Amman to Qasr Deir Al-Kahaf
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, followed by a brief introduction and expedition overview. If you wish, we can make a short stop at Starbucks to pick up your favourite coffee before heading into the desert. We then travel north in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and phone chargers. Sit back and enjoy your coffee and selected snacks as we leave the city behind and enter Jordan’s remote landscapes. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are provided throughout the journey. The drive to our first stop takes approximately 2 hours (150 km).Qasr Deir Al-Kahaf
Our first stop is Qasr Deir Al-Kahaf, a remote Roman-era outpost dating to the 4th century AD. Often referred to as the “Monastery of the Caves,” this atmospheric site once served as a frontier station overlooking the surrounding desert. Although only parts of the structure remain, the location itself—isolated and windswept—offers a powerful introduction to the region’s ancient past and sets the tone for the expedition ahead.Qasr Deir Al-Kinn
We continue deeper into the high desert to the little-known site of Deir Al-Kinn, perched at an elevation of over 1,100 meters. Hidden within a rugged landscape, the remains here are sparse yet evocative—fragments of walls and stone foundations that hint at long-forgotten activity. The journey itself is part of the experience, with sweeping views across the basalt plains and a sense of true remoteness rarely found in Jordan.JAWA
The highlight of the expedition is the extraordinary site of Jawa, one of the oldest known planned settlements in the region, dating back to the late 4th millennium BC. Located in the heart of the Black Desert, Jawa is a remarkable example of early human ingenuity. Here you will discover the remains of one of the world’s earliest dam and water management systems—an advanced network designed to control seasonal floods and sustain life in an otherwise harsh environment. The ruins reveal traces of a once-fortified town, complete with walls, reservoirs, and settlement structures. Despite ongoing research, many aspects of Jawa remain a mystery, adding to its intrigue and significance.Umm El-Jimal
Our final major stop is Umm El-Jimal, a vast and beautifully preserved settlement built entirely from black basalt stone. This “Black Oasis” flourished from the Nabataean through the Byzantine and early Islamic periods before being largely abandoned after an earthquake in 749 AD. Walking through its quiet streets, you will encounter towering multi-storey structures, ancient homes, churches, and courtyards—many remarkably intact after centuries of abandonment. The site offers a unique and immersive glimpse into life on the edge of the desert.Return to Amman
After a full day of exploration, we begin our return journey to Amman. You will be dropped off at your hotel or preferred location, concluding a truly unique expedition through some of Jordan’s most remote and historically significant landscapes.
