Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Level of difficulty
The Trek to Petra Challenge is graded as Tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and with previous trekking and mountain walking experience. You will need a good level of fitness in order to undertake this challenge. The heat is a big challenge on this trek. April, May & September are the hotter months - 35°C upwards during the day. For March, October and November you can expect daytime temperatures to be around 25°C - 35°C.
You can tell your supporters that on your Trek to Petra Challenge you will be:
- Trekking an average of 6-9 hours per day
- Trekking in high temperatures of 25°C - 35°C approx. (Dependant on the month of departure.)
- The maximum altitude reached is 1200 metres above sea level
- Climbing and descending around 2500m in total over the 5 days of trekking
- Trekking through and camping in remote areas where facilities are basic
Level of difficulty
The Trek to Petra Challenge is graded as Tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and with previous trekking and mountain walking experience. You will need a good level of fitness in order to undertake this challenge. The heat is a big challenge on this trek. April, May & September are the hotter months - 35°C upwards during the day. For March, October and November you can expect daytime temperatures to be around 25°C - 35°C.
You can tell your supporters that on your Trek to Petra Challenge you will be:
- Trekking an average of 6-9 hours per day
- Trekking in high temperatures of 25°C - 35°C approx. (Dependant on the month of departure.)
- The maximum altitude reached is 1200 metres above sea level
- Climbing and descending around 2500m in total over the 5 days of trekking
- Trekking through and camping in remote areas where facilities are basic
Typical day
During the trekking days you rise early and prepare to leave camp after breakfast, then trek carrying only daypacks for 6 to 9 hours, stopping for lunch en route. You will have plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The trek zone is remote. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps situated among sandstone outcrops shaped by wind and sand and under the twinkling stars. You can enjoy the sunset as the Bedouin team prepares dinner and then enjoy the food around a campfire as we listen to stories of Bedouin life, passed down from generation to generation. At night you will sleep in tents under the stars.
Typical day
During the trekking days you rise early and prepare to leave camp after breakfast, then trek carrying only daypacks for 6 to 9 hours, stopping for lunch en route. You will have plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The trek zone is remote. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps situated among sandstone outcrops shaped by wind and sand and under the twinkling stars. You can enjoy the sunset as the Bedouin team prepares dinner and then enjoy the food around a campfire as we listen to stories of Bedouin life, passed down from generation to generation. At night you will sleep in tents under the stars.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most thorough safety management systems in the industry. Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Trek to Petra Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- Trekking in the heat of Jordan is a significant challenge in itself, so make sure you are well hydrated throughout.
- There is one day of acclimatisation to the new surroundings built into this itinerary.
- You will be trekking in hot conditions in the day and sleeping in much cooler conditions at night.
- The terrain can be quite steep rocky and sandy so please make sure that you have suitable boots, not trainers, and make sure that you are comfortable walking on loose sand and steep rocky terrain, often on narrow paths.
- You will be trekking through, and camping in, remote areas where facilities are basic.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most thorough safety management systems in the industry. Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Trek to Petra Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- Trekking in the heat of Jordan is a significant challenge in itself, so make sure you are well hydrated throughout.
- There is one day of acclimatisation to the new surroundings built into this itinerary.
- You will be trekking in hot conditions in the day and sleeping in much cooler conditions at night.
- The terrain can be quite steep rocky and sandy so please make sure that you have suitable boots, not trainers, and make sure that you are comfortable walking on loose sand and steep rocky terrain, often on narrow paths.
- You will be trekking through, and camping in, remote areas where facilities are basic.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
On your Trek to Petra Trek, we commit to the following:
Wherever possible using local leaders and support staff from the Bedouin tribes who live in the area of the challenge:
- Your challenge leader for your Trek to Petra Trek will be a local, well trained and knowledgeable professional leader. All our leaders for this challenge are either native from or long-term residents of Jordan. This will ensure that you not only will have a much higher level of engagement with the local culture, but also knowledge of the environment, local ways of living, history and experiences from the locals.
- During your trek you may pass through local communities. We support these communities by asking our ground handlers to employ support staff from them. For example, the local Bedouin chefs will provide you with a delicious meal after your hard day of trekking. Not only does this ensure that the money goes straight back into the community, but it also means you can learn so much more from them about their culture and lives and therefore support local sustainable businesses.
- The support of our local staff does not stop after your challenge has finished. Our ground handler provides annual training on safety, group management, environmental protection management, and First Aid. This continued support throughout the year empowers our local leaders and helps to keep them up to date with best practice.
Using local produce and reducing our plastic footprint:
- Our ground handler sources local produce to ensure fresh food and provides water for you to refill your water bottles at the beginning and end of the day which cuts down our use of plastic bottles, and of course all this fresh water will help you to stay hydrated.
Animal Welfare:
- Although most kit is transferred between camps by 4x4 vehicles, the local Bedouin crew also use donkeys to carry extra water so you can top up during the day which is vital in the desert. Temperatures can be very high and you will need to keep well hydrated. The donkey handlers are part of the local crew and animal welfare is monitored by our in-country suppliers as part of the agreement with Charity Challenge. The donkeys belong to the local Bedouin and are a key member of the family, working and helping to bring income in to support the family. We ensure that any donkey provided to support our challenges is well looked after, fed and watered. They will not carry more than 40kgs and when ascending difficult terrain, the weight will be removed and carried by the support team. We use more donkeys than we need, to reduce the weight that each donkey carries, and to support more families.
- You should be aware that when you arrive in Petra, tourists are offered the chance to ride donkeys, horses and camels through the massive site, and whilst we will cover the site on foot, many others will choose an option that is animal led. This can be uncomfortable for some.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
On your Trek to Petra Trek, we commit to the following:
Wherever possible using local leaders and support staff from the Bedouin tribes who live in the area of the challenge:
- Your challenge leader for your Trek to Petra Trek will be a local, well trained and knowledgeable professional leader. All our leaders for this challenge are either native from or long-term residents of Jordan. This will ensure that you not only will have a much higher level of engagement with the local culture, but also knowledge of the environment, local ways of living, history and experiences from the locals.
- During your trek you may pass through local communities. We support these communities by asking our ground handlers to employ support staff from them. For example, the local Bedouin chefs will provide you with a delicious meal after your hard day of trekking. Not only does this ensure that the money goes straight back into the community, but it also means you can learn so much more from them about their culture and lives and therefore support local sustainable businesses.
- The support of our local staff does not stop after your challenge has finished. Our ground handler provides annual training on safety, group management, environmental protection management, and First Aid. This continued support throughout the year empowers our local leaders and helps to keep them up to date with best practice.
Using local produce and reducing our plastic footprint:
- Our ground handler sources local produce to ensure fresh food and provides water for you to refill your water bottles at the beginning and end of the day which cuts down our use of plastic bottles, and of course all this fresh water will help you to stay hydrated.
Animal Welfare:
- Although most kit is transferred between camps by 4x4 vehicles, the local Bedouin crew also use donkeys to carry extra water so you can top up during the day which is vital in the desert. Temperatures can be very high and you will need to keep well hydrated. The donkey handlers are part of the local crew and animal welfare is monitored by our in-country suppliers as part of the agreement with Charity Challenge. The donkeys belong to the local Bedouin and are a key member of the family, working and helping to bring income in to support the family. We ensure that any donkey provided to support our challenges is well looked after, fed and watered. They will not carry more than 40kgs and when ascending difficult terrain, the weight will be removed and carried by the support team. We use more donkeys than we need, to reduce the weight that each donkey carries, and to support more families.
- You should be aware that when you arrive in Petra, tourists are offered the chance to ride donkeys, horses and camels through the massive site, and whilst we will cover the site on foot, many others will choose an option that is animal led. This can be uncomfortable for some.
Flights
You will be flying from a London airport to Amman. The journey will take approximately 6 hours. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights, you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights. Please contact: flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance.
Flights
You will be flying from a London airport to Amman. The journey will take approximately 6 hours. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights, you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights. Please contact: flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance.
Visa
British citizens require a visa to visit Jordan. When arriving at an airport in Jordan, participants can obtain a visa which will be organised in advance by our partners in country who will be provided with a full list of participant names and passport details. Our partners in country will provide an airport representative to facilitate the smooth collection of the visas for the group on arrival. There is no cost of this service when on the group flights. You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps.
Visa
British citizens require a visa to visit Jordan. When arriving at an airport in Jordan, participants can obtain a visa which will be organised in advance by our partners in country who will be provided with a full list of participant names and passport details. Our partners in country will provide an airport representative to facilitate the smooth collection of the visas for the group on arrival. There is no cost of this service when on the group flights. You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Insurance
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Vaccinations & Medicines
Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/115/jordan
The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Vaccinations & Medicines
Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/115/jordan
The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
- Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
- Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
- A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
- Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Jordan's climate is subtropical – hot to very hot summers and warm to cool winters. Most of Jordan is covered by desert, summers are extremely hot. We tend to run our trips in Spring & Autumn as the weather is better & cooler then. It is very hard to predict the weather in Jordan but you can expect anywhere between 19°C - 35°C, depending on what time of year you are going. It is always worth checking the weather close to your departure. However, always remember the nights will be cold.
Terrain
The route is mountainous, rocky and dusty. There will be several steep and undulating sections, especially on days 2 and 3 of the trek. On most days of the trek you will be climbing and descending varying gradients on differing terrain under hot and dry conditions. Walking poles are advised.
Climate & Terrain
Climate
Jordan's climate is subtropical – hot to very hot summers and warm to cool winters. Most of Jordan is covered by desert, summers are extremely hot. We tend to run our trips in Spring & Autumn as the weather is better & cooler then. It is very hard to predict the weather in Jordan but you can expect anywhere between 19°C - 35°C, depending on what time of year you are going. It is always worth checking the weather close to your departure. However, always remember the nights will be cold.
Terrain
The route is mountainous, rocky and dusty. There will be several steep and undulating sections, especially on days 2 and 3 of the trek. On most days of the trek you will be climbing and descending varying gradients on differing terrain under hot and dry conditions. Walking poles are advised.
Training
This challenge is graded ‘Tough’, which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle and has previous trekking and mountain walking experience should be able to complete the trek, as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to the challenge. Don’t forget that the temperature is different from the UK! Whilst no altitude is involved, there are several steep rocky sections which will test you physically along with the heat!
While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).
Training
This challenge is graded ‘Tough’, which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle and has previous trekking and mountain walking experience should be able to complete the trek, as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to the challenge. Don’t forget that the temperature is different from the UK! Whilst no altitude is involved, there are several steep rocky sections which will test you physically along with the heat!
While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Luggage allowance & valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your main kit bag, or rucksack, must not exceed 20 kgs in weight.
The packing information for Jordan is different for other challenges, so please read carefully! When you set off on your trek, you are expected to carry a day pack with your daily essentials in (Sun block, water, camera etc.) whist a support vehicle transfers your main bags from camp to camp.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces and rings.
Luggage allowance & valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your main kit bag, or rucksack, must not exceed 20 kgs in weight.
The packing information for Jordan is different for other challenges, so please read carefully! When you set off on your trek, you are expected to carry a day pack with your daily essentials in (Sun block, water, camera etc.) whist a support vehicle transfers your main bags from camp to camp.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces and rings.
Leadership
We employ several challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They each carry first aid kits and will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will share their knowledge and experience of life in Jordan, the Bedouin tribes, the history and geography of the area, and the peoples that have inhabited it over the centuries.
Leadership
We employ several challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They each carry first aid kits and will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will share their knowledge and experience of life in Jordan, the Bedouin tribes, the history and geography of the area, and the peoples that have inhabited it over the centuries.
Group size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 15 people in order to run and a maximum of 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10-14 people by charging a small group supplement of £125.00 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Group size
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 15 people in order to run and a maximum of 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10-14 people by charging a small group supplement of £125.00 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Clothing & equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a lightweight waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts. A light weight shirt is perfect for throwing on to protect you from the sun but make sure it is breathable. Walking poles are also highly recommended, however we would recommend training with these prior to your trek. In order to stand a better chance of a good night’s sleep, please ensure you have the right season sleeping bag for the time of year. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Clothing & equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a lightweight waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts. A light weight shirt is perfect for throwing on to protect you from the sun but make sure it is breathable. Walking poles are also highly recommended, however we would recommend training with these prior to your trek. In order to stand a better chance of a good night’s sleep, please ensure you have the right season sleeping bag for the time of year. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Accommodation & toilets
Accommodation
In Amman and Petra the accommodation will be in basic, locally run hotels (2 or 3 star), with rooms for two or three people sharing. During the trek you will camp in spacious two-person tents with foam mattresses, a pillow (and in colder months a blanket), that we provide. If you would like your own room, this can be arranged if there is availability but there will be a single room supplement. Single tents are not available on this challenge. There are showers in the hotels, and a desert “shower” while camping (a jug of cold water with which to wash yourself), but washing facilities are basic.
There will be an opportunity to shower after the Dead Sea float.
Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with.
Toilets
There are basic toileting facilities available during the challenge. Toilet paper is provided. During the actual trekking day, you will have to make use of the bushes, trees and rocks for privacy. Please ensure you have a supply of nappy bags/ziplock bags to dispose of used toilet roll, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
There will be no toilet facilities on the final night of camping due to strict rules within Petra National Park. This will mean having to “wild toilet”, which like during the trek will mean finding a bush, tree or rock (of which there are plenty around the camp) for privacy.
Accommodation & toilets
Accommodation
In Amman and Petra the accommodation will be in basic, locally run hotels (2 or 3 star), with rooms for two or three people sharing. During the trek you will camp in spacious two-person tents with foam mattresses, a pillow (and in colder months a blanket), that we provide. If you would like your own room, this can be arranged if there is availability but there will be a single room supplement. Single tents are not available on this challenge. There are showers in the hotels, and a desert “shower” while camping (a jug of cold water with which to wash yourself), but washing facilities are basic.
There will be an opportunity to shower after the Dead Sea float.
Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with.
Toilets
There are basic toileting facilities available during the challenge. Toilet paper is provided. During the actual trekking day, you will have to make use of the bushes, trees and rocks for privacy. Please ensure you have a supply of nappy bags/ziplock bags to dispose of used toilet roll, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
There will be no toilet facilities on the final night of camping due to strict rules within Petra National Park. This will mean having to “wild toilet”, which like during the trek will mean finding a bush, tree or rock (of which there are plenty around the camp) for privacy.
Food & Drink
The meals we provide are nutritionally balanced and well suited to the environment. Breakfast will usually include oats, bread, cheese, jam, eggs, labaneh, fresh fruit, tea and coffee. A packed lunch will be given out at breakfast to be carried in the daypack, while the crew will prepare additional hot stews and bread over a fire at the day’s lunch spot. Dinner is served as a buffet to participants seated out under the stars whenever possible. There is always an excellent vegetarian alternative. Water will be provided during the trekking section of the challenge in camp with refills available during the day and at campsites. Soft / alcoholic beverages and water either side of the trek will be at your own expense, please bear in mind that access to alcohol can be limited in Jordan, depending on the location.
Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Food & Drink
The meals we provide are nutritionally balanced and well suited to the environment. Breakfast will usually include oats, bread, cheese, jam, eggs, labaneh, fresh fruit, tea and coffee. A packed lunch will be given out at breakfast to be carried in the daypack, while the crew will prepare additional hot stews and bread over a fire at the day’s lunch spot. Dinner is served as a buffet to participants seated out under the stars whenever possible. There is always an excellent vegetarian alternative. Water will be provided during the trekking section of the challenge in camp with refills available during the day and at campsites. Soft / alcoholic beverages and water either side of the trek will be at your own expense, please bear in mind that access to alcohol can be limited in Jordan, depending on the location.
Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Money
Currency: Jordan uses the Dinar as its currency. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. You should ideally bring a combination of Dinars and Sterling, or Sterling that you can change into Dinars on arrival in Jordan.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are welcomed in Amman (Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express), but take cash for small towns and villages. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in Amman and Petra, located in the airport, the city centre or near banks.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip, as most expenses are included. You should only need money for tips, food & drink (additional), gifts and souvenirs. There are a wide range of souvenirs to buy including rugs and jewellery. On average around £150-£200 + a credit card in case of an emergency, should suffice. Keep in mind that, other than at the start and end of the trip, you will be in the desert away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash. You will mainly need Dinars in small denominations for the staff tips for this trip.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend £16 per person per day for the 5 days of activity in country, (£80 total) in Jordanian Dinar (ideally in small denominations), and this should be given to the challenge leader during the trek who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides, cooks, drivers, camp crew and hotel staff.
Money
Currency: Jordan uses the Dinar as its currency. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. You should ideally bring a combination of Dinars and Sterling, or Sterling that you can change into Dinars on arrival in Jordan.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are welcomed in Amman (Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express), but take cash for small towns and villages. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in Amman and Petra, located in the airport, the city centre or near banks.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip, as most expenses are included. You should only need money for tips, food & drink (additional), gifts and souvenirs. There are a wide range of souvenirs to buy including rugs and jewellery. On average around £150-£200 + a credit card in case of an emergency, should suffice. Keep in mind that, other than at the start and end of the trip, you will be in the desert away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash. You will mainly need Dinars in small denominations for the staff tips for this trip.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend £16 per person per day for the 5 days of activity in country, (£80 total) in Jordanian Dinar (ideally in small denominations), and this should be given to the challenge leader during the trek who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides, cooks, drivers, camp crew and hotel staff.
Phone & Wi-fi
During your stay in Amman and Petra you will have good wi-fi access and phone signal. On camping days there will be no wi-fi and virtually no phone signal. We recommend that you enjoy the opportunity to disconnect and really experience the desert lifestyle. If you do wish to use your phone, we ask you to move away from the group, so you don’t disturb their peace in the desert.
Phone & Wi-fi
During your stay in Amman and Petra you will have good wi-fi access and phone signal. On camping days there will be no wi-fi and virtually no phone signal. We recommend that you enjoy the opportunity to disconnect and really experience the desert lifestyle. If you do wish to use your phone, we ask you to move away from the group, so you don’t disturb their peace in the desert.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large variation in people’s walking abilities which is catered for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you can take things at your own pace. Please note that the local Bedouin will lead from the front and we will walk as a team, as it would be very easy to get lost if you were trying to navigate your own way. This means that the faster walkers will need patience and compassion, as it will be easier and more realistic to slow down the faster walkers, than to ask the slower walkers to speed up. In the event of an emergency all guides and leaders maintain contact via radio, and the 4x4 support vehicle is generally not far away. If somebody is unable to walk at all, then we can transport him or her from one location to the next. Please note that on day 4, there is a large section where vehicles cannot provide support but we will brief you about the support options each day before we head out.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large variation in people’s walking abilities which is catered for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you can take things at your own pace. Please note that the local Bedouin will lead from the front and we will walk as a team, as it would be very easy to get lost if you were trying to navigate your own way. This means that the faster walkers will need patience and compassion, as it will be easier and more realistic to slow down the faster walkers, than to ask the slower walkers to speed up. In the event of an emergency all guides and leaders maintain contact via radio, and the 4x4 support vehicle is generally not far away. If somebody is unable to walk at all, then we can transport him or her from one location to the next. Please note that on day 4, there is a large section where vehicles cannot provide support but we will brief you about the support options each day before we head out.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.