Trekking in Jordan - Day by Day Account - Wadi Rum

Out of the main entrance, we realized we majority miscalculated. Where were we meeting Ray? To complicate matters we lacked not only a phone but also Ray’s number. Luckily Yousef gave me his business card, so we had someone call him and he called Ray. We were picked up and started a private journey into Wadi Rum, the heart of the desert. First we stopped by Lawrence of Arabia’s cave, and then a joy ride on the dunes with Ray flooring the 4x4 down a steep dune. Finally, we arrived at our goal. A specific stone bridge (Barda Ikhbir or the Big Bridge) I wanted to shoot Jennifer.

It matched the beauty of any arch in Utah’s Arch’s National Park, but had camels! Gotta love the camels for props.

We got to the arch and of course the camels weren’t there. Ray said not to worry and while we set up he would go find the camels and their owners. As he left us I couldn’t help but wonder what happens if he didn’t come back. We didn’t take any water and we were in the middle of the desert. We need to get smarter. No fear though, he arrived 10 minutes later wearing the smile of success and shortly after two camels appeared.

We finished our shots relatively quickly and then went on for more of tour of Wadi Rum, complete with a roller coaster dune ride (much to the dismay of my stomach).

We then returned to the group for a fun filled albeit touristy camel ride.

After the ride we were dropped off to walk into camp. Having planned a lot of the trip, I knew why Ray was doing this. The group, which was literally and figuratively in the dark was not necessarily on board with the extra distance. Of course, any discontent dissipated when they stepping into camp. The camp was set up in a crevice between to walls of rock. Ray had candles lit like in Petra throughout. The view was awesome.

While I focused on capturing the view from the camp, Charles headed out and got a shot of the camp from afar that was definitely the money shot of the trip!

Again, we slept under the stars on mattresses and couldn’t have been happier, that is except for Michael S once again making the campground his bathroom!

The story continues...

This trip was organized by Discover Jordan. We can not praise them enough. If you are considering a trip to Jordan, please reach out to them. They were wonderful to work with an exceeded all of our expecations!