Jordan cultural tour, Petra and Wadi Rum

Planet

PLANET

CARBON REDUCTION

Human-powered transport

The itinerary incorporates substantial low-carbon, human-powered travel through guided walking and hiking experiences. Hiking takes place on the Al Ayoun Trail in northern Jordan, in Dana Nature Reserve, across two days in and around Petra (including the Little Petra and Al Madras trails), and in Wadi Rum. In total, the itinerary includes multiple days where walking is a principal activity and means of exploring destinations.

Local shared transport and efficient group travel

The tour is operated for groups of up to 12 travelers and uses shared minibus transport between destinations, reducing the need for individual vehicle use. Shared transport is used throughout the itinerary, with open-air 4WD vehicles used only where necessary in Wadi Rum and for access to hiking trailheads around Petra.

Reducing carbon impacts through itinerary design

Once travelers arrive in Jordan, all journeys within the country are completed by road transport, allowing travelers to experience multiple regions without additional internal aviation.

Local and vegetarian food options

The itinerary includes meals at locally owned restaurants, homemade meals with local families, and accommodation serving traditional Jordanian cuisine. Vegetarian dishes are available at several points during the itinerary, including meals centerd on regional staples such as falafel, hummus and other traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

Advice on reducing environmental impacts

Travelers are encouraged to bring refillable filtered water bottles to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Accommodation supporting protected areas and conservation

The itinerary includes stays at Ajloun Forest Reserve and Dana Guesthouse, both associated with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's Wild Jordan initiative. Dana Guesthouse actively supports the surrounding nature reserve, while Ajloun Forest Reserve operates within a protected landscape and promotes conservation activities.

Contribution to nature conservation and local environmental initiatives

Protected areas and nature-focused experiences

The itinerary includes time in Dana Nature Reserve, Ajloun Forest Reserve and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. These visits provide opportunities to experience Jordan's natural environments alongside interpretation of local ecosystems.

Local expert guides

The tour is led by a Wild Frontiers tour leader and uses local guides where appropriate. Nature-based activities in locations such as Ajloun Forest Reserve and Dana Nature Reserve are supported by local expertise, helping visitors gain a better understanding of the area's landscapes, heritage and conservation initiatives.

People

PEOPLE

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally owned accommodation

The itinerary includes accommodation beyond international hotel chains, including a local guesthouse in As-Salt, Dana Guesthouse, and a Bedouin-style camp in Wadi Rum. The programme also includes a homemade lunch with a local family and opportunities to participate in traditional bread-making with community hosts.

Supporting local economic opportunities

Travelers visit a women's co-operative in Ajloun operated through the Wild Jordan project, where locally produced soap and biscuits are sold. The co-operative was established to create employment opportunities for women in the area. The itinerary also uses local guides, locally run guesthouses and restaurants, and community experiences that direct spending into local economies.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Employment and income opportunities for local people and women

The women's co-operative visited in Ajloun was established by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to create employment in rural communities. The itinerary notes that more than 60 local women have gained income-generating opportunities through these workshops.

Use of local staff and guides

The tour includes local guides where appropriate and works local guesthouses, and family-run hospitality providers.