Oh Jordan! Who would have thought that it is so easy to fall in love with you?! When booking my trip to this beautiful country in the Middle East, I had no idea what diverse landscapes, history, and food who expect me. But what caught my breath the most, was the warm-hearted welcome by the people of Jordan.
Even if you’re not interested in food or history, you could visit Jordan for photographic reasons only! After my 10 day trip to Jordan, all my SD camera cards were completely full!
The diversity of the country ranges from steep valleys, high mountains (some even with snow) and endless deserts to the seaside! And as if that was not enough, the contrastful landscapes of Jordan are sprinkled with some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring monuments on the planet. Think of the Pink City of Petra, the Arches of Jerash, the Citadel of Amman,…
When looking for natural wonders, Jordan has got it all: from the Dead Sea, Jordan and the beaches of Aqaba to the desert of Wadi Rum! The one that created Jordan must have been very inspired to put so many markedly different landscapes.
Jordan is a playground for photography lovers, and men; I played around a lot! That’s why today, I bring you my favorite photographs of my very personal highlights of Jordan.
1. The Treasury, Petra
You never know about the weather in Jordan. When we arrived at the Treasury of Petra, the Pink City, it started snowing! The long siq towards the treasury, the empty space (being the first visitors of that day standing in front of the awe-inspiring temple), the snowflakes,… Petra will always stays a magical souvenir.
2. The Monastery, Petra
3. Dunes in Wadi Rum
Dancing on the Al Hasany Dunes. While there are dunes in several places around Wadi Rum, the most striking are the red sands that bank up against Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya. They are a must of any Wadi Rum camel or jeep tour.
The area also hosts some of the best hiking trails in Jordan. It’s thus perfect for outdoor lovers.
4. Bedouin Camps in Wadi Rum
The view on my beloved Wadi Rum Quiet Village, a Bedouin camp managed by Saleem and his staff. They are a traditional Bedouin family and love to share insights into the Bedouin culture with their guests.
Book here your tent in Wadi Rum Quiet Village
5. Camels in Wadi Rum
6. Tea Time at the Bedouin Camp
It seems that it is always tea time in Wadi Rum. The first question you get when entering the main tent of a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is: “Do you want some tea?“. Sure, why not? It’s the best way to get started into long conversations with the Bedouin community.
Tea changes according to the seasons. At winter, it’s prepared with sage and during summertime, with refreshing mint.
7. Unique Sunsets of Wadi Rum
Sunsets in Wadi Rum desert are something unique. Many Bedouin camps offer excursions to the best spots to enjoy the unique colors of the sunset. I got slightly overwhelmed and had to do a little dance to evacuate all that positive energy.
8. The Citadel in Amman
Early hikes to the citadel in Amman.
9. The Roman Theatre in Amman
10. The Theatre in Jerash
Jerash is one of the most ancient cities in Jordan. It’s the perfect day trip from Amman and the perfect condition of the Roman and Greek ruins will let you feel like in a movie set.
11. The Arch in Jerash
12. The Shores of Dead Sea
The shades of the Dead Sea, Jordan, have a tragic background. You can clearly see the layers of the decreasing salty lake. Every year, the Dead Sea’s level goes down by 10 cm!
READ: The Best Dead Sea Resort and Hotels in Jordan
13. Spa Experiences in Dead Sea
The salt and mud of the Dead Sea are well known for their health benefits. Already the Egyptian queens traveled all the way in order to enjoy a spa experience at the Dead Sea. Read more about the health benefits of Dead Sea mud and salt here.
14. Magical Sunsets of Dead Sea, Jordan
15. The King’s Highway
The King’s Highway is one of the most ancient roads in Jordan. They say that even Moses used it on his way to the “Promised Land”. Nowadays, it is one of the most scenic trails in Jordan and offers jaw-dropping views on the mountains and valleys of Jordan. Here on the picture; a view on Dana Reserve, Jordan.
16. Beaches of Aqaba
Who’d think that Jordan is an excellent beach destination as well? Aqaba has plenty of beaches that lure you to enjoy your holidays in the south of Jordan. On top, the city comes with plenty of bars and excellent seafood restaurants. So, make sure that you stay a little longer in Aqaba, Jordan.
17. Diving in Aqaba
The Red Sea has one of the most diverse sea underworld on this planet! It’s plenty of colorful fishes and flora. Many travellers only visit Aqaba for its unique diving sites.
18. Luxury Hotels in Aqaba
Aqaba is on its way to become the most up-beat luxury destination in the Middle East. The newly created Ayala Oasis will lure you to spend you luxury holidays in Aqaba.
19. Wearing the Bedouin scarf: Shemagh/Keffiyeh
The Bedouin scarf, also known as shemagh or keffiyeh, is the traditional headgear for men in Jordan. It can be worn with or without agal-rope and it is particularly handy in the desert when the wind is blowing sand. The Jordanian cloth is traditionally red and white.
20. Dinner at the Bedouin Camp, Wadi Rum
Hospitality is an important part in Jordan and the Bedouin culture. We were received with open arms and hearts, particularly in the Wadi Rum Quiet Village. On the picture, you see Saleem, the manager with his cook. They prepared dinner according to the traditional Bedouin style during which the food is slowly cooked during hours under the ground.
Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip
- You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my GoPro in order to shoot even in extreme situations.
- Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and hiking sandals when traveling to warm countries.
- Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my eco-friendly sunscreen by Thinksport.
- I always carry a light rain jacket, just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies.
- Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials.
- Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books.
- Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel protected against all odds with HeyMondo
To make the most of your Jordan trip, I recommend Lonely Planet Jordan
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀