THE ANCIENT KING'S HIGHWAY & SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
This region is the historical spine of Jordan, following the millennia-old King’s Highway through rugged highlands. It connects the spectacular ancient city of Petra with crusader castles, biblical sites, and the breathtaking canyon of Wadi Mujib, offering a profound journey through history.
Why Visit The Ancient King's Highway & Southern Highlands?
Wonders of Petra: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and New7Wonders of the World, the magnificent rose-red city carved into sandstone.
Historical Depth: Follow the footsteps of prophets, crusaders, and traders along the historic King’s Highway, stopping at immense castles.
Epic Landscapes: Witness the dramatic scale of the Grand Canyon of Jordan, Wadi Mujib, and the stunning views from the high-altitude towns of the Southern Highlands.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March-May, September-November): This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for hiking in Petra and Wadi Mujib, with comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Deep Off-Season (December-February): Winters are surprisingly cold, with occasional snow and freezing temperatures, particularly in the highlands (Amman, Karak). You will find the lowest prices and fewer crowds.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is very hot and dry, making daytime exploring, especially in Petra, challenging. However, it’s a good time for those who wish to avoid any chance of rain in the canyons.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Petra & Wadi Musa
Petra, the Rose-Red City half as old as time, is Jordan’s unmissable highlight. Located near the town of Wadi Musa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features intricate tombs and temples carved directly into sandstone cliffs, accessible through the famous Siq canyon.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the extreme heat and crowds, visit Petra at the earliest opening time (6 AM). The light is also best for photography as the sun hits the Treasury.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s largest nature reserve is a stunning, mountainous area that plunges from 1500m to the Rift Valley. It offers incredible biodiversity and is a premier destination for serious hiking, nature walks, and stargazing, with charming eco-lodges.
Your Smart Tip: Stay overnight in Dana Village or at the Feynan Ecolodge for a truly immersive experience. Book a guided hike to learn about the reserve’s unique ecology and traditional life.
Karak & Shobak Castles
These two massive Crusader fortresses dominate the highlands and offer a fascinating glimpse into the medieval history of the region. Karak is the larger and more strategically significant, while Shobak, set on a remote hilltop, is smaller but beautifully preserved.
Your Smart Tip: Visit both castles as a stop along the King’s Highway. Shobak is particularly atmospheric just before sunset, offering stunning views over the valley.
Madaba & Mount Nebo
Madaba is famous for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics, most notably the 6th-century Madaba Map—the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Nearby, Mount Nebo is believed to be where Moses viewed the Promised Land and offers sweeping views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Your Smart Tip: Combine a visit to Madaba and Mount Nebo with a stop at the Dead Sea, as they are located near the northern end of the King’s Highway, making for an excellent first or last stop.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is varied. The highlands are generally cool and can be very cold and occasionally snowy in winter. Summers are hot and dry. The canyon areas (like Wadi Mujib) can be extremely hot during the day.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Dress Code: When visiting towns and historical sites, dress modestly, especially for women (covering shoulders and knees) out of respect for local customs.
Bargaining: It is common and expected to bargain respectfully in souqs (markets) and with taxi drivers, but prices in modern stores are fixed.
Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, be respectful by refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30 / $21–$42), mid-range hotels ($60–$100 / $85–$140), luxury ($130+ / $183+). Prices for hotels near Petra are often higher.
Food: Street food ($3–$6 / $4–$8), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($10–$20 / $14–$28 per person), fine dining ($30+ / $42+).
Transport: Local bus (low), taxi (negotiate price or use meter), car rental ($35/day / $50/day).
Activities: Petra entrance (JD50 / $70), Jordan Pass (JD70–80 / $99–$113, includes Petra and many other sites), guided tour/hike ($40+ / $56+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$60 / $56–$85 (hostels, street food, public transport/shared taxis).
- Mid-range: $90–$150 / $127–$211 (hotels, restaurants, attractions, car rental).
- Luxury: $180+ / $254+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A rental car is the best way to explore the King’s Highway at your own pace and reach more remote sites like Dana and Shobak.
By JETT Bus: JETT offers comfortable, reliable bus services connecting major tourist destinations like Amman, Petra, and Aqaba.
By Service Taxi: These are shared taxis that run on fixed routes between towns and are a cheaper alternative to private taxis or buses.
Must-Try Food
Mansaf (Mahn-saf): Jordan’s national dish—lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed) and served over rice and thin bread.
Zarb (Zahr-b): Bedouin barbecue where meat (lamb or chicken) and vegetables are cooked slowly in an underground oven.
Maqluba (Mahk-loo-bah): A flavorful “upside-down” pot of rice, meat (chicken or lamb), and fried vegetables.
Falafel & Hummus: Staple Levantine appetizers, perfect for a cheap and filling meal or snack.
Shawarma: Slices of spiced meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) carved from a vertical spit and wrapped in flatbread with vegetables and sauce.
Kofta bi Tahini: Ground meat patties cooked in a creamy tahini sauce with potatoes.
Kibbeh (Kib-beh): Deep-fried croquettes made of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground lean meat.
Foul (Foo-l): Cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, olive oil, and cumin, typically eaten for breakfast.
Knafeh (Kuh-nah-feh): A famous sweet cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, often colored bright orange.
Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Must-Try Drinks
Arak (Ah-rack): The region’s traditional anise-flavored alcoholic drink, usually mixed with water and ice, turning it milky white.
Jordanian Wine: Wineries like Zumot and St. George produce reds and whites, with vineyards often in the Northern region.
Jordanian Beer: Brands like Carakale and Amstel are locally produced (Amstel under license).
Limonana: A refreshing mix of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mint leaves, served ice cold.
Arabic Coffee (Qahwa Sadah): A bitter, spiced coffee (often with cardamom) served in tiny cups, central to Jordanian hospitality.
Black Tea (Shay): Very popular, often heavily sweetened and sometimes flavored with mint or sage.
Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange, pomegranate, or cane juice sold by street vendors.
Tamar Hindi: A sweet, tangy drink made from tamarind fruit.
Ayran: A cold savory drink of yogurt mixed with water and salt.
Jallab: A popular Middle Eastern drink made from carob, dates, grape molasses, and rose water, often served with pine nuts and raisins.