SECTION 304: OYOUN AL-THEEB TO WADI ZARQA MA’IN
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HIKES IN THE REGION
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DAY 4: OYOUN AL-THEEB TO WADI ZARQA MA’IN
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Distance: 21.1 km
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Time: 7 hours
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Physical Challenge: Difficult
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Trail Challenge: Difficult
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Waymarked: No
- Route Map
- Google Map
- GPS
- Elevation Chart
To download the GPS track, click icon
Tourism Police:
Hotline: 117777
What’s App: +962 7 7099 1814
* When contacting Tourism Police for emergency identify that you are hiking the Jordan Trail, state your nationality, location and map name & number.
JTA office: +962 6 461 0999
(Working Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday- Thursday)
Easy walking in wild, barren surrounds as you continue S, still close to higher hills to your E, meeting remnants of the old Roman road from Jerusalem to Mukawir, and following a track left of a camel racing track before crossing the upper reaches of Wadi Himmara. On the S side, a track rises up E to meet a road on the skyline, after which the Roman road is found again winding down a surprisingly easy and spectacular descent to above the basalt columned cliffs of the Zerqa Main canyon, which is easily crossed by a path which descends through the cliffs to reach it. The area is dotted with Bedouin camps and you are likely to come across biblical scenes of shepherds grazing their flocks of sheep and goats.
- Private transport only. Start of stage and Panorama highway accessible by car. Pickup trucks can access near Wadi Zarqa Ma’in at the stage end, within 1 km depending on the condition of the road at the time.
- Public buses go from the Amman South bus station to Madaba. Taxis can take you from Madaba to the trail.
Wild camping only
Where the trail enters Wadi Mukheris, there is an average campsite that has little shade and is not too level, accessible by a short walk from the paved road.
The stage end at Zarqa Ma’in has a good camping near the stream on a ledge just above wadi bottom. Water is flowing all year, and should be purified before use. It is likely not possible for a truck to get within 1km of wadi due to washed out conditions on the road.
Roman Road (From Panorama road to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in).
Dead Sea Museum at Panorama Dead Sea Complex (Off the trail, Tel. 0782488880).
Food:
- Panorama Dead Sea Restaurant at Panorama Dead Sea Complex (Off the trail, Tel. 0782488880).
Water:
- Wadi Zarqa Ma’in (purification required)
- Few bedouin tents in case of emergency (present in winter only)
Tips:
- The route has many small stones and sharper rocks, and it’s easy for blisters to form and ankles to turn if not careful. Boots and poles are recommended.
- The route is remote and without water until the end. Be sure to plan accordingly with supplies and transportation.
Safety Info:
- Exposed edges – None; the trail going down Wadi Zarqa Ma’in looks exposed at top, but in reality it is not, only the viewing angle.
- Flash flood dangers – In crossing multiple wadis, it’s important to be if raining, worth considering waiting in heavy rain.
- Loose footing – There are slippery and sharp stones various sections.
- Dehydration/heat exhaustion – With very little shade and low elevation for most of stage, it’s important to start early and avoid in walking in summer.
Abu Majed – 0776501901 (Transportation around Wadi Zarqa Ma’in)