Jordan
Forest trails, lake swims and the kind of stars you forget exist.
Jordan’s landscapes trade coastal humidity for the high-altitude crispness of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where pink sandstone ridges dissolve into pistachio-scented valleys. In the spring, the northern hills of Ajloun flush an impossible green, echoing with the calls of migratory birds and the distant clink of goat bells. As you move toward Wadi Rum, the silence of the black-silk sky is broken only by the crackle of a juniper-wood fire and the aromatic steam of sage-infused tea. Beyond the Petra basin, the Mujib canyons offer icy, turquoise pools deep enough for back-climbing through slot canyons where the sun barely touches the floor. Whether you are navigating the pine forests of the north or watching the Perseids from a Bedouin camp, the terrain demands leather boots and an appetite for mansaf, the fermented-yogurt-and-lamb feast that fuels the long treks through the rift valley.
Best time to visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is generally summer for easier access, or winter for dramatic light and solitude. Peak season pushes prices and crowds up; shoulder season is almost always the smarter trade-off — you'll find the same restaurants open, the same scenery, and noticeably better hotel value on Booking.com.
How to get to Jordan
Jordan is in Hong Kong, Asia. Long-haul connections route through Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul or Dubai, with onward short-hauls to the rest of the region. Once you arrive, allow a day to settle in — most travellers underestimate jet lag and over-pack day one.
Things to do in Jordan
Plan your days around hiking, wildlife spotting, scenic drives and photography. Build in at least one slow morning; the best memories rarely come from packed itineraries.
Where to stay in Jordan
On Booking.com, properties in Jordan start from around $185 per night. Filter by guest review score (8.5+), free cancellation, and your preferred neighbourhood. Booking close to the centre saves transit time and almost always pays for itself in extra hours actually enjoying Jordan.
Jordan travel FAQs
- When is the optimal window for exploring the highlands and deserts?
- March to May is peak season, offering wildflowers in the north and temperate weather for the long walks in Petra. Autumn provides clear skies and warm water in the Gulf of Aqaba, though winter is preferable for those specifically chasing the moody, mist-covered atmosphere of the forest trails.
- What is the most efficient way to navigate between nature reserves?
- Renting a car provides the freedom needed for remote trailheads, as public transport is largely restricted to city-to-city hubs. The Desert Highway is the fastest route, but the King’s Highway is far more scenic, winding through deep canyons and rural villages.
- Where should I base myself for a nature-focused itinerary?
- Look beyond Amman by staying in the Wild Jordan eco-lodges, particularly in Dana or Feynan, which operate entirely off-grid. If you are heading north, the homestays around Orjan allow you to sleep within walking distance of the olive groves and the soap-making workshops.
- How should I handle drinking water and hydration on remote trails?
- Tap water is generally not potable in Jordan, so most travelers rely on bottled water or high-quality filtration systems like a LifeStraw. When hiking in the desert, carry at least four liters of water per person and electrolyte salts to counteract the intense midday evaporation.
