Wadi al hidan, Madaba Governorate, Jordan

5ihm0001 5:00 PM Jul 29, 2016

Jordan's Natural Water Park
Having been closed for the last year, Wadi Al Hidan has recently re-opened to the public, under the management of RSCN / Wild Jordan. It can now only be accessed as part of a guided tour, which takes about 3.5 - 4 hrs. Tours cost 35JD for non-residents, 30JD for residents, and include guide and use of a life-jacket (compulsory) and helmet (optional). The tour starts by descending the side of the canyon, directly down from the Visitors Centre. Once at the valley bottom, you walk, scramble, wade and swim your way up the canyon for a few kilometres, before reaching the guard booth on the entrance road, from where a shuttle bus takes you back to the Visitor Centre. Each one of Jordan's wadis (canyons) has its own unique appeal, but Wadi Al Hidan is an excellent introduction - great scenery, lots of water to swim and splash about in, and possible as a day trip from Amman. To find it, take the Kings Highway south from Madaba. 23km from Madaba, cross the Al Wala bridge, and turn immediately right. Follow this road (it is tarmac most of the way) 20km to reach the Visitors Centre. There are a number of brown signs marking the way (but not necessarily at every minor junction). It can only be reached with your own vehicle. The Visitors Centre is currently in temporary facilities, but a permanent building is under construction. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, clothes that can get wet (plus a change of clothes for afterwards), a hat, sunblock, and a small backpack for water and snacks. You will get completely immersed in water at some points, so don't bring any electronics (unless they are completely waterproof) - and leave valuables, spare clothes, etc in your car. Tours require a minimum of 5 people. If there are less than that in your group, you can wait to join another group (but as the wadi is not yet well known, that could mean a very long wait, especially if it is not a weekend). If you want lunch, it can be ordered when you arrive, and will be waiting for you at the Visitor Centre when you get back from the tour. It is open from mid-April to end of October (the same season as Wadi Mujib). It would be extremely dangerous to enter in the winter months, due to the risk of flash floods. The Wild Jordan office in Amman can provide further details, and will probably take advance bookings.

5Jamey B 5:00 PM Jul 29, 2016

Amazing River Hike!
My daughters and I hiked Wadi Hidan today, and we were truly amazed! Wadi Hidan is a canyon with a river running through it, which eventually leads to Wadi Mujib, which leads all the way to the Dead Sea. The hike we did consists of hiking along wet/dry trails alongside the river, swimming through slot canyons, and had some optional cliff jumping and natural water slides which were exhilarating. My daughters and I are by no means experienced hikers, and we had a wonderful, albeit exhausting, day. The hike was approximately 4km, and took around 3.75 hours--including the time we took to play in the pools and climb around for multiple jumps into the deep pools and multiple slides in the river down the rock into pools. The area is controlled by the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN), which is like a national parks and recreation department. They have partnered with Al Hidan Adventures (look for a Facebook page-they claim that's their only online presence so far) to run tours in this canyon. Al Hidan was wonderful. They provide life jackets, helmets if desired, a guide, and access to the canyon. The price was 30JOD per resident, 35JOD per tourist, and they offer an optional lunch for 2JOD, directly following the hike. We got the lunch, and it was delicious. We ate sajjiyeh with fresh bread and lebneh and they served cans of soda and waters. No frills, but absolutely delicious! Not to mention, after the hike it's good to get some nourishment, and there's nothing else around for at least 30 minutes in any direction. Clothing/equipment: A good pair of hiking sandals or sturdy water shoes is probably best. I wore my oldest tennis shoes, and the rubber sole came off of one, making for a much less comfortable hike for the second half of the trip. I recommend swim shorts, hiking shorts or very lightweight pants at the most. Hikers will get completely soaked. Again for a top a swim shirt is optimal. There is lots of sun, so sunscreen and a hat are important. I didn't have a problem keeping my hat on, taking it off while playing around. They offer to rent waterproof bags for 5JOD, but we didn't need one. A waterproof camera is a very good idea! Bring at least a 1.5L bottle of water per person. Directions: The base camp for Al Hidan Adventures is located at 31.4863212,35.6736552 From Amman go south on Airport Road /the Desert Highway (15). Take the turn to Madaba on Madaba Street and continue through the city. The street eventually becomes King's Highway (35). Continue south; pass the signs for the Wala Dam (Sed al-Wala) and cross a small bridge. Turn right off of Kings Highway after the small bridge--there is a sign that reads Al Heydan. Stay on this road for a while, as it follows the river that will form Wadi Hidan. Eventually the road will cross the river. Continue another ten minutes or so until you see signs for Al Hidan Adventures. You will leave the asphalt, go up a hill and arrive. From Amman it is about 1.5 hrs, depending on traffic in Madaba. Go early!!