Adventure activities in Jordan
Our adventure activities in Jordan explore over 1,000km² of wadis, wondrous mountain ranges, desert canyons and plains, forests and wetlands – all of which are now finding a well-earned place on the worldwide map of responsible adventure tourism, with a unique Jordanian and unquestionably majestic twist.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) protects natural heritage that reads like a catalogue of some of the wildest and most adventurous places to explore in the world. Jump in with our guide to Jordan adventure holidays: it covers what you can do, where, and what’s involved.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) protects natural heritage that reads like a catalogue of some of the wildest and most adventurous places to explore in the world. Jump in with our guide to Jordan adventure holidays: it covers what you can do, where, and what’s involved.
Hiking in Jordan
Hiking in Jordan’s precious protected areas is fast becoming one of the most sought-after pursuits for keen adventure travellers. Trekking in Wadi Rum, one of the RSCN’s protected regions, is already on many a traveller’s wish list, but the walking terrain in Jordan stretches way beyond its most famous wadi.In the Dana Biosphere Reserve – Jordan’s largest nature reserve, with 320km² of shark-tooth mountain ridges, towering cliffs, sandstone, limestone and granite canyons – there are walking trails that vary in length from a couple of hours up to the top of Rummana Mountain to taking on the spectacular Rift Valley Mountain Trek (RVMT). The RVMT is Jordan’s first long-distance hiking trail that takes hikers on an extraordinary 100km journey between Dana old village and Little Petra. It takes six days to complete, staying at the exquisite Feynan Ecolodge and Bedouin tents en route.
Many of the hiking trips in Dana Reserve revolve around Rummana Campsite, which is managed by the RSCN. There are 60 white canvas pre-erected tents here, making a hub for hikers who want to go birdwatching for the famous griffon vulture or explore the ancient copper trails en route to the dramatic desert landscapes around Feynan. It’s all possible in a day, with or without Rummana’s own expert hiking guides, finishing back at camp for starlit spectacles.
Cycling in Jordan
Many people associate Jordan with camel trekking, enthused by the images from Lawrence of Arabia, which was partly filmed in Wadi Rum. For very different saddles, and very different views, cycling in Jordan is rapidly becoming a sought-after activity.
Cycling in the Azraq Wetland Reserve is one of Jordan’s best-kept secrets, an area that is not only rich in biodiversity, with a bevy of beautiful birdlife, but also culturally diverse with a mix of Bedouin, Druze and Chechen people. Pedalling around the mudflats, the old Druze village, the modern Azraq village and Azraq Castle brings you into some of Jordan’s most unique and welcoming homelands.
Cycling adventures can happen all over Jordan, from the stark desert scenery of Wadi Rum to the Red Sea shores at Aqaba, where you can slip out of the saddle to try a little sandboarding on the dunes. Riding out to Petra and the less-known Little Petra are also experiences that put Jordan cycling well ahead of the pack.
Cycling in the Azraq Wetland Reserve is one of Jordan’s best-kept secrets, an area that is not only rich in biodiversity, with a bevy of beautiful birdlife, but also culturally diverse with a mix of Bedouin, Druze and Chechen people. Pedalling around the mudflats, the old Druze village, the modern Azraq village and Azraq Castle brings you into some of Jordan’s most unique and welcoming homelands.
Cycling adventures can happen all over Jordan, from the stark desert scenery of Wadi Rum to the Red Sea shores at Aqaba, where you can slip out of the saddle to try a little sandboarding on the dunes. Riding out to Petra and the less-known Little Petra are also experiences that put Jordan cycling well ahead of the pack.
Scuba diving in Jordan
It may have just 27km of coastline, but Jordan has over 20 designated dive sites along the fringing coral reef of the Red Sea near Aqaba. Many of these are quite close to shore, necessitating just a short boat ride – but the coral reef shelves steeply and can reach depths of 50m. There is an excellent variety of both hard and soft coral and reef fish species. You may spot the odd green turtle grazing on the sea grass, too.
Petra and Wadi Rum by bike, Jordan
Cycling trip through stunning desert scenery
From
£2349 to £2599
9 days
inc UK flights
Jordan luxury adventure tour
Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and the Red Sea
From
£3249 to £3749
9 days
inc UK flights
Jordan small group holiday
Travel through Jordan on a comfort-style intrepid adventure
From
£1275 to £1825
8 days
ex flights
Jordan multi-sport adventure tour
Jordan's ultimate multi-sport adventure holiday
From
US $1495
8 days
ex flights
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Climbing & canyoning in Jordan
Jordan is also fast becoming a kingdom of climbers and canyoners looking for exciting new routes to take on, with many trips leading you through deep, narrow gorges protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Some of the country’s most dramatic canyoning is in the Wadi Mujib, a spectacular red sandstone gorge and river flanked with ancient ferns and palms. With expert trained guides on hand in all of the RSCN’s regions, Jordan definitely rocks.
Multisport adventures in Jordan
Variety is the spice of life, of course, and because Jordan’s vast, empty wilderness regions are perfect for many active, adventurous pursuits, multisport holidays abound here, taking in canyoning as well as other thrilling experiences with something, and somewhere, different to look forward to every day.Over the course of a week you might be hiking, swimming and climbing in Wadi Mujib, summiting Jordan’s highest peak, Jabal Umm ad-Dami, and cycling from Shobak Castle to Little Petra. Then relaxing at the end of it all with a soak ‘n’ float in the Dead Sea. Well done, you.
More Jordan articles
The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the days are warm.
Reliable and useful information about this Middle Eastern marvel, featuring the Dead Sea, Petra and Mount Nebo.
The must-see places of a country with a history and geography that has been shaped over thousands of years.
Food and drink in Jordan is heavily influenced by Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines, and has many delicacies.
Where to go in Jordan with your little ones, and what to do with them while you’re there.
Jordan's natural areas include two key areas for bird watching, the Azaraq Wetland Reserve and the Dana Reserve.
A culture shaped by many different civilisations throughout history, many represented by still-standing ruins.
Discover key routes including the long distance Jordan Trail, the Dana Village Trail and the Soap Makers Trail.
Drive the King’s Highway and go hiking and camp out with the Bedouin in the desert.
Discover the remarkable legacy of Lawrence of Arabia, Captain T.E. Lawrence, in Jordan.
Jordan has several hot springs renowned for their rejuvenating and medicinal qualities, and yes, you can visit.
The Dana Reserve is on the very edge of the Great Rift Valley with mountain peaks that tumble down to sandstone canyons.
Is it okay to ride camels in countries such as Jordan, Morocco and Egypt? We investigate for you.
Exciting adventures in Jordan that also benefit local communities and nature.
