6 Days in Jordan, a travel guide

A few weeks ago, I embarked on my first-ever journey to the Middle East, and if I'm being completely honest, there was no place I would have rather explored first than Jordan. This extraordinary trip was meticulously planned for six months, involving numerous tasks such as arranging visa requirements, purchasing flight tickets, crafting a flawless itinerary, managing in-country logistics, and booking accommodations. Phew! It required a great deal of preparation, but I'm sharing my experience so that you won't have to endure the same level of "stress."

During my time in Jordan, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the country's rich culture, history, cuisine, and its warm-hearted people. Over the course of six full days, I explored some of Jordan's most iconic destinations, including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. In this blog, I will provide valuable information about the visa requirements, offer insights into each location I visited, highlight memorable experiences, and outline the costs of various activities. Additionally, I have received numerous requests for a detailed cost breakdown, which I will address in a separate blog post.

Getting an entry visa

As a Nigerian traveler, I faced the usual challenge of visa requirements when planning my trip. Prior to embarking on my journey to Jordan, I conducted thorough research and came across a few blogs and YouTube videos suggesting that Nigerians could obtain a visa on arrival. However, to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected surprises, I decided to contact the Jordanian embassy in The Hague to confirm the information I found online. To my disappointment, I discovered that Nigerians were indeed required to obtain a visa in advance, with the exception being a group of 10 or more people entering Jordan simultaneously, who could acquire a visa on arrival. Since we were just a party of two, we needed to apply for a tourist visa. Below are the details, but please refer here for a comprehensive guide on the visa application process:

Apply for a pre-approval visa on the Ministry of Interior's website. I received a text/email instructing me to make 2 different payments as the application was being processed. After the final payment, I received my pre-approval. The entire process took approximately two weeks.
Take your pre-approved visa to the Jordanian embassy to obtain the actual visa stamp in your passport. In my case, I was able to collect my visa on the same day (you may also inquire about the possibility of a same-day issuance).

Ps: It is crucial to note that the pre-approved visa must be submitted to the Jordanian embassy within one month. Therefore, it is important to plan your timing accurately to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Pps: Jordan Pass - I wanted to mention an option called the Jordan Pass, which unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain. I attempted to acquire it a week before my trip, but encountered an error message throughout the process. When I inquired about it at the embassy, they informed me that my pre-approval number was already linked to a visa, making me ineligible for the Jordan Pass. I highly recommend considering the Jordan Pass (apply here) if it's available to you. It provides access to a remarkable 41 attractions in Jordan, which is absolutely incredible

Climate & What to wear?

May is considered one of the ideal months to visit Jordan, as it marks the beginning of summer. During this time, the weather offers a pleasant blend of coolness and warmth, which I personally enjoyed. Regardless of the season, I recommend dressing modestly when in Jordan, as it is a conservative country. However, feel free to opt for lightweight clothing, especially if you're visiting during the summer months.

Day 1: Amman

Starting with a full day in Amman was a deliberate choice. I wanted to have some rest, explore a few notable sites in the city, and get into the right mindset for the upcoming days. Many travelers opt to head straight to Petra or Wadi Rum upon their arrival in Jordan, so you could follow a similar itinerary if you prefer. Mohammed promptly took me to the first hotel of my trip - W Amman.

If you're seeking a comfortable and reasonably priced 5-star hotel in Amman, I highly recommend considering the W Amman.

After taking some time to settle in and rest, we embarked on our exploration of the Amman Citadel. The historical site offered breathtaking views of the city and provided us with a glimpse into Jordan's fascinating past. We then found our way to dinner at Meat Moot (this came highly recommended by Tiktok). The dining experience here was delightful and affordable (well, compared to Europe)

DAY 2: PETRA

***The Treasury - One of the 7 wonders of the world!***

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast on the second day, Mohammed picked us up promptly at 9 a.m. as we prepared for our excursion to Petra. During the journey, we made a captivating stop at Karak Castle. We spent about an hour exploring the castle's impressive architecture and historical significance before resuming our drive for approximately 2.5 hours until we reached Petra. Upon arrival at around 2 p.m., we exchanged some €/$ to Jordanian Dinars and proceeded to check into our second hotel, the Movenpick Resort & Spa in Petra.

Since we didn't have the Jordan Pass, we headed to the ticket office to obtain a 2-day entry pass to Petra.

With our passes secured, we dedicated the remainder of the day to exploring the magnificent wonders of Petra, marveling at its iconic Treasury, and immersing ourselves in its awe-inspiring beauty.

DAY 3: WADI RUM

Started off day 3 with breakfast at the hotel (all hotels on this trip were booked with breakfast included) and continued to Petra for a second tour of the place. This time I rode a horse to a point and continued walking.

Ps: horse rides are included in your entry fees but be sure to take some cash with you to thank the tour guides.

At 2 p.m., Mohamed picked us up and embarked on a scenic drive of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Wadi Rum. Due to the challenging terrain, regular cars are unable to navigate the desert, so the camp had arranged a 4x4 shuttle from the main reception to our hotel. We had the pleasure of staying at the Bubble Luxotel, an extraordinary accommodation that left us in awe. It was my first glamping experience, and what better way to embrace it than by sleeping under the enchanting starlit sky in the Jordanian desert?

The camp offered us a range of options to explore the captivating Wadi Rum. Choices included a Jeep tour, star gazing, and camel rides. After careful consideration, we opted for the Jeep tour, as it provided an opportunity to make several stops, learn about the region's rich history, and witness the breathtaking sunset. Let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! The beauty of the desert and the captivating moments we experienced during the tour were truly remarkable. If you plan a visit to Wadi Rum, I wholeheartedly recommend partaking in a Jeep tour, among other fantastic options available.

Ps: some interesting movies were shot in here too such as Transformers, Dune, Aladdin, Rogue One, etc

DAY 4: DEAD SEA

In our itinerary, a visit to the Dead Sea held a special place. It was an absolute must for me to experience this iconic destination while in Jordan, and I was eager to explore the surrounding attractions, including the Baptism site of Jesus and the surreal experience of floating on the Dead Sea itself.

After checking out of the previous hotel, we made our way to the main reception area where we had been dropped off the day before. True to his punctuality, Mohamed was there waiting for us, ready to embark on the next leg of our journey. Our destination? The Movenpick Dead Sea Resort, situated approximately 2.5 hours away from Wadi Rum. True to the pattern set by our previous accommodations, this hotel delivered on all fronts - from exceptional hospitality to mouthwatering cuisine and an ambiance that exuded comfort and relaxation. An added bonus was the easy accessibility to the Dead Sea, which made our experience even more convenient and enjoyable.

Ps: if you don’t plan to stay the night in the dead sea area, I believe you can get a day pass to gain access but make sure you ask questions.

If you get to the dead sea area, make sure to visit the Baptism site of Jesus Christ aka the Jordan River. I went there and couldn’t believe I walked the grounds Jesus walked too…incredible!!!

Ended the day with dinner at one of the restaurants within the hotel premises and spending some quality time by myself on the shores of the dead sea. It was simply amazing and I would totally recommend it.

DAY 5: MOUNT NEBO, JERASH

After a day in the Dead Sea area, we made a trip to Amman but stopped by Mount Nebo and Jerash for a few hours respectively. The breathtaking views from Mount Nebo, believed to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land, left me in awe of the historical and spiritual significance it held.

In Jerash, one of the ancient Roman cities, we explored the well-preserved archaeological site and ruins. Although our visit to Mount Nebo and Jerash was brief, the experiences were nothing short of extraordinary.

DAY 6: FINAL DAY IN AMMAN

This was a somewhat full rest day but we still gotta visit the Roman Ampithether, go souvenir shopping, and have our last meal in Amman before heading to the airport for my 4am flight back to Amsterdam.

Ps: if you have a Jordan pass, you can have access to all the above sites I mentioned for free.

In summary, I can confidently say that my journey to Jordan has been the highlight of all my trips thus far. The six days I spent exploring this captivating country were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving me with a profound appreciation for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Every moment was filled with awe-inspiring sights, unforgettable experiences, and a deep connection to the culture and people. As I reflect on my time in Jordan, I am filled with a sense of joy and fulfillment. From the ancient wonders of Petra and the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, to the spiritual significance of Mount Nebo and the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea, each destination offered a tapestry of unforgettable memories. I am thrilled at the prospect of sharing my experiences and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys to this remarkable country. Jordan has so much to offer, and I encourage all of you to include it in your travel bucket list. I have no doubt that it will leave an indelible mark on your heart, just as it has on mine.

So, start planning your own adventure to Jordan, and get ready to embark on a journey that will exceed all expectations. Trust me, it will be an experience you will cherish.

Let me know in the comment section if you have any questions.