Canyoning at Wadi Mujib

Highlights of Jordan

Wadi Rum and Petra are probably everyone’s favourite destinations in Jordan. Wadi Mujib, a much lesser known attraction, is what completes our list of top 3 best things to do in Jordan, in no particular order. We didn’t really know what to expect, and we almost didn’t make it as we visited quite late in the season. But we did make it, and I’m so glad that we did. Wadi Mujib was unlike anything we’ve ever seen or done before, and made for one of our favourite experiences - not just in Jordan, but in all of our travels.

What is Wadi Mujib?

Wadi Mujib is a vast river canyon that stretches from the shores of the Dead Sea towards the eastern side of Jordan, beyond the Mujib Dam. The western part of the canyon - the Mujib Biosphere Reserve - is a protected area, home to many rare species of plants, birds and more. It is located 410m below sea level, which makes it the lowest nature reserve on Earth. The reserve is managed by RSCN (The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature) and Wild Jordan, who look after a number of natural landmarks around Jordan.

However, the main point of interest at Wadi Mujib is much more contained and located at the western end of the canyon, where the Mujib river flows into the Dead Sea through a very narrow gorge (called Siq).

Wadi Mujib is most famous for its wet trails, all of which include the canyoning through the Siq. Imagine the road leading to the Treasury at Petra, but with water. You need to make your way across through a combination of hiking, swimming, climbing, hanging onto ropes, and even sliding down waterfalls. Wadi Mujib is basically a natural water park, and is a whole lot of fun.

Getting there

Wadi Mujib is one of the most easily accessible attractions in Jordan. It’s a 20-25min drive south from the resort area of the Dead Sea to the Mujib Adventure Centre. This is located right on Dead Sea Highway - as you drive south from the direction of Amman, take a left just before the Mujib Bridge. This is the starting point for all the activities.

If you don’t know what to look for, the exact location of Wadi Mujib can seem confusing. If you search Wadi Mujib on Google Maps, it points you to the eastern side of the canyon which is the opposite of where most people want to be. The King’s Highway does have some amazing views of Wadi Mujib, but all the hiking and canyoning at Wadi Mujib happens on the Dead Sea side.

When to visit

It’s important to know that the wet trails at Wadi Mujib are not open all year around.

The opening season is officially said to be April 1st to October 31st. However, in reality this can vary depending on the conditions at the time. For example, in 2021 the Siq trail remained open until November 18th. We visited on November 9th when, luckily, it was still open. The trails may also close during the opening season in the event of heavy rainfall, although this is quite rare. For the latest information, keep an eye on the Wild Jordan Facebook page where they post regular updates.

Canyoning through Wadi Mujib is such an amazing experience that I would really advise timing your visit to Jordan accordingly - something that we did not plan for. Peak summer is probably a little too hot, but late spring or early autumn are great times to visit Jordan - Wadi Mujib is guaranteed to be open, and the temperatures are manageable. Keep in mind that the guided hikes are not available during Ramadan (one month, sometime in spring).

You don’t need to book the self-guided Siq Trail in advance, but make sure not to visit too late in the day. The canyon opens at 8am, but closes in the early afternoon (around 2-3pm). This is to allow for everyone’s safe return to the visitor centre before it gets dark. Visit first thing in the morning, and you might have the place all to yourself.

On the other hand, the dry trail, which involves just hiking, is open when the wet trail isn’t, during the winter season (officially November 1st - March 31st). So it is always possible to experience Wadi Mujib one way or another - wet or dry. But wet is much more fun and interesting.

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Just how wet will I get?

The water levels vary throughout the season, but it’s safe to assume that you will get completely wet. When we visited in early November, there were many sections which required full-on swimming.

Despite what some may suggest, you really do not need to know how to swim. Yes, you will have to swim in deep water at various points during the hike, but you are provided with a life vest which will keep you afloat, and these sections also have ropes which you could hold on to.

What to bring

What to bring with you on the wet trail:

suitable footwear
Closed-toe rubbery water shoes would be best, but any trainers would do - they will just take a long time to dry afterwards. Don’t wear sandals or flip-flops that are slippery when wet. Don’t go barefoot.
clothes that you will swim in
I would normally just wear my swimwear for this sort of thing, but I noticed that most others also wear top/short/leggings - basically normal clothes. So we did the same (maybe it’s because we are still in Jordan after all). You are also provided with a life-vest.
cash for the entrance fee
The Siq Trail costs 21 JD per person. I’m not sure if it’s possible to pay with card.
car keys if you are driving
Here’s something you won’t be able to leave in the car! Everyone leaves those at the visitor centre.
OPTIONAL - GoPro if you have one
It might not do so well on the photography front due to low light, but it’s a great option for video. A fully charged battery should last the entire journey. The best part is you don’t need a dry bag for this one, though, after a while, good luck finding any part of you that is dry to wipe droplets off the lens.
OPTIONAL - phone and small dry pouch
This is something I kind of regret not bringing along. You could easily tuck the pouch between the vest and your shoulder as you swim through the canyon.
OPTIONAL - camera and dry bag (but would not recommend! )
Carrying a conventional backpack without getting the contents wet is not impossible, but very, very difficult. If you own a good camera and really, really want to bring it along, a dry bag is a must. You can rent one for 10 JD - this is really excessive, and it’s probably cheaper to just buy one beforehand. I think you are provided with a dry bag for free if you hire a guide. However, I would recommend leaving the DSLR behind. I almost never part with my camera, but I did on this occasion, and indeed I would not recommend bringing it along to Wadi Mujib. Having to constantly worry about your expensive electronics not getting wet will detract from the experience.
OR - nothing else
Better yet, if you don’t care about photos, then don’t bring anything at all, and just have fun.

What to leave in the car:

clothes to change in afterwards
Everything you wear will be dripping wet by the end of the hike, so bring a change of clothes (don’t forget the shoes!)
sunglasses
You don’t need them (shade), and you would probably lose them.
hat
You don’t need it (shade), and it will be awkward to swim in.
water/food
Unnecessary, as the hike through the Siq won’t last more than 3 hours. Hydration won’t be an issue. For the longer guided hikes, you could bring a bottle of water (as long as you have a dry bag).
passport and driving license
If you are staying nearby and plan on leaving everything else at the hotel, don’t forget to bring along your driving license, as well as your passport (there is a police check-point along the way). There are also lockers on site, if you prefer this option for storage.

Tickets

Wadi Mujib is a paid attraction, and the entrance fee depends on the trail (there are four options). The Siq Trail, the most popular route which most people end up doing, costs 21 JD per person. Worth every dinar - I’d go again if I had the opportunity. Wadi Mujib is not included in the Jordan Pass.

Note that the wet trails are not suitable for children (under 18 years old).

The Siq Trail

distance: 1.5km
time: 2-3h
price: 21 JD pp

The Siq Trail is the only trail that is self-guided. You don’t need to book this trail in advance.

There is the option to take a guide, at a cost of 35 JD. Personally I don’t think this is necessary at all. There is only one way forward, the route is often lined with ropes for support, and you won’t be alone. If you are in reasonable shape, you should have no issues. If you think you need a guide, it might be better to just go for one of the guided tours to begin with - it is a longer, more comprehensive tour, and, for a small group (1-2), it even ends up cheaper.

The Siq trail is relatively easy for the most part, but not quite in its entirely. You don’t get a helmet, and there is often a risk of slipping and hitting yourself against a rock, so you really do need to be careful. There are maybe a couple instances which require a moderate level of fitness and upper body strength. I recall having to climb a short but vertical staircase and needing to hold onto a rope to pull myself up.

The Siq trail starts at the Mujib Adventure Centre, and follows the course of the river just under one mile upstream, to the base of a tall waterfall. Allow 2-3 hours for the return journey.

The route is really beautiful. You navigate through water flowing along a very narrow canyon, with soaring sandstone cliffs either side, and even some vegetation at the start. It is the perfect place to escape the heat of Jordan. The canyon provides much needed shade, and the water has a pleasant temperature - ideal for swimming and very refreshing.

All wet trails include the section that is the Siq Trail.

The Canyon Trail

distance: 4km
time: 4h
price: 31 JD pp

The Canyon Trail is basically a longer version of the Siq Trail, and in reverse.

This Canyon Trail is guided only. The tour departs early in the morning at 08:30, from the Mujib Adventure Center. But the actual start of the hike is a bit further south on the Dead Sea Highway. The trail consists of a hike through dry terrain at first, followed by canyoning along the river. A guide is actually essential on the this trail, because at one point you need to rappel down a 20m waterfall using safety equipment. This takes you to the very end of the Siq Trail (it’s that same waterfall), where you continue your journey back to the visitor center.

Spaces on the guided tours are more limited (up to 25), hence this might require advance booking. If in Amman, you could pay a visit to the Wild Jordan Center - they also have a really nice restaurant/cafe with amazing views over the city. Alternatively, you can reach out to them online.

The Malaqi Trail

distance: 6km
time: 5-6h
price: 44 JD pp

The Malaqi Trail is very similar to the Canyon Train and follows the same route, but takes you even further. Before reaching the Siq Trail, you get the chance to explore Wadi Mujib further upstream, up to where it meets Wadi Al Hidan. There are some natural pools there which you can swim in. I believe a light lunch might be included in this tour, but not sure.

The Ibex Trail

distance: 5km
time: 5-6h
price: 21 JD pp

The Ibex Trail is the only dry trail, and does not involve any canyoning through the river at all. It follows a completely different route that takes you through the mountains. In addition the the beautiful views, you might see some animals along the way, including the Nubian Ibex - hence the name.

Because it isn’t a wet trail, I think this hike is bound to be much less fun. But, if you visit during the winter season, it is the only way to experience this side of Wadi Mujib.