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Offered languages
- English
This is not a typical sightseeing tour—it’s a true off-road expedition into one of Jordan’s least explored regions. Designed for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts, the experience takes you far beyond the usual tourist routes into the remote basalt desert, where some of the country’s oldest and most mysterious archaeological sites remain largely untouched.
You will visit extraordinary locations such as Jawa, one of the earliest planned settlements in the region with one of the world’s oldest known water management systems, and the vast black-stone city of Umm El-Jimal, where you can walk freely through remarkably preserved ruins spanning multiple civilisations.
Combined with private 4×4 transport, a flexible pace, and the comfort of a fully personalised experience, this journey offers a rare opportunity to explore Jordan’s hidden past in a way that feels authentic, adventurous, and truly unforgettable.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
I will meet you in your hotel lobby or at your residence five minutes before the scheduled departure time for a brief introduction and expedition overview.
Itinerary
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1
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, followed by a brief introduction and expedition overview. If you wish, we can make a short stop at Starbucks to pick up your favourite coffee before heading into the desert. We then travel north in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and phone chargers. Sit back and enjoy your coffee and selected snacks as we leave the city behind and enter Jordan’s remote landscapes. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are provided throughout the journey. The drive to our first stop takes approximately 2 hours (150 km).
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
Our first stop is Qasr Deir Al-Kahaf, a remote Roman-era outpost dating to the 4th century AD. Often referred to as the “Monastery of the Caves,” this atmospheric site once served as a frontier station overlooking the surrounding desert. Although only parts of the structure remain, the location itself—isolated and windswept—offers a powerful introduction to the region’s ancient past and sets the tone for the expedition ahead.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
We continue deeper into the high desert to the little-known site of Deir Al-Kinn, perched at an elevation of over 1,100 meters. Hidden within a rugged landscape, the remains here are sparse yet evocative—fragments of walls and stone foundations that hint at long-forgotten activity. The journey itself is part of the experience, with sweeping views across the basalt plains and a sense of true remoteness rarely found in Jordan.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
4
The highlight of the expedition is the extraordinary site of Jawa, one of the oldest known planned settlements in the region, dating back to the late 4th millennium BC. Located in the heart of the Black Desert, Jawa is a remarkable example of early human ingenuity. Here you will discover the remains of one of the world’s earliest dam and water management systems—an advanced network designed to control seasonal floods and sustain life in an otherwise harsh environment. The ruins reveal traces of a once-fortified town, complete with walls, reservoirs, and settlement structures. Despite ongoing research, many aspects of Jawa remain a mystery, adding to its intrigue and significance.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5
Our final major stop is Umm El-Jimal, a vast and beautifully preserved settlement built entirely from black basalt stone. This “Black Oasis” flourished from the Nabataean through the Byzantine and early Islamic periods before being largely abandoned after an earthquake in 749 AD. Walking through its quiet streets, you will encounter towering multi-storey structures, ancient homes, churches, and courtyards—many remarkably intact after centuries of abandonment. The site offers a unique and immersive glimpse into life on the edge of the desert.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6Amman Governorate
After a full day of exploration, we begin our return journey to Amman. You will be dropped off at your hotel or preferred location, concluding a truly unique expedition through some of Jordan’s most remote and historically significant landscapes.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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