Jordan Explorer - From Petra to Wadi rum

Discover the south of Jordan on horseback on a trail ride from the red-rose Nabatean city of Petra to the Wadi rum desert. After a visit of Petra - one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World - this 6-day horse ride takes you from the mountainous area surrounding the city to the steep rock formations of the Wadi Rum, and ends with a well-deserved visit to the Dead Sea. Enjoy long canters on beautiful desert roads, experience camping under the stars and taste fantastic local food – this is an adventurous trail ride for competent riders.
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Trail Riding
10 days / 6 riding
From £1,565

From the horse’s mouth

  • Jordan Explorer - From Petra to Wadi rum
    October 2023 Meredith aged 30
    A spectacular ride and one not to be missed! A perfectly organised trip and Eid & his team were great during the ride period. The views were beyond stunning and the camps were also so picturesque. The horses were fantastic - I had Aicha who was a super fun forward ride. A love of jogging but she was perfect! She could... Read all
  • Jordan Explorer - From Petra to Wadi rum
    March 2023 Karolina Sofia aged 31
    The trip was just amazing! Truly a once in a lifetime experience for me, riding a purebred Arabian horse in the desert, camping under the stars, eating fantastic food every day and meeting new people. We shared a lot of laughs during the week and learn so much about the culture and the lands. Patricia, Eid and the... Read all
  • Jordan Explorer - From Petra to Wadi rum
    October 2022 Marissa Louise aged 64
    KISMET!!! This one word accurately sums up this trip! My fellow riders were wonderful, the horses perfect, the guide Eid, expert, kind and funny and the crew who took care of us, Abood, Hashem and Habis, amazing! We were a family and team working seamlessly together by the second day. The desert scenery was... Read all
  • Jordan Explorer - From Petra to Wadi rum
    November 2021 Victoria aged 32
    It really was an outstanding trip! Every part of the trip was great from the pre departure, arrival, Petra, the horses, the pace of riding, the landscape, our guides, the food was delicious, all the kit was great, the trip to the Dead Sea was a fun way to finish the trip - can't wait to book my next one! Many thanks... Read all
  • Rider riding along the desert in Jordan
    There are horses for very experienced riders and more relaxed horses for intermediate riders
  • Three riders riding along a trail in Jordan
    Enjoy the trail ride from the red-rose Nabatean city of Petra to the Wadi rum desert
  • Riders taking a break in the middle of the desert in Jordan
    Ride in groups of 8 riders maximum
  • Riders posing for a picture in Jordan
    The beautiful natural arches and rock bridges of the Wadi Rum

Itinerary

Highlights

- A fantastic mix of riding with sightseeing from Petra to the Dead Sea
- A day to explore one of the "new" wonders of the world - Petra, one of the most important archeological treasures in the world and a must-see
- Ride through the Wadi Rum desert, listed by UNESCO
  • Day 1 1 : ARRIVAL IN AMMAN

    Arrive in Amman. Transfer by car to a hotel in Madaba; a mostly Christian town. If time allows you can visit the church of St. George and the mosaics that can be seen at the archaeological museum. Dinner is not included.

    Please note that flights are not included but can be booked upon request. There are no set times for transfer and you can arrive at any time.

    Please note: You will need to buy a Jordan Pass before departure – your visa fee will be waived upon arrival (www.jordanpass.jo) and your 1-day entry ticket to Petra and entry to Wadi Rum are included in the price.
  • Day 2 2 : AMMAN-PETRA - No riding

    Transfer to Petra (3 hrs). You will be taken to the hotel where you can leave your luggage before heading out for an afternoon of sightseeing. A short walk takes you to the visitor centre to start your visit via the Siq, the Treasury, the street of façades and the colonnaded street. The tour is unguided but you can hire private guides at the entrance. You can climb up to the monastery or the high place of Sacrifice. Tonight you will have dinner and a pre-ride meeting with your guide ahead of your ride.

    Lunch is not included today.
  • Day 3 3 : PETRA – WADI THUGRA - 5-6 hours riding

    Camp
    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the starting point of the ride. You start your riding adventure in the mountains with great views over Petra. The first 3 hours of riding take you to an area with natural springs and tree gardens with amazing views over Petra and Wadi Araba. After lunch you continue for another 2.5 hours via Dilagha viewpoint, before making your way down into Wadi Thugra where camp is set up for a night under the stars…
  • Day 4 4 : WADI THUGRA – WADI RUM - 4-5 hours riding

    Camp
    After breakfast and helping with camp chores, it’s time to saddle up and ride! Today you ride via a small Bedouin village and slowly but surely, the mountainous scenery turns into a desert landscape. You ride until you reach one of the only shaded places in the area where you can stop for lunch. After lunch, you ride towards the village of Humayma, where you lead the horses across the Desert Highway into the northern part of Wadi Rum, the Kharaza area. It’s another two hours before you reach your camp location; a beautiful U-shaped rock formation and sandy area where the horses love to roll! It’s the perfect spot to see the moon rise over the mountains and to see a beautiful sunrise the next morning.
  • Day 5 5 : WADI RUM - 5-6 hours riding

    Camp
    Your third day in the saddle in Jordan begins in a spectacular part of the desert, far away from the busy touristic areas. Today you will see natural rock bridges and other wondrous geologic features, as well as the famous Nabatean petroglyphs. There will be plenty of nice sandy roads for long canters before you stop for lunch. Again there is time to relax, enjoy lunch, maybe take a little nap, take a few pictures and enjoy the scenery for your get back in the saddle. After lunch, you ride on endless sandy roads, perfect for good canters.
  • Day 6 6 : WADI RUM - 5-6 hours riding

    Camp
    Today you will ride via the mudflat to Um Salab where you cross into the Protected Area of Wadi Rum! You reach Um Ishrin via a beautiful canyon and stop for lunch there. The afternoon ride takes you to the highest sand dunes in Wadi Rum, via Lawrence house to Burdah Bridge where camp is set up tonight.
  • Day 7 7 :WADI RUM - 5-6 hours riding

    Camp
    Ride from Burdah Bridge to the back of Um Fruth Bridg. After an extended lunch break, you get back in the saddle for a further few hours from Um Fruth Bridge to the 5-kilometer long Barrah Canyon where you will camp tonight.
  • Day 8 8 : WADI RUM - PETRA - 3-4 hours riding

    Continue your equestrian holiday and trail ride today through Barrah canyon and from there towards and through Siq Um Foos and Siq Um Atawak. After lunch you ride via the mud flat, where you can enjoy another good canter. This afternoon you will sadly have to say goodbye to your horse and to the team before you are transferred back to Petra for a well-deserved hot shower!
  • Day 9 9 : PETRA - DEAD SEA - MADABA

    Early morning transfer to the Dead Sea (3 hrs). You spend the afternoon at a 4* or 5* resort (depending on availability), where you have access to the beach, the pools and other facilities including a buffet lunch (drinks are not included). In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Madaba via the scenic Mt. Nebo. Overnight in Madaba (dinner not included)

    Those who wish to depart tonight can take a late evening flight or a flight departing during the night.
  • Day 10 10 : DEPARTURE

    You will be transferred to Amman airport in time for your flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (Amman) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room/tent during your holiday.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 3 riders and a maximum of 10 international riders, plus guides.

- Transfers are included and you can arrive and depart any time during the day. Transfers arriving after midnight however will be charged at $50 per person (paid locally, in cash)

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single supplement of approx. $150/£120/€140. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Rider weight limit: 85 kilos, 187 lbs, 13.3 st. This is a strict limit as the horses are small and thin.

- Please note: You will need to buy and print a Jordan Pass before departure – your visa fee will be waived upon arrival (www.jordanpass.jo) and your 1-day entry ticket to Petra and entry to Wadi Rum are included in the price of 70 JOD.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English speaking horse guide

Logistic

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 vehicle and driver
1 cook
1 groom

Accommodation

2 person tents and foam mattress
Double or triple (if the group is composed of an odd number of riders) room in hotel standard 3* in Madaba and Petra

Meals

Full board from breakfast D2 to breakfast D10 except lunch on D2 and dinner D9. When meals are taken in restaurant and hotel beverages are not included.

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra
Meals in Petra and last dinner in Madaba

Transport

International flights
Visa fees and Jordan Pass (includes visa fees and entrance to Petra)

Extras

Tips to local team
Park, museum and other site entry fees

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Optional

Accommodation

Single room/tent supplement. See above for price details
Extra night in Amman / Madaba : contact us

Extra

Extra trips and guided visit of Jerash and Ajloun : contact us
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Equestrian info

Horses

Different breeds are used on our Petra and Wadi Rum trails: local horses, Arabs, Anglo Arabs and thoroughbreds; they are not very tall but they are extremely strong and perfectly fit to work in the desert. There are horses for very experienced riders and more relaxed horses for intermediate riders.

There is a strict weight limit of 85kgs/187lbs/13st4lbs with your riding gear as the horses are light-framed and small in stature.

Guide & local team

Your guide is Eid. He was born and raised in Wadi Musa and as a young boy started working in Petra with his family horse bringing tourists from the entrance to the Treasury. For almost 20 years he’s been guiding horse tours from Petra to Wadi Rum. His family has always lived in this area and he knows the mountains around Petra extremely well.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be a strong intermediate or competent rider and able to control your horse at all paces in open spaces. You should be able to canter in forward seat and be balanced with good hands.

Rider weight limit: 85 kilos, 187 lbs, 13.3 st. This is a strict limit as the horses are small and thin.

Pace

The pace varies depending on the terrain. There are plenty of opportunities for long trots and canters when the terrain is suitable. There are also long stretches of walking when the ground is soft sand or rocky. Canters are in single files and gallops are done individually.

It is important that you can keep up with the group and maintain the same speed as your guide. The ground is varied to include deep sand, hard sand and rocks - it is trickier than it looks and your guide will know the best path to take.

Tacking ability and participation

Horses are groomed and tacked up for you. You are also expected to help with camp tasks such as putting up tents or watering and feeding the horses. Help is on hand if required.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

This trail is for confident and experienced riders. You will need to be fit enough for long canters in sometimes hot conditions. The camping is also basic and so you need to be prepared to live without home comforts for a few days.

Having previous experience of riding a trail of several days would be an advantage but it is not compulsory. Guests who do not ride regularly are requested to get fit prior to the ride. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces.

This trip is vehicle-supported. The jeep takes your luggage from camp to camp and that will be available at every lunch and dinner/camping stop.

Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.

Equestrian equipment

All saddles are English style and every horse has a bit and English style bridle according to its temperament. The saddlepads have pockets for a water bottle, camera, sun cream, etc. so this can be taken along during riding.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Helmets are not provided on this ride.

Travel info

Comfort

- 3* hotels (local standard) with twin or double rooms in Madaba
- Camp is set up in a different location each night, carefully selected for the season and the beautiful landscape. There are two-person tents or if you wish you can sleep outside under the stars if it's not too cold. Foam mattresses are provided but you need to bring your own sleeping bag. There are no showers but a bucket of water will be heated for you - please note water supplies are limited in the desert!

Meals

Meals on the ride are prepared by your camp chef and showcase delicious Jordanian and Arabic specialities every day. Tea is served at every break and water and soft drinks are available at all times in the cool box.

Alcohol is not provided and is not consumed by your guiding team but it is usually available in the hotels and so you can buy it if you wish. Bringing alcohol to the ride in the desert is not recommended for cultural reasons.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

Climate

Jordan has a desert climate, with predominantly hot temperatures and little rain, but there are some seasonal and regional differences. Winter is short and usually December - February. At this time there can be rain and some cold winds. Temperatures can hover around 7c but there can be some pleasantly warm days too.

Petra:
Situated in the mountains, the winters can be cold - c. 14c during the day, dropping to zero at night. There have even been reports of snow in Petra. In Spring and Autumn the temperatures are more pleasant, with daytimes 24-27c and nights 10-12c. Summer can be very hot (35c).

Wadi Rum:
Winter can be cold, with daytime temperatures of 13-14c and nights of minus 1. Spring and Autumn temperatures are usually 24-27c during the day, dropping to 10-12c at night. The summers are very hot (40c) and there is no riding.


Tips

It is customary to tip the local team and we would recommend c. £40 for the week, but you must give what you feel is appropriate. Tips are accepted in Euro, Jordanian dinar or US dollar.

Packing list

Head
-Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
-Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
- A woolly hat when camping (desert nights can be cold)
- Sleeping bag - we recommend a comfort factor of 2-5c (Oct-Nov and Feb-April) and minus 5 - minus 8 for Dec/Jan. We also recommend taking a silk or fleece liner for an extra layer

Other useful items
- Swimsuit for the Dead Sea
- Towel. Camping towels will pack lighter and dry more easily
- Sarong (for going to/from the shower tent)
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes (showers aren't possible)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for taking rubbish away

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

On the blog

'Taking your first steps in a new country is always an exciting experience. There is always something new to discover or learn about, and especially in a country like Jordan, with its extraordinarily rich history and culture, and its strategic geopolitical position in the Middle East and the Silk Road.

It is a hugely popular destination for our riders, with fantastic feedback from every Wadi Rum ride, and I have long been intrigued by Jordan and the wonders it may offer (even though my dream holiday would typically involve mountains, lush meadows and alpine lakes… which, believe me or not, are hard to find in Jordan). When we decided to add a new itinerary to our portfolio of rides, an adventurous 6-day trail ride from Petra to the Wadi Rum, someone needed to go and check it out. With travel to Jordan relatively easy for vaccinated travellers, and surprisingly affordable plane tickets, I made the decision to see for myself what all the fuss really was about. Spoiler alert: I was NOT disappointed."

Read more on the blog: click here. 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Meredith aged 30 ANDOVER 1 trip
    October 2023
    A spectacular ride and one not to be missed! A perfectly organised trip and Eid & his team were great during the ride period. The views were beyond stunning and the camps were also so picturesque. The horses were fantastic - I had Aicha who was a super fun forward ride. A love of jogging but she was perfect! She could... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Karolina Sofia aged 31 STOCKHOLM 1 trip
    March 2023
    The trip was just amazing! Truly a once in a lifetime experience for me, riding a purebred Arabian horse in the desert, camping under the stars, eating fantastic food every day and meeting new people. We shared a lot of laughs during the week and learn so much about the culture and the lands. Patricia, Eid and the... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Marissa Louise aged 64 FOREST HILLS 2 trips
    October 2022
    KISMET!!! This one word accurately sums up this trip! My fellow riders were wonderful, the horses perfect, the guide Eid, expert, kind and funny and the crew who took care of us, Abood, Hashem and Habis, amazing! We were a family and team working seamlessly together by the second day. The desert scenery was... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Victoria aged 32 PANGBOURNE 1 trip
    November 2021
    It really was an outstanding trip! Every part of the trip was great from the pre departure, arrival, Petra, the horses, the pace of riding, the landscape, our guides, the food was delicious, all the kit was great, the trip to the Dead Sea was a fun way to finish the trip - can't wait to book my next one! Many thanks... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide