All You Need to Know About the Petra to Wadi Rum Desert Trek in Jordan

Surreal, breathtaking, exhilarating, exhausting, challenging, otherworldly.

That pretty much sums it up. This isn’t just a riding holiday, and it’s definitely not just a trek. It’s a soul-stirring, mind-resetting kind of experience. The kind that changes you a little.This 10-day itinerary takes you from the World Wonder of Petra to a six-day desert ride through Wadi Rum, all the way down to the Saudi border before looping back north. It’s vast, raw, and unreal. We wrap it all up with a well-earned day at a five-star resort by the Dead Sea.

I joined the group a bit late. Everyone else had landed in Amman the day before and made their way to Petra after a night in Madaba. They visited Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-colored cliffs, once a thriving Nabataean trade hub and now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

I was scooped up by a 4x4 after a four-hour drive across Jordan and dropped straight into the desert. I felt so welcomed right away. People here are incredibly kind. I’ve always loved Middle Eastern culture, but this trip reminded me why…warmth, hospitality, smiles everywhere.

We started strong: first stop, picking up 400 liters of water for the horses at a nearby oasis. Two support vehicles came with us the whole way, carrying food, water, camping gear, and supplies for both humans and horses. I met the group just after their first morning ride, in time for a delicious and fresh lunch. And I got to meet my horse…Hojas! A spirited little Arabian who looked very calm as he was resting… Don’t be fooled !!

The riding was incredible. We had long gallops, up to 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. This isn’t a stroll. It’s full-on, wind-in-your-face freedom.

That night, we set up camp in the middle of nowhere. Horses flopped into the sand for a good roll, and all I could think about was a shower. Spoiler: not happening for another six days!!

Side note: I highly recommend bringing a portable bidet. I posted about it in my Instagram stories, and a lot of people were curious what it is. Check it out here , and thank me later ;-). (For a full packing list, scroll down.)

I loved watching the group’s energy shift. On the first day, everyone was a bit more cautious, riding in a double file. By day two we were flying. Shemaghs on, horses tuned in, group energy rising. Long midday breaks were essential. Lunch, nap, hydrate, repeat. We rode morning and afternoon, squeezing through canyons and crossing wide open desert landscapes.
By day three, the confidence builds. People start pushing pace, breaking formation. That’s when the fun really kicks in. That afternoon we climbed a rock for one of the best views of the trip, you could see Saudi Arabia in the distance. Later, we passed herds of goats and sheep, with Bedouin families nearby. They live out here full-time. It felt like stepping into another era.

Lunches were fresh and simple, consisting of salads, potatoes, tomatoes, dips. Dinners were heartier with traditional meat and rice dishes, veggie options too.

Evenings meant feeding the horses, rinsing off the dust with a bucket of water, soap, and a rock to hide behind. The desert turned pink gold at sunset. I’m not a camping person, but I’ll make an exception for views like that.

Day four was the hottest. The color contrasts were wild, from gold, pink, beige, even black granite cliffs. Somewhere along the route we passed by stunning natural arches.

On day five, we rode into Barrah Canyon, five kilometers long and filled with ancient Nabataean inscriptions. Then came the camels. Around 50 of them, including babies, moving as one. At the back, a lone Bedouin man riding quietly, guiding them forward.

That night we camped deeper into the canyon.

On our final day, we rode back to civilization. The last few gallops were pure joy…and already I could feel the nostalgia setting in.

And… after a week in the desert, no showers, and running on adrenaline (the good kind)… we were rewarded with a well-deserved Dead Sea bath, followed by mud treatments at a five-star resort & spa.

Fun fact: In the Dead Sea, you float like a cork. Boats can’t really operate there either… the water’s so dense they just bob around and can’t steer properly. It’s called the Dead Sea because it’s so salty that hardly any organisms can survive in it. Some bacteria and microbial fungi live there, but no fish or larger aquatic life.

The group ended in Madaba Mosaic City for a final night before flying back home. I stayed another two weeks with my family to explore more of Jordan. So glad I did. What a beautiful trip.

For a detailed itinerary, including prices and upcoming dates, visit the official trip page:
https://www.worldonhorseback.com/jordan-horse-trek-petra-wadi-rum

Q&A JORDAN WADI RUM DESERT TREK

A compilation of what you guys asked on social media :)

• What were the temperatures?
  I went on the last week of May, which was the last ride of the season. It was quite hot this week, with daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C [86°F]. We wore long-sleeve shirts and covered our heads to protect against the sun, wind and sand, and made sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. If you don't enjoy riding in the heat, it's better to go during March–April or October–November.

• Is it safe for women traveling alone?
  I can't praise this country enough for its hospitality and the kindness of its people. I've traveled alone here and always felt safe and looked after. Jordan is known for being one of the safest countries in the Middle East and is welcoming to solo female travelers. Plus, you'll be part of a group and are taken care of from the moment you land until you leave.

• How do you charge your phone there?
  I always bring a couple of power banks with me, but the support vehicle also has a USB plug you can use if needed. You’ll have access to it during lunch and in the evening.

• Where do you go to the bathroom?
  You can always find hidden spots here and there (behind a dune, rock or cliff). Sometimes you’ll have to walk a bit for privacy, but I promise you’ll have the best bathroom view of your life!!

• Is this ride similar to Egypt in terms of speed and horse behavior?
  The key difference is that in Jordan, you don't ride stallions (only mares and geldings). Otherwise, the horses are a mix of Arabians and Arabian crosses, with strong endurance and very resistant to the harsh desert conditions. The riding is fast-paced (similar to Egypt) but with long, endurance-type canters and opportunities for some fast gallops.

• Do you have water to drink and to shower with?
  You’ll have unlimited drinking water, plus soft drinks and tea available throughout the day. For washing, you can ask for a jug or bucket of water at the end of the day. Some riders even managed to wash their hair. I just used a jug and a soap to wash myself and also bought a portable bidet which was very handy!

• What level of rider do you need to be to join?
  This itinerary is for strong intermediate to advanced riders. You must have an independent seat and be comfortable at all paces in a group and outdoor setting. There are occasional full-out gallops, so if that’s not your thing, this ride may not be for you. However, there is the possibility of organizing a slower-paced itinerary with a different guide and dates. Send me a message if you're interested.

• Are there any snakes, scorpions or other scary desert creatures?
  There are snakes and scorpions in the area, but it’s very rare to see them. There have been no encounters or issues with any of the groups since these rides began years ago. They usually stay hidden under rocks, so just avoid flipping heavy stones.
  You might see curious foxes at night or their tracks in the morning, but they don’t bother humans. Hyenas are extremely shy and avoid people. They're scavengers more than predators. Spiders exist in the desert too, but they’re harmless. We even saw a beautiful one one evening!

• How do the horses drink? We have two support vehicles that travel to nearby water sources to restock supplies. About 800 liters of water are transported per day just for the horses.

• Do you ride the same horse the whole trip?
  You usually ride the same horse throughout the trip unless there's a specific reason to switch (ie; if it’s not a good match with your horse or if your horse gets injured).

• How many hours do you ride per day?
  We ride around 5–6 hours a day. The morning ride is about 2.5 hours (roughly 10:00am to 12:30pm), followed by a long lunch and rest. We ride again in the afternoon from around 4:00–4:30pm until 6:30–7:00pm. This schedule can vary slightly depending on the season.

• What is the packing list like, and where is it kept?
  See below packing list with my personal recommendations to help make your trip smoother and more comfortable!

• Is there a day off from riding?
  The trip lasts 10 days in total. You’ll have a couple of days at the beginning and end for sightseeing. The tour starts in Madaba, then you head to Petra to visit this World Wonder. After that, you ride for 6 consecutive days across the desert, camping each night. At the very end, you spend a full day relaxing at a 5-star resort by the Dead Sea before flying home the next day. It’s a beautiful mix of adventure, culture and rest. For a detailed itinerary, including prices and upcoming dates, visit the official trip page:
  https://www.worldonhorseback.com/jordan-horse-trek-petra-wadi-rum

• What is swimming in the Dead Sea like?
  It has about 30–35% salinity, which is 10 times saltier than any other ocean or sea. The floating sensation is a lot of fun, but it actually makes swimming difficult. On the last day of the tour, you get to spend the entire day at a 5-star resort by the Dead Sea!

What to Pack: Wadi Rum Horse Trek Essentials

• Lightweight riding helmet

• Comfortable ankle boots with half chaps

• Riding pants (multiple pairs- I used three pairs for this 6 day ride)

• Riding gloves if you’re used to riding with them

• Sleeping bag & small pillow

• Small towel

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Wet /water wipes – trust me you will need this.

• Portable bidet (highly recommend this for feminine hygiene. I used this one and it was a game changer)

• Dry shampoo

• Sports Sunglasses to protect you against the sand/wind and sun. I used and recommend BEACOOL.

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Personal medications

• Breathable, long sleeved shirts. I bought this safari shirt and was very happy with it.

• Scarf, shemagh or bandana to protect against the sand/dust/wind.

• Rain jacket (for spring or fall rides)

• Swimsuit and small towel (for Dead Sea)

• Flip flops

• Slippers or water shoes (for rocky Dead Sea shoreline)

• Power bank to charge your phone & other electronic devices

• Bring a few of snacks if you want. I bought a few cereal and protein bars but in the end didn’t eat them as I felt like the meals were filling.

• The desert is full of unexpected situations, and things don’t always go as planned! You have to be flexible and keep a positive mindset, otherwise you may end up miserable ;-)

Your main bag travels in the support vehicle and is accessible at camp. Keep essentials like water, sunscreen, tissues in your saddlebag.

For a detailed itinerary, including prices and upcoming dates, visit the official trip page:
https://www.worldonhorseback.com/jordan-horse-trek-petra-wadi-rum

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I genuinely use and love.