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Latest update: 5 September 2025
When you think of Jordan, what image comes to mind? Desert, sand, ancient stones, drought? Absolutely, but there are also beautiful oases full of greenery, flowers, and flowing streams. And that’s exactly what Wadi Bin Hammad has to offer. You can hike through this wadi alone or with a guide in about two hours.
What exactly is a wadi?
If you travel through Jordan, you’ll definitely come across all kinds of wadis. Wadi Bin Hammad, Wadi Rum, Wadi Ghuweir, and many more. The word Wadi actually means valley, ravine, or riverbed. The wadis I’ve visited are usually shallow, flowing streams surrounded by high mountains. Still, one wadi is definitely not like another! Wadi Rum, for example, is Jordan’s most famous desert, and that’s something completely different from Wadi Bin Hammad.
The route to Wadi Bin Hammad
The route to Wadi Bin Hammad is almost more challenging than the route through Wadi Bin Hammad. I read really bad stories about the route online, which almost scared me off. Fortunately, I decided to go check it out for myself.
And yes, the access is via mountain roads. So expect sharp turns and many ups and downs, partly paved, partly unpaved. Only the last stretch of road is really bad. Then you must navigate stones and holes and cross a shallow river with your car. I do this with a very basic Kia Picanto. That’s not ideal – a sturdier car is definitely better. But I mainly mean to say: if you have some driving experience and just take it easy, Wadi Bin Hammad is definitely accessible.
This is the Google Maps location, by the way.
Crowds at Wadi Bin Hammad?
Once you’ve crossed the stream, you reach the last stretch of road where you can park your car along the side. When I’m there, there are only a handful of other vehicles. It’s early May, and it’s quiet in Jordan anyway because of the unrest in the region.
Wadi Bin Hammad isn’t super well-known among tourists yet (it’s not even in the Lonely Planet), but it can always happen that you arrive at the same time as a few other adventurous people. Since everyone walks at their own pace and takes photos, the group spreads out quickly, though. Remember that the weekend in Jordan is on Friday and Saturday, so more Jordanians will likely come hiking on those days.
By the way, it’s smart to keep a close eye on the weather forecasts. If there’s a lot of rain, there’s a chance of flooding. Then it’s not safe to visit Wadi Bin Hammad. Between April and October, you’re usually fine. So check with your accommodation whether the wadi is accessible and safe.
Entrance fee and guides
Where you park your car, you must also pay the entrance fee for Wadi Bin Hammad. In 2025, the entrance is 5 JOD ($7), to be paid in cash. There are probably a few men at the entrance who also offer themselves as guides. That costs 10 JOD ($14) but is definitely not mandatory. The hike is relatively easy, but if you’re hesitant about it or find it nice to get more explanation, you can go with a guide. When you return from your hike, you can order something to drink from these men. A cup of Arabic tea, for example.
A new toilet building is under construction in May 2025, but the restrooms aren’t ready for use yet. I can change clothes in this building, though, because if you’re going to do the Wadi Bin Hammad hike, you’ll definitely get wet feet.
What to wear for the Wadi Bin Hammad hike?
First, change clothes upon arrival. You’ll definitely get wet feet, so make sure you have shoes that can get wet. The stones in the water are too sharp and uneven to go barefoot. I go with the simplest and cheapest water shoes, and they are fine, but if I were to go again, I would spend a bit more money and choose a sturdier footbed.
The water in the stream is fairly shallow, but it still regularly rises above my knees. When I misstep once, it almost reaches my butt. In other words, wear shorts.
It’s also smart to bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, and a snack.
Let’s go! Doing the Wadi Bin Hammad hike
Car parked, entrance paid, clothes changed: let’s go! A short walk from the entrance, you go down a bridge into the canyon. And it’s immediately gorgeous. From start to finish, the hike is incredibly beautiful. The stream flows through the valley along high mountains, there are palm trees, small waterfalls, and pink flowers (oleander). It feels almost surreal, really like an oasis.
The Wadi Bin Hammad hike should take an hour there and an hour back (you walk the same route back). But for us, it takes longer because we keep stopping to take photos. The route is straightforward – you just follow the river.
At first, my best friend and I carefully place our feet on the dry stones. But soon we really have to get into the water. The water is lukewarm, almost warm, but not very clear. Usually it comes up to our ankles, but sometimes you step in a hole, and you’re well above the knee in water.
At one spot, the terrain gets a bit rougher, and we have to climb over large rocks. But that’s the only more challenging part of the Wadi Bin Hammad hike.
At some point, the canyon gets wider and you walk more and more in the sun. We decide to turn around here, but apparently, there’s a waterfall to see a bit further.
Wadi Bin Hammad versus Wadi Mujib
Wadi Bin Hammad and Wadi Mujib aren’t that far from each other. Yet I do recommend doing both if you have the time, because they’re very different. Wadi Mujib is much more adventurous, with lots of climbing and getting soaking wet, while Wadi Bin Hammad is much more relaxed and more beautiful in terms of nature. I also notice that the water in Wadi Mujib is much colder, deeper, and stronger than in Wadi Bin Hammad. So if you can only do one, think carefully about whether you’re more in the mood for an active experience or want to take a peaceful walk.
FAQ about Wadi Bin Hammad
Expect two to three hours. It depends on how many breaks you take for a sip of water or a photo.
If you were to walk through the entire wadi, you’d eventually reach the Dead Sea. But that’s about 9 miles (15 kilometers) of walking! The route most people follow is 3-4 miles (5-6 kilometers) total.
More Jordan inspiration
Useful links for your Jordan trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always useful, but be sure to compare prices. For example, through Trivago and Trip. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. “Free” walking tours book with Freetour or GuruWalk.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Amazon.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could check out Expedia or CheapOair.
- Flights. Compare all your options! At least check Expedia, Kiwi and Trip.
- Yoga retreat. Or: go for a yoga retreat in Jordan.
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