Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to the Jebel Burdah rock bridgeSleeping outside under the starsThe evening camp firesThe feeling of open spaceEverything about Petra (except the donkeys!)The hospitality of ordinary Jordanians

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saalah was an excellent leader, who was constantly helpful and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take several pairs of trousers, as you'll ruin a pair on the descent from Jebel BurdahDon't worry about the lack of facilities when camping in the Wadi Rum, it all makes the Turkish Bath in Petra more enjoyableTake plenty of  warm clothing as it gets cold in the Wadi Rum at night, and don't forgot a head torchTake an astronomy guide, as the night sky is amazing

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the desert in bloom. (the recently ended rainy season meant that there were carpets of flowers across the desert sands).Climbing to the rock arch on Jebel Burdah. Best views of the trip and a bit of an adrenalin kick if like me you haven't got the best head for heights!The first candle lit views  of the Treasury at Petra on the (optional) night visit.Seeing President Obama, though I expect Exodus won't be able to repeat this experience on future trips! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader (Salah) and support staff were all very friendly and efficient at their jobs, and ensured the trip ran like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wear a new pair of trousers on the climb up Jebel Burdah - over a third of our group ended up with rips in their trousers from the rock.The scramble up Jebel Burdah is  probably at the upper end of the challenging grade, but is only a few hours duration, and is well worth the effort.The wild camping described in the trip notes isn't as wild as we thought - a Portaloo followed us around for the week, and there were always comfy cushions to sit on for breakfast and dinner. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up early on the last morning in Wadi Rum. Sitting on a huge boulder just outside the camp. Watching the rising sun ligfht up the rocky hills on the other side of the valley. A hot air balloon rising into the cloudless sky farther down the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah did a very professional job. Always helpful with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The descent from the Burdah rock arch involved interesting scrambling which was extremely destructive of several pairs of trousers!!A good hat is also vital to ward off the ever present sun. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra has to be the most a inspiring end to any trek but the nights under the stars were unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader had a difficult job with an over excited group of widely different ages but managed brilliantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good light pair of boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tackling the climb up Burdah was a quite a challenge but the detailed guidance and encouragement given by our leader ensured that we all got up safely. The thrill of crossing the Arch of Burdah, (albeit on my hands and knees!) made the effort well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh, our leader was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, considerate, immensely encouraging and always had a massive smile and great sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The scramble up and down Burdah required a fair bit of pulling on rock and a pair of gloves would help protect hands.

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoyed the ascent of the Bridge at Burdah and my first experience of a Turkish Bath.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Had every confidence in the leader who was always helpful with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot weather in November and remember the sunscreen. It was still warm at night. Wet wipes are probably the most useful things for camping in the desert! There is no need to carry much water as the back-up system from the jeeps was excellent and ensured that we always had plenty of water. Don't underestimate the difficulty of walking in soft sand and expect to have to empty your boots of sand on a regular basis!

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Camping out under the stars in the desert and being woken by the gentle breeze, only to gaze up and see the milky way right above us int he night sky.2. Seeing Petra  lit only with candlelight and a lone Jordanian musician  the only thing breaking the silence. 3. The overwhelming kindness of the Jordanian people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was called Salah, and he really made our trip. He tirelessly gave us opportunities for new experiences, and showed us kindness and thoughtfullness throughout our trip. Even towards the end he went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. We really couldnt have asked for anything more from him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Take a sunhat2. Have a couple of days in Amman at the end 3. Definitely have a turkish bath

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to narrow down to just one moment - the walk down the Siq to Petra was amazing; I had no idea of the sheer size of the site. The desert views were probably my most inspirational memories - every view was dramatic and beautiful, the way the same view could change with varying light was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. He was welcoming, friendly - made such efforts to ensure everyone was comfortable and was great at organising any help for our individual onward journeys if required. He had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He had excellent knowledge of the history and facts about everywhere we visited, and was very enthusiastic to show us around.

Most Inspirational Moment

My over riding memory was when we striked camp on the last morning in Wadi Rum Our two man support team had once again balanced all the mattresses, luggage, food, water, mint tea kettle (vital) on the trusty vehicle in a matter of minutes and we walked out with a camel train and a feral dog for company. Friendships had been forged quickly coupled with exercise, good food and the freedom to be a grub! It was the complete contrast to life back home and a heady liberating feeling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Salah was superb. He kept a close eye on everyone and the days unfolded with a relaxed unrushed feel. Salah offered daily options regarding start times and optional activities and arranged the most delicious group meals in Petra and Amman. He shared such pride in both his family, culture and country which has left me wanting to understand more about The Middle East

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can never have too many baby wipes! High factor sun screen and well worn in pair of walking boots. The evening camp fire chats always included comparisons of blisters and with 6 Drs in our group there were many opinions regarding treatment!! The trip includes excellent food and access to free bottled water whilst in the desert. There are always plenty of opportunities to fill up water carriers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra by night is an experience not to be missed. No matter how many guidebooks you read nothing really prepares you for the splendour of this ancient city.Evenings spent by the fire out in the desert provided a real escape from modern life and provided excellent oportunities to reflect and recharge after a days trekking through spectacular scenery. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was fantastic! Friendly and professional with a real passion for his country which he managed to share with us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Exodus and for Jordan. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are even slightly tempted by this holiday - book it!! If you can spare the time then a couple of extra days at the end of the trip to explore Amman and visit the Dead Sea are highly recommended. Exodus were able to arrange accommodation and flights that allowed us to do this and it was well worth it.