Jordan

What to see

Ammam

A third of the country’s population lives in the contemporary capital, often referred to as the ‘White City’. There are however charming souks and traditional coffee shops aplenty as well as nearby ruins from the Roman, Greek and Ottoman eras.

Aqaba

Balmy seaside town on the shores of the Red Sea, with good access to a number of coral gardens for people diving or snorkelling.

Jerash

occupied continuously for over 6500 years, this was one of the great Roman centres and amidst the well-preserved ruins there are theatres, baths and temples.

The Dead Sea

Set amidst a lunar landscape, this giant lake, which marks the lowest point on earth, has salt-laden waters meaning that you can float freely or lie in the rich mud that forms the shore.

Top experiences / sites of particular interest

Petra

One of the great wonders of the Middle East and a must-see for any visitor to the region. Set in a spectacular deep desert gorge, this intriguing rose red complex, which is attributed to the Nabatean Arabs and then added to by the Romans, was lost to the world for 400 years until rediscovered in 1812. Enter via a chasm and explore the rock reliefs, tombs, monastery and amphitheatre that make up the complex.

Wadi Rum

A vast unspoilt desert landscape that allows you to lose yourself. Trekkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts descend on the caves and canyons whilst camel riders cruise across the sands. Spend a night camped here with the Bedouin for a flavour of their traditional lifestyle.

Karak

An ancient Crusader fortress dominates the town, reminding visitors of the town’s role in the battles between the Crusaders and the Islamic armies.

Dana Nature Reserve

Jordan’s premier nature reserve and the Middle East’s most impressive eco-tourism project, where you can walk out along a beautiful hillside trail.

When to go

Weather & Seasons: Temperatures between May to September can be very high and it tends to be very dry. December to January in contrast can be very cold and rain falls between November and March. Consequently the best time to visit is April to May or September to October.

Important Dates and Festivals: Festivals andevents tend to tie into the Islamic calendar. The month of fasting, Ramadan, is the most important and culminates in a four day holiday, Eid al-Fitr.

Getting there / around

Flights: There is an international airport , Queen Alia International (AMM), outside Amman. Internal flights connect Amman and Aqaba

Bus: Coaches and Mini buses connect most cities.

Road: Car hire is also possible.

Rail: There is no railway network.

Potential itineraries

Short Trips: In a week you can travel from Amman south to Aqaba taking in Wadi Mujib, Karak, Petra and Wadi Rum, meaning that you see most of the major sites and experience a number of landscapes.

Longer Trips:Two weeks is more realistic for a fuller loop that returns to Ammam following a stay on the Red Sea, via a journey to the Dead Sea.Two weeks also enables you to explore Jordan’s nature reserves, travelling in a loop from Ammam south to Wadi Mujib and then the Dana Nature Reserve before returning north via the Dead Sea to Ajloun Nature Reserve.

Guides

Overall Country Guides: Take along a comprehensive country guide book to Jordan from Lonely Planet or Rough Guides or pick up an illustrated guide from Insight.

Trekking Guides: Cicerone publish a good guide to Jordan: Walks, Treks, Caves, Climbs and Canyons as well as comprehensive guide to Treks and Climbs in the Wadi Rum.

Pocket Guide: Thames & Hudson offer up a useful pocket-sized guide to Petra The Rose Red City.

Maps

Overall Country Maps: Reise Know-How has a good map of Jordan at a decent scale. Cartographia publishes a map of Jordan whilst ITMB has Jordan & Syria combined, and Hildebrand combine Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

Read More

For a good introduction to Jordan pick up the History of Jordan from Cambridge University press.

TE Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom documents the Arab Revolt of 1919 and although long winded and full of horseback skirmishes, it does include fluent descriptions of the local scenery, particularly of Wadi Rum. For an introduction to the history of Petra look out for Christian Augé’s Petra: Lost City of the Ancient World.

Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite Van Geldermalsen explores what it means for a westerner to be married to a Jordanian man, as does Annie Caulfield in Kingdom of the Film Stars: Journey into Jordan, which is now out of print.

Sight & Sound

Film: David Lean’s epic Lawrence of Arabia was partially filmed in Wadi Rum. Petra itself made a guest appearance in the closing sequences of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the hiding place for the Holy Grail.

Language

Arabic.

Currency

Dinar (JD) made up of 100 piastres or 1000 fils.

Visas

Visas are required for all visitors before entry to the country.

Health issues

Hep A, Hep B, Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever vaccinations are all recommended.

Safety, FO travel advice

Jordan is generally safe.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Jordanian country representatives can be found

in the UK at

and in the US at

There is a tourist board

in the UK at

and in the US at

For more information visit www.jordanembassyuk.org, www.see-jordan.com or www.seejordan.org.