Named one of the top 9 destinations to visit in 2018 by National Geographic, Jordan that should be on your list. Boasting nature reserves, ancient art, and rich theological heritage (housing important Islamic, biblical, and Jewish sites), Jordan offers a large range of unique experiences for adventure seekers, from the 400 mile country-length thru-trek named The Jordan Trail to the carved city of Petra, the out-of-this-world scenery of the Wadi Rum Desert and the unforgettable experience of meeting the Bedouin tribe of desert nomads.
National Geographic emphasized the Jordan Trail, which is a newly marked historic route, which links ancient trade routes. As described by National Geographic: “Divided into eight separate sections, the trail leads through Jordanian forests, canyons, deserts, and along the shores of the Red Sea. Overnight in guesthouses, home stays, and Bedouin campsites.” They also highlight one fun fact, which should spark the interest of Christians: “it's believed that Jesus, Moses, and Mohammed all walked this path.”
Stretching 650 km in length, The Jordan Trail commences in the forested north in Umm Qais, then you wander down across the desert past the city of Petra, and you end the trek at the shores of the Dead Sea.
Other interesting facts about Jordan that you might find interesting is that the Near East country is home to 7 nature reserves, which are managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Another interesting fact is that Mujib Nature Reserve on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea is the lowest nature reserve in the world.
Did you know that the Dead Sea is 9.6 times saltier than an ocean? That is why you can float easily there. The adventure continues under the surface as you scuba dive in the Red Sea to explore the 25 km long reef, which houses 130 species of Coral and 160 species of fish. It is also considered polite in Jordan to refuse a meal three times before accepting it.
Jordan is also home to an ancient trade route - the King's Highway, which runs through the country and it has been in use since the 1st century. In the early ages, it served an important function of connecting Africa with Mesopotamia. The country, however, is buzzing with historic relics like this, including the city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which was carved in the 5th and 6th AD. The site houses over 800 tombs which are carved here, but the most popular tombs to visit are Petra Treasury and Petra Sanctuary.
One of the best tour operators to explore this beautiful country is Wildland Adventures. Some of the packages they offer consists of 11 days and it allows you to explore Jordan from modern Amman to historic Petra and the Biblical waters of the Dead Sea. As they explain on their website: “Following the ancient ‘Kings Highway' in the footsteps of Ramses II, the Queen of Sheba, Marcus Anthonius and Cleopatra, the Prophet Mohammed, Jesus, and Lawrence of Arabia, our Jordan adventure traverses the spectrum of time in a land of spectacular natural beauty and cultural heritage. We visit the nature reserves of Dana and Wadi Rum, Jerash, Madaba, and float like a cork in the Dead Sea. The centerpiece of all Jordan, Petra, is yours to explore with our expert guide and independently. Wander the deep-red sands of Wadi Rum where we take a 4WD excursion into surreal desert landscape with a local Bedouin driver. This is an active adventure for those travelers who wish to get off the beaten track and truly explore the authentic Jordan.”