Treks and Trails of Jordan: Environment

"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"

"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."

"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"

"A few thoughts of Jordan"

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:23:00 GMT

Feedback on Jordan Dynamic - a 9 day adventure holiday.

By Elizabeth Shoreland

"On touching down in Amman my perception of Jordon - somewhat naively - was one dominated by deserts, the Rose City and bobbing up and down in the Dead Sea. Granted, some activity would be needed to conquer these well known tourist sites, but on discovering that I was going on an "Active Jordon" trip I certainly felt some trepidation: was I going to be able to master cycling, hiking and camel riding in two short weeks? On reflection this was the best way to get a glimpse into the heart of Jordon: while ensuring that we did not miss the more well known tourist attractions the trip took us off the beaten track and exposed us to different aspects of the country and Jordanian life.

The trip was all go from the begining. We toured the Roman city of Jesrah before taking to our bikes in order to cycle through the northern part of the Jordan Valley with its fertile fields and ancient olive trees. We then headed to the Dead Sea where - just like in the posters - we were able float around, before heading to the Dana Nature Reserve. Our hike in the Dana Nature Reserve provided a great insight in the huge variety of ecological systems that exist in the area and dashed any remaining thoughts I had about Jordon being all deserts.

It was then onto Petra where we were able to marvel at the sheer scale of this city carefully carved into the rock, Petra, however, was full to the brim with tourists, and while it was amazing, it was also fantastic to make our escape to Wadi Rum. I never imagined that a desert could hold so much beauty. The Jebels provided an amazing playground and our host, Salam showed us that life in Wadi Rum was action packed: hiking, rock scrambling, camel riding and not to mention crazy antics by the fire at night.

On leaving Wadi Rum we continued our journey south to the Red Sea. I knew the Red Sea was famous for its technicolour marine life: I was not disappointed. Tropical fish and corals were easily spotted during snorkeling excursions during our lazy afternoon on the beach. The next morning we motored north back to Amman. As we were travelling during the holy month of Ramadan we had decided to head into the city to experience Iftar (the breaking of the fast). In the late afternoon the city appeared to have come to a standstill as people attempted to make it home for Iftar. The temporary noise and chaos of those finally few hours however were worth it simply to experience the evening meal in a local restaurant.

All too soon our trip was over. It had been nine actioned packed days that saw us conquering all sorts of transport modes (even run-away camels) and seeing some of the many beautiful sights of Jordon. More importantly though we had meet a number of Jordanians who had, with unrivalled enthusiasm, shared their country and experiences with us: while I have no photos of that experience, it is inevitably the one that I will remember most vividly."

"I returned quite enthused..."

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:28:00 GMT

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

Richard Soghier:

"its worth redoing. I returned quite enthused, and felt few years younger. Except for the food, the trip was excellent. The bread, and contents of the sandwiches left lot to be desired."

Wadi Ibn Hammad and Karak Castle , 15 August 2008.

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"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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