Desert and Dead Sea holiday in Jordan

Planet

Environment & Animal Welfare
During the hike through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, we hope to spot roe deer, wild boar and grey wolves. The trees within this reserve are particularly important to local people to access wood, medicine and food. It is also used for real-life training and is linked to the nearby Royal Academy for Nature Conservation to create a complex for eco-tourism activities such as canyoning, harvesting olive trees, and exploring the Organic Farm. The Reserve is run by Wild Jordan. Wild Jordan is a registered trademark of The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Their revenue from entrance fees and sales in the various community based businesses contributes to the sustainability of the RSCN’s protected areas and economic development of the local communities. In particular the Nature shops support the livelihood of 60 women and their families.

During this trip we also ride across the desert on camels, to experience a real Bedouin experience. These working animals have been recognised for supporting and transporting humans for generations. We ensure that the camels used on this trip are well looked after and are treated ethically. We do not advocate horse riding or donkey riding in Petra, as these animals are made to pull carriages on unforgiving roadways or carry people up 850 steps to reach the monastery.

People

Accommodation & Meals:
On this trip we spend six nights in a variety of 4-5-star hotels, one night in forest cabins and one night in a Wadi Rum desert camp. Our activities and stay in both Ajloun forest and Wadi Rum directly benefit the local people living in these areas.
Throughout Jordan where possible local ingredients are used in the food prepared in both hotels and restaurants where our groups have meals. During the walking tour of Ajloun forest, we visit The Biscuit House to see how Jordanian delicacies are made and to happily sample these. This house is one of a number of community projects run by local women. There will also be plenty of opportunities during the trip to eat in restaurants selling ‘mezze’ style specialties like kebabs, fresh salads, and bread with hummus.

Local Craft, Community & Culture:
On day two, we’ll be stopping at the Soap House where we can learn how Orjan soap is made from local olive oil and herbs. At the House of Calligraphy, we will also be shown how to write our names in Arabic letters. These two houses and the Biscuit House are initiatives operated by local women. By visiting them and possibly purchasing some souvenirs our tours support community employment in this area.
While staying in Wadi Rum we will meet the Bedouins and find out about their lives in this harsh but amazingly beautiful desert. In the Dana reserve we join local villagers for lunch and enjoy sharing stories and traditional foods.