Dana Reserved – Jordan

This adventurous 9 day adventure tour visits the Nature Dana reserve in the south of Jordan for trekking and hiking in Dana, before arriving in Petra for 2 nights. From Petra we head into the great Wadi Rum desert where we will camp under the stars before ending the tour with a relaxing time in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.

Day 1: A/P – Amman

Our friendly reps will meet and assist you upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport before transferring you to your hotel in Amman for the start of your tour.

(No Meals)

Day 2: Dana Nature Reserve

The tour begins this morning after breakfast when we make the drive south to reach Dana travelling along the King’s Highway. During biblical times this road was the principal North-South route through Jordan. Your journey takes you across the deep gorge of Wadi al-Hesa, before turning west, off the highway, to reach Dana.

Dana village lies perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, an area whose fertile soil has drawn settlers since 4000BC. In 1989 the Wadi and an associated area of some 320 square kilometers, was designated an official Nature Reserve with the aim to protect some of Jordan’s endangered species, including ibex, mountain gazelle, wolf and red fox. As well as conserving wildlife, Dana has also managed to preserve the timeless traditions still practiced in the village. This afternoon you’ll spend time exploring this fascinating reserve, taking a guided walk along old paths in the mountains around the village. You can expect to walk for 2-3 hours.  Overnight at the Rest house Dana Village.

(Breakfast included)

Day 3: Trekking Wadi Dana Trail

Experience the spectacular local scenery close up as today we enjoy a long hike from Dana to Feynan throught the sandstone gorge of Wadi Dana. Fortunately the majority of the hike is downhill! Options to stay overnight in the Feynan Eco Lodge or return to Dana Village by transport.

(Breakfast included)

Day 4: Al Rummaneh (DANA) to Little Petra

After breakfast we carry on south to Petra, making a short stop in Wadi Musa, the town that has developed alongside the growth in popularity of nearby Petra. Feel free to enjoy a drink in one of the town’s many cafes, or pick up some nuts or dried fruit to eat on the trail.

A short 20-minute drive from Wadi Musa leads you to a fixed Bedouin Camp near ‘Little Petra.’ This area was once frequented by the caravanserai which carried trade back and forth across the region. Although your camp benefits from some modern amenities (such as toilets and a shower!) in essence the Bedouin service and hospitality you’ll enjoy tonight is part of a long-standing tradition. It’s likely that there will be other travelers staying at the camp tonight and the large communal area for sitting and relaxing is a great place to swap tales of past and forthcoming adventures.

Bedouin-style camp (communal sleeping arrangement).

(Breakfast included)

Day 5: Petra

Today we trek from the camp into the fabled ‘lost city’ of Petra. This historically important site came into existence Some 2,400 years ago when the Nabataeans would tax the trade caravans that travelled between southern Arabia and the shores of the eastern Mediterranean.

We will start from ‘Little Petra’ and follow little-used pathways and before following a well defined mountain track with fantastic views from across the mountains down towards the Araba Desert 100 km away. After around three hours of walking you’ll catch your first glimpse of one of Petra’s most famous sites – the Monastery; a vast structure similar to the Treasury in style and scale.

Forty minutes walking from the Monastery brings you to the colonnaded street of the old city, whilst a further 40 minutes brings you to the famous Treasury. Its stone facade takes on a beautiful dusky rose-colored hue in the late afternoon – time to take those iconic photographs. You’ll leave the site with a steady uphill walk through the narrow twisting siq, from the head of which it’s a short walk to the main gate and the comfort of your overnight hotel.
(Breakfast included)

Day 6: Petra & Wadi Rum

This morning is left free for you to relax or take another optional trip to Petra to explore the site further. This afternoon we continue our drive south to Wadi Rum, home to incredible desert landscapes sculpted by dramatic rock formations and beautiful canyons. Once we enter Wadi Rum, your tour starts at Lawrence Spring, home to sand dunes and Jebel Khazali (unique inscriptions). We camp close to the entrance of the wadi and in true desert fashion you can either sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent or under the stars.

(Breakfast & dinner included)

Day 7:  Wadi Rum

Following breakfast this morning, we begin the walk through beautiful narrow canyons on the way to Jebel Burdah. After lunch we continue to the natural Rockbridge of Um Fruth where we have the chance to climb it should you wish. The afternoon sees us back to the camp through Abu Rshebie valley. Dinner and night in the Bedouin camp.

(Breakfast & dinner included)

Day 8:  Aqaba

Bid farewell to the desert scenery this morning as we travel to the beautiful Red Sea resort town of Aqaba. After checking into the hotel there are plenty of options for relaxing including a host of Red Sea water sports and activities.

(Breakfast included)

Day 9: Departure home

We bid you fond farewell today as we transfer you back to Amman’s Queen Alia Airport for your flight back home.

(Breakfast included)