Horse Trek through the Wadi Rum, Jordan

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On horseback through the Wadi Rum. Riding an Arabian desert horse through varied desert landscapes with beautiful colors that change throughout the day. Rock formations, sand dunes, vast plains, natural bridges, gorges. No day will be the same on this horse trek. Living like a Bedouin who travels through the deserts. Delicious meals, freshly prepared along the way. A life in the company of your horse during the journey. Can you see yourself conquering the desert on horseback, just like a real Bedouin?

9 Reasons to book a horse trek in Wadi Rum:

Experience the varied desert landscape
What is it like to ride an Arabian desert horse through the desert for 3 days?
Get to know the Bedouin life
Sleep under the stars in nature
Get to know the fascinating desert, flora and fauna
Build a strong bond with your horse
Slow travel for a varied desert journey
Delicious and fresh meals prepared by the Bedouins who guide your tour
Every day is different, the desert has so much to offer

Tour Plan

You arrive in Wadi Rum, overnight in a Bedouin desert camp

Tomorrow morning your horse journey starts, 3 days of trekking with your horse through the wonderful landscape that makes the Wadi Rum so special.

Arriving in the desert

Today you arrive at a time of your choosing to already get to know the desert, the Bedouins who live and work there as in the desert camp where you stay and spend the night. A meeting with the friendly and hospitable Bedouins. In the evening an introduction to your guides who will accompany the tour. Tomorrow morning you will see the horses that will travel to your desert camp to continue from there into the desert. Or you come to the horses tomorrow morning to start your horse journey through the desert from this place. A delicious dinner awaits you in the desert camp, you can freshen up before you enter the desert. Your luggage goes on the 4x4Wheel so that you have everything at hand.

First day of the horse trek with Bedouins through the desert

Lawrence of Arabia or the soul of the Bedouin life tour?

Depending on whether you choose a Lawrence of Arabia tour along the famous places in the Wadi Rum or a trip off the beaten track to experience the soul of the Bedouin life. Whichever tour you choose the desert is beautiful everywhere, the highlights on the map are just a few to give a grip on what the desert has to offer. Remember that the tourists come for the famous highlights while you can go to spectacular places with your horse that the tourist ignores because these are not or hardly accessible for the jeeps.

Interacting with your horse

After breakfast and when the jeep is fully loaded and equipped with all the necessities, you will continue on horseback with the group and the guide. You can also make this trip individually. The jeep will initially stay closer until everything is okay and you are completely used to your horse. Then the distance will increase. You can enjoy your horse, the landscape and the company. Every day you will be on your horse for about 4-6 hours, you will master all the gaits of the horse and alternate with walking, trotting, canter and maybe even a galloping? Today you will feel how your horse reacts to you and how he/she behaves in the different gaits. Your guide on horseback knows the landscape and will indicate the gaits in advance.

Your horse for the journey

There are "easy" horses and horses that only go with experienced riders, so there is a suitable horse for everyone. All horses have a fantastic character, one is serious and prefers to walk in front, while there are also horses that are playful and horses that also like to walk with the group, as long as another horse is in front. Our experience is that we always choose the right horse for you after we get to know you. Once on your horse you see the desert passing by, the nice thing about horse riding is that you also discover many details. Sometimes there is a short tea/coffee break for lunch at a beautiful viewpoint.

Rhythm of the desert in the seasons

The rhythm of the day depends on the season. In the summer the days are long with a long lunch break, you can even take a siesta because the sand is too hot to walk on. In the winter the break is shorter. The Bedouins prepare a delicious light lunch that you dip/scoop with bread to eat. The horses are unsaddled during the lunch break so that they can take a sand bath, relax while nibbling on their food. The horses are re-saddled to continue to the final destination of the day. There are no fixed routes or sleeping places, this depends on the condition and level of the riders, which we always listen to. We promise you that these are always the most beautiful routes.

Making camp in nature for the evening and night

We settle down for dinner and the night at a beautiful spot, the jeep is unloaded. The Bedouins start preparing the meal, there is a wood fire to sit by and the eternal blackened teapot on the outside is the first to be put on the fire. The energy source that the Bedouins rely on and also very nice to start the evening with. Know in advance that you can be involved in everything, such as gathering wood for the fire. In preparing the meal or to be able to write down the recipe because the cooking is traditional Jordanian. The saddles come off the horses' backs, they can be brushed while waiting for their food and then they get their food. Or you sit together with the Bedouins while they chat a lot and do all kinds of things. Also know that nothing is required and everything is allowed. You can also sit by the campfire, grab your book or update your diary, take a walk and discover something of the area before it gets dark or do your own thing. After dinner preparations for the night will be made. Everyone has their own blanket bag and you see and help how to make the bed comfortable. The next morning you fold the blankets back into the blanket bag to continue your journey. Of course you can stay by the fire if it is too early.

Millions starry sky

Once under the covers you lie under the millions of stars, you see the Milky Way or the moon moving through the sky at the right moon phase or at new moon. Usually also the shooting stars. An unforgettable experience. There are small fold-out tents available. Our experience is that almost everyone likes to sleep in nature, to feel the soft wind caressing your face and through your hair. Just indicate in advance if you want to sleep in a tent, then they are present in the jeep.

Second day of horse riding in the Wadi Rum desert

Awakening with the horses

When you wake up, you can look your horse in the eye. Usually they are already looking for some food in the form of roots in the ground or a green bush. Or they have already had their breakfast. Take your time to get ready for the horseback riding, eat your breakfast that the Bedouins prepare and pack your things. The horses get their saddles back on and are soon ready for a wonderful desert ride through the vast Wadi Rum.

Bedouin desert horses

The horses are Bedouin desert horses, used to the desert, the heat and the cold, the wind and the rain. All horses have a high percentage or even 100% Arabian blood in their veins. They all come from the south of Jordan and some were born with us. They are outside as naturally as possible all year round. Getting their food at home 5 times a day, which we mix ourselves from natural material that grows on the land, if possible directly from the farmer. Supplemented with green wild-picked and cultivated vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs and roots from the garden. And regularly an extra box of vegetables and fruit from the grocery store. Instead of sugar, we prefer to give the horses dates to spoil them.

Equipment of the horses

You ride on "English" saddles, from the Netherlands and England. On almost every saddle there is a saddle cover for more comfort for the rider on the long journey. All horses ride with a suitable bit in their mouth. The horses are sensitive on their skin and in the mouth which you take into account. The horses are somewhat smaller than in the west, much more maneuverable and fast. With your height of 1.80 even 1.90m you still sit well on these horses. The horses usually respond quickly to the aids you give and to your posture while riding. You will receive more explanation about your horse in advance which can help you while riding. The weight that most horses can carry is 80 kilos. A few can carry 85-90 kilos.

Survival

In the desert you live like the Bedouins. Basic and yet comfortable. Everything that is really needed for the desert expedition is at hand and charged in the jeep. For some it is a relief to be able to do so much with so little. Most horse riders suddenly find that they have brought far too much in their backpack/suitcase that they do not need. If you are interested, the Bedouins can be an example of how to deal with the desert, how you can repair something with almost nothing, which wood is suitable for making a fire. How to make a fire and get it burning. The Bedouins prefer to cook on wood, but gas is also a good thing because in some places there is hardly any wood to be found. By following the tracks you can see which animals live nearby. There are wild herbs and salt to be found in the desert in certain places. There is a plant that you can use as soap. The Bedouins are happy to show you this.

Waterfall and flowing rivers

After the rain there is water in the desert, you can see from the green places with more vegetation where the water stays longer underground. Did you know that during a heavy rain waterfalls flow from the mountains? Just like fast-flowing even raging rivers can arise in the valleys? It is spectacular to see this develop. Our team knows the desert like the back of their hand, you will be safe with them no matter what happens. In case of rain there are some overhanging rocks where you can sleep dry or the big tent is with us so that everyone and your belongings stay dry. On average there are 5-10 heavy rain showers per year in the winter season. People go outside to have fun in the rain.

Rhythm of the desert

Today is just like yesterday in the rhythm of the desert, by now you know the daily schedule even though the terrain is unknown. There are still many new challenges, on your horse, in the landscape, the weather, other delicious meals and a new place to sleep. Is the nomad in you waking up yet?

Third day of your horseback journey through the desert, overnight in a desert camp

Enjoy the challenge on horseback

Your last day on horseback through the Wadi Rum, another new route. New landscapes and views. In the meantime, you have already ridden past many striking places in the desert. Past rock inscriptions, through canyons, perhaps you have already seen a natural bridge, past water reservoirs from ancient times or made by Bedouins. Over sandy plains, sand dunes, through desert valleys, over rocky places. You have already experienced all the gaits of the horse and yet there is new to discover in the desert, with your horse. Another challenging day on horseback awaits you. Enjoy it.

The horses come home

After lunch your horse will slowly start to prepare to come home. They love the trips in the desert, but they are also looking forward to being together with the rest of the herd. Their hearts already signal to them that they will see each other again soon. Near their place you can hear them informing each other, they're coming home. You hear the warm reactions of the horses at home. Their steps will be a bit faster, their hearts beating with anticipation. Maybe you are also happy to be able to shower and sleep in a bed again, or you want to absorb every minute of this special journey, whatever you choose the horses are your transport today. They will bring you back to the desert camp where you started this journey or the jeep will bring you to the camp after the horses are home. Along the way there is still plenty to see, experience, taste, smell and talk about. A wonderful day in the nature of the desert.

Back in your desert camp

After 3 days in the desert you may long for a shower to freshen up, a real bed to sleep in. Enjoy the desert a bit more, experience the last spectacular sunset over the desert. A delicious extensive dinner is waiting you to continue your journey tomorrow to new experiences.

Depart for your next destination

Wake up in a real bed, feeling refreshed to continue your journey after breakfast in your desert camp. You will be taken to your rental car or taxi.

More options for Wadi Rum

Or if you want to stay in the desert for a while, here are some other activities that might interest you:

Camel riding from an hour to a few days.
Walking through the desert or a part of the Jordan Trail. With a guide and camping in nature.
A jeep tour to discover the largest part of the Wadi Rum, from 2 hours to 2 days with camping.
Mountain climbing and scrambling such as the Umm Adami, the highest mountain in Jordan on the border with, and a view of Saudi Arabia and the Wadi Rum. Or one of the other mountains that can be climbed without mountaineering equipment for everyone in good condition, with a guide.
A balloon flight at sunrise to be able to view the beautiful Wadi Rum from above.

Arabian desert horses

Arabian desert horses trained by Bedouins are animals with character: passionate, obedient, curious and graceful. The herd of horses lives in the desert and is used to the local climate. Hot summers and cold winters. The striking Arabian desert horses provide an unforgettable equestrian experience. Sandy plains, sand dunes, mountains, rocks and gorges, nothing is strange to these horses, they love the desert. You ride twice a day, 4-6 hours each day: in the morning and after lunch. In between you can shelter from the sun in the camp we make for you (In the shade) while the Bedouins prepare lunch. In winter you would of course rather sit in the sun.

Guide on horseback

A horseback guide accompanies you on every trip. For the route, for company and for the horses. The guide knows all the horses and which manners each horse needs to have a nice ride. Riding Arabian desert horses is something different than western horses, along the way you will feel the difference. In connection with your horse, you will be able to understand your horse better and vice versa. After each ride you have the opportunity to take care of your horse. You will have every possibility to build this special bond for more connection with your horse.

Wadi Rum, the landscape

Wadi Rum is so diverse, every day a new landscape through canyons, open plains with a small elevation of vast desert landscape with lots of sand. Wadi Rum, also called the "Valley of the Moon" or Mars. Sometimes you drive along rocks in all natural colors, sometimes through the red or white sand. Sometimes over the rocks, under the natural bridges (arches). More than 10,000 rock drawings can be found in Wadi Rum and in the area, you will see some of them and can find them yourself at the stops. And then you have the sandstone rocks, just placed somewhere in the sand, and the impressive granite mountains or a combination of both. Most people think that the desert is only sand dunes and yes, you will find beautiful and high sand dunes, together in some areas but also blown up against a rock. The color palette with red, white, yellow, orange and dark sand and rocks makes Wadi Rum so spectacular. In Wadi Rum you can enjoy the vegetation of acacia trees, even an olive and palm tree and a diversity of green bushes. Animals also choose to live in Wadi Rum. Many species of birds, lizards, beetles and the fox, wild dogs, desert mice, hares, hedgehogs and the gazelle. In a large enclosed area even the oryx. Some animals you will see, others will hide during the day. For centuries pilgrims, nomads and traders have been moving with their caravans of camels and precious goods through Wadi Rum, because there is water. You will pass a number of these reservoirs where the horses will also drink from, if there is water after the rain.

Will you travel in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia or opt for the silent desert, the desert of the Bedouins?

We have these 2 tours that the group can choose from:

- The soul of Bedouin life

Most groups choose to ride in the quiet, peaceful areas where you hardly meet a tourist. Where you can meet a Bedouin looking for his camels that are grazing somewhere in the vast desert. There you have a better chance of finding animals in the wild, with an overwhelming beauty. You get the idea that you are the only one in the desert, which is not the case because there are Bedouins. There you can still find the soul of Bedouin life with Bedouin names for the rock formations and viewpoints. Where your horse and you are not stimulated by all the factors that tourism brings, where you and the horses can be yourselves.

- In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia

A tour along the highlights of Wadi Rum, the Lawrence of Arabia tour. Many names of highlights in Wadi Rum are connected to this English officer in the First World War. And yes, Lawrence of Arabia was in Wadi Rum but many stories around him have started to live their own lives, sometimes differently as we recognize from history. Nowadays many tourists come to the highlights where you are never alone. Many jeeps take the same route with sometimes screaming and photographing tourists, outside in the jeep, which gives me the feeling of being in an amusement park. This used to be a nice tour with a lot of support. With the increase in tourism this has changed.

Accompanied by a jeep with facilities

During the horseback trip you will be accompanied by a jeep that will transport your luggage, everything for camping in the desert, food and water for people and horses. Together with the local Bedouins who take care of everything in the desert, both the camping, the cooking, the horses, the campfire. They live the Bedouin life and love to take you into their lives while you are their special guest and a little later family.

Accommodation in the desert

Upon arrival in the desert you will spend the night in a comfortable desert camp with tents, beds and bathrooms with running water. Expect basic accommodation during a trip deep into the desert. Where you do get the unique opportunity to sleep under the stars in the most idyllic places in the desert. Small 2-person tents are available on request but experience shows that almost everyone chooses to sleep outside even in winter. The camps that the Bedouins make during the tour are Bedouin style, sitting on mattresses, eating as they do, from a large bowl on the ground, of course plates and cutlery are available if you choose that.

What to do in the desert?

Horse riding from half a day to a multi-day expedition through the desert.
Camel riding from an hour to a desert expedition of several days.
Walking/hiking through the desert or walking a section of the Jordan Trail. With a guide and camping in nature
A jeep tour to discover the largest part of the Wadi Rum, from 2 hours to 2 days with camping.
Mountain climbing and scrambling such as the Umm Adami, the highest mountain in Jordan on the border with, and a view of Saudi Arabia and the Wadi Rum. Or one of the other mountains that can be climbed without mountain climbing equipment for everyone in good condition, with a guide.
A tour in the buggies quads of approximately 1.5 hours with a guide.
A balloon flight at sunrise to be able to view the beautiful Wadi Rum from above.

Dates 2025:

-On request.

Prices:

From 495 JD. Including 3 days of horse riding. Groups minimum 3 participants. Maximum 6 participants. Individual: 695 JD

Including:

Full board during horse riding days, including coffee, tea and water.
Horses and guidance with a horseback guide.
Luggage transport.
2 nights in a desert camp.
2 nights camping in Wadi Rum (bring your own sleeping bag).

Excluded:

Flight ticket to Jordan.
Visa and ticket Petra and Wadi Rum via the Jordan Pass that you order online.
Visa costs without Jordan Pass (visas are arranged at the airport for about 40 JD per person).
Entrance fees without Jordan Pass: Petra (50 JD), Wadi Rum (7 JD).
Travel insurance for world travel and risky sports, cancellation insurance, health insurance.
Transport to and from Wadi Rum.
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Tips.
Additional excursions.
Personal expenses.

Horse Trek through the Wadi Rum, Jordan