available in Jordan
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
An epic semi-arid country, Jordan conjures up images of Lawrence of Arabia, Bible stories and mysterious lost cities. And even better, it’s one of the most welcoming countries in the world. In a strategic location, at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors, while in today’s region of conflict it remains a safe-haven, with its friendly people, awe-inspiring desert scenery and breathtaking ancient monuments.
The ancient Nabatean city of Petra is one of the most spectacular sights in the Middle East. A remarkable historical and archaelogical city with tombs, temples, and monuments carved into pink sandstone cliffs 2,000 years ago. The walk through the Siq to the majestic Treasury is truly memorable, a highlight of many visits to Jordan.
The incredible desert scenery of Wadi Rum enraptured TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) with its sandstone cliffs, vivid-coloured dunes and dramatic vistas. Today, it’s possible to get a glimpse of the traditional Bedouin way of life by camping in the desert under the stars. Visit the Dead Sea to enjoy its restorative salt, sea, and mud, discover a Crusader’s castle or enjoy an adventurous activity such as scuba diving in the Red Sea, rock climbing or hiking.
With varied landscapes and environments, Jordan has a wide range of habitats and ecosystems. Its nature reserves include the Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to 703 plant species, 215 species of birds and 38 species of mammals. The threatened Nubian ibex, Syrian serin, caracal and lesser kestrel are natives while the largest breeding colony of the Syrian serin is here.
The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve near the town of Azraq, a thriving protected environment for some of the most threatened species of animals in the Middle East including Arabian oryx, Somali ostriches, Persian onagers (wild ass), Dorcas gazelles and houbara bustards. On a visit, you can see these rare breeds and go on an oryx safari.
Jordan Travel Seasons
- Mar-May – High Season. Lovely weather throughout Jordan with warm days and cool nights. In April wild flowers cover Northern Jordan. Higher rates in tourist areas, book in advance.
- Sep-Feb – Shoulder Season. Ideal time to visit the Red Sea, prices rise accordingly. During winter (Nov-Feb) nights in the desert are very cold and there can be frequent showers and some snowfall in some elevated western areas.
- Jun-Aug – Low Season. Tempertures throughout Jordan can be very hot, with extreme temperatures in the desert in the middle of summer, temperatures can sometimes exceed 40ºC (104ºF) between July and August. Many places close.
General Information
- Capital city – Amman
- Currency – Jordanian dinar (JOD)
- Language – Arabic
- Size – 89,342 km² (34,495 sq mi)
- Population – 10,407,793 (2019)
Health & Safety
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Jordan: measles, hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
Pros
- Hospitable and welcoming
- World Heritage Sites and antiquities
- Desert landscapes
- Steeped in history
- Adventurous activities
- One of the safest Middle East countries
Cons
- Regional turbulence puts off some travellers
- Don’t travel near the border with Syria
- Extreme temperatures in July and August prohibit travel
Arriving in Jordan
- Queen Alia International Airport, south of Amman, is the gateway for international flights
Getting Around
- Our itineraries in Jordan will include all transport
- There’s one domestic flight route from Amman to Aqaba
- With a fixed schedule, large air-con tourist buses offer a fast and reliable service, book your tickets a day in advance. These buses don’t stop en route to pick up passengers
Visas
- International visitors need to visa for Jordan, this can be bought at the aiport on arrival, valid for 30 days