Tips for Going to Wadi Mujib - River Hike (simple)
(Google Maps )
- If you're a (language) student, cost will be 18 JD, instead of 20 JD. We only paid for the water hike and no abseiling (extra cost)
- Highly recommended - seriously spectacular
- Must be 18 yo or older
- Due to high water/cold temperatures, it's closed in winter, so check first if around that time
- From Amman, it is a solid 90 minute drive. Googlemaps may try to route you through Madaba but go via the Dead Sea route. It is 30-45 minutes shorter this way
- There are toilets and change rooms/showers downstairs in the visitors centre
- Takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you stop at the final waterfall
- There are 3 medium-difficult water climbs throughout trip. If you don't have upper body strength or aren't a strong swimmer, go with friends so you can help each other. They have workers in some places to help
- Keep your fingers AWAY from the rope anchor points. I can see potential for "de-gloving" injuries because often, multiple people are hanging on and rocking the ropes at the same time
- Be careful to watch out for underwater rocks, so when floating downstream, go feet first, so you don't smash your head
- Sometimes it is difficult to hold onto the ropes against fast flowing water. Face downstream and pull yourself backwards against the water. Let your feet "dangle". It will be much easier!!
- You can safely leave your keys at the front desk (so they don't get drenched)
- You will need a towel, a change of clothes, water, closed up shoes (with socks) that can be immersed in water (and some strong friends!!). Re: shoes - would not advise flip-flops or loose fitting rubber shoes like crocs (they will rub your skin raw and can easily be washed away downstream)
- If you want to take a camera/phone, make sure that you have a waterproof bag for it (water will be forcing it's way into the bag. Prevention for drop immersion is inadequate. I had an iPhone 7 triple bagged and it still got wet!!).
- Most people take a small backpack that can get drenched. Make sure it is tightly fitting so it doesn't catch on anything on the way
- You don't need to pay for a guide unless you want more information or you need physical help to climb parts of the river. There's only one path and you won't get lost
- On the way back, you can float downstream most of the way
- Don't take off your lifejacket if you don't want to drown!!
- Stick to the sides of the canyon. Usually there are more foot/hand holds/ropes and the water is not flowing so fast.
- At the final waterfall, there's a sandbank that you can stand on. It is 10 m in front on the left hand side as you are facing the waterfall.
Front entrance
(Google Maps )
- If you're a (language) student, cost will be 18 JD, instead of 20 JD. We only paid for the water hike and no abseiling (extra cost)
- Highly recommended - seriously spectacular
- Must be 18 yo or older
- Due to high water/cold temperatures, it's closed in winter, so check first if around that time
- From Amman, it is a solid 90 minute drive. Googlemaps may try to route you through Madaba but go via the Dead Sea route. It is 30-45 minutes shorter this way
- There are toilets and change rooms/showers downstairs in the visitors centre
- Takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete, depending on how long you stop at the final waterfall
- There are 3 medium-difficult water climbs throughout trip. If you don't have upper body strength or aren't a strong swimmer, go with friends so you can help each other. They have workers in some places to help
- Keep your fingers AWAY from the rope anchor points. I can see potential for "de-gloving" injuries because often, multiple people are hanging on and rocking the ropes at the same time
- Be careful to watch out for underwater rocks, so when floating downstream, go feet first, so you don't smash your head
- Sometimes it is difficult to hold onto the ropes against fast flowing water. Face downstream and pull yourself backwards against the water. Let your feet "dangle". It will be much easier!!
- You can safely leave your keys at the front desk (so they don't get drenched)
- You will need a towel, a change of clothes, water, closed up shoes (with socks) that can be immersed in water (and some strong friends!!). Re: shoes - would not advise flip-flops or loose fitting rubber shoes like crocs (they will rub your skin raw and can easily be washed away downstream)
- If you want to take a camera/phone, make sure that you have a waterproof bag for it (water will be forcing it's way into the bag. Prevention for drop immersion is inadequate. I had an iPhone 7 triple bagged and it still got wet!!).
- Most people take a small backpack that can get drenched. Make sure it is tightly fitting so it doesn't catch on anything on the way
- You don't need to pay for a guide unless you want more information or you need physical help to climb parts of the river. There's only one path and you won't get lost
- On the way back, you can float downstream most of the way
- Don't take off your lifejacket if you don't want to drown!!
- Stick to the sides of the canyon. Usually there are more foot/hand holds/ropes and the water is not flowing so fast.
- At the final waterfall, there's a sandbank that you can stand on. It is 10 m in front on the left hand side as you are facing the waterfall.
Front entrance
