The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Inside My 10-Day Journey Through Jordan

When individuals consider Jordan, photos of bubble tents scattered throughout the desert, cinematic scenes from Dune, and the sandstone metropolis of Petra, one of many world’s wonders, would possibly come to thoughts. As a Black lady traveler who craves adrenaline-fueled adventures, I skilled a unique aspect of this Middle Eastern gem, and it didn’t disappoint. Whether mountaineering historic trails or floating within the Dead Sea, Jordan is filled with thrills. And with new continuous flights from Dallas to Amman launching in May 2026 on Royal Jordanian, it’s simpler than ever to get there. If you’re in search of greater than the standard sightseeing journey, listed here are 5 adventures to join.

Hot Air Ballooning in Wadi Rum

Waking up earlier than daybreak and bumping alongside desert roads in a Jeep is a bit disorientating, however it’s all value it to see large balloons, ready to be crammed with air to take flight over the sandstone mountains of Wadi Rum. There’s nothing fairly like watching the dawn over the desert from a scorching air balloon to get your coronary heart racing. The flight provides sweeping panoramic views immersed in shades of crimson and gold. The 20-minute experience with Balloons Over Rum flies excessive above terrain as soon as traversed by Bedouins and used as a backdrop for movies like The Martian. For Black girls vacationers in search of moments of serenity and marvel, this expertise provides each in abundance.

Hiking the Jordan Trail

While you won’t have 40 days and 40 nights to stroll your entire 650km-long Jordan Trail, tackling even a brief part of it’s value your time. Stretching from Um Qais within the north to Aqaba within the south, the path showcases the nation’s various magnificence. The route passes by way of 75 villages, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and nomadic Bedouin camps. If you don’t need to take this hike on by your self, the not-for-profit Jordan Trail Association organizes guided thru-hikes every spring and fall, in addition to shorter day hikes.

Stargazing in Wadi Feynan

Far from the sunshine air pollution of cities, Wadi Feynan is likely one of the greatest locations on Earth to witness the cosmos, and Feynan Eco Lodge is a good place to take action. The 26 visitor rooms run totally on solar energy. Hallways are lit with flickering candles, meals are communal, and also you would possibly run right into a goat or two. It’s utterly off-grid, providing an exciting second of peace. At night time, the employees will information you thru constellations and planets that may be seen with the bare eye (don’t fear, there’s additionally a telescope).

Snorkeling within the Red Sea

Down south in Aqaba, the Red Sea really shines an exquisite blue hue. Jordan’s solely coastal metropolis is well turning into the diving hub of the area, with 230 miles of shoreline. Several corporations within the space present full PADI programs. If you’re already licensed, dive deep to see world-famous coral reefs and shipwrecks. The Gulf is dwelling to the northernmost coral reef and over 500 species of tropical fish. If snorkeling isn’t for you, absorb a second of luxurious on a ship cruise the place you may bask within the solar.

Wadi Mujib Canyoning

For pure adrenaline, nothing beats Wadi Mujib, usually referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Jordan.” I signed up for the Siq Trail, the most well-liked canyoning route within the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, and it turned out to be one of many highlights of my journey. Just north of the Dead Sea, the reserve is the bottom on the earth and is just open from April to October. This isn’t your common hike; count on to climb, wade, swim, and scramble your method by way of highly effective streams and pure waterfalls, all whereas surrounded by towering canyon partitions. It was intense, exhilarating, and a complete adrenaline rush. Just you’ll want to put on correct footwear and be able to get soaked.