There are a number of different accommodation options along the Jordan Bike Trail, ranging from traditional hotels and hostels to stays in family homes.
There are a number of different accommodation options along the Jordan Bike Trail, ranging from traditional hotels and hostels to stays in family homes.
In some towns and villages along the trail, local families host travelers in their homes. You’ll likely be invited into the visitors’ room in the house, where you can rest, visit with the host family, and share meals. If you a woman, you might be invited into the private area of the family’s home.
Sleeping arrangements may vary—you may sleep in a guest room or on foam mattresses in the shared visitors’ room—and bathrooms can be basic.
Unless otherwise noted, homestays include supper and breakfast and generally cost around 30JOD per person.
In less touristy areas, staying in a Bedouin tent will mean staying in a guest/visitor tent, where you’ll visit, share meals, and sleep. In areas with more tourist traffic, Bedouin camps will have private tents set up for guests. As with homestays, bathrooms can be basic.
Similar to homestays, prices are usually around 30JOD and generally include supper and breakfast.
Along the Jordan Bike Trail, especially in larger towns and in tourist areas, there are a number of hotels and hostels. We’ve listed some of our recommendations on stage pages, but there are many more options. (Check booking.com, AriBnB, and TripAdvisor.)
From a legal perspective, it is generally allowed to camp in Jordan. Avoid private property (although this is often not clearly marked). Camping is not allowed in Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) Protected Areas. The Jordan Bike Trail does not go directly through these areas, but you do pass close to the Ajloun Forest Reserve, Mujib Biosphere, and Dana Biosphere. In and around Little Petra and Petra, you’ll be expected to stay in Bedouin tents instead of camping.
However, we recommend cyclists to stay at accommodations. In that way, you can support the local economy, and safe weight by not carrying extra gear.
We strongly advise female-only groups against camping! Camping is still a new thing in Jordan, and a group of women camping out alone is culturally so unusual that is can attract unwanted curiosity and attention from shepherds and other people around – experience has shown that this is not necessarily a very comfortable experience.