Jordan short break retreat

Planet

This is a small group adventure with some elements of trekking included. We want to leave nothing behind but footprints. So, our experienced and committed leaders ensure that no rubbish is left in our wake, protecting the environment for local wildlife and future generations. We carry bags to collect up any litter produced and make sure that it is disposed of properly. It is very important to do so especially when visiting Dana Reserve and walk Cooper Mines trail to learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed at Feynan by ancient civilizations. Dana Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Jordan and it is our duty to leave no trace behind.
To reduce single use plastics during this trip, we give reusable cloth bags to all of our travellers. Many Jordanian hotels and operators provide plastic bottles of water making it easy to use plastic excessively. However, we encourage our travellers to buy larger 5-10 litre bottles that they then use to refill their smaller ones.
Water conservation is a hot topic in Jordan, as it’s one of the driest countries in the world. Our trained tour leaders are well versed in advising travellers on initiatives to manage water consumption, and we are working with our suppliers to encourage better management of this precious commodity. This may be by way of water refilling opportunities in hotels and more signage to advertise water conservation practices. We also ask our travellers to take short showers and to never leave the tap running unnecessarily

People

This trip is run by our own local Jordanian operator who shares our commitment to responsible travel, from waste and water management to ensuring we leave as minimal a footprint as possible. Our local team are trained on our global responsible travel policies and practices.
We also take care to form genuine and mutually beneficial relationships with local people. There are several examples of this on our Jordan retreat.
You will have a chance to spend an afternoon with local shepherd after walking at Dana Reserve. Learn and perhaps help grazing the herd of goats in the beautiful surroundings of Fenyan and share delicious meal with local family.
Our stay in Ammarin Bedouin camp is another one. The camp has been set up by local community of Beidha with the aim to nurture Bedouin culture and provide the Ammarin tribe with sustainable income. Since its establishment, it proved to be vital for the local community preservation and development. For our travellers, it means a great chance for an authentic experience including bread baking activity, coffee ritual, star gazing in arguably the best place in the world to do so – all while listening to traditional Bedouin music in the background.
Another great example of superb relationship with locals is the Umm Shayoum village experience. After visit to Petra, spend some time with our local friends, a family, who’s members were born in Petra and moved to Umm Sayhoom once the site became UNESCO heritage. Listen to their experience and support them by sharing an authentic, home cooked meal with them.
All those experiences take place in a country that established rather conservative way of life. Our philosophy is to act local and that means respecting the local traditions. Therefore, women will be required to wear a headscarf when appropriate and that both men and women are conservatively dressed, with arms and legs covered. It is important to show respect in this way.