Treks and Trails of Jordan: Abseiling

"It could be a dangerous..."

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:33:00 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Al Karak canyoning adventure

By Rawan Al-Sourchi

"This was my first hiking trip and I must say that it was a fantastic experience thanks to the guides who had it well organised. In this Wadi I saw some of the most beautiful scenery in Jordan. As we hiked through the canyon we came across a different tropical environment for every kilometre. This Wadi full of water springs, waterfalls and hanging gardens was wonderful to see. Sleeping overnight by the waterfall was a great way of experiencing what nature has to offer. Yes it was a bit noisy with the sound of frogs & insects, but looking up at the stars shining so bright, while laying down with the sound of the waterfall just a short distance away, made this adventure a pleasant and enjoyable one to always remember. If you would ever like to see the 'Hidden Heavens' of Jordan which is what I would like to call it, then joining the programme Terhaal has to offer is the best way to do so.

The Rappelling was very fun as we did a couple over the cliffs and below the waterfalls. It could be a dangerous environment to rappel in but thanks to the professional guides at Terhaal it was setup with very high safety measures. This ensured us to enjoy it to the maximum. I would definitely consider joining another adventure with Terhaal as the information provided before hand was very accurate, and I really enjoyed every moment of our trip.

With Many Thanks to Rakan, Raad, Oudai and Atef

Rawan"

"Two hours waiting in the sun..."

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:07:54 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure

By Wilma Bromilow

"The long waintin times before and after abseiling. Two hours waiting in the sun, is really too long. Perhaps the groups can be made smaller next time! "

"I have done many hiking trips but..."

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:01:00 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure

By Maali Qasem

"I have done many hiking trips but very few were as well managed and handled by the guide as this one making it a very enjoyable and stress free trip. Thank you so much for putting in so much effort to ensure our safety and enjoyment."

"Payment issue: too complicated... "

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:46:00 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure

By Julie Leclercq

"What a wonderful day!

Thank to Terhaal company to organize this adventure for us to Wadi Zarqa Ma'In...
What is great is that they made a special trip for our group based on our request...
So we were only 6 friends with 3 guides and we had a very special and exciting day!
Landscapes are amazing, the Terhaal Team is really nice, your sensations are guaranteed with the abseiling but 200% safe!
I would highly recommend this trip to those who would like to discover new activities in Jordan....and there are many Wadis to try!

POSITIVE
- Good organization
- Nice team and really professional
- safety rules were well highlited
- good equipment
- nice lunch package ++ for the tea!

NEGATIVE
- Nothing regarding the trip itself...
- Maybe having the possibility to swimm in Mai'In hot springs after the trip? instead of waiting for the bus....
- Improve timing wit the bus for pick-up
- Payment issue: too complicated the fact that we needed to go to Mecca Mall to book the trip. You should trust the client when we give you a written confirmation that we are coming because it's easier to pay you directly when arriving in Madaba.

Julie from France "

"The attention to safety... was paramount"

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:39:47 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure

By Steve & Otilia Lennox

"Our recent trip to Wadi Zarqa on the 11 July 2008 was truly exhilarating, enjoyable and pleasurable experience; being able to navigate and rappel through some of the most stunning and spectacular sights Jordan has to offer was wonderful; this is a must for individuals who want a break away from the norm and put some energy back into an outdoor pursuit…

The attention to safety for all during the trip was seen to be of a very high standard and executed by very confident and experienced guides; particular attention to detail for safety was paramount at the rappel stages; with all of our group being able to enjoy the experience “many and inclusive of my wife” for the first time abseil-rappelling over some very challenging cliffs and verticals.

As a former member of the British army with some experience of this type of activities; I would have no hesitation in giving my personal recommendation in relation to this trip being a thoroughly enjoyable, challenging but safe experience.

Don’t forget your camera!!!

Looking forward to more trips with you!

All the best to Terhaal

Steve&Otilia Lennox "

"...it seemed a little bit longer than necessary"

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:08:00 GMT

Feedback on Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure

By Ellie Seats

"Thank you for a wonderful trip to Zarqa-Main canyon. I so appreciate your eco-consciousness and community awareness. I found the guides to be both friendly and competent and the equipment excellent. I think it will move smoother and faster if first time rapelers experience leaning back and releasing the rope before going over the ledge, as your guide demonstrated. Some had difficulty/nervousness letting go of the strap because they didn't know what to expect from the rapel ring. A few seconds leaning back in a safe setting and learning to trust the rope and understand how to release it may help speed things up. Also, the wait at the final rapel was probably a little longer than necessary--for those who went first, it would have been quite long. Understanding the need to give guides a lunch break/rest, it seemed a little bit longer than necessary. Otherwise, a very well organized and pleasant trip. I will join you for more. Ellie"

"Our trip to Wadi Zarka Ma'in was a sort of surprise..."

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:42:00 GMT

Would you like to write a testimonial to be published on our blog for other travellers to read?

"Our trip to Wadi Zarka Ma'in was a sort of surprise present to my kids especially Rania who had just finished a gruelling boring year of Tawjihi a week before. I didn't give them any details exept that were going to leave early and what to take with them. I can tell you it was a great success. Both talked about this adventure for days later and this means something (You know how hard it is to surprise and please teenagers these days!)

Here is why:

- Your trips are well organized, you are punctual and accurate.
- You have a great team, they work very hard and are so professional, everybody has an excellent attitude.
- The food was perfectly calculated and balanced even for hungry teenagers.
- Your emphasis on safety made the trip even more enjoyable.
- The area is so beautiful you simply have to fall in love with it.

My recommendation: Physically, this trip is an excellent exercise but for counting it part of ecotourism it could be more informative on our nature. The more you know about something the more you learn to respect and cherish it. By pointing out important plants and animals (like the birds, fish and frogs we saw) or even sorts of rocks by name you can inspire especially young people to learn more and care more about our environment.

I noticed the english lady asking about the rose flowering bushes in the wadi and someone told her that they were Rododendrons, which is of course wrong. These bushes are Nerium Oleander which decorate our wadis by blooming all summer. They are very poisonous though, so care should be taken that no one picks up leaves or flowers without washing their hands thouroughly afterwards.

There are excellent books on Jordanian flora and fauna in the royal society for the conservation of nature and the Jordan University.s Old people and locals are even better sources of information if you have access to them.

I congratulate you on you excellent work and wonderful team and wish you all the best Rakan.

I will send you some pics of the trip and special pics for Layali as soon as I can.

Best regards
Reem Bdour"

Wadi Zarqa Ma'in canyoning adventure, 11 July 2008.

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