General Description

What better way to enjoy Jordan's extraordinary desert landscape and the historic landmarks of the land of Lawrence of Arabia, than to ride along the wide, sand avenues of Wadi Rum, with their immense sandstone cliffs glowing red gold in the evening light? To wind your way amongst towering rocky fortresses, crossing sandy plains strewn with gigantic wind-worn boulders and to canter unrestricted across desert clay flats. Nights under a star studded desert sky like the wandering Bedouin who graze camels and goats on this inhospitable land, and a visit to Petra, red-rose city of the ancient world. Ride itineraries are 9 nights, with 4 nights in hotels and 5 nights camping in the desert. As well as a day in Petra, itineraries include a night in Aqaba, with a chance to snorkel in the Red Sea, two nights in Madaba and also a visit to the Dead Sea.

Rides are run from fixed dates between September and May. Private departures can be arranged for groups (minimum 5) on request.

Summary

2008 Dates:		Wadi Rum Ride 11th to 20th January 25th January to 3rd February 8th to 17th February 15th to 24th February 22nd February to 2nd March 29th February to 9th March 14th to 23rd March 21st to 30th March 28th March to 6th April 4th to 13th April 11th to 20th April 18th to 27th April 25th April to 4th May 2nd to 11th May 16th to 25th May 23rd May to 1st June 6th to 15th June 20th to 29th June 4th to 13th July 11th to 20th July 25th July to 3rd August, 1st to 10th August 15th to 24th August, 5th to 14th September 19th to 28th September 26th September to 5th October 3rd to 12th October 10th to 19th October 17th to 26th October 24th October to 2nd November 31st October to 9th November 7th to 16th November 14th to 23rd November 21st to 30th November Christmas in Wadi Rum - 19th to 28th December New Year in Wadi Rum - 26th December to 4th January 2009
Other dates can be arranged on request for groups of 5 or more - please call to discuss.
Season:		Year round

Horses and Riding

The horses are mostly pure Arabs originating from Jordan, Iraq and Syria, with some Arab crosses. The majority are mares and all live outside in the desert year round so they are tough and strong. They average about 15hh to 15.2hh and are generally fairly narrow in build. They are responsive to ride with quite a lively, spirited temperament, though they are also very sensitive and sensible making them easy to handle. They are extremely well cared for and are looked after to high European standards. Tack is good quality English style (leather and Wintec type saddles) with saddle blankets that have pockets for personal belongings, cameras etc. Rides are normally limited to a maximum of 10 guests.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp, although this may vary with the itinerary, weather and time of year.

Pace and experience required: These rides are for reasonably experienced riders who are secure, comfortable and able to control a fairly spirited horse at all paces in open country. The horses used on these rides are well mannered and sensible to handle but they are generally of quite a lively, spirited temperament, so are suitable for capable, experienced riders, who are relaxed and confident. Most rides include at least a few days riding in the Wadi Rum where the going is good and open and where there are places for long canters. On some rides, there are days in the more mountainous regions where the going means the pace has to be slow. Overall the pace is moderate but it varies and can be fairly slow depending on the terrain and also the weather, itinerary and overall ability of the group ability.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the rides is in a combination of hotels and camps. Hotels are used when staying in Aqaba, Amman and Wadi Mousa (Petra) and simple camps are used when riding. Hotels are generally equivalent to an international 3* standard with twin / double rooms with private bathroom. They have reasonable restaurant and bar facilities. Camping accommodation is basic. Camps are either semi-permanent, set up around a large central tent in the Bedouin style, or mobile, temporary camps set up as you go along. Small two man dome tents are used for sleeping (individual tents are provided for those travelling alone), furnished with comfortable 3'' foam pads / mattresses. Sleeping bags are required. Washing is in the open air (there are no shower or loo facilities although some water may be heated on the fire for washing). A cook prepares and cooks all meals for you.

Rates & Travel

Travel
The meeting point for the rides is Amman. British Airways and Royal Jordanian have dailydirect flights to Amman from Heathrow. For flights from London budget around £450 economy return (varies with the season and availability).

Itinerary in Brief

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