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Latest update: 13 September 2025
“A short little hike,” I think as I put on my life jacket. Not much later, I hang from a rope in a narrow gorge while a waterfall pounds on my head and tiny fish are suctioning onto my legs. Wadi Mujib in Jordan isn’t your ordinary wadi – this is adventure!
Different from other wadis
I’ve ‘done’ a few wadis in Jordan (Wadi Bin Hammad, Wadi Ghuweir). Usually, those are green oases with streams you walk through peacefully, in water up to your knees. Wadi Mujib? Soaking wet. Where other wadis make me think of a relaxing nature walk, Wadi Mujib feels like an adventure.
Wadi Mujib is close to the Dead Sea and lies below sea level like the Dead Sea. This wadi is a gorgeous gorge in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve. The rocks surrounding the flowing water are incredibly massive, and the water is beautifully clear and slightly warm, yet still refreshing.
Visiting Wadi Mujib
We arrive at the visitor center around 12:30 PM. The crowds aren’t too bad, even though this is one of the few excursions you can do near the Dead Sea resorts. I was actually a bit worried about huge crowds. The parking lot is half empty, and only two people are in line ahead of us. Plenty of changing rooms are available, so we can head out immediately.
I should mention that I’m traveling during a time of great unrest in the region. That’s why tourism is pretty much dead. When that picks up again, Wadi Mujib will get much busier since it’s one of the most popular activities in Jordan. Try to avoid the midday crowds then.
By the way, Wadi Mujib is only open from April to October. It is usually open every day unless there’s been heavy rain, in which case the trails can be closed for safety reasons.
For 13 JOD (about $18) per person, you get access to the Siq Trail and a mandatory life jacket. Renting a waterproof bag costs 10 JOD ($14).
The Siq Trail
We’re doing the Siq Trail, the most popular trail you can do without a guide. For example, the Canyon and Malaqi trails can only be done with supervision because they’re much more adventurous. Then you have to/get to rappel down an 18-meter (60-foot) waterfall.
That’s not for me. The 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) long Siq Trail definitely has some challenging parts, too. It starts easy, and I am a bit confused by the completely soaked people in the first few yards. But soon enough, I’m also standing waist-deep in water.
The water is surprisingly warm, but that current makes it pretty tough. You must swim against the current in some places to move forward. In total, we spend about 1.5 hours on the Siq Trail.
Ropes, stairs, and fish
As you go deeper into the gorge, it gets really adventurous. Ropes are attached to the rock walls; sometimes there are metal handles or steps, but you often have to find your own way. Scrambling over boulders. In some places, a staff member gives tips on the easiest way to get past something.
As soon as you stand still somewhere, fish come at you en masse and suction onto your legs. It tickles and feels weird, but they don’t hurt; it’s like a free fish pedicure.
Waterfall finale: completely soaked
The highlight (literally) is the waterfall at the end. You really have to go through it to reach the cave behind it. And I mean: gallons of water at full force over your head. You get completely drenched, you can’t see anything, can’t hear anything except that deafening sound of falling water.
Going back: sliding and swimming
The way back is actually even more fun. You can climb up waterfalls on the way there and slide down some waterfalls on the way back. You just let yourself be carried by the current and slide down smooth rocks. Really cool.
Practical tips for Wadi Mujib
What to definitely bring
- Water shoes that stay on tight – not loose flip-flops, because you’ll definitely lose those
- Sports clothes that can get wet
- Waterproof camera/GoPro. You want these shots, but your phone won’t survive it
What not to bring
- Your phone (not even in a “waterproof” case – it gets extremely wet)
- Loose items like jewelry and sunglasses
- Expensive stuff you don’t want to lose
How tough is it really?
Wadi Mujib is totally doable, but it’s definitely not a peaceful walk. You have to swim against strong currents, pull yourself up ropes, and scramble over slippery rocks. With regular fitness levels, you can totally do the Siq Trail. But I wouldn’t recommend it to small children or my parents, for example.
Wadi Mujib: survival or skip?
After days of temples, castles, and desert camps, Wadi Mujib is a fantastic change of pace. It’s physical, it’s wet, it’s adventurous. And it combines perfectly with a visit to the Dead Sea. First the adventure, then relaxing.
Wadi Mujib isn’t for everyone. If you like peaceful nature walks or don’t like getting wet, then skip this. But if you love a challenge, this is absolutely fantastic.
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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