Desert trekking on your Arabian horse will give you the opportunity to view these colourful landscapes. A Bedouin breakfast followed by an early start will give you five full days’ horse riding across sand dunes and open plains, through narrow canyons, stopping for a picnic lunch and rests upon the way.
Contained within walls of towering sandstone rocks that dominate the landscape, open sand in flat plains and rolling dunes, stretch out into the horizon as far as the eye can see. Sculptured from years of weathering, each rock face has its own unique personality and appearance. Some seventeen different colours of rock, from yellows and reds through to deep purples and greys, crumble with varying ease to form the sandy carpet, whose texture varies from coarse and grainy to fine and weightless to the touch. Wiry Broom bushes with sun-bleached stems provide a haven for desert life (rarely seen but clearly present, identifiable only by tracks left in the sand), and useful tethering hitches for horses. In stark contrast to the flat desert, steep-sided rocky mountains, jagged against the skyline, rise imposingly skywards, reflecting the suns rays in an array of gold’s and reds. Protected from the wind in rocky canyons (siqs), inscriptions and engravings from ancient desert dwellers depict scenes of hunting wildlife from horses and camels.
The cloudless sky appears bluer than on the best of English Summer days. The light fades quite quickly and the temperature can drop considerably. Each evening the sun sinks behind the towering rocks in a blaze of red and orange, which fills the sky and is echoed in the changing colours of the rocks below. A black shadow races across the landscape heralding the onset of night. Crystal clear stars sparkle against the inky blue night sky and a perfect white moon softly illuminates the earth with a blue-grey light. The only sounds are of gentle snoring from the tents and muffled giggling from around the campfire or the occasional ‘whinney’ from the otherwise silent horses…..
English speaking guides will bring a richness and knowledge about the country and route. There will be an opportunity to visit some of the Bedouin tribes, who inhabit the area, to view their lifestyle and share a cup of Bedouin tea.
This land of stunning scenery, Bedouin culture, vast and silent, will leave a lasting impression…
|
|
This excellent BHS Guide to preparing yourself for trekking in Jordan is full of facts, tips and advice - from documentation and insurance to common ailments, fitness levels and safety issues.
1. About Jordan - General Information
Jordan is a small country bordered to the north by Syria, to the northeast by Iraq, to the east and south by Saudi Arabia and to the west by Israel. Western travellers have been exploring the Middle East for well over a century but Jordan remains a newcomer to tourism. It welcomes only a fraction of the numbers who visit its near neighbours.
Jordan is a mainly desert, from the dramatic red sands and towering cliff of the far south, to the stony plains of volcanic basalt in the east. Also packed into this small country are the lush hills of the north and the plunging rift of the Jordan Valley, which runs into the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The centre of the country is made up of wheat fields, which are cut through by canyons and bordered by craggy mountains. At the southernmost tip of the country, beaches fringe the warm waters of the Red Sea, which harbours spectacular coral reefs.
Jordan is part of the land bridge linking Europe, Africa and Asia. It has seen countless armies come and go – Greeks, Romans, Muslims, and Christian Crusaders – all of whom have left evidence of their conquests. There are thousands of ruins and archaeological sites from all periods in every corner of the country.
A few facts and figures:
• Area: 91,860 sq km (a little bigger than Portugal)
• Population: 4.95 million (40% of whom are under 15 years old)
• Capital city: Amman (pop. 1.58 million)
• Time: GMT plus 2 hours
• People: Arabs (60% Palestinian, many refugees),
Caucasians, Chechens, Armenians
• Language: Arabic but English is the second language
• Religion: Islam
• Government: Monarchy (fledging democracy)
• Head of State: King Abdullah Hussein
• Major industries: Phosphate mining, potash extraction, oil refining,
chemical manufacturing, food processing, metals,
minerals.
• Telephone: Country code from the UK is 00 962
2. Training Necessary for Trekking in Jordan
The majority of those taking part in this type of event are not usually long distance/endurance riders. It is, therefore, imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit. This event is a challenge and requires a high standard of fitness and an understanding of how to ride a horse.
Below are a number of guidelines which will undoubtedly improve the riding and physical ability of each and every participant.
• Before commencing your ride it is a good idea to do stretching exercises to loosen up the muscles.
• If you have not ridden for some time, begin with a half hour ride every second day. After two weeks increase the length of the ride to about 45 minutes. From one month the length of the ride should be increased to at least one hour. It is preferable to ride not less than one hour two or three times a week.
• As you get nearer the date of departure plan a number of longer rides – say three or four rides of an hour per week – and at least a three-hour ride during the weekend.
• By one month before departure please make every effort to find time to ride two lengthy, consecutive days.
• During your training sessions don’t forget to take water and a small medical kit. Also pack energy food i.e. nuts, fruit, sandwiches etc.
3. Horses in Jordan
The horses are all Arabian mares and familiar with the desert conditions. They will all be inspected by vets at the Brooke Hospital in Wadi Mousa (Petra). They will be fitted with full metal shoes. Arab or English saddles are used (the former are surprisingly comfortable) and a mixture of English (snaffle) and Arab bits. The latter are only used if it is deemed necessary for a particular horse. All the horses respond to neck reining and have sensitive mouths. Participants must be made aware that the horses are lean but not poor and are accustomed to the local conditions. Unless people are used to riding this type of horse they will feel that they are very narrow. They are fed alfalfa and barley. Tack is not the smartest but is serviceable. The Jordanians care for their horses and are incredibly proud of them. They are working horses – fit and agile, spirited and riders must be aware that they are not schooled to UK standards. They are incredibly sure footed. There is a Bedouin way of riding them, which will be demonstrated at the start of the ride. Saddlebags are not provided so participants should use a small bum bag for small items only. A cycling style water bottle can be attached to the saddle.
NB There is a weight limit of 70 kgs.
4. SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Sleeping bag – good quality – we will be camping on five nights and it could potentially be very cold.
T-shirts – one per day (an event shirt provided)
Socks – one per day plus spares and extra for evenings
Riding trousers/jodhpurs – 2-3 pairs – the sand is quite red – bright white jodhpurs are not advisable
Riding boots and half chaps – please ask everyone to make sure they have be cleaned and disinfected. This is a general hygiene request.
Spare trainers for general walking, Riding gloves – one pair, Riding hat – essential. Please take as hand luggage., Seat saver – optional, Scarf to cover back of neck (to avoid sun burn), Cap hat to cover head when not wearing helmet, Woolly hat for the evenings, Sunglasses, Water bottle
Bum bag for carrying small items while riding e.g. camera, sun cream, tissues etc., Small ‘day’ bag, which can be used for extra items and be transported on support vehicle, Fleeces are always beneficial, Towels – 2, Warm casual wear for most of week i.e. sweatshirt, tracksuit, jeans, Something slightly smarter for dinner on last night, Torch and spare batteries, Ear plugs (sharing with noisy room mates can prevent sleep!), Swimming outfit – there are Turkish baths in Petra, Carrier bags/bin bags – useful for dirty washing or wet clothing, Tissues, Wet wipes, Sun cream (minimum factor 15), Lip salve, Insect repellent, Small personal medical kit – antiseptic ointment, plasters, knee support, bandage, pain killers, sting relief, diareze, dioralyte, Toilet paper, Camera and plenty of film, Small grooming kit i.e. cheap, stiff, body brush, sponge.
A gift for the Brooke Hospital would be most appreciated but is not obligatory. Suggested items include girths (42”), polypad/numnah, headcollar, 2nd hand bridles, girth sleeves. For more information and to make a donation:Tel 020 7930 0210, email info@thebrooke.org or visit www.thebrooke.org The Brooke, Broadmead House, 21 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4DR
• Pack as lightly as possible, preferably in a soft, robust bag as all luggage is transported together each day in a truck and needs to be durable.
• This list is not exhaustive and also some items may not be required during the trip but it is better to have them than not!
5. Terrain in Jordan
• It will be a mixture of hard packed tracks, sand and up and down hills. This will dictate the pace of the ride, which will be walking in the main. There may be areas where participants will be asked to lead their horses. Participants will also be asked to lead their horses in and out of camps. This is especially important in the mornings as they are tethered overnight and need the opportunity to stretch before being ridden.
6. Typical Day
• We will set off at about 8 am. Most people will wake naturally at about 6am. They will be responsible for feeding, grooming and tacking up their own horses. The local guides will advise on feeding and watering arrangements.
• Mid morning and mid afternoon – there will be short water / snack breaks.
• The lunch break will last for 1 – 1 ½ hours approximately.
• Each evening everyone will eat together followed by a group briefing on the next day’s riding.
7. The Support Team for Trekkers
• A member of the Classic Tours team will meet the group at London to distribute flight tickets and ensure that the check in procedure runs smoothly.
• Classic Tours will provide the services of a tour manager throughout the ride.
• Local guide(s) will ride with the group, knowledgeable about the country and route.
• There will be a local English speaking doctor on the event.
• Mobile telephones will be used to communicate between staff during the event.
• There will be support vehicles to carry water, refreshments, the doctor, luggage (this is transported to each overnight stay), and people who may be tired or injured. All vehicles have mobile communication.
8. Health Considerations
• There are excellent hospitals in large towns and cities, with clinics in many villages.
• Participants should bring their own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit.
9. Vaccinations
• It is advisable that participants are up-to-date with the following jabs: Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Typhoid
• We strongly recommend that all participants should consult their doctor though as things do change. Bottled water will be supplied throughout the event.
Drink
• The national drink is tea (shy), a strong, dark brew served scalding hot and milk-less in small glasses.
• Coffee is another national institution. There are two types – Turkish and Arabic. Turkish coffee is served in small cups with sugar added, along with a glass of water. Arabic coffee, also known as Bedouin coffee, is a greenish liquid that is unsweetened and pleasantly bitter.
• Alcohol is forbidden under Islam, yet for a 94% Muslim country it is surprisingly easy to obtain. Places to drink are limited to your own hotel room, areas such as poolsides within hotel complexes and restaurants or bars that offer alcohol on the menu.
• Water should never be drunk unless it has first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk should not be consumed unless bought in a container stating that it has been pasteurised. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk.
Food
• Typical dishes include meze (small starters such as humus, fuul, kube and tabouleh); a variety of kebabs; Mahshi Waraq ‘inab (vine leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices); musakhan (chicken in olive oil and onion sauce roasted on Arab bread); and the Jordanian speciality mensaf (stewed lamb in a yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice). Islamic law forbids the consumption of pork.
• Arabic unleavened bread (khobz) is eaten with almost everything. Other staples include deep-fried chick pea balls (felafel), spit-cooked sliced lamb (shwarma) and a paste of fava beans, garlic and lemon (fuul).
• Buffet style food will be served in the evenings and packed lunches provided at lunch stops.
• We need to know of any special dietary requirements to advise the airline and our local agent. Vegetarians can be catered for. However, if any participant has an unusual dietary request we will try to help but it would be the responsibility of the individual to organise.
• Please advise participants that vegetarians must stay vegetarians and meat eaters should understand that vegetarian meals are pre-allocated for vegetarians. This will avoid the possibility of some participants missing out on a meal because someone else has eaten it!
Accommodation (tbc & subject to change)
• All hotels are twin share with en-suite facilities. On camping nights participants will stay in a Bedouin tent. A four-season sleeping bag is required and mattresses will be supplied. There are flushing toilets and a water tank with taps for washing.
• Accommodation in the hotels will be single sex. Married couples/partners must be made aware that it will not be automatically possible to share.
• Please indicate on your list where people have asked to share. As the week progresses people invariably ask the Tour Manager if they can change rooming partners. We therefore do not inadvertently want to split groups who may have originally asked to be together.
Weather
• Despite the small size of the country, there are wide variations in climate – the same January day could have you throwing snow-balls in Ajloun or topping up your tan on Aqaba’s beaches.
• The weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable globally and participants should be advised that we could have a variety of conditions during the event.
• During September, temperatures will be 25 – 30 ºC during the day. There is the small possibility of short showers so we recommend that participants take a lightweight waterproof jacket. The nights can get quite cold ie 10-15C
Passports / Visas
• Everyone except nationals of certain Arab countries must have a visa to enter Jordan. (Classic Tours will arrange a group visa)
• Participants must have at least 6 months validity on their passport from the date of return to the UK. If not, we suggest that they obtain a new one between now and the event.
• A group visa will be issued when we send a manifest to our local ground handlers 4 weeks prior to the departure date. There is currently no charge for the group visa.
• Anyone staying on after the event can be included on the group visa at no extra charge provided they fly back from Jordan but there is a local tax of $15 to pay on departure.
British Consulate in Jordan
Damascus Street, District of Abdoun, Amman Tel: 00 962 6592 3100
Money
• Currency: Jordanian dinar. This can be ordered in advance at certain banks – please recommend small denominations.
• Approximately £150 spending money is recommended for postcards, sightseeing, optional tours etc.
• We advise that participants do not take traveller’s cheques as it is difficult to change them during the event.
Photography
• It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people and livestock.
• It is best to bring camera film with you as it is cheaper and better quality in Europe. Amman has a handful of trustworthy outlets to buy colour negative and slide film; elsewhere, film may be long past its use-by date and/or have been sitting for years in the desert sun.
Society and Conduct
• Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture, and hospitality is a matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides, and keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture.
• Islam always plays an important role in society and it is essential that Muslim beliefs be respected.
• Women are expected to dress modestly.
• The customary form of greeting is the handshake.
• Arabic coffee will normally be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled.
|
