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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Dana, Jordan
View on Google MapsThis four-day hike (Dana -> Petra) with Essa and team became the highlight of my entire Jordan trip! I joined as a solo traveller and couldn’t have been luckier to end up with Essa and the wonderful little group he brought together. We had so much fun throughout the whole journey – by the end, it felt like family. :) Even before the hike began, communication was perfect. You could ask anything at any time – Essa was always happy to help and incredibly responsive. From the moment we set out, we were surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. But this experience was so much more than just a hike; it was an immersion into Bedouin culture, complete with tea gatherings with locals and stories by the fire. Many thanks to Essa, who really went above and beyond to make every moment special. His passion for what he does, his love for his culture, and his dedication to making sure every single person feels welcomed and cared for can be noticed in everything he shares with you. You truly feel that he wants you to experience Jordan, not just to visit it. Everything was well organized and highly professional – arriving at camp each afternoon to find the tents already set up, the fire glowing, and tea and delicious food cooked by the team waiting for us was a daily treat. And the knafeh over the fire… an absolute highlight! Imagine gooey melted cheese, crispy crust, syrupy sweetness, and a crunchy sprinkle of pistachios – a MUST-TRY when you come to Jordan!! I honestly cannot recommend it enough and feel so grateful for everything I got to experience: days filled with endless laughter, warmth, hospitality, adventure, and the kind of memories that stay with you long after the journey ends. If you're looking for a unique, authentic experience, this is it! THANK YOU Essa & team!
$593
per personPricing
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Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
I hiked the Dana-to-Petra trail in Jordan in October, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Essa, along with his brother and cousin, made the journey even more special. They were incredibly fun to be with, and their warm, welcoming energy kept our small group laughing throughout the trek. The food was amazing - fresh, flavorful, and a real highlight of each day. Essa is a highly competent guide who knows the region inside and out. He shared so much about Bedouin culture, history, and daily life, which added real depth and meaning to the hike. Overall, it was a beautiful blend of adventure, culture and genuine hospitality. I couldn’t recommend this experience more!
I hiked the Jordan Trail section from Dana to Little Petra in mid-September with my guides Essa and Ahmed, and it was an awesome experience! Right from the start, communication was quick, professional, and very helpful. During the four days, everything was perfectly organized: the camps were very comfortable with water and supplies, the meals were not just tasty but truly delicious – one evening even cooked by their sister – and we always had lunch packs for the trail. Even though I was the only guest, they arranged everything with the same level of care and detail I would expect for a group. Essa and Ahmed are without a doubt the best guides I’ve met in more than ten years of backpacking. Traveling with them felt relaxed and friendly, like being on a trip with friends. They both speak excellent English, are warm and welcoming, and made the days on the trail something very special. The hike from Dana to Little Petra was beautiful, with an incredible and diverse landscape – albeit quite hot and dusty, as it was the end of summer. On Essa’s suggestion we included Wadi Ghuweir, which was a real highlight: we walked and climbed through the river flowing in the wadi, took a swim, and enjoyed the lush green vegetation. Along the way I learned a lot about Jordan’s history and culture, but also got a very personal look into Bedouin life, as both are from a local Bedouin family and seemed to know almost everyone we met on the trail. We were spontaneously invited several times, baked bread with goat herders, listened to traditional Bedouin flute music, shared tea – and on the last day I was even invited to join a Bedouin wedding. That was an incredible experience and something I’ll never forget. This trip was not only a scenic hike but also a rich cultural experience. It was easily one of the most rewarding travel experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re considering the Jordan Trail, I can’t recommend Essa and Ahmed highly enough.
We got the chance to meet the three young men, who are behind the Jordan Trail Guide. Essa is founder of the local organization. What really made a difference for us, was that Essa made us feel like at home here in Jordan. Essa grew up in this area, and knows the area and culture better than anyone else. We hiked the Jordan Trail unsupported, at met Essa, who gave us updated local information about the weather on the trail and he also arranged a water drop, due to temperatures above 40 Celsius when we were hiking The Jordan Trail. Essa is fluently in English and provide amazing and down to earth experiences on the Jordan Trail, that will connect you with nature and the local people. We highly recommend to get in contact with him no matter, if you want to hike the Jordan trail with or without a guide.
Incredible experience. Essa and his brothers Ahmad and Yusuf make for a brilliant team! From the prompt replies on WhatsApp before arriving in the country to organise our trek (Dana to Petra, then to Wadi Rum), throughout the trek, and even after when we met again in Amman, Essa’s organisation is second to none. The logistics were all smooth, the (local) food cooked each meal was always delicious (and plentiful!), and the camping arrangements sufficient. They’re happy to adjust plans flexibly if you’re in a smaller group depending on ability, needs etc. which is nice. The baggage transfer each day is great so that you only have to carry a daypack with lunch, water (both provided) and snacks. During our trek we decided to start each day at 6am to avoid the midday heat, where we’d break for a few hours to relax and nap, following Essa’s expert advice. The guides are all locals and stopping occasionally for tea breaks with their local friends and family is wholesome and truly authentic of the Bedouin culture. They know every inch of the trail so we felt completely safe under their guidance, particularly as some parts of the trail seem difficult to navigate. Essa said at the start that we will not be treated as clients, but rather as friends - this was absolutely true. It was a real pleasure letting Essa and his brothers lead us through this amazing country. As for the Jordan Trail itself, it is an incredible experience through breathtaking landscapes, and not one to be missed. Highly recommend.
The hike was beautiful, very interesting and sporty! Enchanting landscapes, friendly people and many animals (goats, sheep, dromedaries, desert foxes etc). The hike was very good and organized with a lot of love. The two hiking guides, Essa and his brother Ahmad are cool and very nice guys. I got to know her family and learned a lot about Bedouin life. Both cook very well and have looked after me lovingly! Ideal for solo travelers women! Great recommendation!
I did the Jordan trail from Dana to Petra from April 21th to 25th. Essa and his brother Ahmad organized everything for us, and we had nothing to worry about. They are 100% reliable and recommended, everything was smooth and as planned. Their energy and empathy made this trip unforgettable. Thank you guys!
We had a fantastic time hiking from Dana to Little Petra with Essa. The scenery is absolutely spectacular and changes every day - this hike was definitely the highlight of our trip to Jordan. Hiking with Essa was a delight - he really cared that we were having a good time and consistently made sure we were having a high quality experience. He took us on the best trails through the desert, made us tea on open fires as we hiked, and was excellent company to talk to. The campsites were always well set up in beautiful locations, and the food cooked by Ahmad was consistently very good. Essa manages to find a excellent balance - running a professional hiking operation whilst also providing a really genuine and personal experience. We would wholeheartedly recommend Essa to anyone looking to hike parts of the Jordan Trial.
