monsoon99

We are planning a trip to Jordan in late december and plan to stay in Petra, Aqaba, Wadi rum and Amman. Here are my questions for anyone who has done this:

1. We were told the weather is really cold at the Dead sea in late December so better spend one day in Aqaba (red sea) instead. If so, Kempinski Hotel or Movenpick Hotel in Aqaba?

2. I have read that it is very cold in the desert in Wadi Rum at night in December. Is this true and if so how cold? If you have stayed there in late December, would you recommend it and which camp. We are looking for something really exceptional, not too many people around and clean beds and great guides.

3. Due to limited number of days in Jordan we were thinking of driving from Amman around 6 pm (upon arrival in airport from Cairo) and drive directly to Aqaba and work our way backwards towards Amman from where we return to the states. Is this advisable?

4. We have left very little time to sightsee in Amman. Did you enjoy sightseeing in Amman itself and how long would you suggest. We have about 1/2 day there.

Thanks for any help.

moremiles

I just returned from a long mideast trip, inc. Jordan, and there is not much at all to see in Amman other then Jerash which is about 40min outside of town and worthwhile.

Wadi Rum was very hot when I visited but I heard about how cold it can get there at night in the cooler months and the one camp I stopped at for tea was quite rustic so do your research.

Too bad about the Dead Sea being too cold in Dec. since that was a fun overnight and experience but incredibly hot/humid for my Sept. visit. I stayed at the Kempinski Istar Dead Sea which was a gorgeous design hotel and had good access to the sea and lots of mud to use!

monsoon99

Thanks moremiles. Your comment about Amman helps alot with our planning. I hope to hear from anyone who has stayed overnight at Wadi Rum in December or visited the dead sea area at that time.

MissGreen

I have just returned from Egypt and Jordan. I was disappointed in Amman and would of been happy to miss it all together and drive from the airport straight to the dead sea.

In Wadi Rum we stayed at the Jebel Rum Camp. Rustic yes and a big change from the magnificent 5 star Dead Sea Marriott we had just stayed at. Very basic but the main outdoor living area and the tent accommodation did appear to be clean. Basic single bed with a reasonable mattress. A sheet, blanket and towel was supplied. The toilets and showers were passable, although the sewerage from the toilets seemed to waft across the camp. I am not a camping girl and could not wait to leave, however my husband who loves his outdoor camping loved it!!

MissGreen

I should say... "the sewerage SMELL"

monsoon99

Thanks MissGreen. We did this overnight camp in the Sahara desert a few years ago in Morroco and although I too am not a camping girl, I liked the experience although I too was glad not to have to sleep there one more night. However that campsite was private and had heavy blankets and mattresses to sleep on in the cold December weather. I am looking for something less crowded than Jebel Rum camp.

A tour company is suggesting we fly from amman airport to Aqaba as it is a 4 hours drive. We may just do that. Thanks for your comments.