The desert defines this country as it is crisscrossed with magnificent and daunting valleys which are deserts. The largest, most magnificent and most famous of Jordan's deserts is Wadi Rum, made famous by T. E. Lawrence who described it as vast, echoing and Godlike. The deserts of Jordan are the home of the Bedouin. While relatively few of Jordan's bedouin still live on that desert you will still encounter some who follow they ancient ways of their tribes. A special experience on all our tours is the chance to stay in a Bedouin tent in Wadi rum and experience the magic of the landscapes and starscapes of this very special part of the world.
The Mujib Nature Reserve is located within the spectacular Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters the Dead Sea at 410 metres below sea level. The reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains, reaching 900 metres above sea level in some places. This 1,300 metre variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year-round water flow, means that Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent biodiversity. Some 420 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores and 102 species of birds have been recorded - and the survey continues. The horned ibex, a strikingly beautiful mountain goat, is living here in growing numbers - also thanks to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's (RSCN) captive breeding programme. The caracal, a medium-sized cat with long ear tufts, can be spotted here in action, using its amazing jumping power to catch airborne pray.
Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis and mountains, which extend from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba, an elevation drop of over 1600 meters. It embraces two major biogeographical zones and four distinct vegetation zones and contains a remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from wooded highlands and rocky slopes to gravel plains and sand dunes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife, including many rare species of plants and animals. The total number of species recorded so far consists of 697 plants, of which 3 are new to science, and 282 animals. Many of these are now very rare and some threatened with extinction : animals like the Grey Wolf, Nubian Ibex, the Lesser Kestrel, Eagle Owl and the Desert Monitor Lizard. So far, 45 endangered or vulnerable animals have been found in the reserve, making it truly a place of world importance. Apart from its wildlife, Dana is also rich in archaeology and culture. About 100 archaeological sites have been identified, of which the ancient copper mines in Wadi Feinan are particularly special, being considered the most important archaeological complex in southern Jordan outside of Petra. There is a wide variety of hiking trails, from short one hour circuits to day- hikes requiring an over night in camps. All trails offer spectacular views and rock formations and some pass important archaeological sites, including the ancient copper mining centre of Feinan.
We stay in Wadi Rum on all our tours. The fabulous experience of living on the desert, with its silence, grandeur and yet at the same time the sounds of the shifting sands, the stars at night and sunsets that are unbelievable.
You will enjoy the Beduin who will entertain you, cook for you and generally make this an outing yu\ou will always remember.
Enjoy a camel or a jeep tour to find many hidden gems scattered around the desert.
We can also arrange hiking tours for you from Wadi Rum to Petra
