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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Jordan
Intro to Jordan
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 Northern AfricaMiddle East
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Across the Wadi Rum with the Bedouines
Jordan
Jordan
This trip is for those who love the vastness of the desert and remote travel! You’ll follow the trails of the Bedouins and experience the mysterious desert landscape in all its variety and beauty. Ever changing sand and rock formations make this ride a truly unique experience as the Wadi Rum is well known to be one of the most impressive deserts of the world.
You will live traditionally like the Bedouins, setting up camp in convenient locations and taking care of your own horse. You will be supported by a fantastic local team and their excellent string of Arabian, Arab cross and Barb horses. This is an adventure of a lifetime for those of you who want to escape the over-stimulation of everyday city life, for those who long for the peaceful silence of a desert frontier. You will also visit the increasingly popular historical and archaeological city of Petra, a wonder to the senses and imagination. And you will experience the amazing Dead Sea, the lowest point on the Earth and it's strange hyper-saline waters which float the human body. This is a 10-day trip which includes 6 full horseback riding days in the Wadi Rum and is one of Hidden Trails most popular rides in the Middle East. This ride covers most of the Wadi Rum's ever-changing landscape.
The Itinerary will cover
Seven
Pillars of Wisdom, Barrah Rock Canyon, the farming village of Disi, Mzelgah,
Khour Al Ajram, the Burdah Mountains. Jabal Al Mangour, Saabit Saudi, Mount
Suibet, the caves of Harabe Antar, Toour Mufleh, the Khazali Mountains, the Valley of Wadi Rum and Jabal Khazali, the Valley of Dunes, the inscriptions of Anafishiya -- and of course Petra and the Dead Sea.
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations - 6 nights camping in private tents, 3 nights in good middle class hotels, most meals, entrance fees in Petra Wadi Rum and Kerak Fortress, 6 riding days
| A | 2012 | 10 day trip, AP | 10d / 9n | €1485 | $1990 |
| Single supplement | €175 | $235 |
| D | 2012 | 10 day trip, AP Christmas and New Year tour | 10d / 9n | €1485 | $1990 |
| Single supplement | €175 | $235 |
Group Leader stays FREE with 7+ riders (50% Off with 6 riders)
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfers from and to Amman airport included on Day 1
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Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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03/16
- 03/25
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
03/23
- 04/01
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
03/30
- 04/08
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/06
- 04/15
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
04/13
- 04/22
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
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04/20
- 04/29
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
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04/27
- 05/06
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
|
05/04
- 05/13
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Expired
|
| A |
2012
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05/11
- 05/20
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Expired
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| A |
2012
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09/07
- 09/16
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/14
- 09/23
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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09/21
- 09/30
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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09/28
- 10/07
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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10/05
- 10/14
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/12
- 10/21
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
10/19
- 10/28
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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10/26
- 11/04
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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11/02
- 11/11
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
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11/09
- 11/18
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/16
- 11/25
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2012
|
11/23
- 12/02
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2012
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12/21
- 12/30
|
10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP Christmas a...
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2012
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12/28
- 01/06
|
10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP Christmas a...
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4
/12
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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01/04
- 01/13
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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01/18
- 01/27
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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02/01
- 02/10
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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02/08
- 02/17
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
|
4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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02/15
- 02/24
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10d / 9n
|
10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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02/22
- 03/03
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10d / 9n
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10 day trip, AP
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4
/12
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Reserve
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If less than 4 riders sign up - we will operate the ride from one tent camp, rather than moving each day - similar to the New Year`s ride itinerary.
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Rates do not include:
Lunch in Petra and at the Dead Sea. Alcoholic drinks in camp and any drinks at the hotels
Day 1 Arrival in Amman, airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Overnight at 3-star hotel in Madaba. It is a very pleasant town about 30kms from Amman. It is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of The Holy Land in St George's church. The mosaic is very interesting, but so is much of Madaba. Madaba is well known in Jordan as an important horse breeding centre. It also has a very large Christian population, so you may notice a great number of women without the "Islamic scarf" in the streets.
Day 2 After breakfast, pick up from the hotel and drive across the desert highway to the south (approx. 3 hours) to the stables in Wadi Rum. Here we meet the team who will be traveling with you in the next few days in the desert: In addition to the experienced tour leader, the one or two cooks, helpers, set up the camp and groom. Selecting the right horse. These are of very good quality, some of the horses come from the royal stables to which our partners maintain good relations with. You start your ride like a highlight: you get past the huge "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", which describes Lawrence of Arabia in his famous book. The rock formations are impressive! We then continue to ride through stunning scenery to Barrah Rock Canyon where the camp is set up for you already - during the ride we also see the famous Talmudic inscriptions. Dinner and overnight at the desert camp. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the desert night: absolute silence, a sparkling starry sky and campfire ...
Day 3 Get up early and enjoy the sunrise in the desert, an experience that you will not soon forget. After breakfast we start the ride to the farming village of Disi a vast plain, which lends itself to really gallop. Then we ride to a Bedouin village (some of the Bedouin have settled solid), before returning to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon we ride through the Canyon of Barrah, which is often used my mountain climbers due to its steep rock walls left and right. At the end of the canyon we reach the camp Mzelgah.
Day 4 Today we ride through one of the main valleys of Wadi Rum, the Khour Al Ajram, and to the Burdah Mountains. A famous photo on the rock bridge geological prehistory. At the foot of the mountain, Jabal Al Mangour hold a picnic before you ride up on a plateau up to 1,400 meters. Overnight in camp.
Day 5 This ride has many stretches with fast paced riding, but there are also times when we go along peaceful trails - like this morning by the wadi (dry riverbed) Saabit Saudi towards the border. At noon you reach the next camp at the foot of the highest mountain with nearly 2,000 m. In the afternoon, if you feel like riding, we go out again and ride in the picturesque surroundings of the camp.
Day 6 On the way to Mount Suibet, across beautiful again fixed routes, we enjoy again some long canters. We have a picnic lunch at the caves of harabe Antar. In the afternoon we will stop at some of the camps of nomadic Bedouins, who move with their camels and goats through the Wadi Rum. In the evening we reach Toour Mufleh, where you stay in a comfortable camp. After a refreshing shower, you will once more enjoy the sunset in the desert with a casual evening dinner.
Day 7 An outstanding landscape presents itself on this last day of riding. We ride northwest to the end of the Khazali Mountains. Then it goes through the main valley of Wadi Rum with a stop at the mighty mountain Jabal Khazali, whose close Siqs (Canyons) are important water reservoirs in the winter and spring. After lunch we continue our ride through the "Valley of the Dunes" past the inscriptions of Anafishiya before we arrive back at the stables. We say goodbye to the horses and horse guides. We then drive to Petra (2 hours). The hotel has all the amenities of a modern bathroom, even if you miss the vastness of the desert ... Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in Petra.
Day 8 After breakfast you have a whole day for the visit of Petra, the historic city of the Nabateans! The excavations and sights are very extensive and interesting - you can enjoy in peace and quiet this remarkable world heritage amidst fascinating scenery! Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in Petra.
Day 9 After breakfast, we drive to the Dead Sea, located 400 meters below sea level and thus the lowest point on earth. You can float in salt water and read this newspaper - without drowning! By late afternoon, we drive to Amman and stop along the way at the famous Mount Nebo, where Moses died after he saw the Holy Land. The view from here is really impressive - you can enjoy the wide panorama of the Jordan and the Dead Sea to Jerusalem at sunset!
Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in Amman.
Day 10 Transfer to Amman Airport for departure.
New Year's Eve under the stars in Wadi Rum:
The Ride at the end of the year has its own charm. You have to count on low temperatures, a solid, comfortable camp protects the riders by the cozy wood fire. The bright, warm days make you forget the cold nights quickly.
The camp will be installed in the desert and from there you take varied daily and two day trips to the many valleys, the vastness of the desert and the mountains. In the large Bedouin tent made of goat and camel hair, meals are taken according Oriental custom, and spent social evenings. You sleep in your separate individual tent .
--Itineraries are subject to changes if necessary!
Meeting:
Amman
Airport:
Amman
Transfer:
Amman
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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mostly Bedouin Arabians or Anglo-Arabians
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Pace:
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Moderate to fast, trots, canters and gallops canters
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Weight Limit for riders is usually 85 Kg., 190 lbs. or 13 stone 5 lbs. However, we do have a few horses that can take heavier riders. If you are over the weight limit please contact us for availability of the bigger horses for the specific ride or tour that interests you.
Horses
Our horses are mostly Bedouin Arabians. At the same time we have pure Arabians (WAHO Registered), Part-breeds and some Anglo Arabs. Their average size is 15.2hh. 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.
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. If you wish to bring your own tack please inform us in advance.
Pace
The ride has 6 consecutive riding days. We ride 5 to 6 hours a day, depending on itinerary, terrain, horse's condition and weather. We ride 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours in the morning. Break for lunch and a rest for 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.
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.
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 Nomad ride the terrain varies all the time. Starting from the desert tracks, then to the harder tracks of Petra and to the agriculture tracks surrounded by wheat fields in Karak. We usually pass nomadic Bedouins living in traditional Bedouin tents on our tours.
Riders 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.
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year-round travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to early November, with average temperatures around 23° C (73 F). Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn is equally mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry but not oppressive. Because of the capital city’s elevation, evenings are cool. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are ideal winter resorts, with temperatures averaging 16-22° C (61-72 F) between November and April.
During your ride you will encounter desert and mountain climate. It is warm but not too hot at the times when our rides take place. Temperature varies greatly between night and day. On the high plateaus it may even be cool during the day. Drink enough fluids and carry a water bottle. Mineral water as much as you like is at your disposal.
This list is only a guideline for
you
- Travel documents and Voucher
- Flight tickets
- Passport
- Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING
GEAR
- Comfortable riding pants
- Riding boots, preferably half
boots or any other strong light shoes suitable for riding
- Half chaps or full chaps
- Saddle seat saver
- Riding helmet (recommended for
all trips) or hat (sun)
- Riding gloves
- Cotton shirts with long sleeves
(protection against the sun!)
- Head gear (you can buy the typical
cotton scarf in Jordan)
PERSONAL
CLOTHING
- Jacket or sweater for cool
evenings
- Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirt
- Fleece pullover
- Light cotton pants
- Windbreaker
- Rain coat
- Shorts
- Underwear and socks
- Jogging suit / pyjama
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Sandals or slippers for tent
- Soft shoes or sandals
for after riding
- Swimsuit
- Sleeping bag (suitable and warm
enough for the cool desert nights). Tents and foam mattresses are
provided.
ADDITIONAL
THINGS TO BRING
- Personal Toiletries
- Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Insect protection
- Personal medications
- Eye drops (contact lenses are not
convenient in the desert)
- Sore cream (for the emergency)
- Sewing kit
- Handkerchiefs
- Camera and enough extra films and
batteries
- Sun glasses with strap
- Sun tan lotion and lip balm
- Flash light
- Pocket knife
- Twine and clothes-pegs
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Small bag to buckle on (for small
items needed during the ride)
- Saddle/Spur straps (to tie sweater
or parka onto the saddle)
- Small plastic bags for rocks/sea
shells
- Note pad, pen
- Water bottle (1L) available
locally
- Sleeping bag suitable
and warm enough for the cool desert nights
- Sleeping bag liners
- Small pillow if you
wish.
For Photographers
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
The ride has 3 nights in hotels of good middle class (3-star or better). The Economy option (available in 2011) will use 1- and 2-star hotels or hostels at request.
For 2010 the last night is at a 4* star Spa Hotel at the Dead Sea (for 2011 that overnight will be in Amman instead)
6 nights are camping in private tents and if weather demands it, there will be a large Bedouin mess tent for meals and evening entertainment.
During the riding days we stay at picturesque campsites that also offer top quality amenities and safety. Generally speaking the weather is pleasant most of the time for sleeping under the stars. We do 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. For the fixed stationary camps and same 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.
Water:
You will be supplied water for drinking at any time in the dessert. For the rides you will get a plastic bottle which you can fill up every day with water at the camp. At lunch and dinner mineral water and alcohol free drinks are included.
Toilet & Shower:
At night we set up a shower and toilet tent. We will provide you with a sufficient amount of water for showering every day. During the day are many private places around the desert for toilet use. Toilet paper has to be burnt. Warm water as well for the winter time or upon request.
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. Lunches are usually light, consisting of salads, sandwiches, and other local dishes. Main meals for dinner, mainly rice, chicken, vegetables, lamb and other delicious local dishes. Fruit is available after most meals. Mineral water, juices, coffee & tea 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 supplied on request and an extra cost. Please notify us upon arrival in Jordan, so that we can arrange it.
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 and Bedouins.
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.
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Tack:
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|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
mostly Bedouin Arabians or Anglo-Arabians
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate to fast, trots, canters and gallops canters
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
Weight Limit for riders is usually 85 Kg., 190 lbs. or 13 stone 5 lbs. However, we do have a few horses that can take heavier riders. If you are over the weight limit please contact us for availability of the bigger horses for the specific ride or tour that interests you.
Horses
Our horses are mostly Bedouin Arabians. At the same time we have pure Arabians (WAHO Registered), Part-breeds and some Anglo Arabs. Their average size is 15.2hh. 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.
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. If you wish to bring your own tack please inform us in advance.
Pace
The ride has 6 consecutive riding days. We ride 5 to 6 hours a day, depending on itinerary, terrain, horse's condition and weather. We ride 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours in the morning. Break for lunch and a rest for 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.
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.
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 Nomad ride the terrain varies all the time. Starting from the desert tracks, then to the harder tracks of Petra and to the agriculture tracks surrounded by wheat fields in Karak. We usually pass nomadic Bedouins living in traditional Bedouin tents on our tours.
Riders 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.
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Across the Wadi Rum with the Bedouines
Tour Code:
PG-JORU
10 days /
9 nights
~$1,990.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Petra
Wadi Rum
Bedouins
Tack:
English
Horses:
mostly Bedouin Arabians or Anglo-Arabi...
Pace:
Moderate to fast, trots, canters and g...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Amman
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Travel Stories
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