Jordan - Petra Wadi Rum Trail Ride
Are you eager to experience something really different? This adventure has a perfect mix of culture in Petra and exciting riding in the Wadi Rum desert.
Discover the breathtaking scenery of "Lawrence of Arabia" from the back of a beautiful Arab horse. The nature in Jordan is very diverse, breathtakingly beautiful and rugged. One of its natural wonders is a true paradise for nature lovers and horse riders. This horse ride takes you from the mountainous area of Petra to the vast sand plains and steep formations of Wadi Rum.
The adventure ends at your hotel on the Dead Sea coast. It feels so luxurious to take a long, long shower and a dip in the turquoise sea before it's time to go home.
Accommodation & Food
In Petra and Madaba you stay at three-star hotel in a double room with shower / toilet. (You can upgrade to five-star.)
During the ride small one-man igloo tents with mattresses. Bring your own warm sleeping bag and pillow. There are tents where you can wash off (though sometimes it lacks water so you will have to wash using a bucket of water) You set up your own tent (= very easy). So it is a true back-to-nature experience.
The food during the ride is normally very good - a mix of local and European style - and plentiful! When camping, you get the chance to experience the Bedouin lifestyle. You eat on a large rug and sit cross-legged on the floor. A typical breakfast is boiled eggs, yogurt, honey, fresh cheese and warm pita bread with sweet tea or coffee.
The lunches during the ride are picnics with dishes such as strong vegetarian stew with salad and warm bread and fresh fruit. Tea and cakes help you make it through the afternoon rides. Dinner often consists of local specialties such as fish in spices, chicken and potatoes, lamb and rice with yogurt.
At the restaurants, you will be served a buffet breakfast and dinner that is either a la Carte or buffet style. There are usually good choices for vegetarians. Bottled water is provided during the ride.
Alcohol is not provided and is not consumed by your guiding team but it is usually available in the hotels and so you can buy it if you wish. Bringing alcohol on the ride in the desert is not recommended for cultural reasons.
The Program
You ride about 5-6 hours per day. Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours in the morning, then a three-hour lunch break and then another 2-3 hours in the afternoon. You ride about 25-35 kilomaters (15-18 miles) per day. Every ride starts and ends with about 5 minutes walking with the horses which is good for both the riders’ and the horses’ stiff muscles.
The pace of this ride is medium-fast, with a lot of walking, a little trotting and some galloping - around two chances in the morning and two in the afternoon. The open desert and the firm sand is perfect for long controlled gallops.
Riding experience: You should be a safe rider who can relax on a spirited horse in all gaits. The horses are calm and nicely alert.
The terrain: Wadi Rum’s large desert area is a fantastically different and beautiful area to ride in. The landscape varies. You will ride through the desert mountains, across vast open desert plains, and also through green farmland. Typically, the surface is hard-packed sand.
Preliminary program:
(Note that the deserts can be very unpredictable, so the guides must be able to change the route depending on weather and local conditions.)
NOTE: During December- February it is too cold to ride in the mountains and there might even be snow. Therefore you and the horses are driven about 1.5 hours to Humaime after Petra (day 4 in the program below). In the afternoon you start riding east towards your camp and the rest of the days you ride in Wadi Rum.
Day 1: Arrival to Amman Queen Alia International Airport - Head to Madaba Welcome to Jordan! After immigration procedures, your driver will take you directly to your hotel in Madaba where you will be
staying. Overnight at Madaba. Madaba is mostly a Christian town and the center is within walking distance of the hotel. If you arrive early enough then you can visit the St. George church to admire the mosaics (Dinner is included for arrivals before 10:00PM).
Day 2: Depart Madaba heading to Visit Petra. This morning, after breakfast, your driver will pick up you at 8 am from the hotel lobby to drive you down to Petra (3h drive). Leave your bags at the hotel and head out to explore the ancient Nabatean city with a local English-speaking guide for 2-3 hours. The rest of the day is free to explore the city of Petra by yourself at your own way or to relax at your hotel in Petra. Overnight at three stars’ hotel. Breakfast and dinner are included. At the evening, you will meet the horse-riding organizer to discuss the program for the next days. Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch to own account
Day 3: Riding in Petra’s mountain then to Taibah. Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to meet the horses just outside Wadi Moussa. Mount up and set off riding into the hills above Petra, with wonderful views across to Jebel Haroun mountain, the highest summit in the Petra region. The prophet Aaron, older brother of Moses, was buried here by Moses himself. Leaving the horses tied up, those who wish can walk up to the “High Place of Sacrifice” for the incredible view over Petra and the maze of canyons in which it is hidden. A picnic lunch before riding on in the afternoon to camp on Taybeh mountain. Dinner and the night in camp. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included).
Day 4: Riding from Taibah to Al Rajif Continuing to Beer Hammad. After breakfast you will ride from the mountain of Taibah to the old village of Rajif, which has great views overlooking the Wadi Araba desert. A magical experience in the clean nature of the area. Stop for lunch in the shade of a garden. After lunch you continue riding along the Silk Road which was used by caravans of traders to exchange their produce. There are opportunities for long canters across the plains in the direction of Ber Hamad (an old Nabatean caravan cistern). Dinner and overnight in a portable camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 5: Riding Through Beer Hammad – Humaimeh – Karazeh Breakfast in camp and then set off riding through Ber Hammad along the trail which in Nabatian and Roman times connected Wadi Sabra and Petra. With fit horses and fresh mountain breezes, there should be plenty of chances for exhilarating trots and canters where the going allows. A dynamic afternoon takes you through limestone hills to the gateway of the desert “bab el Sahara’’ - in good weather you can see the red sandstone buttresses of jebel Rum, the central mountain of the Wadi Rum area with peak at 1784 meters. Dinner and the night in camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 6: Riding Through the Desert of Wadi Rum Continue riding east through curious little canyons, still following the spice trail along parts of the ancient silk road. Pass the old village of Thogra and then dismount to lead the horses across the Desert Highway, the main road between Amman and Aqaba which continues to Saudi Arabia. Continue east through a long valley to the lunch stop. In the afternoon, eastwards again riding towards the sandstone cliffs of Wadi Rum where you should be able to see the natural rock arch ‘Karazeh’ before reaching camp. Dinner and the night in camp
Day 7: Riding in Wadi Rum (Karazeh-Chakria-Um Ishrin) Breakfast in camp and mount up to ride beneath the majestic sandstone cliffs, seeing famous inscriptions made by the Thamudic and Nabatean people centuries ago. Continue riding south east towards the agricultural village of Chakria stopping for lunch on the edge of the famous mud flats. Ride up to the French fortress which is well maintained and situated in one of Jordan's most beautiful desert landscapes which is rarely visited by tourists. In the afternoon you will continue riding through stunning canyons and out onto the mud flats which are perfect for long exhilarating canters. Eventually you arrive at Wadi Um Ishrin, a large valley next to Jabel Um Ishrin, with beautiful sand dunes. Overnight in Um Ishrin valley in your camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
If you have booked an 8 day program, you will now be driven back to your hotel in Madaba for one last night before transfer to Amman Airport after breakfast Day 8.
Day 8: Last Day of Riding in Wadi Rum – Then Head to Aqaba by Vehicle You are now in the heart of the Wadi Rum. After breakfast saddle up and set off through the beautiful valley of Um Ishrin, passing by the red sand dunes in the valley of Anafishia. You will pass the ruins of “Lawrence’s house” and ride through the beautiful Barrah canyon, where there are several Thamudic engravings on the cliff faces depicting camels and other animals. Reaching the lunch stop you say goodbye to the horses and, after lunch, transfer about 1 hour by car, to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Dinner and night at the My Hotel (or similar) in Aqaba.
Day 9: Depart Aqaba to Dead Sea and Mount Nebo – Overnight at Madaba. Breakfast and then you will be driven to the Dead Sea. A relaxing day swimming, floating & relaxing by the Dead Sea, trying a famous mud wrap if you wish! Own arrangements for lunch and in the late afternoon you will be driven back towards Madaba passing Mount Nebo, with a chance to visit the church before sunset. Dinner and night at the Mosaic Hotel (or similar) in Madaba
Day 10: Madaba Hotel – Amman Queen Alia International Airport After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Airport for your journey home.
Horses
The horses are mostly Arabians from Jordan, Syria and Iraq, but also some crosses and Anglo Arabs. They are thinly built but unusually strong horses and about 150-160 cm (59-63 in) at the withers. They are moderately lively, pleasant and easy to ride.
The horses live most of the time in the wilderness. It is mostly mares and geldings but also a couple of stallions.
The horses are all cared for by European standards. They are ridden in the English style and with English saddles and bridles. The saddles have saddlebags where you can keep cameras and water bottles.
The riders are encouraged to groom and saddle your own horse during the ride.
Christmas and New Year
If you want to leave all the commerce and just enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful and unique desert, this is something for you. Here you can enjoy and reflect on what is important in life.
Climate
There is sun virtually all year round. In spring and summer the highest daytime temperature of 22-35 ° C (71-95 F), in winter about 15-22 C (59 -71 F) when it can be cold in the evenings and down to zero at nights.
Travel Information
Ability description: Level, trail ride 2-3 >>
Included in the price: 9 nights (4 nights ***hotel in double room, 5 nights in tent), full board on the riding days incl water. Return transfer Amman airport.
Not included: Flights, single room (single supplement will be added if there is no one to share the room with), drinks. Dinner first and last night, lunch in Petra and Dead Sea. Visa fee, insurance and extras not mentioned.
Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Fly to Amman Queen Alia International Airport.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore.
From Amman Airport to the hotel (3 stars).Tell us your arrival times so we can coordinate the transfer.
Time: Arrival before 23.00 and departure with flight after 07.00.
Price: Included
If you need transfer other times there will be a supplement of 25 JOD/person/one way.
If a sole rider has booked the 8 days program and requested to go back to Madaba on the 7th day, a transfer cost of 175 EUR as an additional transfer back.
Guides: Your guides speak English. All are trained in first aid and carry first aid kits on the ride. All luggage, tents etc. are transported by 1-3 jeeps to the various campsites. All the staff are local Jordanians and Bedouins.
Single room: It is possible to book a single room in the hotels (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.
Group size: Minimum of 2, maximum of 12 riders per group (sometimes there can be two groups in parallel and you meet up in the evenings).
Weight limit: 85 kilos, 187 lbs., 13.3 St. with your riding gear
Vaccination: Normally, no special vaccinations are required, but consult your vaccination center and check the current recommendations they have for the area.
Visa: Visas are required and can be bought at the airport in Amman, approx. 40 JOD. Give us your passport details before departure for visa waiver.
Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Tipping: Tipping customs in Jordan can vary depending on the situation and the level of service you receive. Tipping is generally appreciated in Jordan, and it's a way to show gratitude for good service. Depending on the length and quality of the service, consider tipping : Between 15 - 20 USD per person per day ( for the guide ). Between 5- 7 USD Per person per day ( for the driver ).
Luggage: Avoid suitcases and prefer flexible soft travel bags instead. A small backpack will be useful for traveling and touring days but not during the ride where you will be provided with saddlebags. We advise you to take some plastic bags with you to protect your belongings from the dust and the sand.
Misc: Bring your own helmet and own refillable water bottle.
Feedback from our travellers
Amazing Experience with Beautiful Horses and Stunning Views
During the ride, we slept, by our own choice, under the starry sky. There were tents, but it was so wonderful to lie and watch the stars. Samir cooked amazing food, and the service throughout the trip was outstanding.
Very friendly and well-kept horses with a great riding plan. The length was perfect, good variety of gaits during the days, and the horses had amazing fast canters!
Hashem really took good care of his horses, who were in excellent condition. Kind, calm, well-trained, but energetic Arabs. Absolutely wonderful horses.
I can also say that despite the relative proximity to the unrest in Gaza, we felt 100% safe! We didn’t notice any disturbances, military presence, or any kind of propaganda.
I truly encourage others not to avoid this trip because of the Israel/Palestine conflict, unless the situation changes significantly. Jordan seems like a stable country that has no desire to be involved in the war.
Maria Vesterlund
Exceeded Expectations with Fantastic Service and Riding
The accommodation exceeded all my expectations! Fantastic accommodation! Having two personal chefs throughout the stay was magical. Eating 3-course meals every day and having freshly baked bread for breakfast. Magical!!!
Very fine, well-maintained horses. The riding exceeded all my expectations. Galloping at nearly 50 km/h was absolutely fantastic. It can’t get better than this!
Very fine horses. Well cared for, and they did everything to ensure the horses were happy! There was nothing to complain about. Exemplary horse care, just like in Sweden.
I highly recommend this trip. Jordan is a very safe country. I went out alone one evening, and I felt safer in Jordan than I would in Gothenburg or Stockholm. The Jordanian people want tourists and do everything to make us feel comfortable and safe. Despite bordering war-torn countries, this is not noticeable at all. Once again, Jordan is safer than Sweden.
Tommy Leckborn
Wonderful Riding and Fantastic Horses
Really good food during the riding trip! The best riding so far! The horses were in very good condition, and the guide who owned the horses took great care of them. You could see that the guide loved his horses!
For me, this ride was among the best I’ve done to such an exotic country. It exceeded all my expectations!
Hanna Engström
An Unforgettable Experience in Petra
Samir’s food during the camp week was incredibly good. Simply fantastic! Fantastiv views and galloping at all kinds of speeds. If you’re afraid of speed, this might not be the right ride, but if you love it, wow!
All the horses were lively and quite hot. My horse was a dream to ride. The horses were in great condition and well cared for.
One of the most fun and unique experiences I’ve ever had!
Susanne Lundström
A Truly Amazing and Unforgettable Trip
It was a truly fantastic trip that I can only recommend. The mix of seeing Petra, and the ride through mountains and the desert, made the trip unforgettable. I even appreciated sleeping in a tent because waking up in the desert was incredible. The Dead Sea was also a cool experience in this fascinating country.
The horses and the reception from Hashem and his team were excellent, and for me, this was the perfect way to see a fantastic country in an area I might not visit without a guide.
Eva Alfredsson
Exceptional Service and Perfect Organization
The hotels were beyond expectations and very good. The camping was simple, but with fantastic food and a great team that helped with everything. Well-cooked food with lots of variety. Very good and many new dishes. A fantastic chef. He always made an effort to present the food nicely, and it felt very fresh.
The horses were very well cared for by Hashem, our guide. Lively and well-maintained.
An unforgettable trip with exciting experiences. Very well organized and an incredible setup. Great information. Our guide Hashem was absolutely fantastic. We couldn’t have had a better guide. The whole trip far exceeded expectations.
Anna Heide
Exceptional Riding, Horses, and Service
The horses and the riding were top-notch. I was well taken care of. Very nice people, helpful and professional. I am completely overwhelmed. The best trip I’ve ever made.
Cecilia Näslund
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