Wadi Mujib: All About Jordan’s Epic Canyoning Adventure

Adrenaline junkies traveling to Jordan might want to add Wadi Mujib to their itinerary. The canyoning experience is a must-do if you’re into spending time outdoors and don’t mind a bit of a challenge – both physical and mental. So, if this sounds like your cup of tea, read along – this guide should help you prepare for the Wadi Mujib canyoning adventure.  


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About Wadi Mujib

Wadi Mujib is the world’s lowest nature reserve, at 410 meters below sea level. The biosphere reserve is located within the Wadi Mujib gorge, near the east coast of the Dead Sea. The canyoning experience will take you through fast-flowing rivers nestled between astonishing mountains. That being said, there are several trails that you could choose from depending on the kind of challenge you’re up to.

Nadine Arab in the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
Wadi Mujib, Jordan © 2022 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

Wadi Mujib Siq Trail

This is the trail I’ve personally taken, so it’s the one I can elaborate on the most. The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail starts at the Mujib Adventure Center. It follows the course of the flowing river nestled between the sandstone cliffs all the way to the base of a marvelous waterfall. 

At first, the water level is ankle-deep, but it gets deeper as you walk inside. However, the water depth depends on the season and the rainfall at the time. Eventually, the water will reach your knees then your torso, and you’ll have to swim and hold onto installed ropes to make your way through. 

Along the way, there are around 4 or 5 obstacles where you’d have to climb small waterfalls. These technical parts would require you to have a bit of physical strength and agility, and you also need to be very careful. There are ropes, metal bars, and metal ladders installed in some of the more complex parts to help you out. Also, there are guides along the way in case you needed any extra assistance. The beautiful sight of the jaw-dropping waterfall at the end of the trail is totally worth it though. Going back is much easier as you would be walking and swimming, or even floating, downstream.

The obstacles in Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
Wadi Mujib, Jordan © 2022 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

Canyon Trail

This trail also starts at the Mujib Adventure Center and shortly after entering the canyon, you should reach the top of a 20-meter-high waterfall. With a trained guide’s assistance, you should descend the waterfall and continue along the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail. 

Malaqi Trail

Just like the others, the Malaqi trail also starts at the Mujib Adventure Center. You’ll hike upstream until you meet the Hidan River where you can make a stop to swim in its natural pools. Afterwards, you will need to descend the 20-meter-high waterfall and continue along the Siq Trail.

Ibex Trail

​​Unlike the rest, the Ibex trail is a dry one that also starts at the Mujib Adventure Center but follows the Dead Sea Highway before going into the gorge. Running parallel to the Dead Sea, the Ibex trail guarantees scenic views of the iconic sea throughout the journey. Not to mention that, as the trail’s name suggests, there’s a chance to spot the Nubian Ibex, a type of wild goat.

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Wadi Mujib FAQs

How hard is the Wadi Mujib hike?

If you’re doing the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, you need a little bit of physical strength and agility for the technical parts where you have to climb waterfalls.

  • Wadi Mujib Siq Trail – Moderate difficulty (2-3 hours)
  • Canyon Trail – Moderate – challenging (4-5 hours)
  • Malaqi Trail – Moderate – challenging (6-7 hours)
  • Ibex Trail – Moderate difficulty (3-4 hours)
Wadi Mujib, Jordan © 2022 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

When to visit Wadi Mujib?

​​Wadi Mujib’s hiking season normally starts in April and lasts till the end of October – the site shuts down as soon as it starts to rain. The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail opens from 8 am to 3 pm. 

How much does Wadi Mujib cost? 

The wet trail’s entry costs 21 JOD for non-Jordanians, 15 JOD for Jordanians, and 18 JOD for expats. On the other hand, entry to the dry trail costs ​​21 JOD for non-Jordanians, 12 JOD for Jordanians, and 17 JOD for expats.

How to go to Wadi Mujib? 

The only way to go to Wadi Mujib is by car, so you have 3 options. 

  • You can take a bus to the Dead Sea and from there take a taxi, but then it could be tricky to find one after you’re done.
  • Or simply rent a car and go on your own.
  • Or you could maybe hire a driver, and that’s what I personally did since I was doing a whole road trip.

What you’ll need in Wadi Mujib?

Nadine Arab in the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
Wadi Mujib, Jordan © 2022 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

What to wear?

  • A swimsuit
  • Waterproof sports shorts (can be worn over your swimsuit if you’re a woman and don’t feel like walking from the parking lot all the way to the trail in your swimsuit)
  • Water shoes
  • Life jacket (you will be renting this there)

What to pack?

Aside from the things you’ll be wearing, you’ll need to pack the following things:

  • Waterproof camera (GoPro)
  • Sealed waterproof mobile cover
  • Dry bag – if you’ll need to carry anything more than your phone like car keys or the GoPro (this could be rented on-site as well).
  • Eyewear retainer – ONLY if you wear eyeglasses and you can’t see without them. Don’t bring sunglasses – you won’t need them inside as it’s dark and you’ll end up losing them.

Is Wadi Mujib worth visiting?

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or an outdoorsy person, absolutely! Especially if you like a physical and mental challenge. Wadi Mujib is a spellbinding destination that offers jaw-dropping views and quite an interesting challenge. 

Wadi Mujib, Jordan © 2022 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

My Personal Experience in Wadi Mujib

Challenges and Tips

Personally, I love spending time in the outdoors, and I’m obsessed with hiking, in spite of my fear of heights. However, Wadi Mujib was one of the most mentally and physically challenging experiences I’ve ever done. As I previously mentioned, it’s of moderate difficulty, but given my problem that I’m a bad swimmer, I was a bit more anxious than usual. Also, the water makes climbing and bouldering more challenging. 

This shouldn’t discourage you, but this is just out of transparency first, and to help you understand if this is for you or not secondly. In case you’re a bad swimmer like me and are still up for it, then make sure you don’t go alone. As usual, I was traveling solo, but I went there with 2 girls from my hostel who kept motivating me, and the guide towards the end was also very helpful. Also, make sure to tell the people you’re with how bad of a swimmer you are so they’d understand early on. 

Another challenge was that I don’t see well without my glasses! The workers at the Mujib Adventure Center told me there’d a high chance I’d lose them if I didn’t take them off, but this was impossible. Lucky for me, one of the workers got crafty and did this DIY eyewear retainer out of a nylon string. That’s why it’s important to pack one if you need your eyeglasses just like me. 


Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

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4 thoughts on “Wadi Mujib: All About Jordan’s Epic Canyoning Adventure

  1. Great guide! This is especially helpful because I’d love to do it but am not the best hiker so now I know
    exactly what to expect and what the challenges are.

  2. This is such a great guide. I’m planning a trip to Jordan and I think that I have to put Wadi Mujib on my
    itinerary. Love spending time outdoors!

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