Jordan: Culture & Nature In Depth

Just like the trip itself, the accommodation is delightfully varied. We stay in four different properties run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN): in Ajloun Forest Reserve, Azraq, at the Dead Sea and in Dana village. These are unique places to stay and support nature reserves and local communities. Typically, we use three-star hotels in Amman, Petra and Madaba. We also spend a night in our private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a truly memorable experience. Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1-2) In Amman, we usually stay at Khan Khediwe, a three-star hotel in the bustle of downtown Amman. It's ideally placed for our adventures, close to a market and within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and shopping areas. Ajloun: Ajloun Cabins (night 3) In the Ajloun Forest Reserve, the RSCN's Ajloun Cabins are surrounded by pistachio, oak and strawberry trees. This peaceful location is very convenient for Ajloun Castle and Jerash. The restaurant serves typical local dishes. Azraq: Azraq Lodge (night 4) RSCN-run Azraq Lodge is partly a former 1940s British field hospital and partly modern brutalist accommodation blocks. The lodge staff are from the local community, which includes Chechen, Druze and Bedouin people. The buffet dinner often features Chechen dishes. Dead Sea: Mujib Chalets (night 5) Another RSCN property, the Mujib Chalets are right on the shore of the Dead Sea. This is a peaceful area away from the Dead Sea resorts further north and a relaxing float in the sea can be enjoyed right from the chalets' own beach. Wadi Rum: Exodus Private Camp (night 6) Used exclusively by our groups, the permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.   Petra: (nights 7-9) We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are modest but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace and La Maison among others. On a small number of departures we use a Superior (four-star) hotel in Petra. These departures are identified in the Dates & Prices section as 'Superior hotel in Petra'. The hotel we usually use on these departures is the Petra Canyon Hotel (above), which is about a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Petra. Dana village: Dana Guesthouse (night 10) The final RSCN property of our trip, the Bedouin-run Dana Guesthouse has a beautiful location on the side of a cliff overlooking Wadi Dana. There are pleasant walks through the village straight from the door. Madaba: Black Iris II (night 11) Modest but well run, the Black Iris II has modern rooms, a bar and outdoor seating area. The restaurant serves excellent typical Jordanian food. Worth knowing  Demand for accommodation in Petra is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation here is more basic compared to the rest of this trip and service levels are variable. Single supplements are available for this trip but are not applicable at Wadi Rum.