Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the desert in bloom. (the recently ended rainy season meant that there were carpets of flowers across the desert sands).Climbing to the rock arch on Jebel Burdah. Best views of the trip and a bit of an adrenalin kick if like me you haven't got the best head for heights!The first candle lit views  of the Treasury at Petra on the (optional) night visit.Seeing President Obama, though I expect Exodus won't be able to repeat this experience on future trips! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader (Salah) and support staff were all very friendly and efficient at their jobs, and ensured the trip ran like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wear a new pair of trousers on the climb up Jebel Burdah - over a third of our group ended up with rips in their trousers from the rock.The scramble up Jebel Burdah is  probably at the upper end of the challenging grade, but is only a few hours duration, and is well worth the effort.The wild camping described in the trip notes isn't as wild as we thought - a Portaloo followed us around for the week, and there were always comfy cushions to sit on for breakfast and dinner. 

Suggestions

A good trip that I would definitely recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up early on the last morning in Wadi Rum. Sitting on a huge boulder just outside the camp. Watching the rising sun ligfht up the rocky hills on the other side of the valley. A hot air balloon rising into the cloudless sky farther down the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah did a very professional job. Always helpful with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The descent from the Burdah rock arch involved interesting scrambling which was extremely destructive of several pairs of trousers!!A good hat is also vital to ward off the ever present sun. 

Suggestions

Wadi Rum is a huge area, with a great sense of space. Wide sandy valleys interspersed by hundreds of impressive rocky peaks (jebels). When scrambling on the rock the friction is superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra has to be the most a inspiring end to any trek but the nights under the stars were unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader had a difficult job with an over excited group of widely different ages but managed brilliantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good light pair of boots.

Suggestions

This was an easy trek so don't be put off. As a build up to the visit to Petra this is a must. Hot days but wonderful nights around the camp fire. Camping is basic but you are well looked after. If it all gets too much or blisters break out then a day in the 4x4 will restore spirits.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tackling the climb up Burdah was a quite a challenge but the detailed guidance and encouragement given by our leader ensured that we all got up safely. The thrill of crossing the Arch of Burdah, (albeit on my hands and knees!) made the effort well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh, our leader was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, considerate, immensely encouraging and always had a massive smile and great sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The scramble up and down Burdah required a fair bit of pulling on rock and a pair of gloves would help protect hands.

Suggestions

The Exodus strapline of 'feel more alive' is certainly true - I'm still buzzing!

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoyed the ascent of the Bridge at Burdah and my first experience of a Turkish Bath.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Had every confidence in the leader who was always helpful with a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot weather in November and remember the sunscreen. It was still warm at night. Wet wipes are probably the most useful things for camping in the desert! There is no need to carry much water as the back-up system from the jeeps was excellent and ensured that we always had plenty of water. Don't underestimate the difficulty of walking in soft sand and expect to have to empty your boots of sand on a regular basis!

Suggestions

I found the "Petra at Night" a big disappointment. Most of the time was taken up walking in and out to the site but the "show" if you can call it that was the biggest let down I have ever experienced.

Most Inspirational Moment

1. Camping out under the stars in the desert and being woken by the gentle breeze, only to gaze up and see the milky way right above us int he night sky.2. Seeing Petra  lit only with candlelight and a lone Jordanian musician  the only thing breaking the silence. 3. The overwhelming kindness of the Jordanian people

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was called Salah, and he really made our trip. He tirelessly gave us opportunities for new experiences, and showed us kindness and thoughtfullness throughout our trip. Even towards the end he went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. We really couldnt have asked for anything more from him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Take a sunhat2. Have a couple of days in Amman at the end 3. Definitely have a turkish bath

Suggestions

I would really recommend this trip to my friends. And I would also recommend Exodus, for their professionalism and excellent customer service. Even when we had a 3am transfer booked to go to the airport on the way home, we were confident it was going to turn up (as has often not happened with other companies). I know of at least one person who has booked this trip for september after hearing we were doing it, and im glad that spreading the word has helped another person share int he experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to narrow down to just one moment - the walk down the Siq to Petra was amazing; I had no idea of the sheer size of the site. The desert views were probably my most inspirational memories - every view was dramatic and beautiful, the way the same view could change with varying light was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. He was welcoming, friendly - made such efforts to ensure everyone was comfortable and was great at organising any help for our individual onward journeys if required. He had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He had excellent knowledge of the history and facts about everywhere we visited, and was very enthusiastic to show us around.

Suggestions

The trip with Exodus was so well organised, our trip went like clockwork - we had everything we could need (within reason!!) during the desert trek and we felt safe and well looked after the whole entire time we were there. A really memorable and fantastic trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

My over riding memory was when we striked camp on the last morning in Wadi Rum Our two man support team had once again balanced all the mattresses, luggage, food, water, mint tea kettle (vital) on the trusty vehicle in a matter of minutes and we walked out with a camel train and a feral dog for company. Friendships had been forged quickly coupled with exercise, good food and the freedom to be a grub! It was the complete contrast to life back home and a heady liberating feeling

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Salah was superb. He kept a close eye on everyone and the days unfolded with a relaxed unrushed feel. Salah offered daily options regarding start times and optional activities and arranged the most delicious group meals in Petra and Amman. He shared such pride in both his family, culture and country which has left me wanting to understand more about The Middle East

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can never have too many baby wipes! High factor sun screen and well worn in pair of walking boots. The evening camp fire chats always included comparisons of blisters and with 6 Drs in our group there were many opinions regarding treatment!! The trip includes excellent food and access to free bottled water whilst in the desert. There are always plenty of opportunities to fill up water carriers.

Suggestions

This is a great trip and a good introduction to the desert environment There's always a support vehicle nearby if you develop wobbly legs and need a ride into camp There's no pressure in taking the additional extras but I would recommend Petra by night and the Turkish bath, you come out squeaky clean!!! Thank you Exodus for another wonderful adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra by night is an experience not to be missed. No matter how many guidebooks you read nothing really prepares you for the splendour of this ancient city.Evenings spent by the fire out in the desert provided a real escape from modern life and provided excellent oportunities to reflect and recharge after a days trekking through spectacular scenery. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was fantastic! Friendly and professional with a real passion for his country which he managed to share with us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Exodus and for Jordan. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are even slightly tempted by this holiday - book it!! If you can spare the time then a couple of extra days at the end of the trip to explore Amman and visit the Dead Sea are highly recommended. Exodus were able to arrange accommodation and flights that allowed us to do this and it was well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scrambling up to the arch of Burdah in the Wadi Rum, challenging but had fantastic views. Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. Random camel stories..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Appropriate footwear, a good book, possibly a star chart when staring at the night sky. Be prepared for slight chaos when departing from Amman airport - will take longer than you think.

Suggestions

One day in Petra is just not enough.