Jordan
More information
Jordan includes some of the world's most rugged and colorful desert landscapes. Jordan home of famous biblical locations and legendary lost cities, it's not a surprise that some canyons have relevant mention in the bible while others cross legendary ancient ruins.
Canyoning
Tens of Dramatic sandstone canyons where water flows deep below the desert floor.
Trekking
Jordan Trail, the long-distance hiking trail in Jordan connecting the length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. Offering 40 days of hiking over more than 675 kilometers of trail, and traveling through 75 villages and towns on its way. The trail traverses the diverse landscapes and vistas of the country, from the rolling wooded hills of the north, the rugged wadis, and cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, the rose rock of Petra, the dramatic sands and towering mountains in Wadi Rum, to the crystal waters of the Red Sea.
Mountaineering and Climbing
Wadi Rum the protected area covering 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Huge mountains of sandstone and granite emerge, sheer-sided, from wide sandy valleys to reach heights of 1800 meters and more. Narrow canyons and fissures cut deep into the mountains, and many conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the peoples of the desert over millennia. Bedouin tribes still live among the mountains of Rum and their large goat-hair tents are a special feature of the landscape.
Caving
The center of Jordan is occupied by a vast intercontinental lava plateau, called the Harrat Al-Shaam, composed of Cenozoic (Oligocene-Quaternary) alkali olivine basaltic lava flows, the Harrat Al-Jabban volcanics or Jordanian Harrat. The top most and therefore youngest flows are ca. 400 000 years old. So far, explored, surveyed and studied a total of 23 lava caves. 3164 m of passages were surveyed up to now. These caves are, compared with most other lava caves quite old and many of them end in washed in loess. In addition to the Lava tunnels (pyroducts) that conveyed lava underground over large distances, Jordan has also a large fraction of pressure ridge caves, all associated with Quis/Makais volcanoes. Two caves are of doubtful origin
So when visiting the country, you have from 3 days, up to months if you plan to visit every attraction, you will want to spend 2 or 3 days in each location in order to experience the best the region has to offer.
Adventure tourism
It is a global industry that is growing in importance. Whether provided on a commercial, not for profit or charitable basis, adventure tourism activities involve an accepted, inherent element of risk and challenge. Taking risks brings rewards, but also brings dangers. In order to maximize the rewards, adventure tourism activity providers should operate as safely as practicable.
The Jordanian Canyoning community
recommends the following standard of ethics designed to preserve outdoor areas in their natural state: 1. Use canyons with the philosophy to "Leave no trace." 2. Check with rangers or other local authorities regarding restrictions on camping, hiking and equipment use in the area you plan to visit. 3. Stay as low as possible in the trails. This way, more erosion can be prevented. 4. Stay on established trails. If no trail exists, walk on the most durable surface possible. 5. Minimize disturbances to the environment. Never modify an area to make a campsite. 6. Use a tent, rather than build a natural shelter. If you have to build a natural shelter in an emergency, dismantle it and scatter the remains before you leave. 7. Clean up after yourself. It is even advisable to pick up after others and leave the canyon cleaner than you found it. If you packed it in, pack it out. This includes toilet paper, unless fire warnings allow burning. 8. Bury human waste at least 15 cm deep and 60 meters away from any water. 9. Use stoves instead of fires whenever possible. Fires leave long-lasting scars and impact the surrounding ecology. 10. Be sensitive to wildlife, especially during mating and nesting seasons. Never feed wild animals. 11. Use natural anchors whenever possible. 12. Carefully consider the need for artificial anchors, and be judicious about placement, safety and use of webbing as you move through the canyon. 13. Consider other options. Do you really have to rappel? Climbing down, when within your ability, will eliminate the need for an anchor. 14. Do not leave fixed ropes behind.
How to get there
The country is best accessed by cheap flights from Europe, but from other locations it might be preferable to fly into "Amman" or "Aqaba" airports, rent a car and then drive max 3h to reach the farthest location.
Car Rental
Most car rentals in Jordan will offer much cheaper deals online, so better book in advance.
Money Exchange
At airports, different banks, Another option is to get money from ATM in airports.
External Links
- https://jordantrail.org/ : Jordan trail.
- https://www.google.com/flights/#search;mc=m : Google Flights allows to quickly check flight fares.
- https://www.expedia.com/Cars : Avis car rental.
- https://www.gateway2jordan.gov.jo/index.html : visit Jordan official website.
- https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ : Check live foreign currency exchange rates.
- https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/maps/lpgw/Jordan/ : Digital Topo Map
- Adventure Companies:
