Hike the Bedouin Trail in Jordan

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Reduction of Flights: Efforts to reduce flying have been incorporated into the tour, with no domestic flights included in the itinerary. The small distances in Jordan allow for the use of private vehicles, such as minivans and minibuses, ensuring minimal environmental impact from transport while providing comfort for travellers.

Jeep Rides in Wadi Rum: The tour also utilizes locally-sourced jeeps provided by the Bedouins for the desert safari, supporting local communities and reducing the need for more energy-intensive transport options.

Sustainable Accommodations: The camping experiences in Wadi Rum focus on sustainability through several responsible practices:

Water Station: A designated water station encourages the use of refillable bottles, reducing plastic waste.
Portable Shower Bags: These minimize water consumption, supporting eco-friendly hygiene.
Minimal-Impact Camping: The off-grid campsites are designed to have minimal environmental impact, allowing travellers to immerse in nature while reducing their carbon footprint.
Tents: Tents offer temporary shelter, leaving no permanent structures behind and ensuring a low environmental impact. They are designed for comfort with minimal resource use, and the camps are set up and dismantled, preserving the natural landscape.
Portable Toilet Facilities: Convenient and eco-friendly portable toilets reduce the need for permanent infrastructure, maintaining the integrity of the desert environment.

These efforts create an eco-conscious camping experience in the heart of Wadi Rum, blending adventure with sustainability.

Human-Powered Transport:
Human-powered transport is a significant part of the trip, with multiple days of hiking:
Day 2: A challenging back-route hike into Petra, covering several hours of ascents, descents, and steps.
Days 3-8: A multi-day trek through Wadi Rum, covering distances of 8-18 km per day over rugged desert terrain, with some scrambling involved.
This totals seven days of human-powered transport, primarily hiking.

Sustainable Food Options: Vegetarian and vegan food is available each day. Meals can be tailored to accommodate these dietary preferences without any issues. If there are any food allergies or specific dietary requirements, advance notice is required to ensure appropriate meal preparation.

Local and Seasonal Food: A significant portion of the food is locally sourced and, where possible, seasonal. Most of the tour is guided by locals, so supplies are sourced from local providers. Even for meals at restaurants, the focus is on supporting locally owned establishments.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This trip indirectly contributes to nature recovery efforts in Jordan through entrance fees and local engagement:

Entrance Fees for Wadi Rum and Petra: These are included in the tour price, contributing to the preservation and maintenance of these protected areas. Wadi Rum, in particular, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and entrance fees help fund conservation efforts, visitor infrastructure, and park management.

Use of Local Bedouin Guides in Wadi Rum: Supporting local Bedouin guides ensures that tourism benefits indigenous communities who have a deep connection to the land. Their traditional knowledge promotes sustainable travel practices, preserving the natural environment while providing authentic cultural experiences.

Travellers are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact through several responsible travel initiatives:

Reducing Plastic Waste: A partnership with Water-to-Go promotes the use of filter bottles that remove contaminants from non-saltwater sources. This helps travellers avoid single-use plastic bottles, particularly in destinations where tap water is unsafe to drink. A discount is available on these bottles and related accessories to make them more accessible to travellers.

Responsible Travel Guidelines: Practical advice is provided to help reduce negative environmental and cultural impact, including:

Conserving energy and water by switching off lights, fans, and air conditioning when not in use.
Avoiding littering and taking plastic waste home where possible to reduce strain on local waste disposal systems.
Using biodegradable toiletries such as sunscreen, shampoo, and detergent to minimize pollution.
Respecting local customs, traditions, and dress codes, especially when visiting religious or sacred sites.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations:
• 3-star hotels in Madaba, Petra, and Amman are used, selected for their convenient locations and access to local businesses.
• Camping in Wadi Rum is organized with local Bedouin guides, providing an authentic off-grid experience while directly supporting traditional livelihoods. Bedouin guides will handle the meals and campfires, but participants will be responsible for erecting their own tents, with assistance available if needed.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities:
• Employing Local Guides: The tour employs local Jordanian guides in Petra and Bedouin guides in Wadi Rum, ensuring that tourism revenue benefits local communities. Groups of six or more also have a dedicated local driver and guide throughout the trip.
• Supporting Local Tourism Infrastructure: Entrance fees to Petra and Wadi Rum are included in the tour, contributing directly to conservation efforts and site maintenance.
• Use of Local Services: The jeeps used in Wadi Rum are provided by local Bedouins, further contributing to the economy.
• Refreshment Stops: On the hiking trail there is an opportunity to stop for refreshments at a small café, where participants can enjoy a break and take in fantastic photo opportunities, supporting a local business while immersing themselves in the culture.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Employment & Income Opportunities for Marginalized Groups
The trip actively supports income-generating opportunities for indigenous communities, particularly the Bedouin people in Wadi Rum. The Bedouin guides employed on this tour provide local expertise, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits their communities. Additionally, jeep services in Wadi Rum are operated by Bedouins, creating further employment opportunities.

Suitability for Travellers with Disabilities
This tour involves extensive walking and hiking, making it unsuitable for travellers with limited mobility. The back-route hike into Petra requires navigating ascents, descents, and numerous steps over a period of 2-3 hours, followed by additional walking on sandy terrain. Similarly, the multi-day trek in Wadi Rum includes hikes ranging from 8 to 17 km per day, with participants spending 4 to 8 hours on their feet daily.

While the pace can be adjusted, comfortable walking shoes and a daypack are essential, and travellers must be prepared for long, physically demanding days. The off-grid camping experience in Wadi Rum also requires a level of self-sufficiency, as facilities are more basic compared to standard accommodations.

Due to these physical demands, the trip is not recommended for those with mobility limitations. However, travellers with vision or hearing impairments may be able to participate with prior arrangements and additional support.