Jordan is the first Middle Eastern country that I’ve had the pleasure to visit and I left with an overwhelming appreciation and love for the people, the culture, the history and the landscapes. Arriving late at night and before I met the rest of the group, I was welcomed by a friendly driver with a huge smile, who put me at ease straight away. This is an important factor to me as a woman travelling alone to a new and unknown destination.
Consisting of cycling as well as hiking on this particular familiarisation trip, I knew the trip would be action-packed, but after a fun and informative brief from our expert guides Anas and Talia, we all felt confident and excited about the adventure ahead.
Our itinerary started in the Dana Nature Reserve with a spectacular view over the valley and the famous Dana to Petra trek snaking away below us. The trails here are well-trodden, weaving through the valley with steady ascents and descents throughout. The paths are rocky underfoot, so I was very happy to be wearing my trusty hiking boots. With views unlike anything I’d seen before we made our way to our first camp site which was flanked by mountains of limestone and sandstone. Sipping sweet tea around a camp fire, we got to know each other before retiring to our tents for our first night under the stars.
Walking into Petra was magical. We took the back road from Little Petra to avoid the masses, following mountain ridges and passing local Bedouin families selling tea and trinkets. After a couple of hours walking, the top of the monastery slipped into view in the distance. More and more of the spectacular facade became visible as we approached the site, arriving before long at the first of the many spectacular buildings.
Our walking days were accompanied by tales of historical rulers and stories of Bedouin traditions from our superb local guides. Hiking through the desert by day and huddled around an open fire by night we felt as though we were experiencing Jordan in all its glory. The walking was hard at times, with sections of scrambling and short but steep climbs up sandstone boulders but every part of the trail was different and more beautiful then the next.
The only thing in Jordan that can beat the spectacular landscapes is the local hospitality - from local Bedouin families to shop owners in the bustling cities, we were always welcomed with open arms. I had the most wonderful time in Jordan: I made lifelong friends and have wonderful memories imprinted into my soul.
Join us on our Bedouin Trails to Petra small-group walking holiday in Jordan. Contact the team for more information.
