Birdwatching in Aqaba
Experience bird watching at the Aqaba Bird Observatory, which lies along an important bird migration route between Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Experiences
Fifteen experiences the city recommends, from birdwatching to balloons over Rum.
From the Aqaba film
Experiences
Magical Moon Yoga Retreats
Pink Spirit Wellness Retreats, run by Sandra Jelly, Laura di Salvo and/or other local/international teachers, offer wellness retreats at the Bedouin…
Balloons Over Rum
Witness the splendour of Wadi Rum from above in this unparalleled experience.
A Day in a Bedouin’s Life
The Bedouin of Wadi Rum have made this splendid desert their home for centuries.
Learn how Bedouin kohl is made
Find out how traditional kohl is made and take part in the process with local Bedouin women.
Zad Desert Experience: Camel riding, local foods, stargazing
Zad’ is an Arabic word for food, and specifically the food of travellers.
An Excursion with a Bedouin Shepherd
Bedouins have practised sheep and goat herding and milking throughout history.
Bedouin Coffee Customs and Traditional Storytelling
In Bedouin culture, coffee is about so much more than just the drink itself.
Hakawati Bedouin Storytelling Experience
his experience allows you to connect with desert life and immerse yourself in the wonderful local tradition of storytelling.
A Bedouin Cooking Experience
Step into the kitchen of the Bedouin women of Disi village and learn to cook a local meal using traditional methods.
Traditional Bedouin Wedding Experience
The women of Disi village share with you their wedding customs and traditions in this fantastic glimpse into desert culture.
RumSky Stargazing Adventure
The desert of Wadi Rum is known for its clear, bright night skies, far from the light pollution of large cities.
Bedouin hand loom weaving and local lunch
Step into the world of the Bedouin women of Burda village to learn about the weaving tradition and the women’s role in desert life, followed by a…
Mountaineering in Wadi Rum
The majestic mountains of Wadi Rum have long enticed the local Bedouin to climb and explore their sandstone heights.
Riding Wild in Wadi Rum
Enjoy an extraordinary equestrian experience in the picturesque desert of Wadi Rum through this small family business, run by Atallah and his wife…
In detail
Birdwatching in Aqaba
Experience bird watching at the Aqaba Bird Observatory, which lies along an important bird migration route between Africa, Asia, and Europe. The observatory consists of mixed habitats, including bushes, desert, wetland, and some forested areas, and it is a resting point for around half a million birds each year. This self-guided experience becomes much more interesting during the bird migration seasons, in Spring and Autumn. The observatory has recorded more than 270 different species of birds, and visitors have the opportunity to sight up to 80 bird species there in one day during migration season.
Distinctive value: ['Aqaba lies along the second most important migratory bird route in the world and is one of the most important bird areas in Jordan. The area of the observatory can easily be covered on foot and there are several resident bird species to see as well as the migrating birds.']
- Arrive at the observatory visitor centre where you will be greeted by a staff member and get an introduction to the Aqaba Bird Observatory and its global importance as a bird watching hotspot.
- After this, you will be provided with binoculars and can begin your self-guided tour through the site, walking along set paths.
- You will be free to spend as much time there watching and photographing the various species of birds that use the observatory's habitat to rest during the migration seasons, or birds that are resident in the area, such as the Arabian babbler and the charmingly colourful Arabian bee-eater.
Balloons Over Rum
Witness the splendour of Wadi Rum from above in this unparalleled experience. Take an early-morning hot-air balloon tour of the desert, and drift unhurriedly through the clear skies to take in the dramatic view around you. It’s an experience you will not forget.
Balloons Over Rum is a partnership with the Royal Jordanian Gliding Club. The company is staffed with some of the most experienced commercial hot air balloon pilots in the world. It operates brand new balloons made in England by Cameron Balloons Ltd., one of the world’s best manufacturers of hot air balloons.
Distinctive value: ['This is a really special experience where you can enjoy an aerial view of Wadi Rum and a world-class balloon ride that applies high international safety procedures.']
- Arrive at the launch site in the early morning and receive a hot beverage and biscuits.
- Watch the team assemble and inflate the balloon and receive a safety briefing.
- Once everyone is in the basket and understands the safety procedures, the pilot will launch the balloon.
- The pilot will point out sights and explain some of the wonders of Wadi Rum’s unique terrain. Using the different wind speeds and directional flows, the pilot will steer the balloon to a safe landing place.
- You will be served a light snack and beverages and your pilot will sign a commemorative certificate for you to take.