Jordan, The Arabian Nights Experience

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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Despite being sandwiched between Iraq, Syria and Israel, it remains a safe haven in the Middle East. Untouched by the wars which rage around it.

Travelling Jordan

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Jordan twice now and spent over a month there in 2019. The first time I visited this majestic country my friends and I rented a car. We drove from South to North along the King’s Highway. This journey took us from Aqaba on the Red Sea to the Capital, Amman. Winding through old mountain roads and ancient cave cities. One I am sure you have all heard of. The wonderful Petra.

During my second visit, I spent 4 weeks hitchhiking the entirety of the country again starting in Aqaba and ending in Irbid on the Syrian Border. 

In this article, I will share with you 3 absolute must-visit destinations for anyone who is considering having a true ‘Arabian Nights’ adventure in Jordan.

Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan, is home to beautiful beaches boasting pristine coral reefs which make for an amazing diving experience. What’s more, there are a number of planes and shipwrecks under the waves which divers can freely explore. These are home to an array of gorgeous marine life.

Aqaba is the gateway to the rest of Jordan including the stunning Wadi Rum desert. From Aqaba, take the Desert Highway north through a Martian landscape to the legendary desert. Alternatively, you can take the King’s Highway which takes you through the Valley of Petra, past the Dead Sea and up to the capital Amman.

From Aqaba, there is also easy access to Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Israeli and Saudi Arabian border crossings just 30 minutes away via road. Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is accessible via the ferry which takes about 4/5 hours.  

Wadi Rum Desert

“Vast, Echoing and God-Like”. This how Lawrence of Arabia once described Wadi Rum. Like many (myself included) Lawrence found an odd sense of peace here which can not be explained.

Also known as “The valley of the Moon” (although personally I think it looks more like Mars) Wadi Rum is famous for its Red Sands, Martian landscapes and the Bedouin Tribes that have made it their home centuries. Book in to stay at one of the Bedouin camps deep in the desert for a night under the stars you will never forget.

I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks volunteering with a group of Bedouins. This meant sleeping with nothing but a mattress under the Arabian Night Sky. Lying under the blanket of stars with the moon illuminating the valley and the jagged mountains beyond, it is impossible not to feel like you are being taken back to a simpler time. The true feeling of how tiny we really are compared to the vast universe above is a feeling that is impossible to escape. 

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Whenever I think back to this time, when the camels would gently pass through our camp at night, barely making a sound. I am forever reminded of Delia Owens quote: “Wilderness on Earth is now so confined that you can only venture so far into its heart before every step starts taking you away again.”

The Valley Of Petra, Jordan

Any self-respecting Indiana Jones fan has already seen the world-famous “Treasury” In Petra. For those who haven’t this 40-meter high marvel carved into the rock is truly a sight to behold. It was built around the 1st century by the ancient Nabateans. Now it is the centre and the main attraction in the old city of Petra. If you look closely you can see the foot holes used by the builders as it was carved from the top downwards.

However, there is so much more to Petra than the Treasury. Petra was the centre of Nabatean culture and the city spreads far into the caves above. The Ancestors of the people who built it still live in these caves and will happily show you around their city. Albeit sometimes requesting donations to do so.

Deeper into the valley, a trail rises high up into the mountains to a place known as “The Sacrifice Point”, Here you can see the whole of Petra and beyond. Also looking into Wadi Musa (The Valley Of Moses). Towards the other end of the city in a place known as ‘Little Petra”. Here you can start the Monastry walk. This is a 2-hour trek winding through the mountains. On one side you are met with jagged black cliffs. The other, a sheer drop where you can see the Dead Sea and beyond to Israel. The trail leads you to the ancient Monastery, which is much quieter than the treasury and just as spectacular.

And More…

These are only a few of the things that make Jordan the best introduction into the Middle East. There’s also the bustling capital Amman. Home to a stunning mosque and a vibrant city centre. The ancient city of Jerash, and of course the legendary Dead Sea, which Jordan shares with its neighbour Israel.

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Listen to the Travel WIth Cooky episode on the RSP Podcast! We have a great talk about all things travel with some extra tips too!