Jordan Wildlife & Nature
PRIVATE TOUR WITH WILDLIFE: Discover the rare wildlife, stunning scenery and ancient wonders of Jordan on this 12 day wildlife adventure. Explore Jerash and the incredible Rose Red City of Petra, encounter endangered Arabian Oryx at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve and camp in the Wadi Rum Desert. Enjoy floating in the Dead Sea and trekking through the scenic Dana Nature Reserve in search of the Nubian Ibex, caracal, array of birdlife and more.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
Day 1 Amman
Welcome to Jordan! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel where the evening is free to relax or explore at leisure. Perhaps visit some of the vibrant souqs in bustling downtown Amman, the heart of Jordan’s capital city.
Day 2 Amman sightseeing
Day 2 Amman sightseeing
Today, we’ll enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing in Amman. Visiting the iconic Citadel, the National Archaeological Museum and the Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 2nd century. Learn about the history of the country at the New Jordan Museum and see the modern western side of the city, home to many malls, restaurants and cafes.
Day 3 Jerash & Aljoun Forest hike
Day 3 Jerash & Aljoun Forest hike
Amman - Jerash - Aljoun. Say goodbye to Amman today and transfer to Jerash, the Graeco-Roman city famous for its Roman ruins. Explore the colonnaded street and the amphitheatre before transferring to the Aljoun Forest Reserve where we’ll enjoy a three hour hike to the village of Orjan. Walk through lush woodlands of oak, pistachio and strawberry trees to Eagle’s Point - a panoramic view point. Descend to the village and meet the local women at the soap house, who create pure olive oil soap using a traditional process.
Day 4 Um al-Jimal & Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Day 4 Um al-Jimal & Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Aljoun - Azraq. Our day begins with a visit to the Byzantine and Roman ruins at Um al-Jimal, driving to Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. This small but important 22 km square conservation area is an important haven for endangered Middle Eastern species including the Arabian Oryx and Persian Onager. There is a good chance to view some of these species as you embark on a 3 hour safari drive into the reserve. Binoculars are provided so you can spot bird species including the Imperial Eagle and the Egyptian Vulture. Your guide will also teach you the basics of animal tracking and you’ll see an exciting falconry display and the Oryx breeding enclosure. Leaving the reserve, we transfer to the nearby Azraq Lodge for the night.
Day 5 Azraq Wetland Reserve & Dana
Day 5 Azraq Wetland Reserve & Dana
Azraq - Dana. Enjoy a short hike this morning in the Azraq Wetland Reserve, an excellent place to spot migratory birds and water buffalo if you’re lucky. Continue to the historic desert castle of Qasr Azraq. The castle has been strategically important since Roman times as it’s built in the Azraq Oasis, the only permanent source of freshwater for 12,000 square miles. After visiting this site we continue to the 500 year old village of Dana, which overlooks the incredible Wadi Dana Gorge.
Day 6 Trekking in Dana Reserve
Day 6 Trekking in Dana Reserve
Dana - Feynan Eco Lodge. Enjoy a day of trekking today as we explore Dana, the largest nature reserve in Jordan. Meet local Bedouin farmers tending their goats and look out for the many species of flora and fauna that inhabit the reserve. There is a population of the threatened Nubian Ibex and the world’s largest breeding colony of the colourful Syrian Serin. We pass through four different biosphere zones, from striking mountains to the desert of Wadi Arabah, before stopping for the night at the Feynan Eco Lodge (14km trek).
Day 7 Little Petra and Beidha
Day 7 Little Petra and Beidha
Feynan Eco Lodge - Petra. This morning we’ll explore the Roman ruins at Feynan and drive to the lesser visited site of Siq Al Barid, known as Little Petra. Reaching the site through a narrow passage, similar to the famous Siq at Petra. Little Petra was once a thriving Nabatean supply post and there is evidence everywhere of its past. See temples, rock cut stairs and some of the few surviving Nabatean paintings before continuing to UNESCO-listed Beidha. This stone age village is more than 9,000 years old, making it one of the world’s earliest known permanent human settlements. After our visit, we continue to Petra for the evening.
Day 8 Petra sightseeing
Day 8 Petra sightseeing
Today we discover the incredible Rose Red City of Petra, one of the New7Wonders of the World. We’ll walk down the narrow Siq to Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and admire this spectacular tomb. Explore the Street of Facades, visit the fascinating Byzantine Museum and the Theatre, which once held a capacity of 8,500 people. There is also the opportunity to climb the 800 steps to the imposing hill-top ad-Deir (The Monastery), which is far larger than the Treasury with spectacular views.
Day 9 Wadi Rum & desert camping
Day 9 Wadi Rum & desert camping
Petra - Wadi Rum. Return to Petra this morning for a light trek to the High Place of Sacrifice for incredible views of your surroundings and the Treasury below. This afternoon we travel to the wild desert of Wadi Rum. Here you'll enjoy an exhilarating desert 4x4 safari across the vast expanse of this red desert, with its amazing rock formations and rolling dunes. Reach our desert campsite and watch the sunset before enjoying a traditional Jordanian dinner and camping beneath a blanket of stars.
Day 10 Madaba & Karak Castle
Day 10 Madaba & Karak Castle
Wadi Rum - Karak - Madaba - Mt Nebo - Dead Sea. Leaving the desert this morning and travel to the Crusader Castle at Karak. You’ll then enjoy a tour of the town of Madaba and see the 6th century mosaic map of the Middle East, which decorates the floor of St George Church. Other highlights of the town include the Madaba Museum and the Archaeological Park. After visiting these sites we continue to Mt Nebo for breathtaking views over the Holy Land. Finally, we descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and our final stop for the day.
Day 11 Dead Sea free time
Day 11 Dead Sea free time
Today is free to relax by the Dead Sea. Float in its famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters and enjoy a therapeutic mud bath. If you’re feeling adventurous then you may wish to join an optional excursion and go canyoning along the Siq Trail to Wadi Mujib, one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features (April - October departures only).
Day 12 Dead Sea to Amman Airport
Day 12 Dead Sea to Amman Airport
Dead Sea - Amman. Your Jordanian adventure comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
With friendly and helpful staff, the Toledo offers a perfect location and comfortable accommodation. Guest rooms are well appointed and all have a great view of the famous King Abdullah Mosque and several historical churches. Wi-fi is available and there is a 24 hour coffee shop for when hunger strikes! There is also a fitness centre and pool - however the hours vary for men and women so check with reception before you head down. Well located in Amman City Centre next to the bus station.
In a large grassy clearing on the edge of the forest lies the beautiful Ajloun Reserve Cabins. These tastefully designed cabins are comfortable and well equipped with private bathrooms and a small terrace perfect for sitting outside and watching the world go by. Built from stylish wood and furnished to a high standard including very comfortable beds and stove facilities. (Open all year round)
The lodge has an authentic atmosphere with a modern twist. The fully equipped 1940s style rooms overlook the vast mud and sand flats of the Azraq Basin. The kitchen and restaurant are under the management of a local family, providing a variety of Chechen food and delights. The Azraq Lodge is open all year. The lodge, renovated from a British military field hospital, is located in the Eastern Desert and a short distance away from the Azraq and Shaumari reserves.
Dana Guesthouse is a sustainable, eco-friendly camp with meals made exclusively from local produce. The beautifully styled building offers breathtaking views of the reserve, traditional Arabic food, and friendly service. The guesthouse is open all year round and perks include free WiFi in the public areas of the property and 24 hour front desk. The simply furnished yet comfortable rooms have balconies from which to enjoy the surroundings. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Voted as one of the best eco-lodges in the world, the Feynan Ecolodge offers a stay with a difference. Running completely on solar power and candle light, come nightfall it becomes a beautiful, romantic retreat that you won't want to leave. All guest rooms are ensuite - with hot water from the natural spring. For the ultimate in atmospheric evenings - head to the roof at night time and enjoy the endless stars overhead - truly breathtaking. The Lodge is in the Wadi Finan Bedouin area below Dana Reserve.
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
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