Jordan الأردن

In September 2022, some friends and I spent 2 weeks road tripping the length of Jordan, in an attempt to see as much of the country as possible. From bustling cities to vast arid deserts, Jordan has cemented itself as one of my favourite places in the world.

The busy capital is where we started our epic journey. Between the chaotic streets lined with bustling markets and delicious food, lies the remnants of ancient Roman civilisations that once ruled the region.

Amman

Cityscape of densely packed buildings in Amman, Jordan, with a flagpole flying the Jordanian flag at sunset.
A woman standing inside an ancient stone structure with arches, illuminated by a beam of sunlight coming through a high window in Jordan.

The Eastern Desert

400km East of Amman, the vast Deserts on the border of Iraq and Saudi Arabia, are home to ancient remnants of civilisations long lost.

Ancient stone buildings with a well and wooden structure in an arid desert landscape in Jordan.
An elderly man playing bagpipes at the ancient ruins of Jerash, Jordan.
Sunset over the ocean with a small land formation in the foreground and the sky gradually changing from yellow to pale blue in the Dead Sea in Jordan.

At an altitude of 1412 ft below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth.

I had read online that most tourist swimming areas were owned by expensive hotel chains, so we opted instead for a lesser known local’s spot to watch the sunset and float atop the salty surface, after a long day travelling the King’s Highway.

The Dead Sea

A desert landscape with a body of water, rocky terrain in the foreground, and mountains in the background at sunset at the Dead Sea in Jordan.

I have wanted to see the Lost City of Petra ever since it appeared on screen in Indiana Jones. We spent a total of 3 whole days roaming the narrow crevices and rocky peaks admiring the ancient remnants of the Nabatean city and waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise over Ad Deir.

The Lost City of Petra

Historical rock-cut sandstone structure with intricate architectural details, situated in a desert canyon with a person riding a donkey in the foreground at Petra, Jordan.
The photograph shows the ancient city of Petra, specifically the Treasury building, viewed through a narrow canyon with rocky walls, highlighting the ornate facade with columns and carved details, partially illuminated by sunlight.
A large tree with thick branches and green leaves in the foreground, with rocky desert cliffs in the background under a bright sky in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

The sprawling dessert of Wadi Rum has been used as a location for countless films like Dune, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Being a bit of a movie buff, I was incredibly excited to see this place with my own eyes. It did not disappoint.

Wadi Rum

A desert landscape with large rocky formations at sunset or sunrise, featuring reddish-brown sand and clear sky in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

Our camp in the desert. One of the most tranquil places I’ve ever been. We spent a total of 3 days exploring the rolling dunes, watching the dreamiest sunsets and camping out under the stars.

A desert landscape with rock formations and five black, striped tents with small surrounding lights in a desert camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan.