Jordan feels like so much more than a place on a map. To me, it is the kind of destination that stays with you, a living, open air museum filled with ancient stories, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and the warmth of genuine Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether you are drawn to history, adventure or simply the chance to experience something completely different, Jordan has a way of making every moment feel unforgettable. Few places can pack so much wonder into such a small country. One moment, you can be walking through the narrow canyon of Petra and suddenly find yourself standing before its incredible, hand carved façade. Later, you can float effortlessly in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea, before ending the day in the vast silence of Wadi Rum, sharing hot sage tea with Bedouins beneath a sky filled with stars. It is these moments, the unexpected, the personal and the unforgettable, that make Jordan a journey you carry with you long after the desert sand has left your shoes.
TRAVEL & PHOTO CONDITIONS
| Time | End of March 2023 |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry | Sunny ☀ |
| Temperature | 10 to 28 °C |
| Photo Potential | |
| Physical Difficulty | |
| Accessibility | |
| Crowd Level | |
| Value for Money |
TRIP ESSENTIAL BOOKINGS
ENTRANCE VISA
ACCOMMODATION
Ad / Affiliate links | Find your accommodation with Booking.com
WADI RUM TOUR OPERATOR
Ad / Affiliate links | Find your guided trip with FindYourGuide
CAR RENTAL
The 8 Day Photography Itinerary
This 8 day journey through Jordan is one of those trips that gives you a little bit of everything. Starting along the Red Sea and making your way towards the Dead Sea, the route takes you through some of the country’s most incredible landscapes and historic places. I found driving around Jordan surprisingly easy and would definitely recommend hiring a car. The roads are generally straightforward, distances are manageable and having your own car gives you the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye and explore at your own pace. I would also recommend planning your days around the light, particularly at Petra, where seeing the ancient stone glowing in the early morning or late afternoon can make the experience even more special. For anyone who loves photography, Jordan is a dream, with the red landscapes of Wadi Rum, dramatic desert scenery and the incredible details carved into Petra offering something new around every corner. Travelling around Jordan is generally easy, but it is worth being prepared for plenty of walking. Petra in particular is much bigger than you might expect, and exploring its ruins means spending several hours on uneven paths and climbing some steep sections. Walking through the desert can also be tiring, especially in the heat, but I found that these are the moments that make the journey feel like a real adventure. With a little planning, getting around is straightforward, the costs feel reasonable, and having a car makes it much easier to see more of the country without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Arrival in Aqaba
Landing and Getting Settled
We arrived at Aqaba Airport, picked up the rental car, and drove into Aqaba City to get settled. We spent the afternoon exploring the coastal city.
Sleep: 1 night in Aqaba.
Days 2 to 3: Wadi Rum and The Ancient City
Day 2: Into the Desert
Drive to Wadi Rum Parking (📍MAP)
We drove early to Wadi Rum Village, where our Bedouin tour operator was waiting for us. We left the rental car safely at the designated parking area.
Desert Exploration
We enjoyed a fantastic private tour through the desert, visiting beautiful sites and taking in the sweeping red landscapes in the bright daylight.
Bedouin Hospitality
We spent the night at the camp and enjoyed traditional Bedouin hospitality beneath the stars.
Sleep: 1 night in Wadi Rum (camping).
Day 3: Journey to Petra
Return to the Village
We transferred from the desert camp back to Wadi Rum Village, picked up the car, and followed the scenic road north to Wadi Musa (Petra).
The Back Entry (📍MAP)
We purchased a visitor ticket valid for three days at the heritage site. We spent the afternoon entering Petra via the back entrance, which gave us a brilliant and unique perspective away from the heaviest crowds. We entered Petra from the rear through Little Petra, which provided easier access to Al Deir without requiring us to climb as many stairs. We reached Little Petra by taking the shuttle from the main gate.
Sleep: 1 night in Wadi Musa.
Day 4: Exploring Petra
Petra Main Entrance (📍MAP)
We made an early start at the main entrance of the Petra Heritage Site and spent a couple of hours exploring the iconic Treasury and surrounding ancient structures in the beautiful morning light.
Rest and Recovery
We spent a relaxing afternoon back at the hotel, recharging after a long morning of walking and exploring.
Sleep: 1 night in Wadi Musa.
Days 5 to 6: The Lowest Point on Earth
Day 5: Drive to the Dead Sea
To the Dead Sea (📍MAP)
We drove down to Mujib (Dead Sea) and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. We also experienced the unique sensation of floating in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, which was one of the highlights of the trip.
Sleep: 1 night at Mujib (Dead Sea).
Day 6: Dead Sea Relaxation
Coastal Downtime
We enjoyed another relaxing day at the Dead Sea. Unfortunately, Mujib Canyon was closed, but the resorts and coastline still gave us plenty of opportunities to unwind and take photos.
Sleep: 1 night at Mujib (Dead Sea).
Days 7 to 8: Return to the Red Sea
Day 7: Drive to Aqaba
Day 8: Departure
Journey Home
We headed back to Aqaba Airport for our flight home, bringing our incredible Jordan road trip to an end.
THE JORDAN SURVIVAL & LOGISTICS GUIDE
Essential Ground Data for Travel & Photography Planning
Before packing camera bags and heading out, navigating Jordan smoothly requires tactical preparation. Below is the essential practical information needed to turn a photography road trip into a seamless journey.
1. Money, Payments, & Tipping
Jordan runs on the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and cash is highly necessary for tourists.
- The Reality for Foreigners: International credit cards work seamlessly at major hotels and high end restaurants, but local food vendors, desert camps and small markets rarely accept them.
- The Solution: Carry crisp small denomination Dinar notes. ATMs are widely available in Aqaba and Wadi Musa, but ensure you withdraw enough cash before heading into Wadi Rum.
- Tipping Practices: Tipping is customary. Aim for 10 percent at sit down restaurants and keep small coins for local guides and hotel staff.
2. Transit Between Cities
Navigating the geographic distances between Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra and the Dead Sea is best done independently.
- The Photographer’s Choice (Rental Car): Renting a private car is highly recommended. It allows pulling over for spontaneous roadside photo opportunities and safely stores heavy gear during transitions. The main roads like the Desert Highway and the scenic Kings Highway are well maintained.
- Navigation: Mobile signal can drop in deep valleys. Always download offline maps before leaving your hotel to ensure you stay on route.
3. Connectivity & Mobile Setup
Having reliable mobile data is mandatory for navigation and verifying monument opening hours dynamically.
The best option is purchasing an eSIM (such as Airalo) prior to arrival. Download Airalo app. Get GBP £2.50 off your first eSIM purchase with Airalo. Use code KAMIL9100 when you sign up or at checkout. https://airalo.go.link/6HJXXThe most frictionless route is purchasing an eSIM prior to arrival. If your smartphone is not compatible, purchase a physical SIM card from providers like Zain or Orange directly at the Aqaba Airport arrivals hall. This requires a physical passport for registration.
4. Monument Rules & Cultural Etiquette
Photographing historic and sacred spaces in Jordan requires a blend of digital strategy and cultural respect.
The Jordan Pass
Purchasing the Jordan Pass online before arrival is essential. It waives the tourist visa fee and includes prepaid entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra and Wadi Rum. This saves incredible amounts of time and money at the entry gates.
Gear Restrictions
Drones are strictly prohibited in Jordan without highly complex commercial permits obtained months in advance. Leave them at home to avoid confiscation at the border. Tripods are generally permitted at major sites like Petra, but always double check with local guards and respect restricted zones.
Cultural Etiquette
Jordan is a conservative country. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees completely, especially outside of the coastal resorts. Carrying a lightweight scarf in your camera bag is useful for sun protection and modest dressing.
5. Gear Protection & Packing Essentials
The desert environment can be harsh on sensitive photography electronics due to fine ambient dust and sand.
- Dust Mitigation: Bring a high quality manual blower, microfibre cloths, and lens cleaning fluid. Avoid changing lenses in the open desert wind of Wadi Rum to protect your camera sensor.
- Footwear Strategy: Petra requires kilometres of walking on uneven rocky terrain. Durable walking shoes with strong grip are vastly superior to casual trainers or sandals.
Quick Reference Travel Checklist
| Category | Action Item & Protocol |
|---|---|
| Hydration | The desert sun is intense. Always carry plenty of sealed bottled water in your vehicle and day pack. |
| Entry Documents | Purchase and download your digital Jordan Pass to your phone before boarding your flight. |
| Navigation | Download offline maps for the entire country before leaving Wi Fi zones. |
| Camera Bags | Utilise a discreet and comfortable backpack fitted with a dust cover. |
Thanks for sharing this!
you are welcome!