Destination Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

The very name conjures up so many pictures in ones mind: The River Jordan, the ancient ruins of Petra and Jerash, Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia was famously filmed not to speak of the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. Ranch Rider is excited to bring you two unusual rides combining six days riding in the desert with the fabled city of Petra, Wadi Rum and optional extensions to the Red Sea.

Seasons in Jordan are pretty much similar to Europe. Summer months are June to September and winter from November to February. Jordan has a desert type climate and is very pleasant and warm often with stark temperature differences between day and night and also between shade and in direct sun. Spring and autumn are generally the best times for riding with long warm days and mild nights. Summer can be very hot up to around 40 degrees. Riding hours will be adjusted as necessary when hot to ensure you avoid the hottest of the sun. In winter time days are usually warm and clear but can be cold and even down to 0 degrees C in December and January.

Riding Level
You need to be an good intermediate / experienced rider and reasonably fit. What do we mean by experienced?

• Know how to groom, saddle and unsaddle your horse
• To be able to control your horse at all paces in a wide open space
• To be able to trot and gallop.

The Horses
Mostly Arabs, therefore fairly slight, very used to living and travelling in the desert. There is a weight limit of 85kg fully clothed and if you are close to this weight, expect to be weighed on arrival. The guides have the right to refuse to take you if over-weight. Sorry, but they don’t want to risk the horses.

Tack
English synthetic Wintec saddles with trek bridles.
Saddle blankets with pockets to carry water, sun cream, camera etc.

Guides
Are all local Bedouins speaking good English. Entirely at home in their surroundings, they know all about local cultures and traditions.

Accommodation
The hotels are three star (upgrades available on request) such as the Mosaic City Hotel in Madaba and the Silk Road in Wadi Musa (close to the entrance to Petra) Either the Campsite at the stables in Wadi Rum (usually for the first night only) followed by 5 nights in 2-person bivouac tents or outside under the stars if you prefer. 1-person tents are available for a small supplement. The food is delicious and varied, centred around the local cuisine and there is a “bathroom tent” with warm water. Your luggage is transported from camp to camp by jeep.

NB: the desert is a signal free zone and electricity is in very limited supply!

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Rides in Jordan

Follow the Nabateans Ride

The Nabateans migrated from Arabia in the 6th century BC into Southern Jordan when they built their capital city, Petra. Skilled traders, they dealt in spices, gold, animals, medicines and fabrics from as far afield as China, Greece and Rome. You will be treading in their footsteps as you traverse t...more >>>

Follow the Bedouin Trail

10 days with 6-days riding (approximately 5 hours riding per day) Archaeological evidence shows that Wadi Rum has been inhabited since 4500BC: mentioned in the Quran, many cultures including the Nabataeans have been drawn to the natural springs and left their mark in the form of petroglyphs, inscr...more >>>