| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 39 | 2.50 |
| Feb | 55 | 40 | 2.50 |
| Mar | 61 | 44 | 1.70 |
| Apr | 71 | 51 | 0.70 |
| May | 80 | 57 | 0.10 |
| Jun | 85 | 63 | 0 |
| Jul | 88 | 67 | 0 |
| Aug | 88 | 67 | 0 |
| Sep | 85 | 64 | 0 |
| Oct | 79 | 58 | 0.20 |
| Nov | 66 | 49 | 1.10 |
| Dec | 56 | 42 | 1.90 |
Pausing at the entrance to my tent, I realized how little the Eastern Desert changes, and that this landscape of rock, sand and sky could be unchanged from the one that T.E. Lawrence saw.
Our Bedouin guide signals for a halt and our camels kneel, then settle with a groan to the ground for us to dismount. In the middle of nowhere, we pitch our tents and gather around the campfire for dinner, recalling the hikes through ancient cities, the 4X4 treks and mountain climbs that have brought us here. Without speaking of it, we all share the same sense of muted awe at this place, the palpable sense that time passes through this desert yet barely seems to touch it.
Our talk gradually subsides, leaving a haunting silence. The moon-like landscape stretches out to the mountains, bannered by multicolored striations in the rock. The smooth reddish sand is devoid of stones, and our camels' toes roused no dust as they thudded in their steady pace. There is no dust here in the valley of Wadi Rum, once a sea basin and later the place T.E. Lawrence found his calling. That is the beauty of the desert: it is nothing and everything.
Since 1997, Raed Omar Saleem has led adventure-seekers on hiking and four-wheel-drive jeep treks through Jordan's deserts. He is trained in first aid, and experienced at handling 4X4 vehicles in challenging desert conditions. In 2004, Saleem received the Jordanian Helm Award for Excellence, and was named guide of the year.
Arrive by overnight international flight to Amman, Jordan, and transfer by private car to your hotel. This afternoon, review plans for the next day's journey with your expedition team members and guide.
Four Seasons Hotel AmmanSet out northward with your expedition team toward the Syrian border. In the midst of the dramatic sun-baked landscape of northern Jordan lies the black-basalt city of Umm Al-Jimal. It was from these ancient ruins that archaeologist-cum-soldier T. E. Lawrence staged his first attack on the Ottoman stronghold of Damascus. After exploring the ruins, drive to Qal'at al-Azraq, a partially intact fortress originally built by the Romans. This evening, check into your lodge, a former British military hospital.
Azraq Lodge B L DAfter breakfast, travel south through the desert, past Jafer, Maa'an City and Naqab. This is the path to Wadi Rum, a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock. Explore the sculptural rock formations and the petroglyphs left behind by ancient Nabataean camel caravans. As evening falls, return to your Bedouin-style desert camp for your first night's sleep in the desert.
Authentic Bedouin Campsite B L DIn the bright glare of the morning sun, climb back into your 4X4 to travel further into the heart of the desert. Visit the three arches, an ancient resting and watering stop for desert travellers. Explore the area and discover rock carvings that depict life in ancient times. Return to camp in the evening for dinner. The next day, leave your four-wheel-drive vehicle behind in favor of a camel, and discover for yourself why these hardy creatures earn their nickname "the ships of the desert."
Authentic Bedouin Campsite B L DToday, you head south by four-wheel drive jeep to Aqaba Fort on the shores of the Red Sea coast. After a morning exploring the site and its surroundings, the expedition takes a break from history to sample the region's natural beauty. The Royal Dive Center, located next to a pristine reef, is your base for an afternoon of snorkeling or scuba diving (available for certified divers). Spend the evening exploring this resort town, perhaps shopping or dining at one of the outdoor cafes.
Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba B L DToday visit storied Petra, the ancient city cut into the surrounding red rock. After exploring the main complex in the valley, venture high into the surrounding hillsides to see the buildings and temples less frequented by tourists. Following a challenging hike, ride a donkey along a winding road out of Petra to a newer Bedouin settlement. Return to the valley this evening, where a special dining experience at Al Beidha ("Little Petra") has been arranged exclusively for your expedition.
Petra Movenpick Resort B L DThis morning, drive to the Dana Nature Reserve, a remarkable 240-square-mile wildlife refuge containing four climatic zones and some of the Middle East's most beautiful scenery. A short hike through the valley builds up an appetite for lunch. Later in the afternoon, drive down the old Roman highway to visit Kerak, a Crusader fortress built on a ridge with 360-degree views of the surrounding valley. Return to your 4X4 for the scenic drive to the Dead Sea, 1,200 feet below sea level.
Kempinski Dead Seas Resort B L DToday, you have the day to relax at the beach or float in the warm and buoyant mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. The next day, transfer by private car to the airport in Amman for your flight home.
Kempinski Dead Seas Resort B / In flight B
