Approximately 89 sq km, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is relatively a small country that sits right at the center of Middle East. Its glorious history and culture is deeply interwoven by bordering nations, giant nations in terms of land area, economic status or historical background: Saudi Arabia (East to South-east), Syria (North), Iraq (North-East) and Israel (West). Perhaps, this tiny nation is a giant itself as it rose from the ashes of several ancient, powerful kingdoms and early civilizations. Such glory has been preserved and lost in the arid Arab desert that covers over half of the land. With a past as magnificent as Jordan, one can be sure that the present also reflects the glory of the past. Aside from the timeless stories brought by ruined fortresses and historical sites, Jordan has many more treasures, places that will spark your interest. Come join us and discover this mysterious country and its many natural wonders.
Hammamat Ma’in
Take a relaxing dip into the warm, mineral springs of Ma’in Hot springs renowned for its therapeutic benefits for the body. It is found in one of the desert’s many oases, below sea level at the tip of Wadi Mujib, a gorge that opens to the Dead Sea, West of Jordan. The waters are fed by a huge thermal waterfall coming from the elevated plains of Jordan and heated by lava fissures to temperatures between 40-60°C. Historically, bathing in the springs was popular among ancient Romans and particularly Herod the Great (in the Bible) as these natural springs were said to hold healing properties.
Dead Sea
Known to be the lowest body of water in the world, the Dead Sea, also called Salt Sea, is actually a Salt Lake. It receives water from the Jordan River and because of its high salinity; no animals live in its waters, thus giving rise to its name. Because of its high mineral concentration, the Dead Sea takes your swimming experience into whole different level as floating takes no effort at all. Moreover, the black mud found in its shoreline and the salt water can relieve pain and some ailments because the minerals contained by the lake are actually essential for the body. A unique and healing experience, the Dead Sea is a true wonder of Middle East Asia.
Wadi Rum
On the Southern part of Jordan, Wadi Rum or the Valley of the Moon is one of the most popular places to go for people who like to try riding a camel or an Arab horse and go trekking in the arid desert. The valley had also been inhabited by ancient people leaving their mark along the rocks and stones of this majestic valley. If you think this protected wilderness is plain and empty, a good desert life adventure, ranging from camping underneath the stars to rock-climbing, in Wadi Rum will cause you to think twice with its landscape full of huge mountains bearing cut formations of sandstone and granite rocks.
Wadi Mujib
Just like the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib’s ground level is recorded to be the lowest in the world. It is in the Western part of Jordan whose opening, a gorge, meets the infamous Dead Sea. This place is filled with a diversity of plants and carnivorous animals, which fit its rocky, mountainous terrain. Alongside this mountainous scenery are canyons with hidden pools, a river that snakes through the land and waterfalls that accentuate the landscape’s beauty. If you want a real, educational adventure on the trail—camping, hiking, swimming—this nature reserve will give you the experience of a lifetime.
Azraq
If you’d like to experience bird-watching, go East of Jordan near the border of Iraq and you will discover one of Jordan’s wetland reserve. It is a treasured oasis in the heart of the eastern desert where migratory birds from faraway lands come each year. Presently, it has been carefully protected to shelter the wildlife and vegetation it so carefully contains.