Jordan – March 2025

Steeped in history and mystery, Jordan is a country overlooked by many individuals due to issues with the preconceived infrastructure. Whilst this is true to an extent, companies such as Alpha Bus and Limousine Co. are making strides to ensure inclusivity despite these barriers, especially for foreign tourists.

It is worth noting that only a limited number of hotels in Jordan are fully accessible for wheelchair users i.e. wet rooms. This also applies to international hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton hence one would recommend that it is checked out before booking.

Although it is clear that Jordan is becoming more inclusive, one cannot ignore the issues with the current infrastructure and it is important to work in harmony with it rather than perceiving it as an obstacle. This is evident driving around Amman where drop curbs are limited in addition to tree roots blocking the pavements. For this reason, one would highly recommend hiring a driver and accessible vehicle.

For one, staying at the Movenpick Dead Sea Resort enabled more freedom despite its isolated location. Superbunny was able to roam around the vicinity of the hotel without needing to step into crazy traffic in contrast to staying in the heart of Amman.

However, it must be said that there is a caveat to staying at the Dead Sea. Nearly all the hotels will not allow any type of food to be taken in, presumably so said hotel can charge extortionate prices. A shopping centre is located around 5-10 minutes walk containing a number of much cheaper restaurants. Rather cunningly, the street lights have been turned off between the hotels and shopping centre but if one is prepared to roll a little with very limited lighting, it is definitely worth it budget wise.

One of the highlights of Jordan is, of course, Petra. Due to the lack of information regarding the accessibility of the site for electric wheelchairs, oneself and Superbunny were flying blind. However, there was no need to worry providing that one is prepared for a bumpy ride at times, especially on the way to the Treasury.

Thanks again to Alpha Bus and Limousine Co. for opening up the beautiful country of Jordan to wheelchair users, definitely a ‘must see’ country…

A ‘must see’ city whilst in Jordan is its beautiful capital of Amman. During the planning stages, one watched various ‘walking tour’ videos on YouTube to gain a sense of its accessibility and ‘rollability’. It was clear that one was going to encounter some of the same issues as Chennai in terms of the lack of drop curbs in addition to trees, traffic lights and other street furniture being located in the middle of pavements with little room to get past. It was for this reason that one decided it best to get chauffeured around the city in the wheelchair accessible van.

After a quick drive around the financial district, one arrived at the King Abdullah I Mosque which is believed to be the oldest mosque in Amman. Although steps lead up to the structure, a ramp (a lump of concrete) is located around the rear. Due to pavement issues and parking, it is necessary to roll up the main road to reach said ramp, however, drivers are courteous to ones presence…

Rather surprisingly, one was allowed into the mosque in Superbunny (after being denied access in Istanbul) to marvel at the architecture…

The next stop was the Citadel which stands proud over Amman and provides citywide views from every corner…

From previous research, one knew that the area was relatively accessible for wheelchair users. Again, disabled individuals can enter for FREE but companions must pay. It is worth noting that the main paths around the site consist of smooth paving. Of course, if one decides to take a detour, this may become a little bumpy…

Regarding accessibility of restaurants, a large proportion have one or two steps thus prior planning is recommended. However, ones private driver was able to seek an accessible traditional restaurant after making a few calls…

Driving through Downtown Amman, it seemed appropriate to stop off at the Roman Amphitheatre. Compared to the other places of interest, the entrance was up a flight of steps hence the manual wheelchair was used. As usual for Jordan, disabled individuals can enter for FREE. What is baffling, however, is that several ramps are located within the complex despite steps to enter…

There are also a few museum exhibits but, yet again, these have steps to enter. Before heading back to the hotel, one stopped by Rainbow Street which one was led to believe was a market area. In reality, it is simply a quirky art installation…

Tomorrow, one heads back to London Luton via Queen Alia International Airport.

One cannot visit the country of Jordan without a trip to Petra, one of the wonders of the world. Today, we stepped into uncharted territory due to the lack of information regarding accessibility of the site, especially for electric wheelchairs.

Petra is located around a 3 hour drive from the resorts surrounding the Dead Sea. However, a perk of having a private driver meant that one could take the scenic route across the Jordanian desert. This meant winding our way through canyons taking in breathtaking views…

Upon arriving at Petra, one was surprised to see a fairly modern entrance complete with ramps etc. It is also worth noting that disabled individuals can enter for FREE, however, any companions must pay…

As the trails inside of Petra span 5km, one had to be conscious of Superbunnys battery life hence decided to stick to the ‘main’ trail. Despite this, said trail still takes between 3-5 hours to complete.

Leaving the visitor centre behind, one must roll around 15-20 minutes down to the start of As Siq. This is where the famous Treasury is located. Granted that this initial section is a little bumpy under foot, however, it is possible to pave a smooth (ish) path…

Once the entrance of As Siq is reached, its a further 2km of twists and turns before reaching the Treasury. 90% of this section has been paved over making for an easy roll for wheelchair users…

However, a potential issue for a wheelchair user comes within the other 10%. Every so often, the smooth paving gives way to rather large cobble stones which one can only assume have been left for preservation reasons. Indeed, it is somewhat possible to navigate a smoother route, however, Superbunny still struggled without assistance.

After around 2km, the famous Treasury unveils itself…

It is worth noting that the paving gives way to a sandy and rough surface here. However, it is still possible for a wheelchair user to navigate the area…

At the Treasury, it is possible to purchase refreshments albeit at a high price.

As one had already rolled around 3km, it seemed sensible to carry on just for another kilometre. It is worth noting that, after the Treasury, the surfaces become a lot more rough and sandy. However, if one keeps to the tracks made by the transportation buggies, it is not a problem.

Just a short walk away is the Street of Facades and the Theatre. It is possible to enter into the rock, however, the area seems to be used more of a toilet nowadays…

In conclusion, if one is content with a bumpy ride, Petra is definitely doable in an electric wheelchair. The only potential issue is combating the cobble stones on the way to the Treasury, however, if one can seek assistance, this can be overcome.

Tomorrow, we take a trip around Amman courtesy of the wheelchair accessible van.

One of the reasons for coming to Jordan was to be able to ‘float’ in the Dead Sea hence it made sense to base ourselves within the ‘tourist’ area containing a myriad of hotel chains. Now, as you have the likes of Hilton and Marriott within said area, one would think that it would be easy to find an accessible room. It appears not, as during the planning, one discovered that nearly all accessible rooms do not have a wet room with a shower chair. It is for this reason that the Movenpick Dead Sea Resort was chosen.

Jordanian hospitality thus far has been very welcoming, especially towards oneself as a disabled individual. Prior to ones visit, a member of staff, Ahmad, was very keen to ensure that everything was in place in preparation. This extended to his physical interaction with oneself on arrival i.e. ensuring that one could see the hotel map whilst explaining…

The accessible room has ample space for a wheelchair user plus an adequate wet room with a shower chair which one was craving for during travels last year…

Akin to many hotels in the area, the Movenpick Resort has a private beach where one can ‘float’ in the Dead Sea. One is able to roll from the hotel to the waters edge (literally), however it is worth noting that said path contains rather steep hills. There is an option to hop on an electric buggy, however, this isn’t wheelchair accessible…

Like Ahmad, the patrolling Life Guard was very willing to assist where necessary i.e. lending a hand to get oneself into the (very salty) water to experience this…

N.B. Salty water hurts the eyes!

Back on dry land, the Life Guard, again assisted wherever possible i.e. covering oneself in Dead Sea mud (and bringing the hose pipe!)…

Tomorrow, one jumps back in the wheelchair accessible van for the drive to the world famous Petra. Let’s see how Superbunny (or an electric wheelchair) navigates the UNESCO site…

Jordan has been on ones bucket list for some time now, mainly to experience Petra and float in the Dead Sea. However, it has been pushed back due to the lack of wheelchair accessible transportation in the country. Granted, one could have explored in the manual wheelchair but if famous UNESCO sites such as Petra were to be rolled around, it had to be with Superbunny! Only last year did Alpha Bus and Limousine Co. make it possible to explore Jordan in an electric wheelchair.

After a 5 hour flight from London Luton, one touched down at Queen Alia International Airport. It is worth noting that baggage handlers will not release oversized baggage (such as Superbunny) until they have cross referenced the relevant information hence it’s handy to have your baggage receipt at the ready to make a quick getaway.

The driver met one at arrivals and walked us out to the wheelchair accessible vehicle that we will be using over the next week. It has to be said that said vehicle must be one of the most luxurious and spacious that Superbunny has ever rolled into. A rear lift makes for easy access and a set of tie down points are available enabling a wheelchair user to choose where to sit…

The vehicle also has ample space for luggage meaning that it was even possible to fit the manual wheelchair in without the need for folding.

Tomorrow, one is remaining at the hotel (Movenpick Dead Sea Resort) to take a dip in the famous Dead Sea courtesy of a private beach!