Internationale groepsreis Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

Jordan's desert is more beautiful than I could ever imagined. A highlight was visiting Petra on Good Friday and being escorted on our own away from the crowds around this amzing site for almost 3 hours!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing 800 steps, rounding the corner and glimpsing The Monastery in Petra for the first time in the late afternoon sun.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant, passionate, proud and perfect. Zuhair was outstanding.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink enough water. Take a decent hat. The scrambling is great fun but both of knees need to work properly. You can still do virtually all the climbing and opt out of the stone bridge traverse (NOT recommended if you do  not have a head for heights). If you are over 6 foot, you wont fit into a tent. The 3/4 season sleeping bag they said I could borrow on site was more like a one-season. Take thermals and a hat to sleep out of the tent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a wonderful trip. I am so glad I went and feel blessed with the group we had and the leader we were fortunate to get. Many thanks

trip of a lifetime

Without this trip, my wife and I would not have wandered for 4 days in a desert, climbed rock bridges or had a stress free time of worrying about a campsite, food and water. Having a support vehicle for sleeping bags, tent, food and water aren't cheating when it comes to desert travel - camels would have been used for the desert trekkers even before Biblical times.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing my wife bravely reach the top of Burdah Bridge. Her sense of adventure is growing that she even agreed to come on a trekking trip!

What did you think of your group leader?

A perfect leader and a true diplomat to Jordan.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring some form of first aid kit for a potential blister. Also, there are ATM machines before and after immigration at the airport so you can get dinars for the 40 dinar visa fee. There is no (10 dinar) exit fee from the airport.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jordan is a safe country in a difficult area. As tourists, we felt as welcome guests where the locals were pleased that we enjoyed their unique landscapes, history and culture so much.

Petra & Wadi Rum trek Nov 2014

A well balanced visit to Jordan with some interesting and impressive sights. The Wadi Rum was more varied than I expected although this was mostly on the second and third days. I found we had a good hour or two at the end of the day's walk where we still had good light so if you aren't tired a short wander of your own is well worth it to feel like you've gotten the most from your time there.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Definitely the view from the Um Fourth rock bridge - I hadn't expected the Wadi Rum to be quite as rocky and narrow at certain points (not a negative) so the two hour climb was a fantastic opportunity to look back down and over some of the terrain we had covered. I'd strongly suggest anyone on this trip take that optional climb. Although I have little experience with scrambling on the whole I found it easier than expected and the small use of ropes shouldn't concern you. The guides and assistance they offered was excellent and I felt safe at all times.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salah was amusing and easy going and I felt struck up a good rapport with us quickly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Whilst you may as well do the Petra by Night excursion seeing as you are going all that way, it's really not very good for the amount it costs. It's fairly short with little in the way of worthwhile content and borders of slightly cheesy at some points. The one thing I read in multiple reviews was that you should bring gaiters to keep sand out of your boots. They are fairly cheap so it can't hurt however I found that pulling my trousers over the tops of my boots worked just as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Consider extending the trip a day or two to take in the dead sea as well, that would really round out the trip to Jordan. Everyone I told I was going to Jordan reacted the same way; "is that safe?" Ultimately I had absolutely no issues and see no reason why (at time of writing) you should avoid this trip due to that sort of concern.

When your guide says jump you ask how high

Trekked in Wadi Rum in October. What an amazing and special place to be. The weather was unseasonably hot most days over 35 degrees. Nights were not much cooler, which meant we couldn’t sleep under the stars (reptiles and scorpions were active). The desert is an extremely quite and peaceful place to be. If you are thinking about this trip, (don’t think), just do it you won’t be disappointed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb up onto the Burdah Rock Bridge was a fantastic experience. The views were stunning. A small effort for big rewards. Perhaps the most inspirational moment was watching the sunset at Fox Camp (named by our guide Salah). The changing light caused the colours of the desert to slowly change from yellow to pink slowly through to an opaque grey and into night. whilst in the foreground the campfire flickered and danced.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salah was a great guide, very knowledgeable and informative, and going the extra mile to ensure we got as much from our trip as we possibly could.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What a great trip

This was such a brilliant trip and exceeded my expectations. We had perfect weather with blue skies and sunshine but it wasn't too hot for trekking. The desert scenery is simply stunning and takes your breath away - it really is spectacular. Petra is amazing but for me trekking in the desert and sleeping out under the stars was the highlight.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I've got so many highlights from this trip. Sleeping out under the stars (who needs a tent) and getting up early to watch the sunrise was so much fun and I loved sitting around the campfire of an evening. Spending 4 days and nights in the desert is just an amazing experience and i really enjoyed every minute of it. The 800 step climb up to the monastery at Petra is well worth it for the views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Zohair, was very passionate about his country, its people and culture and this came through in all his stories. He was a good leader and even treated us to a guided tour around Little Petra even though this wasn't part of the itinerary.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

They've underestimated what you need for tips and meals and things so I'd take more money with you than what's been recommended - or you can use the ATMs at the airport or at Petra. A visit to the cave bar in Petra is well worth it - try the local Petra beer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Petra by night event is overpriced for what it is.

Nicolina

prachtige wandelreis in betoverende omgeving, vlg mij georganiseerd door Exodustravel

Petrus

Prima reis

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A very good trip to a fine (and safe) country. Give Jordan a try. The surrounding countries may be volatile but it is very different. Great walking.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting up early on the last morning in Wadi Rum. Sitting on a huge boulder just outside the camp. Watching the rising sun ligfht up the rocky hills on the other side of the valley. A hot air balloon rising into the cloudless sky farther down the valley.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salah did a very professional job. Always helpful with a good sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The descent from the Burdah rock arch involved interesting scrambling which was extremely destructive of several pairs of trousers!! A good hat is also vital to ward off the ever present sun. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Wadi Rum is a huge area, with a great sense of space. Wide sandy valleys interspersed by hundreds of impressive rocky peaks (jebels). When scrambling on the rock the friction is superb.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A thoroughly enjoyable trip. Great desert and rock scenery on the Wadi Rum trek. Ruins of Petra were a lot bigger and more spectacular than I was expecting. Jordan felt a lot safer than I had been expecting, given the troubles in surrounding countries.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the desert in bloom. (the recently ended rainy season meant that there were carpets of flowers across the desert sands). Climbing to the rock arch on Jebel Burdah. Best views of the trip and a bit of an adrenalin kick if like me you haven't got the best head for heights! The first candle lit views  of the Treasury at Petra on the (optional) night visit. Seeing President Obama, though I expect Exodus won't be able to repeat this experience on future trips! 

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader (Salah) and support staff were all very friendly and efficient at their jobs, and ensured the trip ran like clockwork.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't wear a new pair of trousers on the climb up Jebel Burdah - over a third of our group ended up with rips in their trousers from the rock. The scramble up Jebel Burdah is  probably at the upper end of the challenging grade, but is only a few hours duration, and is well worth the effort. The wild camping described in the trip notes isn't as wild as we thought - a Portaloo followed us around for the week, and there were always comfy cushions to sit on for breakfast and dinner. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A good trip that I would definitely recommend.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone with a sense of adventure. Jordan is an ideal introduction to the Middle East, it feels perfectly safe and the people are extremely helpful. The Wadi Rum itself has much more variety than I had imagined. This trip covers around 60km on foot, but feels relaxed and easy paced, which is ideal for people of all abilities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing up to the Jebel Burdah rock bridge Sleeping outside under the stars The evening camp fires The feeling of open space Everything about Petra (except the donkeys!) The hospitality of ordinary Jordanians

What did you think of your group leader?

Saalah was an excellent leader, who was constantly helpful and informative.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take several pairs of trousers, as you'll ruin a pair on the descent from Jebel Burdah Don't worry about the lack of facilities when camping in the Wadi Rum, it all makes the Turkish Bath in Petra more enjoyable Take plenty of  warm clothing as it gets cold in the Wadi Rum at night, and don't forgot a head torch Take an astronomy guide, as the night sky is amazing

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go to Jordan for a holiday you won't forget.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A sensational, well balanced and well thought-out trip!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me, the starry skies in the desert. I know that will sound odd on a trip that took it the magnificent sights of Petra but, most of all, I enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of the desert.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Zuhair and he was very good. He kept everything running smoothly and possesses a wealth of knowledge about his country and the region.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

(1) Because a lot of other reviewers had pointed out that sand gets in your boots I took and wore gaiters every day and that was very effective in preventing that particular problem. (2) Even if you're somewhat afraid of heights (as I am), make the effort to steel yourself to walk across the the natural rock bridge at Jebel Burdah ("the arch of Burdah"). (3) Learn some short stories! If you are fortunate enough to have Zuhair as your group leader he will regale you with stories and folk tales over the camp fire. It would have been nice if we could have returned the favour but we couldn't come up with anything remotely as in-depth or entertaining.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and there were no siginificant negatives at all (well, apart from the chaotic arrival at Amman airport which is beyond Exodus's control). I would recommend this trip to anyone with reasonably good levels of health and fitness (you don't need to be an athlete or endurance hiker). The Jordanian people are lovely - very friendly and welcoming. I was especially fortunate to be with a very nice, good-natured group of fellow travellers and that made an already great holiday even better.

Petra & Wadi Rum Trek

Really enjoyed this trip and trek. Wadi Rum is absolutely breathtaking and Petra is something quite spectacular. There are also lots of other places to visit in Jordan if you have free time. The people are friendly also and I loved the food. The trek through Wadi Rum was great, it really is a beautiful place. The scenery is amazing. The desert is tranquil and inspiring. I think Exodus have graded this trek well and put it as medium difficulty. Anyone with some trekking experience will be able to do this fairly easily, you just have to be weary of the heat. Also walking in sand for a long time will make the muscles tire out quicker. The hotel accommodation is excellent and the tents provided were also decent. Our group were really nice also. Highly recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Wadi Rum and Petra were both magnificent.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sammi our group leader was excellent. He really took care of the group and had a lot of knowledge about Jordan in general. The chefs and the other supporting guides were also really nice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Sun cream is a must. Drink plenty.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to Exodus for arranging a great and memorable trip.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

The combination of the desert, Wadi Rum and the historical remains of Petra made  this an excellent trip.  The food and organisation during the trip was really good.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The desert trekking and camping were brilliant.  The clear sky at night was fantastic.

What did you think of your group leader?

An excellent group leader, who had very good knowledge and was very helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Choose the right time of year, depending on how hot or cold you like it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A fasinating Jordan experience, covering a visit to Mount Musa where Moses had brought the seven tribes of Israel, seeing 3000year old Mosaces, walking in the rocky desert of Waddi Rum, climbing up and over two natural rock bridges, while camping in the desert and being fed Bedouin food reliving the area where Laurance of Arabia assisted the Arabs with their Gurilla war on the railway line.Then it was time to move down to Waddi Musa, first time to clean up from the desert with a Turkish Bath, Scrub Down and Massage, refreshed we experienced Petra by night, followed next day with plenty of time to explore in daylight.All this in our six days in this friendly country, by the way I am 66 and looking forward to my next trip to walk the great walls of China this September aged 67. I am having the time of my life, I recommend making the most of these experiences.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Petra by day.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Salah a Jordanian was friendly, helpfull and extremly knowlegable and happy to share it with me.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

For extra comfort when sleeping in the desert take a camping mat to spread the weight over the open cell foam matras for a better nights sleep.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go out and enjoy lifes experiences whilst you still can. My late father told me, Young men live off their dreams and Old men live off their memories, I am still DREAMING and may it last for many years. Go out there and live your dreams.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

This is a wonderful trip.  Almost like two holidays in one, with the peace of the desert contrasting with the fascinating culture of Petra.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Crossing the Jebel Burdah bridge, drinking sage tea round the campfire and sleeping under the stars every night of the trek.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salah was fantastic - knowledgeable and with a great sense of humour and fun.  I could not have done the Jebel Burdah climb without him - he was so encouraging and I felt I was in very safe hands as I negotiated the trickier sections with his help.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A pair of cotton gloves was very useful on the climb - there is a lot of scrambling using handholds and the rock is quite rough.  The camel ride on the last day in Wadi Rum is definitely worth doing - great photo opportunites and gives the feet a rest!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Choose this trip!  Wonderful mix of physical challenge, serenity and culture.

In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia...

A brilliant week out, exploring a different world.  The trek gets better each day, and the desert scenery gave context to our viewing of Petra.  The camping was comfortable and the travelling Portaloo was appreciated.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Apart from the mountain ascent, the hike is all quite manageable as long as you have the stamina to walk for several hours.  When we went at Easter the weather was great, nice and warm during the day, but not too hot (or cold at night).  I didn't like the mountain ascent (I did rip my trousers on the way down!) and might have opted to stay back at base, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it. Probably a good idea to take some luxuries - we had fresh coffee, others had snacks or sweets -  the food provided on the trek was fine and filling, but a bit spartan.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip is a great week out, with a combination of good (but not overstrenuous) exercise, sightseeing and relaxation.  A fascinating history is never far away and it's great to get a glimpse into how Bedouin people live. Lots of fun along the way too.  Hiking means you get a chance to get a bit beneath the surface of Jordan - so why not take a crash course in a country that you probably don't know very much about?!

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

Awesome scenery.  Real Lawrence of Arabia landscape and such colourful rock formations.  Petra was even more dramatic than I had anticipated.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing on top of the rock bridge, quite high up, and  overwhelmed by the vast desert landscape before me.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was friendly enough but didn't engage a great deal.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a camping mug as they just give you plastic cups to drink hot tea out of.  It wasn't particualrly cold at night so you don't need a really warm sleeping bag, especially as they provide super thick blanlets anyway. Remember a headtorch for the evenings. It's too hot to walk in the middle of the day so you get a couple of hours sitting in the shade so travel scrabble or something similar is a good idea.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The desert and the visit to Petra were amazing.  The group were all so friendly and we had a good laugh, especially about the portaloo which was transported across the desert from camp to camp.  There was something surreal about following it.  As long as we had it in our sights we knew we couln't get lost!  Altogether an amazing experience and quite different from other treks and travels.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A short, easy going trek finished off by a visit to Petra.The  conditions at the camps, while theres no running water, was perfectly fine and the support crews did an excellent job.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sunset over the desert and the new moon/evening star combination Also, seeing the Treasury   

What did you think of your group leader?

By and large he was good  - but had a tendency to overelaborate when perhaps silence would have been better.  there were a few occassions where he could have picked up the tempo a little such as when we were at Petra where people were conscious of being on a tight time schedule.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take wet wipes, light weight boots and compede.  Also for the scrambling, try and get some gloves unless you want to have your finger prints erased.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

Fantastic trip that far surpassed our expectations. Wadi Rum is absolutely stunning, and to camp under the stars each night was phenomenal. I don't think I've ever seen stars so bright. Add in breathtaking scenery, incredible rock formations and then top the trip off with a visit to Petra, and you have one fantastic week. And be prepared to eat a lot of flatbread!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the milky way and sleeping under the rotating stars. Seeing the treasury at Petra for the first time by candlelight.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was very friendly, knowledgeable and well organised, but also allowed people to enjoy the trek at their own pace.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring snack food like nuts, chocolate etc for the trek. Definitely bring a camera!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to see exodus take the lead in keeping wadi rum campsites free of litter, with a leave no trace ethos applied. There was quite a lot of rubbish at the back of some of the camps and it would be a shame to spoil such a beautiful location by leaving rubbish behind.

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A fantastic week trekking through amazing scenery in Wadi Rum, camping out under the thousands of stars and exploring the fascinating Petra.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's really hard to say! Obviously walking through the Siq and catching the first glimpse of The Treasury at Petra is something i will always remember but the trekking in Wadi Rum was stunning. My most inspirational moment was probably watching the sunset at our guides favourite spot in all of Jordan. We had this special place all to ourselves and set up camp on a sand dune that gave us unbelievable views of the valley as we watched the sun set on the horizon and change the colours of the landscape. Then to fall asleep later that night under a blanket of stars was amazing, I've ever seen so many shooting stars.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was fantastic. He was extremely proud to be from Jordan and the passion and knowledge for his home environment really shone through. He was very friendly and patient and on the tough trekking day (with scrambling) he was extremely attentive to everyone's different abilities.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Definitely bring a headtorch, make sure your shoes are well broken in and drink plenty of water! I would also say dont be too concerned about the trekking on day 4 which includes scrambling to the arch of Burdah . There were quite a few in my group (myself included) who were nervous about this but all managed fine and felt a real sense of achievement once we had made it! Sleeping out of your tent under the stars is an amazing experience, to drift off whilst gazing at the hundreds of stars is a great experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do it!