middle east

I hiked for 3 days in the Jordanian Dead Sea Rift using a guide and this book. If I had known about this book (the guide loaned it to me), I would not have needed the guide. It is excellent and unlocks to all readers this amazing hiking area. My favorite hikes be far were the ones up the "wadis" (Canyons) -- cool narrow canyons where the trail is a clear, cool stream. I am eager to return to Jordan to hike many more of the described hikes. Best for the hikes along the Dead Sea Rift. Also has hikes near Petra and two at Wadi Rum. Wonderful book despite its steep price.

Most of the exploration literature about this amazing stretch of land was written in the 19th and early 20th century, and was devoted mainly to biblical archaeology and to geographic descriptions of desert expanses. It is only recently that numerous beauty spots are beginning to be revealed hidden in the darkness of the gorges amidst the spray of waterfalls, springs and hanging gardens - all exciting, but vulnerable places. If they were destined to be revealed, let it be in the way of Itai Haviv. The book's accurate route descriptions are accompanied by detailed maps, there is valuable practical and regional information and last but not least - dignity and love for humans, plants, animals and lands of the desert. Excerpts from early explorers literature flavor the text in appropriate locations and useful decorative sketches illustrate it. The book's layout is carefully planed creating an atmosphere which contributes to its content. Pleasant to browse through, it feels right in your hand, and you can definitely count on its reliability. (Eli Raz former manager of the Judean Desert field school in Ein Gedi and a BMC guide)

I recomend this book based on three routes I treked with my wife. The best one (as well as the longest one) was wadi Hassa (route 21 in the book), it is a wet and full of surprises two days walk.

The pictures in the book are definitely encourage you to try more and more routes, and after two trips to Jordan, 5 day a time, we are only waiting to try the next wadis we did'nt walk through yet.