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JORDAN : HORSE RIDING TRAIL IN WADI RUM DESERT AND PETRA, ON THE FOOTSTEPS OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA...

Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

ITINERARY

DISCOVERY WADI RUM RIDE

The Discover Wadi Rum Ride is one of our most popular rides. In 6 full days of horse riding it covers most of the Wadi Rum area with its always changing sceneries. A full day in Petra and a day of relaxing and swimming in the Dead Sea on the last day are included in the program.

Day 1 : Europe - Madaba
Arrival in Amman, at Queen Alia International Airport, where you will be met and driven to your hotel in Madaba (3* local norms). Dinner (except late arrival) and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 : Madaba - Petra
Breakfast at the hotel and then drive (above 3h30) to the south on the Desert Highway to reach the Nabataean Rose Red city of Petra. Lunch at leisure. Guided visit of the famious site of Petra by a generally English speaking Jordanian guide. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 3 : Petra - Wadi Rum
In the morning an hour and a half drive to Wadi Rum Stables to meet the horses and the desert team. This morning is a slow and short ride to get used to the horses. Set off riding north towards the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Stop for lunch in the Wadi Rum desert. In the afternoon we ride towards the famous Thamudic inscriptions and then head to our first camp at the entrance of Barrah canyon. Dinner and night in camp.

Day 4 : Wadi Rum
Breakfast in camp, and then ride towards the agricultural village of Disi. On this morning we ride over the famous mud flats (Al Ga'a), perfect for a long exhilarating canter. Then we ride through a small Bedouin village called Manasheer and back towards our camp for lunch. In the afternoon we pass through Barrah Canyon, another spectacular canyon in Wadi Rum surrounded by high cliffs renown by climbers around the world. We ride until the end of the canyon until we reach our camp of Mzelgah. Dinner and night in camp.

Day 5 : Wadi Rum
After breakfast, we ride south east towards Burdah Mountain. We cross Khour Al Ajram which is one of Wadi Rum's main valleys. We get a good view of the arch rock Bridge of Burdah. We keep riding south until we reach Jabal Al Mangour where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we ride east to Foura'a which the highest peak in the Wadi Rum area at about 1400 metres. Night in Kharouba or Radet Salam depending on the weather. Dinner and night in camp.

Day 6 : Wadi Rum
Breakfast at the bivvy and then ride south towards the Saudi border, Wadi Saabit. Nice slow and long ride this morning. Stop at camp site for lunch. The camp site is next to Jabal Um Adami, Jordan's highest peak at (5948 feet). In the afternoon ride around Wadi Saabit mountain close to the border of Saudi Arabia. Dinner and night at camp.

Day 7 : Wadi Rum
Today, we ride North West towards Jabal Suibet. And then along nice hard tracks for nice long canters until we reach the Caves of Harab Antar. Stop for lunch. In the afternoon we ride more West towards Jabal Kattar where we probably get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels. We ride until Toour Mufleh. Dinner and night in camp.

Day 8 : Wadi Rum - Aqaba
Breakfast on early morning for this last riding day and then ride North West towards the south end of Khazali Mountain. Very nice scenery. We stop for lunch at Khoshkhaseh place. In the afternoon, we ride through the main valley of Wadi Rum stopping in front of Jabal Khazali which had a narrow siq (canyon) that collects water in the winter and spring time. We then visit Lawrence's well, perfectly described in Lawrence of Arabia's book 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom' before we head back north towards the stables in the village of Wadi Rum. Farewell to the horses on the middle of the afternoon, and then drive down for an hour to Aqaba on the Red Sea. End of the day at leisure in the seaside resort. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 9 : Aqaba - come back to Madaba
After an early breakfast, leave Aqaba for Madaba by the road of Wadi Araba, along the Jordanian-Israeli border (approx. 4h45). Stop at a private beach on the Dead Sea, where you can have lunch (not included), swimming and a shower after the salty waters. Transfer to your hotel in Madaba and if there is time left, you should go to discover the mosaic school and other treasures of the city. Dinner and night at the hotel in Madaba or transfer to the airport, depending on the departure time of your flight.

Day 10 : Aqaba - Europe
After breakfast, transfer to the airport (approx. 30 minutes) to take your flight back home.

NEW YEAR'S RIDE

A New Year's Eve in the desert that you will never forget. A real Bedouin camp situated in the heart of the mountain range will be our fix camp for this winter ride. We will have star rides coming back to the camp nearly every day and if the weather allows, we will have a one night bivouac near the Saudi border. Short days and long nights give us the leisure to appreciate the winter evenings at a bonfire, with a Bedouin musician who might join the group or some surprise visitors from the Zoulabi tribe....
It is very comfortable not to fold the tent every day and if you feel tired during the week, it is easy to stay in the camp and give the horse some release while discovering the surroundings.

Day 1 : Europe - Madaba
Arrival in Amman on regular flight, at Queen Alia International Airport, where you will be met and driven to your hotel in Madaba (3* local standard). Dinner (except late arrival) and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 : Madaba – Petra
After breakfast at the hotel a 3:30 hours drive to the south to Wadi Musa the modern town close to the ancient city of Petra. Lunch at your own expenses in one of the numerous restaurants. Guided visit of the famous site of Petra by a generally English speaking Jordanian guide. Dinner and night at the hotel.

Day 3 : Petra - Wadi Rum
Breakfast at the hotel then drive for an hour and a half to Wadi Rum Stables to meet the horses and the desert team. This morning is a slow and short ride to get used to the horses. We ride directly to our fix camp in Um Zergha where we settle in comfortably for the week. Dinner and night in camp.

Day 4 : Wadi Rum
In winter we never leave before 08:30 am, nights are cold and the horses need to get warm....
We leave for the villages of Disi and Mansheer, where the grass for our horses grows as it is the biggest groundwater ressource of Jordan. We ride over the famous mud flats (A Ga'a), perfect for a nice canter.
On our return trip we come through the Barrah Canyon, surrounded by high cliffs.
Back to the camp around 4:30 pm as the night falls, where we will have a nice cup of tea near the fire after having cared for the horses first.
The tent made of goat skin, in pure Bedouin tradition, keeps the warmth, protects us from bad weather and grants a nice evening in this magical place Um Zergha... and maybe we have the chance to hear one of the poets and musicians play the Aoud.

Days 5 to 8 : Wadi Rum
These four days will be organized in a star ride from the camp. After breakfast, we ride each day in a different direction and never passing the same path or way more than once. We follow the trail until our lunch spot and in the afternoon we ride back to our fix camp. Stop at camp site for dinner and night.
On these days we will pass and see Burdah mountain, Khour Al Ajram which is one of Wadi Rum's main valleys, the Rock Bridges of Wadi Rum, Jabal Al Mangour, Khazali Mountain, Lawrence's well and if the weather allows we ride south towards the Saudi border, Wadi Saabit. The camp site is opposite to Jabal Um Adami, Jordan's highest peak at (5948 feet). We will also get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels.
On the afternoon of day 8 we ride back to our stables in the village of Wadi Rum. End of the ride and transfer to Aqaba (approx. 1 hour), seaside resort on the Red Sea. Dinner and night in hotel.

Day 9 : Aqaba - Madaba
After an early breakfast, leave Aqaba for Madaba by the road of Wadi Araba, along the Jordanian-Israeli border (approx. 4h45). Stop at a private beach on the Dead Sea, where you can have lunch (not included), swimming and a shower after the salty waters. Transfer to your hotel in Madaba and if there is time left, you should go to discover the mosaic school and other treasures of the city. Dinner and night at the hotel in Madaba or transfer to the airport, depending on the departure time of your flight.

Day 10 : January the 6th : Madaba - Europe
After breakfast, transfer to the Amman airport (apprix. 30 minutes) to take your flight back home.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses

Our horses are mostly Bedouin Arabians. At the same time we have pure Arabians (WAHO Registered), Part-breds and some Anglo Arabs. Their average size is 15.2hh. They are hot bloods originating from Jordan, Syria and Iraq. They are mainly mares and geldings and we have a couple of stallions. They live outside in the desert most of the year, so they are tough, strong, spirited, fast and responsive. They are also very sensitive but easy to handle. They are all extremely well cared for and are looked after to the highest standards.

Tack

English style

Required riding level

The Discovery Wadi Rum Ride and New Year's Ride provide six consecutive riding days. We ride 5 to 6 hours a day, depending on itinerary, terrain, horse's condition and weather. We ride 2h30 to 3h30 in the morning. Break for lunch and a rest for 3 hours. During the summer, break from 10h30 to 16h30. Then ride 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon. We cover between 25 to 35 Km per day. There may be some walking each day leading the horses. At the same time we always start the ride and end the ride by walking for 5 to 10 minutes to warm the horses or cool them down.

Riders must be confident and fairly experienced. They must be comfortable in the saddle and in control of the horse at all gaits; walk, trot, canter and gallop.

Accompanied kids (from 10 years old) are welcomed. All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hand, and capable of handling a spirited horse.

The weight limit for riders is usually 85 Kg., 190 lbs. or 13 stone 5 lbs. However, we do have a few horses that can take heavier riders. If you are over the weight limit please contact us for availability of the bigger horses for the specific ride or tour that interests you.

YOUR GUIDES

All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are certified (French & BHS certificates), very well experienced with horses and guiding and have a great knowledge of Jordan and its deserts. They all speak English and French. They are all first aid and CPR trained and carry with them a first aid kit at all times.

All baggage, camping equipment, water, food and horse supplies are transported by 4X4 back-up vehicles. Generally we have one to three vehicles on the tour depending on the number of participants. All staff including cook are local Jordanians and Bedouins.

Caution
These programs can be changed due to weather like, wind, road nature, physical conditions of the riders... That is only on the responsibility of the guide.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodations in Madaba, Petra & Aqaba are usually in hotels. Our normal packages use 3 and 4 star hotels depending on the city. For hotel upgrades, downgrades or single supplements, please contact us. Some tours use guest houses, small motels and camp grounds.

All nights on the tour will be spent camping. We choose the sites with perfection in mind. We stay at picturesque campsites that also offer top quality amenities and safety. Generally speaking the weather is pleasant most of the time for sleeping under the stars. At the same time we supply single & double dome tents that are fast and easy to erect. We also supply sleeping mattresses that can be used in the tents or outside. You are free to bring your own tent if you wish. For the fixed camps and mainly for the New Year Ride we have a big traditional Bedouin tent that is used for dinning, entertainment and sleeping. Please note that we do not provide any sleeping bags and that you are required to bring your own.

Toilet and Shower
There are many private places around the desert for toilet use. Toilet paper has to be burnt. The group will agree on a toilet area upon arrival at camp site

We will provide you with a sufficient amount for water for showering everyday. Warm water as well for the winter time or upon request. And there are various protected private areas suitable for showering around the camp sites.

Portable chemical toilets and portable shower shelters are supplied for upgraded packages or on request.

DATES AND RATES

Flights to Amman
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.

Single supplement : 125 €
Single option is not mandatory if you are willing to share your room/tent with another person of the same gender.

Hiking or camel rides
Non-riders are also welcome in the desert.
We propose hiking with a guide or camel rides instead of horses.
Contact us for more information.

RATE INCLUDING

- trail ride as described,
- airport pickups, drop offs and all other local transportation, provided that you arrive and leave on the scheduled dates and arrival/departure times of the tour,
- entrance fees and guides for Petra and other tourist sites are included,
- hotel accommodations in twin/double room occupancy, depending on nights,
- all meals on the tour except for two lunches in Petra and Aqaba,
- financial deposit guaranteed to Randocheval.

RATE NOT INCLUDING

- flight transport from your city departure,
- entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan and any other airport taxes,
- local exit territory tax (5 DJ). Pay at your departure from the Amman airport,
- soft drinks and alcoholic drinks in hotels and on the ride,
- lunch in Petra and in Aqaba,
- personal expenses,
- tips,
- single supplement (125 €) ,
- other provision of a service,
- optionnal insurances : more informations.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Anne, the specialist for this destination !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

COUNTRY

LENGTH

LANGUAGE

GROUP SIZE

ACCESS

CLIMATE

Formalities
Check with your local Embassy according to your nationality.

Vaccines-Health
It is necessary to be up to date concerning your usual vaccinations, in particular for the tetanus vaccine.
Remember that a repatriation travel insurrance is compulsory.

REFERENCE :CH90-jordanie-wadi