Southern Desert Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural beauty of Southern Desert in Jordan through this comprehensive travel guide. From historical landmarks to natural attractions, hiking trails to delicious cuisine, this guide covers it all.


Introduction to Southern Desert

Located in the southwestern part of Jordan, Southern Desert is an extraordinary destination that has something for everyone. The region is home to awe-inspiring natural wonders, including the famous Wadi Rum, and ancient historical sites, such as Petra.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Desert

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Petra Petra is undoubtedly the highlight of the Southern Desert region, and a must-visit for all. The ancient city is carved out of red sandstone cliffs and boasts elaborately decorated temples, tombs, and amphitheaters.
  • Shobak Castle Sitting majestically atop a mountain, Shobak Castle is a well-preserved 12th-century fortress that played an important role in Crusader history.
  • Aqaba Fort Built by the Mamluk Sultanate in the early 16th century, Aqaba Fort is an exceptional example of Islamic military architecture.
  • Jordan Museum This modern museum showcases Jordan’s rich history through its collections of artifacts, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

Natural Attractions of Southern Desert: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wadi Rum The awe-inspiring Wadi Rum is a starkly beautiful desert valley filled with towering sandstone cliffs that glow red, pink, and orange in the sun’s rays.
  • Dana Nature Reserve Located in the heart of the Southern Desert, the Dana Nature Reserve is home to rare and endangered wildlife, including the Nubian ibex, hyenas, and various species of birds.
  • Dead Sea While technically not in the Southern Desert, the Dead Sea is an easy day trip from the region. Known for its high salt concentration, visitors float effortlessly and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mud on its shores.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Desert

  • Dana to Feynan Eco-Lodge Hike This challenging, multi-day hike takes visitors through the heart of the Dana Nature Reserve to the Feynan Eco-Lodge, where they can experience traditional Bedouin hospitality.
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Trek This stunning trek takes visitors from Petra to Wadi Rum through remote desert valleys, past Bedouin encampments, and ancient ruins.
  • Al-Jawf to Al-Beidha Hike This moderate hike takes visitors to the Little Petra complex, a smaller but equally impressive version of the main Petra site.

Best Things to Do in Southern Desert: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Wadi Rum Take in the stunning views of Wadi Rum from the air on a hot air balloon ride.
  • Camel Trekking in Petra Experience the magic of Petra and its surroundings in a unique way by riding a camel.
  • Night Sky Viewing Tour in Wadi Rum Wadi Rum is well-known for its star-filled night skies. Take a tour to gaze at stars and learn about the constellations from Bedouin guides.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Desert

  Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
Morning Visit Jordan Museum Travel to Petra Petra Day 2 Visit Shobak Castle Explore Wadi Rum Hiking in Dana Nature Reserve Free day
Afternoon Explore Amman Petra Day 1 Petra Day 3 Explore Aqaba Hot air balloon ride in Wadi Rum Camel trekking in Petra Spa Day at Dead Sea
Evening Dinner in Amman Dinner in Petra Dinner in Petra Dinner in Aqaba Night sky viewing tour in Wadi Rum Dinner at Feynan Eco-Lodge Farewell dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Desert

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mansaf A traditional Bedouin dish, Mansaf uses lamb cooked over a low flame, served over rice and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce.
  • Falafel A Middle Eastern staple, Falafel is made of spiced chickpeas that are shaped into balls and fried until crispy exterior and a warm and tender center.
  • Maqluba A rice dish with lamb or chicken, vegetables, and often eggplant, all cooked together in one pot.

Local Beverages

  • Tea Bedouins serve their tea black and extremely sweet. It’s traditionally drunk at sunrise, sunset, and before bed.
  • Arak A popular anise-flavored spirit that is typically mixed with water and ice to create a refreshing drink.
  • Ayran A chilled yogurt drink that is perfect for the hot desert weather.

Where to Stay in Southern Desert: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mövenpick Resort Petra Located near the entrance of Petra, this luxurious hotel boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and excellent service.
  • Dana Guesthouse This eco-friendly guesthouse is situated in the picturesque Dana Valley and offers visitors a unique experience in the heart of the nature reserve.
  • Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp Experience traditional Bedouin hospitality by staying in one of the many Bedouin camps scattered throughout Wadi Rum.

What to Buy in Southern Desert: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Spices and herbs Jordan boasts an array of spices and herbs, including sumac, za’atar, and turmeric.
  • Textiles and rugs Handmade textiles and rugs are a specialty in the Southern Desert region, and visitors can find a wide selection of colors and designs.
  • Pottery Jordanian pottery is both beautiful and functional, often featuring intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Desert

Southern Desert is primarily Muslim, and visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when in public. Women should cover their heads when visiting mosques or conservative areas.

Best Time to Visit Southern Desert

The best time to visit Southern Desert is from March to May or September to November when the weather is mild and enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Desert

Do:

  • Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  • Dress modestly.
  • Negotiate prices in markets and with taxi drivers.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan.
  • Kiss or hug in public, as it is considered inappropriate.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Desert

Jordan is a relatively safe country, and the government has invested in tourism security measures. Visitors should be mindful of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded or touristy areas.

Health in Southern Desert

Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Visitors should also take precautions to prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses.

Getting to Southern Desert: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Desert

  • Queen Alia International Airport Amman’s airport is the main gateway to Jordan and is located approximately 235 kilometers away from Petra and 320 kilometers away from Wadi Rum.

Bus Stations Near Southern Desert

  • JETT Bus Station JETT buses run daily between Amman and Petra, Aqaba, and Wadi Rum.

Other Options

  • Private Transfer Private car or transfer services are also available from Amman, Petra or Aqaba to any destination in the Southern Desert.

How to Get Around in Southern Desert

Most visitors opt to move around Southern Desert using taxis, rental cars or private transfers. For visitors hotel booking or through tour operators, exploring the region in a private 4x4 and guided by a Bedouin guide is also available.

Where to Go Next from Southern Desert: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Aqaba Aqaba is a charming coastal city on the Red Sea, with excellent beaches and world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities.
  • Wadi Mujib Known as the “Grand Canyon of Jordan”, Wadi Mujib offers a dramatic gorge filled with waterfalls, canyons and scenic trails.
  • Jerash One of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy, Jerash is a fascinating ancient site filled with well-preserved theatres, temples, and avenues.

Conclusion

Southern Desert is a tropical paradise that is perfect for all kinds of travelers. From the rich history of Petra to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Wadi Rum, there’s never a dull moment in the region. Explore Southern Desert’s enchanting countryside, relax under the sun, and appreciate the local culture to your heart’s content.



    Aqaba
    Tala Bay