If you’re a woman traveller looking for a holiday destination that offers not just culture and history but plenty of outdoor activities and offbeat experiences, then look no further than the Middle East – to Israel and Jordan more precisely. With the two countries on friendly terms, and sitting next door to each other, it’s never been easier to travel between them, either by a short flight from Tel Aviv to Amman or, more popularly, crossing at one of the three land borders. .
What’s more, both Israel and Jordan are ideal destinations for women travellers – tourism is well-established, English is widely spoken, public transport is cheap, safe and convenient and personal safety is rarely an issue. From mountains in the Golan Heights to dive spots all along the Red Sea, and from the extraordinary Lost City of Petra to jeep tours and stargazing in the Wadi Rum desert, you’ll find adventure activities at every turn.
Hiking, Cycling and Whitewater Rafting in the Golan Heights
For any woman who loves the outdoors, the Golan Heights is full of beauty and greenery, not to mention national parks with best cycling trails, waterfalls and hot springs. The area is perfect for mountain biking and anyone who loves hiking – whether you’re a beginner or a pro there’s a trail to suit you. If you really want to push yourself, explore the Nimrod Fortress, the Banias Waterfalls and the ‘Nahal Guvta’ loop.
And for those women who craven adrenalin rush, why not try kayaking, tubing or even extreme whitewater rafting on the Jordan and Dan Rivers? Whether you want to take it easy as you raft by lush greenery, down the clear Hatzbani stream, or take a white-knuckle adventure, you’ll never forget your experience.
Fortresses, Craters and Canyons in the Negev and Judean Deserts
Arguably Israel’s top attraction, there’s no better adventure experience than hiking up to the top of the ancient Herodian fortress of Masada to watch the sun rise. Built two thousands years ago, in the remote Judean desert, it affords stunning views of the surrounding area and if you’re really exhausted afterwards, you can head to the near Dead Sea for some R&R.
The Ein Gedi oasis and Ein Avdat canyon are perfect for those who love hiking through streams and springs. And adventurous women won’t want to miss the astonishing crater at Mitzpe Ramon – you can hike down inside, rappel down the side of a cliff and stargaze at night. You can even rock climb,which requires mental focus, determination and strength but you’ll gain a great deal from the experience, not to mention a sense of accomplishment.
Local accommodation is often in the form of Bedouin tents, where you’ll be served traditional local food and learn more about the history and traditions of these famously nomadic people.
Diving, Jet Skiing, Paddleboarding and Sky Diving on the Red Sea
Eilat, nestled on the Red Sea, and bordering Jordan and Egypt, is the perfect place for aquatic adventures. Not just showcasing the beauty of the area, water sports in Eilat are a great way for women to gain confidence and conquer their fears,
If you want to snorkel, there are vibrant coral reefs (with extremely diverse marine life) to enjoy and divers will love exploring a nearby shipwreck. Jet Skiing is the perfect high-speed activity for anyone who wants to beef up their leg muscles, not to mention improve coordination and balance. And Eilat’s clear blue waters are also perfect for paddle boarding – a water sport born out of surfing and a great way to reach secluded spots that would otherwise be unexplorable.
Finally, why not try skydiving? It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush and you’ll get to experience the unique feeling of free-falling thousands of feet in the air, whilst witnessing the beauty of the Red Sea from above.
Petra
The lost city of Petra, often referred to as the ‘Rose City’ because of the colour of the rock from which it discharged, is a must-see for anyone visiting Jordan. An ancient city, built by the Nabateans in the heart of the desert, it was later abandoned and only rediscovered in 1812, centuries later. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as one of the seven new wonders of the world – for good reason.
Petra, like destinations in Israel, is also a safe destination for women travellers, either visiting solo or in a group. Most locals will speak some English and if you don’t feel comfortable travelling there alone, think about taking a guided Petra tour from Israel. It’s an excellent way to experience the beauty and remoteness of this site, with everything arranged for you beforehand, including a guide, transfers and accommodation.
As well as the more famous sites for which Petra is famous – particularly the Siq passageway and the imposing Treasury – there are a number of hiking trails for the more adventurous woman. Trek up to the Royal Tombs – large mausoleums high up on the mountain side, carved out of sandstone. Make a journey to the Monastery – legendary monument in the hills, with a lot of steep stairs to climb but really worth the view.
And for those who really want a thrill, go horseback riding – either around the site (you can cantor up to the High Place of Sacrifice) or the surrounding area in Wadi Musa. There are also groups you can join where you can trek on horses for several days around Petra where you’ll enjoy superb views of rock formations and vast sand plains.
Wadi Rum
After Petra, Wadi Rum is most certainly Jordan’s second most popular attraction. With its extraordinary ‘alien’ landscapes that give you the feeling that you could have just landed on Mars, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the stillness and beauty of the desert, where you’ll sleep under the stars at night (or if you want a real experience, ina ‘Martian pod’ with a transparent roof, so you can see out).
But there’s a lot more than stargazing to do in Wadi Rum. The entire area is protected, meaning that its extraordinary natural beauty – canyons, arches, rock formations, sandstone mountains, towering cliffs and huge cliffs – helps conserve the desert landforms and all of their ecosystems.
There are endless activities on offer, all of which can be easily accessed by 4×4 desert jeeps. You can visit Lawrence’s Spring (where Lawrence of Arabia is purported to have stayed). You can take a camel ride across magnificent sand dunes, their red and orange hues changing constantly as the day goes on. Hiking around the bridges in the area is also popular- particularly the Umm Fruth rock bridge (a huge formation that balances a single stone between two peaks) It’s a very well-photographed place – and for the best shots, you’ll have to climb up!
Anyone interested in Nabatean and Islamic inscriptions should explore the Canyon of Jebel Khazali – its inside walls are two thousand years old and are full of inscriptions and petroglyphs; also, don’t miss the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ and the ‘mushroom rock’. Finally, for some exhilarating fun, head out to the sand dunes at Al Hasany and try rolling down them – or sandboarding.
Go on – take a trip to the Middle East for the adventure of a lifetime.
