Raika of Rajasthan
Wadi Rum is a desert valley located in southern Jordan, characterized by its stunning natural beauty and unique Bedouin culture. The Bedouins are nomadic Arab tribes who have inhabited the region for centuries, and have created a rich culture that is deeply connected to the desert landscape.
Wadi Rum is not just a beautiful landscape, it is a living, breathing cultural heritage that has been preserved by the Bedouin people for centuries. It is a place of incredible beauty, and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. When you visit Wadi Rum, you will be transported to another world, a world of stunning natural beauty, and a culture that has endured for centuries.
Information
Min 3 night trip
ADCRC departure: 19.-22. October 2023
Camels available: 6
Cost: AED 850 to AED 1,350 per night per person depending on the total number of guests
Operator: Wadi Rum Discovery
Where: Wadi Rum, Jordan
When: Mid-October to mid-March (depending also on Ramadan)
Riding level: for ADCRC departures, prior riding experience is a must.
For private groups, no experience is needed
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg / 198lbs
Time in the saddle: 4-6 hours per day
Camels
Rajasthan’s camels are the tallest in the world and in this region, they mostly belong to the Marwari breed.
It is part of Rajasthan’s camel culture to elaborately decorate camels, with bells around the ankles, a gorbandh (chest gear), embroidered saddle cloth, necklaces, etc.
For treks, camels will not be in dressed in full gear.
The Indian saddle is called palang, and is designed for two riders. It is made from iron and quite heavy, but cushioned with heavy blankets beneath and above it to make the ride comfortable for both camel and rider. The saddle comes with stirrups.
Accommodation
You will spend the nights with Raika families who will take wonderful care of you and probably put your charpoy (string bed) under the open sky.
They will ply you with Indian milk tea and cook a simple, but tasty meal for you of dal (lentils) and roti (flat bread)
Plan the charging of your devices accordingly or enjoy being disconnected.
Inclusions
Tour of our camel conservation center and introduction to Raika etiquette. All meals and filtered water. Accommodation with the Raika.
Excluded
The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance and visa costs., nor transfer to us from domestic airport.
Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.
Transfers
The closest airport is in Udaipur, from where it is a 2.5 hour drive. Another airport is in Jodhpur, about 3 hrs distant.
For anyone staying longer or arriving earlier, we suggest to meet the group at the airport.
Meals
The food is local vegetarian cuisine, composed of dal, roti, and vegetables, maybe complemented with buttermilk. You’ll be served endless cups of tea throughout the trip.
If you have special wishes, we can accommodate.
Evening meals are freshly cooked and represent Jordanian cuisine, often with meat or chicken. Vegetarian options might be limited.
You’ll be served endless cups of tea throughout the trip.
Meals in Malaba and Petra are included in the price. We will be eating in typical local eateries, enjoying Mediterranean/Jordanian specialties.
Packing list
We recommend long, light colored (linen) shirts, and loose trousers, or anything that blends in well, that covers your skin from the strong sun, and makes it easy for you to sit on the camel and on carpets to have meals. Riding pants, are recommended or any type of pants that does not have a high synthetic material content, to avoid sliding on the camel.
To protect your head, it is recommended to wear a sheila, or head scarf, which can also be purchased in India. For footwear we recommend trainers or closed shoes.
In December and January, the nights can get chilly, so we recommend warm clothing in those months. Bring a sleeping bag liner while using provided blankets.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided with Raika families who will provide you a charpoy (string bed) and comfortable bedding, probably under the stars.
Prices and Availability
Wadi Rum Discovery welcomes guests almost all year round for a different types of adventures, including shorter trips, or desert explorations by car. Reach out to us for a customized journey.
Maximum group size of eight and minimum of two. You can join a group without riding and you will be transferred from camp to camp with the support vehicle.
ADCRC Departure:
We have special departures for solo travellers, couples or pairs of friends that would like to ride.
19-22 Oct 2023
AED 2,550 per person / 3 Nights / 4 Days / Six Riders
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with more information.
You’ll arrive with a early morning flight to Amman Airport.
We will use the the day to explore Malaba, a city just outside of Amman, very charming.
As for many of us, it might be the first visit to Jordan, we are exploring the cultural context of the country with a local guide.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant for authentic Jordanian cuisine.
We will arrive to Wadi Rum village in the evening after a 4 hours drive.
Meeting the camels and riding to…
Exploring the southern tip of Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia.
Return to the Wadi Rum Village, the shortest riding day, to leave enough time to stop in Petra on the way back to Amman.
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