Jordan. A single-entry visa on arrival costs JD40, but you can also purchase your visa in advance for £60 visit
Weather: Jordan is a year round destination and its climate can be characterised by long, hot and dry summers and short cool winters. Despite being a relatively small country, Jordan has a diverse landscape and the climate does vary dependent upon the terrain and altitude. June – August is glorious in Amman with cool evenings. But in Wadi Rum the summer heat is at its most fierce. Best time to visit Jordan is Sept – November when daytime temperatures are not too extreme.
Why Jordan: Jordan is a modern Arabic state that is both safe and exotic. Sense the exotic: taste the cardamom coffee, and smell sheesha pipes. Immerse yourself in the history of Jordan: ruined Roman cities, Crusader castles, desert citadels and biblical sights.
