| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 39 | 2.50 |
| Feb | 55 | 40 | 2.50 |
| Mar | 61 | 44 | 1.70 |
| Apr | 71 | 51 | 0.70 |
| May | 80 | 57 | 0.10 |
| Jun | 85 | 63 | 0 |
| Jul | 88 | 67 | 0 |
| Aug | 88 | 67 | 0 |
| Sep | 85 | 64 | 0 |
| Oct | 79 | 58 | 0.20 |
| Nov | 66 | 49 | 1.10 |
| Dec | 56 | 42 | 1.90 |
As I head out on camel back toward the Rock Bridge of Burdah, lifting my hat to wipe my brow, it occurs to me that Lawrence of Arabia must have beheld this same view. Beduoins still herd their goats. Ancient cisterns continue to channel the infrequent rainwater. Life in the desert has changed little in the 90 years since Lawrence's time … or even in the centuries before.
We are spending the afternoon exploring the area of Jabal Khazali, noticing the red rocks that create abstract sculptures in the sand. As we approach, we begin following the narrow siq cut into the mountainside and see carved inscriptions that could undoubtedly tell amazing stories of life in ancient times. Just as I pause to trace my finger over one of the carvings, I hear the faint haunting sound of Bedouin music wafting over the dunes. It is nearly sunset and time to head back to camp, where we know our traditional Arabic meal will be waiting.
Since 1997, Raed Omar Saleem has led adventure-seekers on hiking and four-wheel-drive jeep treks through Jordan's deserts. He is trained in first aid, and experienced at handling 4X4 vehicles in challenging desert conditions. In 2004, Saleem received the Jordanian Helm Award for Excellence, and was named guide of the year.
This afternoon, you are met at your hotel and transferred to Wadi Rum, a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock and known for its Bedouin culture and breathtaking scenery. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby area. Travel through the main valley of Wadi Rum to the front of Jabal Khazali. It has a narrow siq (canyon) in the mountainside with many rock inscriptions. Then settle into your Bedouin-style tent in the desert. As you enjoy the sunset, the staff prepares a delicious meal of traditional Arabic and Mediterranean dishes.
Bedouin Campsite DSet out on camel back toward the Rock Bridge of Burdah, one of the most magnificent natural arches in the world. Explore the nearby cistern area on foot. Filled by an intricate web of canals and dikes, the cisterns trap and channel rainwater from the surrounding hills. Discover rock carvings that depict life in ancient times, observe colorful desert flowers and observe Beduoin boys herding their goats and camels.
Bedouin Campsite B L DAfter breakfast, explore hidden mountain valleys with underground rivers that supply water to the acacia trees and date palms. Continue to the house where Lawrence of Arabia lived during his occupation of Wadi Rum in 1917. Stop for an early lunch at one of the camps in the area for your last Bedouin meal before transferring back to Amman.
B L
