RIDING IN JORDAN
Jordan is situated in the Arab world in Western Asia, separated from Israel by the great rift valley of the Jordan river. The desert environment is generally dry and hot, with the sandy open areas of the Wadi Rum providing a beautiful and unique riding experience. We offer four exciting riding itineraries (please scroll down the page for more details). During the Wadi Rum ride, we pass hard mudflats, soft sandy trails and dunes. In the Petra area, riding is quite different, with a more stony terrain as we follow narrow paths through the hills. On the Lawrence of Arabia ride the terrain is highly variable; starting from the arid desert mudflats, progressing to the harder tracks of Al Jafer and to the sandy tracks in the Mudawara area. Often we pass nomadic Bedouins living in traditional Bedouin tents, as well as cemeteries and various historical landmarks. All of the sample itineraries outlined below end with time for relaxation and snorkelling in the Dead Sea.
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Read what our clients have to say about their Wild and Exotic experiences in Jordan
Wild and Exotic fact sheet for riding in Jordan
Accommodation: Accommodation in Amman, Petra & Aqaba are in 4 star hotels depending. Hotel upgrades or single supplements may be available on request. 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 is paramount. Generally, 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.
Assistance & Staff: 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, Bedouins & Egyptians.
Clothing: Separate clothing list will be sent with all Wild and Exotic booking forms.
Food: All of the meals on the tour are prepared by our cook & staff. It is local food and it is always fresh, balanced and plentiful. Local and continental breakfast are served. Lunches are usually light, consisting of salads and other local dishes. Main meals for dinner, mainly rice, chicken, vegetables, lamb and other delicious local dishes. Fruit is readily available after meals. Mineral water, juices, coffee & tea are available at all times. All dietary requests will be met to the best of our ability. There are no tables & chairs, so basically we eat on a carpet on the floor with mats around, the traditional Bedouin way. Alcoholic drinks are sold on the tour. Lunches at Petra and the Dead Sea are not included in the tour cost.
Guides: All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are certified (French & BHS certificates), very well experienced with horses & 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.
Group Size: The group size is usually 5 to 10 riders plus the guide. We reserve the right to run a ride with a number of participants less than five. We cannot guarantee a minimum number of riders. We also reserve the right to exceed the number of maximum riders to 12 riders.
Horses: Our horses are mostly Bedouin Arabians. At the same time we have pure Arabs (WAHO Registered), Part-breds and some Anglo Arabs. Their averages size is 15 hh. They are hot bloods originating from Jordan, Syria, & Iraq. They are mainly mares & 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 and sensible which makes them easy to handle. They are all extremely well cared for and are looked after to the highest standards.
Level of riders: 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 & gallop.
Pace: In general the pace of the ride is moderate, but changes according to terrain and time of the day. We always start and end the sessions by walking. The landscape and trails are generally open and flat, which provides good opportunities for long trots and fast canters. We usually have nice long gallops as well, but that depends on the riding ability of the group as a whole and the conditions of the horses. Safety of the riders and horses is our main concern. We always ensure that the horses are relaxed and that every rider feels in control. The desert is a big open environment with no fences to stop the horses.
Rider responsibilities: Riders are required to comply with all the instructions and regulations given to them by their guide. Respect the safety and welfare of the horses. Riders are required to groom and tack their horses once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If you require assistance please ask your guide. At the same time your help with feeding the horses is highly appreciated. Riding hats, or helmets are highly recommended on the tour, but it is up to the rider if he or she wants to wear one.
Riding: The Discover Wadi Rum Ride, Petra to Wadi Rum Ride & New Year Ride all have 6 consecutive riding days. The Lawrence of Arabia ride has 10 riding days. We ride 5 to 6 hours a day, depending on itinerary, terrain, horse's condition and weather. We ride 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the morning. Break for lunch and a rest for 2-3 hours, and 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 & end the ride by walking on foot for 5 minutes to warm the horses and cool them down.
Tack: The tack we use is all English and of good durable quality. The saddles are general purpose synthetics made by Thorowgood UK. We use leather & synthetic bridles mainly with snaffle bits and some pelhams. We do not use saddle bags, but we use saddle pads with a big pocket on each side suitable for water bottle, camera or other personal belongings.
Terrain: The terrain of Wadi Rum is generally sandy, vast & open. It provides a beautiful riding environment. The landscape & terrain varies day to day. We shall pass hard mudflats, nice hard sandy trails, soft sandy trails and sand dunes. We mainly ride over desert compacted sand tracks. The riding in the Petra area is quite different. In general it is rougher, a bit stony and follows narrow paths through the hills. On the Lawrence of Arabia ride the terrain varies all the time. Starting from the arid desert mudflats, then to the harder tracks of Al Jafer and to the sandy tracks in the Mudawara area. We usually pass nomadic Bedouins living in traditional Bedouin tents on our tours. At the same time we pass cemeteries and various historical landmarks and sites.
Toilet & 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. Portable shower shelters available in the evening, and there are various protected private areas suitable for showering around the camp sites.
Transportation: All our transportation is by cars, taxes, minivans and buses, depending on the number of participants.
Weight Limit: The weight limit for riders is usually 85 kg., 190 lbs. or 13 stone 5 lbs. But we do have a few horses that can take heavier riders. If you are over the weight limit please contact Wild and Exotic for availability of the bigger horses for the specific ride or tour that interests you.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Wadi Rum Ride in Jordan
This nine night trip which includes six full riding days in Wadi Rum is the most popular Ride Rum itinerary. This ride covers most of the Wadi Rum protected area with a constantly changing landscape. The ride includes a full day in Petra, an afternoon in Aqaba to swim & snorkel in the Red Sea, and one full day to swim and relax at the Dead Sea.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner & night at the Madaba Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Breakfast followed by a road transfer south on the Desert Highway for about 3 hours to reach the Nabataean Rose Red city of Petra. The day to visit Petra. Dinner & night at Petra Palace.
Day 3: Breakfast followed by a road transfer for an hour & a half to our stables in Wadi Rum. You will meet your horse and set off riding north ward towards the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and stopping for lunch. This morning is a slow & short ride to give you chance to get use to your horse. In the afternoon we ride towards the famous Thamudic inscriptions and then head towards our first camp at the entrance of Barrah canyon. Dinner & night camping.
Day 4: Breakfast in camp, and then ride towards the agricultural village of Disi. On this morning we ride over the famous flats (Al Ga’a). These mud flats are perfect for a long exhilarating canter. We then ride through a small Bedouin village called Manasheer and back towards our camp at Barrah for lunch. In the afternoon, we ride through Barrah Canyon another spectacular canyon in Wadi Rum surrounded by high cliffs where we often see climbers. At the end of the canyon, we reach our camp of Mzelgah. Dinner & night camping.
Day 5: 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 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 land in the Wadi Rum Area at about 1400m. Dinner & night camping in Kharouba.
Day 6: Breakfast and then ride south towards the Saudi border, Wadi Saabit. Nice slow & long ride this morning. Stop at camp site for lunch & dinner. 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 & night camping.
Day 7: After breakfast ride North West towards Jabal Suibet and then along nice hard tracks for long canters until we reach the Caves of Harab Antar, stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we ride west towards Jabal Kattar where we get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels. Dinner & night camping in our camp.
Day 8: An early start this morning riding North West towards the south end of Khazali Mountain with stunning scenery along the way. We will continue towards the Khoshkhasheh area and then 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 & spring time. We then pass Lawrence's spring and continue north towards our stables in Rum village. On this day, we have a long morning ride (approximately 5 hours) before stopping for lunch. After a farewell to the horses, you will be transferred by road to the Royal Diving Club (RDC) in Aqaba (approximately one hour drive). You will have the afternoon free to spend swimming and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Transfer to hotel. Dinner & night at the Captain Hotel.
Day 9: Breakfast followed by a 3 hours road transfer to the Dead Sea via Wadi Araba. Full day to swim, float & relax at the Dead. Late afternoon transfer to Amman (40 minutes). Dinner & night at the Madaba Hotel.
Day 10: Breakfast and then transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Notes:
This Discover Wadi Rum ride runs all year round on set departures from Friday – Sunday. The best time of year is April – May, October – November.
Set departures 2008
Winter
11 January - 20 January
25 January – 3 February
8 February – 17 February
15 February – 24 February
22 February – 2 March
29 February – 9 March
Spring
14 March – 23 March
21 March – 30 March
28 March – 6 April
4 April 4 - 13 April
11 April 11 – 20 April
18 April – 27 April
25 April – 4 May
2 May – 11 May
16 May – 25 May
23 May – 1 June
Summer
6 June – 15 June
20 June – 29 June
4 July – 13 July
11 July – 20 July
25 July – 3 August
1 August – 10 August
15 August 15 – 24 August
Please note that during July and August we do not drive clients to the Dead Sea, last day riding on Friday we do long early morning ride, lunch at our stable and driving to Aqaba hotel to enjoy Red Sea / Saturday full day at the Red sea. Followed by 6 pm departure for Madaba hotel.
Autumn 2008
5 September – 14 September
19 September – 28 September
26 September – 5 October
3 October – 12 October
10 October – 19 October
17 October – 26 October
24 October – 2 November
31 October – 9 November
7 November – 16 November
14 November – 23 November
21 November – 30 November
The price of the Discover Wadi Rum ride is £1150 per person.
The price of this itinerary includes airport pickups, drop offs and all other transfers, provided that client arrives and departs on the scheduled dates of the tour; accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels in half board & in twin room occupancy; all riding; all meals on the ride; camping equipment (tents, mattresses etc.); entrance fees to Petra & Wadi Rum; guide in Petra for the first part of Petra.
The price does not include return flights to Jordan; entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan; items of a personal nature; drinks; lunches in Petra or the Dead Sea; entrance to the Royal Diving Centre; personal medical insurance; personal expenses; gratuities to guides and staff.
All arrivals are in Amman, & all departures are from Amman.
Clients arriving or departing before and/or after the scheduled days of the tour will be charged extra for airport pickups, drop offs and/or any other transfers. Please note that rates are calculated on sharing hotel rooms and if a sharer cannot be found, the single supplement will be charged.
We do not offer any kind of refund to clients for having less hotel nights or less riding days.
Itineraries and rides may slightly change according to weather, condition of the horses, and level of the riders. The tour can be reversed as well. In addition camp sites and lunch spots can be altered as well. The guide reserves the right for these changes.
Private rides: Please note that we regularly organize tailor-made riding holidays for couples, families, groups of friends, schools and clubs. We can organize a riding holiday according to your needs and specific requirements. Extra charges apply according to number of participants. Please contact Wild and Exotic for further information.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. A valid visa is required for this holiday, and information regarding visa applications to Jordan can be obtained by visiting the following website www.jordanembassyuk.org. If you are travelling from the US / Canada or the UK you can obtain a visa on arrival. It costs 10 Jordanian Dinar (equivalent to £7 or about $13 US) and must be paid for in local currency. If you arrive at Amman airport, there are money changing desks alongside the visa desk. It is an easy and straightforward process.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.
Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for New Year's Ride 26 December 2008 – 4 January 2009
A New Year's Eve in the desert that will never be forgotten. A lovely, cooler ride in the Wadi Rum Protected Area that covers the most scenic parts. A main fixed camp, with a big Bedouin tent, which becomes home, is used for 4 nights and the remaining night is spent away from camp. Nice, sunny and short days during this part of the year, with cooler temperatures at night. A full day in Petra and one full day to swim, float & relax at the Dead Sea.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner & night at the Madaba Hotel.
Day 2: Breakfast followed by a road transfer south on the Desert Highway for about 3 hours to reach the Nabataean Rose Red city of Petra. The day to visit Petra. Dinner & night at the Petra Palace Hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast followed by a road transfer for an hour & a half to our stables in Wadi Rum. Meet the horses and set off riding northward towards the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Stop for lunch. This morning is a slow & short ride to get use to the horses. In the afternoon, we ride towards the famous Thamudic inscriptions and then head south towards our fixed campsite of Mzelgah. Dinner & night camping.
Day 4: Breakfast in camp, and then ride towards the agricultural village of Disi. On this morning, we ride over the famous flats (Al Ga’a). These mud flats are perfect for a long exhilarating canter. We then ride through a small Bedouin village called Manasheer and then towards the North entrance of Al Barrah Canyon for lunch. In the afternoon, we ride through Barrah Canyon another spectacular canyon in Wadi Rum surrounded by high cliffs where we often see climbers. We ride until the end of the canyon until we reach Mzelgah campsite. Dinner & night camping.
Days 5 - 8: After breakfast, we ride each day in a different direction and never passing the same path or way more than one time. We ride until our lunch spot and in the afternoon, we ride back to our fixed camp of Mzelgah. 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, Jabel Al Mangour, Khazali Mountain, Lawrence's spring and if the weather permits, we ride south towards the Saudi border, Wadi Saabit. Nice slow & long ride this morning. Stopping for lunch and then camping at the edges of Saabit. We also see Jabel Um Adami, Jordan’s highest peak at (5948 feet). On day 8 we start earlier in the morning and ride for 5 hours before lunch. We will also get a chance to see some Bedouin tents with families, goats and camels. Transfer to hotel. Dinner & night at the hotel.
Day 9: Breakfast followed by a 3 hours road transfer to the Dead Sea via Wadi Araba. Full day to swim, float & relax at the Dead. Late afternoon transfer to Amman (40 minutes). Dinner & night at the hotel.
Day 10: Breakfast and then transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Notes:
Set departure ride from 26 December 2008 to 4 January 2009.
10 days airport-airport
1 day for arrival & 1 day for departure
1 day Petra visit
6 riding days in Wadi Rum Protected Area
1 day at dead sea
4 hotel nights & 5 camping nights (fixed camp)
The price of the New Year ride is £1300 per person.
The price of these itineraries includes airport pickups, drop offs and all other transfers, provided that client arrives and departs on the scheduled dates of the tour; hotel accommodation in 4 star hotel in half board & in twin room occupancy; all riding; all meals on the ride; camping equipment (tents, mattresses etc.); entrance fees to Petra & Wadi Rum; guide in Petra for the first part of Petra; entrance to dead sea spa hotel or royal diving centre.
The price does not include return flights to Jordan; entry visa fees and departure tax to Jordan; items of a personal nature; alcoholic drinks in hotels and on the ride; lunches in Amman, Petra, Aqaba & the Dead Sea; personal medical insurance; personal expenses; gratuities to guides and staff.
All arrivals are in Amman, & all departures are from Amman.
Clients arriving or departing before and/or after the scheduled days of the tour will be charged extra for airport pickups, drop offs and/or any other transfers. Please see below extra transfers.
Please note that rates are calculated on sharing hotel rooms and if a sharer cannot be found, the single supplement will be charged.
We do not offer any kind of refund to clients for having less hotel nights or less riding days.
We do not offer any kind of refund to clients to
Hotel nights can be swapped between cities.
Itineraries and rides may slightly change according to weather, condition of the horses, and level of the riders. The tour can be reversed as well. In addition camp sites and lunch spots can be altered as well. The guide reserves the right for these changes.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. A valid visa is required for this holiday, and information regarding visa applications to Jordan can be obtained by visiting the following website www.jordanembassyuk.org. If you are travelling from the US / Canada or the UK you can obtain a visa on arrival. It costs 10 Jordanian Dinar (equivalent to £7 or about $13 US) and must be paid for in local currency. If you arrive at Amman airport, there are money changing desks alongside the visa desk. It is an easy and straightforward process.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.
Private rides: Please note that we regularly organize tailor-made riding holidays for couples, families, groups of friends, schools and clubs. We can organize a riding holiday according to your needs and specific requirements. Extra charges apply according to number of participants. Please contact Wild and Exotic for further information.
