Visitors can scale lofty dune

Visiting Jordan’s Wadi Rum region can be uplifting in a literal sense.

And for some particularly energetic sorts perhaps a little tiring as well.

Wadi Rum is best known for serving as a hideout for Lawrence of Arabia and other participants in the Arab Revolt and today attracts tourists eager to see an intriguing landscape of sand, dunes and rock outcroppings.

Those exploring it on a four-wheel drive desert safari are welcome to climb a steep, lengthy, sandy slope that leads them to a level area bordering towering rockfaces, with tour guide Ahmad “Ace” Malhas cautioning those eager to trek upwards that the gradient won’t be the only challenge.

“They think it will be easy but when they try it they say, ‘Oh my God! It’s so long,'” he reports, adding the sand surface makes planting feet somewhat tricky. Would-be trekkers are advised that the upward jaunt will be easier barefoot than with shoes, thanks to the sand.

Among undaunted sorts was visiting travel agent Patty Monahan of Detroit-area agency Our Whole Village, who labelled the climb “fun and definitely fun” while also acknowledging it was no walk in the park.

“The dune climb is not for everyone but it was a fun challenge,” continues Monahan, who got a “foot massage” while climbing barefoot and soon plans to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. “Let’s hope Kilimanjaro is as attainable.”

After descending, climbers can have Bedouin tea in a Bedouin tent.

Meanwhile, Malhas says those who top the massive dune will be rewarded by looking down on the type of landscapes Lawrence called “vast, echoing and God-like.”

“The view is wonderful,” he states.

More information is available at kawartours.com.