Wadi Mujib is a gorge on the eastern side of the Dead Sea. I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem, since the only way here is by taxi or private car. While I had planned to hop over to Israel for a few days while I was in Jordan, I met some people, changed my plans, and was thrilled to have the opportunity to get to Wadi Mujib. I had read about it in my guide book but just thought there was no way I would get to go.
When we showed up, we paid the entrance fee and were handed life jackets. Appartently the park has no small life jackets, so we had to make the most of the oversized jackets. As we started our trek into the gorge, the water was only ankle deep. It was essentially a leisurely stroll. The striated rock walls were gorgeous! But we soon found ourselves in deeper waters, climbing over rocks, and feeling a bit like Indiana Jones. Since I didn’t have a waterproof bag, I had to leave my camera back in the car. However, I ran a Google image search here for your convenience.
We reached our first major road block about 20 minutes in. A ginormous rock to climb up, and unfortunately, the metal bars attached to the rock to be used as a ladder were broken. My friend and I tried to claw our way up but the first foothold was just too high up for us. Luckily, some guys were coming down the gorge, so one pulled us up while my friend’s dad gave us a boost from below. The four of us continued on, climbing and splashing our way to the waterfalls at the end of the gorge. When we finally reached the last set of falls, it was beautiful. There was a large group of Lebanese guys there, who snatched us up and took us under the falls. We had a blast!
Luckily, we decided to go back at the same time they did. This group had two guides that looked like bouncers. Big burly guys! I’m not sure how we would have made it down without them. We had to slide down huge rocks to get back, and the guides helped us even though we weren’t part of their group. One would spot from the bottom, and catch you when you plunged under water. The Lebanese guys were a riot, and convinced me that I need to visit their country.
Overall, it was a fantastic time! I was in the water and climbing and trekking: Wadi Mujib is definitely my element.
Note: You must wear shoes as it is really rocky. I wore Chacos which was the perfect choice. You also need to remember that the water level varies throughout the year which will affect how difficult your trek is. If you get the chance to visit Jordan, I highly recommend you put this on your itinerary!
Laura, I’m green with envy. I visited Jordan only a few months ago but didn’t have time to see the Wadi. Petra was stunning though. So glad I could read this now and thank you for your comment on my article about Morocco for the Travel Belles.
Laura, I did the same trek in Jordan! I had no idea about it but luckily some girls I met the night before invited me along. BEST fun getting pummeled by rapids and wet trekking! It’s one of my Jordan highlights! So glad you found the time to do it!
That sounds super cool. It both looks and sounds like some of the side canyons in the Grand Canyon, which I loved exploring. I’d love to visit Jordan and this gives me one more reason.
That looks like a lot of fun. We’re hoping we can get to Jordan during our trip… if we did, I’m gonna have to try to remember this place. Cheers.
going to have to do this when I get over there in a few months, for sure
I didn’t know about this place! Jordan is one of my to-visit places, and this hidden spot is now in the list, besides Petra. Thanks for sharing!
great place! I love the rock formations here plus the water!
First time here, Laura. Got to your site thru Nomadic Matt when I read your blog entry about ‘The Joy of Solo Travel’. Great and inspirational post. Keep on doing what you love! I plan to do more solo traveling soon!
This Jordan adventures looks pretty interesting. Glad you had fun
That lead photo is amazing, I love the light. Jordan was initially on my list before I got stuck in Latin America but I till really want to go.
Oh wow, that looks like SO much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww that looks gorgeous, seems like you’ve had a great time. Jordan is definitely on my list, I love the Middle East!
The massive rocks plus the color of the water is so dramatic! Beautiful pictures.
This one seems potentially a little too tricky for me with my busted back — but fun!! You’re braver than me on this one :-)
Looks awesome – we would totally be down to go on that adventure!
What an adventure! I’ll have to live this one through you :) The photos are beautiful.